Arecoline: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:46, 23 March 2025

Arecoline[edit]

Arecoline is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the areca nut, the fruit of the areca palm (Areca catechu). It is a potent cholinergic agent, acting as a partial agonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Arecoline is primarily known for its use in betel quid chewing, a practice common in many parts of Asia and the Pacific.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Arecoline is an oily liquid at room temperature, with the chemical formula C₈H₁₃NO₂. It is a member of the pyridine family of compounds and is structurally related to nicotine.

The compound is characterized by its pyridine ring and an ester functional group, which contribute to its biological activity. Arecoline is soluble in water and organic solvents, making it easily absorbed in the body when consumed.

Pharmacology[edit]

Arecoline acts as a parasympathomimetic agent, meaning it mimics the action of the parasympathetic nervous system. It primarily exerts its effects by binding to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to increased salivation, sweating, and intestinal motility. These effects are similar to those produced by acetylcholine, the natural ligand for these receptors.

Uses[edit]

In traditional medicine, arecoline has been used for its stimulant properties. It is also used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic to expel parasitic worms in animals.

Health Effects[edit]

Chronic use of arecoline through betel quid chewing is associated with several health risks, including an increased risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization classifies arecoline as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Aortography image showing calcification in the aorta

Synthesis[edit]

Arecoline can be synthesized through several chemical pathways. One common method involves the reaction of arecaidine with methyl iodide.

An alternative synthesis involves the use of acrolein and methylamine as starting materials.

Related Pages[edit]

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-{{Short description|Medical imaging technique}}
+==Arecoline==
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-'''Aortography''' is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the [[aorta]], the largest artery in the human body. This procedure is a type of [[angiography]], which involves the use of contrast media to enhance the visibility of blood vessels on [[X-ray]] images. Aortography is primarily used to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the aorta, such as [[aortic aneurysm]], [[aortic dissection]], and [[aortic stenosis]].
+[[File:Arekolina.svg|Arecoline chemical structure|thumb|right]]
-==Procedure==
+'''Arecoline''' is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the [[areca nut]], the fruit of the [[areca palm]] (''Areca catechu''). It is a potent [[cholinergic]] agent, acting as a partial [[agonist]] at [[muscarinic acetylcholine receptors]]. Arecoline is primarily known for its use in [[betel quid]] chewing, a practice common in many parts of Asia and the Pacific.
-Aortography is typically performed in a [[catheterization laboratory]]. The procedure begins with the insertion of a catheter into a large artery, usually the [[femoral artery]] in the groin. The catheter is then guided through the arterial system to the aorta. Once in place, a contrast agent is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the aorta and its branches.
-The procedure can be performed using different techniques, including:
+==Chemical Properties==
-* '''Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)''': This technique involves taking two sets of images, one before and one after the injection of contrast. The pre-contrast images are subtracted from the post-contrast images to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels.
+Arecoline is an oily liquid at room temperature, with the chemical formula C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>13</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>. It is a member of the [[pyridine]] family of compounds and is structurally related to [[nicotine]].
-* '''Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)''': This is a non-invasive alternative that uses [[CT scan|CT scanning]] to obtain detailed images of the aorta after the injection of contrast material.
-* '''Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)''': This technique uses [[magnetic resonance imaging]] to visualize the aorta without the need for ionizing radiation.
-==Indications==
+[[File:Arecoline3d.png|3D model of Arecoline|thumb|left]]
-Aortography is indicated for the evaluation of various aortic pathologies, including:
-* [[Aortic aneurysm]]: Aortography can help determine the size and extent of an aneurysm.
+The compound is characterized by its pyridine ring and an ester functional group, which contribute to its biological activity. Arecoline is soluble in water and organic solvents, making it easily absorbed in the body when consumed.
-* [[Aortic dissection]]: The procedure can identify the presence and location of a dissection.
-* [[Aortic stenosis]]: Aortography can assess the severity of stenosis and its impact on blood flow.
-* [[Congenital heart defects]]: It can be used to evaluate structural abnormalities of the aorta.
-==Risks and Complications==
+==Pharmacology==
-As with any invasive procedure, aortography carries certain risks, including:
-* [[Allergic reaction]] to the contrast material
+Arecoline acts as a [[parasympathomimetic]] agent, meaning it mimics the action of the [[parasympathetic nervous system]]. It primarily exerts its effects by binding to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to increased salivation, sweating, and intestinal motility. These effects are similar to those produced by [[acetylcholine]], the natural ligand for these receptors.
-* [[Bleeding]] or [[hematoma]] at the catheter insertion site
-* [[Infection]]
-* [[Kidney damage]] due to contrast material
-* [[Radiation exposure]]
-==History==
+==Uses==
-The development of aortography dates back to the early 20th century, with significant advancements in imaging technology and techniques over the decades. The introduction of digital subtraction angiography in the 1970s revolutionized the field by providing clearer images with less contrast material.
-==Related pages==
+In traditional medicine, arecoline has been used for its stimulant properties. It is also used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic to expel parasitic worms in animals.
-* [[Angiography]]
-* [[Cardiac catheterization]]
-* [[Computed tomography]]
-* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]]
-==Gallery==
+==Health Effects==
-<gallery>
-File:Moenckeberg.jpg|Aortography image showing calcification in the aorta.
-</gallery>
-[[Category:Medical imaging]]
+Chronic use of arecoline through betel quid chewing is associated with several health risks, including an increased risk of [[oral cancer]], [[esophageal cancer]], and [[cardiovascular disease]]. The [[World Health Organization]] classifies arecoline as a Group 1 [[carcinogen]].
-[[Category:Radiology]]
-[[Category:Cardiology]]
+[[File:Moenckeberg.jpg|Aortography image showing calcification in the aorta|thumb|right]]
-<gallery>
-File:Arekolina.svg|Arecoline chemical structure
+==Synthesis==
-File:Arecoline3d.png|3D model of Arecoline
-File:Arecoline_synthesis.svg|Synthesis pathway of Arecoline
+Arecoline can be synthesized through several chemical pathways. One common method involves the reaction of [[arecaidine]] with [[methyl iodide]].
-File:Arecoline_synthesis2.svg|Alternative synthesis of Arecoline
-</gallery>
+[[File:Arecoline_synthesis.svg|Synthesis pathway of Arecoline|thumb|left]]
+An alternative synthesis involves the use of [[acrolein]] and [[methylamine]] as starting materials.
+[[File:Arecoline_synthesis2.svg|Alternative synthesis of Arecoline|thumb|right]]
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Areca nut]]
+* [[Betel quid]]
+* [[Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor]]
+* [[Cholinergic]]
+* [[Carcinogen]]
+[[Category:Alkaloids]]
+[[Category:Cholinergics]]
+[[Category:Carcinogens]]