Definition of Resins Resins are viscous, solid or semi-solid mixtures of organic compounds, mainly terpenoids and derivatives, exuded by plants (especially conifers) and some insects for protection and structural purposes. Composition Diterpenes/Triterpenes: Backbone structures. Phenolic Compounds: Provide rigidity and reactivity. Other Compounds: Essential oils, alcohols, acids. Sources of Resins Plant Resin: E.g., pine resin, frankincense. … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Curcumin Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid found in Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family. It is responsible for turmeric’s bright yellow color and has extensive applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Isolation Extraction: Solvent Extraction: Dried turmeric rhizomes are powdered and … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Caffeine Caffeine is a purine alkaloid found in Coffee beans (Coffea spp.), Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), Cacao beans (Theobroma cacao), and Kola nuts (Cola spp.). It is a central nervous system stimulant. Isolation Extraction: Solvent Extraction: Ground coffee beans or tea leaves are extracted with water or organic solvents like dichloromethane … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Reserpine Reserpine is extracted from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot) and Rauwolfia vomitoria. It is an indole alkaloid with antihypertensive and antipsychotic properties. Isolation Extraction: Alcoholic Extraction: Dried and powdered Rauwolfia roots are extracted with ethanol or methanol to obtain the alkaloids. Purification: Acid-Base Extraction: The extract is acidified … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Quinine Quinine is obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree (Cinchona officinalis, Cinchona bark). It is a bitter alkaloid with antimalarial properties. Isolation Extraction: Bark Processing: The bark is dried and powdered. Alkaloid Extraction: Mixed with an acidic aqueous solution (e.g., dilute HCl) to convert quinine into its water-soluble salt. … Read more
Bleomycin is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic used in cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma by inducing DNA strand breaks in cancer cells. Structure of Bleomycin It is a glycopeptide antibiotic comprising a metal-binding domain and a bithiazole ring, linked to a glycosidic sugar moiety. Chemical Formula: C₅₇H₇₉N₁₂O₂₉S₆ Mode of Action DNA Scission: Induces single and double-strand breaks in … Read more
Cisplatin is an anti-neoplastic agent used in various cancers by forming DNA crosslinks, which inhibit replication and trigger cell death. Structure of Cisplatin Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent with a square planar geometry, featuring two chloride ligands and two amine groups bound to a central platinum atom. Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₈Cl₂N₄Pt Mode of Action DNA … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Atropine Atropine is extracted from Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Datura stramonium (jimsonweed), and other Solanaceae family members. It is a tropane alkaloid with potent antimuscarinic properties. Isolation Extraction: Acid-Base Extraction: Acidic Extraction: Plant material is treated with an aqueous acid (e.g., HCl) to convert atropine into its water-soluble salt. Basification: The … Read more
Vincristine Sulphate is an anti-neoplastic agent used in leukemia and lymphomas by inhibiting microtubule assembly and cell division. Structure of Vincristine Sulphate Vincristine is another vinca alkaloid similar to Vinblastine, comprising the same monomers: catharanthine and vindoline, but with slight structural variations. Chemical Formula: C₂₇H₂₈N₄O₁₂ Mode of Action Microtubule Inhibition: Binds to tubulin, preventing microtubule … Read more
Vinblastine Sulphate is an anti-neoplastic alkaloid used in cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma by inhibiting microtubule formation and cell division. Structure of Vinblastine Sulphate Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid comprising two monomers: catharanthine and vindoline, linked together. Chemical Formula: C₄₈H₅₈N₁₄O₁₂ Mode of Action Microtubule Inhibition: Binds to tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and disassembly. Mitotic Arrest: Halts … Read more
