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
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
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
Source and Occurrence of Menthol: Menthol is predominantly found in the essential oils of the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita), but it is also present in other mint species such as spearmint (Mentha spicata). It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries for its cooling sensation and minty flavor. Isolation of Menthol: Extraction: … Read more
