Etoposide is an anti-neoplastic agent used in lung and testicular cancers by inhibiting topoisomerase II and causing DNA strand breaks. Structure of Etoposide Etoposide is a podophyllotoxin derivative featuring a dioxolane ring and a dihydropyran ring linked to a benzene ring. Chemical Formula: C₂₀H₁₄O₆ Mode of Action Topoisomerase II Inhibition: Prevents DNA strand re-ligation, causing … Read more
Doxorubicin is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic used in various cancers by intercalating DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, blocking cancer cell replication. Structure of Doxorubicin Doxorubicin, also an anthracycline antibiotic, features a tetracyclic ring structure with a daunosamine sugar moiety and a hydroxyl group. Chemical Formula: C₂₉H₂₁NO₁₄ Mode of Action DNA Intercalation: Disrupts DNA replication and transcription … Read more
Daunorubicin is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic used in leukemia treatment by intercalating DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II activity. Structure of Daunorubicin It is an anthracycline antibiotic characterized by a tetracyclic ring structure with a daunosamine sugar moiety. Chemical Formula: C₂₄H₂₈N₂O₁₃ Mode of Action DNA Intercalation: Inserts between DNA base pairs, disrupting DNA replication and transcription. Topoisomerase … Read more
Dactinomycin is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic used to treat cancers like Wilms’ tumor and sarcomas by inhibiting DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. Structure of Dactinomycin It is also known as Actinomycin D, is a polypeptide antibiotic with a chromophore linked to two cyclic peptide components. Chemical Formula: C₂₄H₁₉N₃O₇ Mode of Action DNA Intercalation: Dactinomycin inserts itself between DNA … Read more
Mitotane is an anti-neoplastic agent used to treat adrenal cortex cancer by suppressing adrenal function and destroying adrenal cells. Structure of Mitotane Mitotane is an adrenolytic agent structurally related to the insecticide DDT, featuring a dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) core with modifications. Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₁₂Cl₄O Mode of Action Adrenolytic Effects: Specifically targets and destroys adrenal cortical cells. … Read more
Definition of Alkaloids Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing natural compounds, primarily derived from amino acids, known for diverse pharmacological activities and often bitter taste. Structural Features Contain basic nitrogen atoms with complex ring and heterocyclic structures. Classification of Alkaloids Based on biosynthetic origin or structure: Pyridine/Piperidine: e.g., Nicotine Indole: e.g., Vincristine Quinoline/Quinolizidine: e.g., Quinine Tropane: e.g., Cocaine, … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Rutin Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside found in various plants, including Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), Citrus fruits, Apples, and Tea. It contributes to the yellow coloration in plants and has significant antioxidant properties. Isolation Extraction: Ethanol or Methanol Extraction: Dried plant material is powdered and extracted with alcohol to solubilize rutin. Purification: … Read more
Introduction to Glycosides: Organic compounds with sugar and non-sugar parts. Introduction to Glycosides: Found in plants, used for therapeutic benefits. Definition & Structure: Glycosides are compounds consisting of a sugar moiety (glycone) linked to a non-sugar aglycone via a glycosidic bond. Aglycones can be terpenoids, phenols, or alkaloids. Structure and Classification Based on aglycone: Flavonoid … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Artemisinin Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone containing a peroxide bridge, isolated from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is renowned for its potent antimalarial properties. Isolation Extraction: Solvent Extraction: Dried and powdered Artemisia annua leaves are subjected to extraction using solvents like ethanol or dichloromethane. Purification: Liquid-Liquid Extraction: Separates artemisinin’s … Read more
Source and Occurrence of Citral: Citral is a key component of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) essential oils. It exists in two isomeric forms: geranial (trans-citral) and neral (cis-citral). Isolation Extraction: Steam Distillation: Similar to menthol, citral is extracted via steam distillation of lemongrass leaves. Solvent Extraction: Alternatively, organic solvents like hexane … Read more
