Tropane alkaloid: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
Tag: Manual revert
 
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Tropane alkaloids''' are a class of [[alkaloids]] and secondary metabolites that contain a tropane ring in their chemical structure. Tropane alkaloids are found in plants of the families [[Solanaceae]], [[Erythroxylaceae]], and [[Convolvulaceae]], which include species such as [[Atropa belladonna]] (deadly nightshade), [[Hyoscyamus niger]] (henbane), [[Datura stramonium]] (jimsonweed), and [[Coca]].
{{short description|Class of chemical compounds}}
{{Chembox
| Name = Tropane alkaloids
| ImageFile = Tropane.svg
| ImageSize = 150px
| ImageAlt = Tropane structure
| ImageCaption = Structure of the tropane ring
}}


==Chemical Structure==
'''Tropane alkaloids''' are a class of [[alkaloids]] and [[secondary metabolites]] that contain a [[tropane]] ring in their chemical structure. These compounds are primarily found in the [[Solanaceae]] family, which includes plants such as [[Atropa belladonna]] (deadly nightshade), [[Datura stramonium]] (jimson weed), and [[Hyoscyamus niger]] (henbane).
The basic structure of tropane alkaloids is a bicyclic structure, which is a combination of a piperidine ring and a pyrrolidine ring. The two nitrogen-containing rings are fused together to form a tropane ring. The tropane ring is a key feature of these alkaloids and is responsible for their biological activity.


==Biological Activity==
==Chemical structure==
Tropane alkaloids have a wide range of biological activities. They are known for their effects on the [[nervous system]], acting as [[anticholinergic]] agents. This means they block the action of the neurotransmitter [[acetylcholine]] at its receptor sites in the brain and other areas of the body. This can lead to effects such as increased heart rate, dry mouth, blurred vision, and hallucinations.
The core structure of tropane alkaloids is the tropane ring, a bicyclic structure consisting of a seven-membered ring fused to a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring. This structure is depicted in the image below:


==Medical Uses==
[[File:Tropane.svg|thumb|center|Structure of the tropane ring]]
Some tropane alkaloids have medical uses. For example, [[Atropine]] and [[Scopolamine]] are used in medicine for their anticholinergic properties. Atropine is used to treat certain types of heart conditions, to decrease saliva production during surgery, and to dilate the pupils during an eye exam. Scopolamine is used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
 
==Biosynthesis==
Tropane alkaloids are biosynthesized in plants through a series of enzymatic reactions. The biosynthetic pathway begins with the amino acid [[ornithine]], which undergoes a series of transformations to form the tropane ring. The pathway involves several key enzymes, including ornithine decarboxylase and tropinone reductase.
 
[[File:Tropane_alkaloids_biochemistry.png|thumb|center|Biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids]]
 
==Notable tropane alkaloids==
Some of the most well-known tropane alkaloids include:
 
* '''[[Atropine]]''' - Found in Atropa belladonna, it is used medically to dilate pupils and as an antidote for certain types of poisoning.
* '''[[Scopolamine]]''' - Found in Datura and Hyoscyamus species, it is used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea.
* '''[[Cocaine]]''' - Found in the leaves of the [[Erythroxylum coca]] plant, it is a powerful stimulant and local anesthetic.
 
==Pharmacology==
Tropane alkaloids exert their effects primarily by interacting with the [[nervous system]]. Atropine and scopolamine are known for their anticholinergic properties, meaning they block the action of the neurotransmitter [[acetylcholine]] at [[muscarinic receptors]]. Cocaine, on the other hand, acts as a [[dopamine]] reuptake inhibitor, leading to increased levels of dopamine in the brain and producing its stimulant effects.


==Toxicity==
==Toxicity==
While some tropane alkaloids have beneficial medical uses, they can also be toxic. Overdose can lead to serious symptoms such as hallucinations, delirium, and even death. It is important to use these substances under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Many tropane alkaloids are highly toxic and can cause severe physiological effects if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of tropane alkaloid poisoning include dry mouth, dilated pupils, urinary retention, hallucinations, and in severe cases, death.
 
==Cultural and historical significance==
Tropane alkaloids have been used historically in various cultural and medicinal contexts. For example, extracts from plants containing these alkaloids were used in ancient rituals and as poisons. In modern medicine, they continue to be important for their therapeutic properties.


==See Also==
==Related pages==
* [[Alkaloid]]
* [[Alkaloid]]
* [[Solanaceae]]
* [[Atropine]]
* [[Atropine]]
* [[Scopolamine]]
* [[Scopolamine]]
* [[Solanaceae]]
* [[Cocaine]]
* [[Erythroxylaceae]]
 
* [[Convolvulaceae]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Alkaloids]]
[[Category:Alkaloids]]
[[Category:Medicinal Plants]]
[[Category:Tropane alkaloids]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]
 
{{stub}}

Revision as of 23:53, 9 February 2025

Class of chemical compounds


Chemical Compound
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms [[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704 [[File:|50px]]
References

Tropane alkaloids are a class of alkaloids and secondary metabolites that contain a tropane ring in their chemical structure. These compounds are primarily found in the Solanaceae family, which includes plants such as Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Datura stramonium (jimson weed), and Hyoscyamus niger (henbane).

Chemical structure

The core structure of tropane alkaloids is the tropane ring, a bicyclic structure consisting of a seven-membered ring fused to a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring. This structure is depicted in the image below:

Structure of the tropane ring

Biosynthesis

Tropane alkaloids are biosynthesized in plants through a series of enzymatic reactions. The biosynthetic pathway begins with the amino acid ornithine, which undergoes a series of transformations to form the tropane ring. The pathway involves several key enzymes, including ornithine decarboxylase and tropinone reductase.

Biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids

Notable tropane alkaloids

Some of the most well-known tropane alkaloids include:

  • Atropine - Found in Atropa belladonna, it is used medically to dilate pupils and as an antidote for certain types of poisoning.
  • Scopolamine - Found in Datura and Hyoscyamus species, it is used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea.
  • Cocaine - Found in the leaves of the Erythroxylum coca plant, it is a powerful stimulant and local anesthetic.

Pharmacology

Tropane alkaloids exert their effects primarily by interacting with the nervous system. Atropine and scopolamine are known for their anticholinergic properties, meaning they block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. Cocaine, on the other hand, acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, leading to increased levels of dopamine in the brain and producing its stimulant effects.

Toxicity

Many tropane alkaloids are highly toxic and can cause severe physiological effects if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of tropane alkaloid poisoning include dry mouth, dilated pupils, urinary retention, hallucinations, and in severe cases, death.

Cultural and historical significance

Tropane alkaloids have been used historically in various cultural and medicinal contexts. For example, extracts from plants containing these alkaloids were used in ancient rituals and as poisons. In modern medicine, they continue to be important for their therapeutic properties.

Related pages

References

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>