Tropane alkaloid

Tropane Alkaloid

Tropane alkaloids (pronunciation: troh-pane al-ka-loids) are a class of alkaloids and secondary metabolites that contain a tropane ring in their chemical structure. Tropane alkaloids are found in a number of plant species, particularly those in the Solanaceae family.

Etymology

The term "tropane" comes from the plant genus Atropa, from which Atropine, a type of tropane alkaloid, was first isolated. The suffix "-ine" is common in alkaloids and signifies their nature.

Chemical Structure

Tropane alkaloids are bicyclic compounds, which means they consist of two fused rings. The core structure of tropane alkaloids is a bicyclic tropane ring system, which is a seven-membered ring with a nitrogen atom and an additional two carbon atoms forming a second, three-membered ring.

Types of Tropane Alkaloids

There are several types of tropane alkaloids, including:

• Atropine: A naturally occurring tropane alkaloid extracted from deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) and other plants of the family Solanaceae. It is used in medicine for its effects on the parasympathetic nervous system.

• Scopolamine: Also known as hyoscine, is a tropane alkaloid drug with muscarinic antagonist effects. It is obtained from plants of the family Solanaceae.

• Cocaine: A powerful stimulant most frequently used as a recreational drug. It is a tropane alkaloid obtained from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca).

Medical Uses

Tropane alkaloids have a wide range of medical uses due to their ability to affect the parasympathetic nervous system. They are used in treatments for a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, ophthalmic disorders, and certain heart conditions. Some tropane alkaloids, such as cocaine, have a high potential for abuse and are therefore controlled substances.

Related Terms

• Alkaloid
• Atropine
• Scopolamine
• Cocaine
• Solanaceae

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Tropane alkaloid
• Wikipedia's article - Tropane alkaloid

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