Alkaloid - is ... Classification of alkaloids, characteristic

Since ancient times, people have used herbal ingredients to ease pain and get rid of diseases and ailments.However, the study is the component composition, selection of those compounds that have such an effect, it was possible only with a broad and massive development of chemistry as a science, that is, from the XVII century.

It was then in the depths of plant organisms, and today, and in some animals, found nitrogen-containing organic compounds, which give such a wide therapeutic effect.Since 1819 the common name of this group of substances - alkaloids.Proposed V.Meysnerom, pharmacist and doctor.

What is an alkaloid?

At present, it is assumed that an alkaloid - it is a cyclic compound containing a part of the cycle or the side chain of one or more nitrogen atoms and chemical nature shows the properties of a weak alkali such as ammonia.They used to say the definition of these substances as a nitrogenous base pyridine derivatives.However, later it opened a number of compounds of this group, which showed that such interpretation is not entirely true, and does not cover the whole variety of alkaloids.

first time the substance was received and investigated in 1803 by scientists Dersonom.It was morphine derived from opium.Subsequently, independently of each other, many scientists have discovered a number of complex heterocyclic compounds from plant material.So had the idea that this substance alkaloid- mostly of natural origin.Formed only in plants.

chemical composition of molecules

By their chemical nature, these substances - a nitrogen-containing organic compounds that contain nitrogen atoms in the heterocycles complex interconnected links and different types of interactions.

Among the plants they are allocated in the salts of certain acids:

• apple;
• wine;
• oxalic;
• acetic and others.

If pure substance separated from the salt, it is possible to receive the alkaloid in the form of a solid crystalline powder, and it is possible to form the liquid structure (nicotine).In this and in another case - a basic substance exhibiting appropriate chemical properties.

That is the chemistry of alkaloids known and understood.For example, the defined methods by which they can be isolated from plant material.They are based on salts of alkaloid solubility in water, as in a pure form, these compounds are almost insoluble in water, but do so well in organic solvents.

number of reactions, with which there is the isolation and study of these compounds are called alkaloids.

1. deposition.The reactions based on the formation of an insoluble salt of an alkaloid, which precipitates.This can be accomplished by using the following components: tannin, picric acid or phosphotungstic molybdic acid.
2. deposition.Reactions based on the formation of complex salts with alkaloid compounds.Reagents: mercuric chloride, potassium iodide or bismuth.
3. staining.When these kind of reactions alkaloid changes and he becomes swept up in the overall composition.The principle of operation - the impact on the heterocycles the appearance of color.Reagents: nitric acid, sulfuric acid, copper hydroxide, copper (II)-precipitated.

staining reaction often do not give accurate results, as part of heterocyclic alkaloid similar to those of the protein molecules.So they give the same effect.

Classification of alkaloids

Which category are classified all the known compounds of this group, determines the type of alkaloid, its chemical structure.This classification was created by Academician AP Orekhov and it is based on the type and structure of the heterocycle with the nitrogen atoms in them.

1. Pyrrolidin, pirrolizidin and their derivatives.This group includes such alkaloids as platifillin, Sarrazin, senetsifillin and others.The basic structure of the complex five-membered heterocyclic connected to each other, which include nitrogen atom.
2. piperidine and pyridine derivatives.Representatives anabasine, lobeline.Basis - six-membered complex cycles with nitrogen.
3. Quinolizidine and its compounds.This group includes: pahikarpin, termopsin and others.Chemical basis in complex six-membered heterocycles, interconnected and nitrogen.
4. quinoline derivatives - quinine, echinopsine.
5. important group of alkaloids is very common - isoquinoline compound.Salsalin, morphine, papaverine and - are widely used in medicine.This may also include the alkaloids in plants barberry, Maçka and celandine.
6. chemically very complex structure tropane derivatives - hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine.The structure is represented hard fused, intertwined pyrrolidine and piperidine ring.
7. indole and its compounds - reserpine, strychnine, vinblastine, and others.A complex combination of five- and six-membered rings with nitrogen atoms in the structure.
8. main alkaloid in food and medicine - caffeine from tea leaves and seeds of the stake.It refers to purine derivatives - complex compounds of different heterocycles and more nitrogen atoms in the composition.
9. Ephedrine and its compounds - sferofizin, colchicine and kolhamin.The chemical name of ephedrine, reflecting its complex structure, fenilmetilaminopropanol - complex organic aromatic alcohol.
10. Recently, decided to allocate to certain substances alkaloid group of steroids - corticosteroids and hormones.

physical properties

The main characteristics of this group include the ability to dissolve in various liquids and physical state at standard conditions.

At room temperature normal alkaloid - a crystalline solid.Color and odor, as a rule, do not have.On the palate, mostly bitter, astringent, unpleasant.Exhibit optical activity in solution.

But some of these substances under normal conditions of liquid - is oxygen-free alkaloids, only about 200 species.For example, nicotine, pahikarpin, coniine.

Speaking of solubility in water, it can do so only completely caffeine, ephedrine, ergometrine.Other members of this class of compounds are soluble only in organic liquids (solvents).

effect on the human body

alkaloid - a substance that has a strong effect on the human body and animals.What is the impact?

1. huge impact is on the nervous system, the end of the nerve cells, synapses, neurotransmitter processes.In these areas of the body different groups of alkaloids act as sedatives, psychotropics, reflex character, antitussives, stimulants, narcotics, analgesics.When used properly for medical purposes, strictly and accurately dosed, these effects are beneficial.However, the smallest overdose can lead to very serious and tragic consequences.
2. effect on the cardiovascular system - antiarrhythmic, improves blood circulation, antispasmodic, hypotensive, choleretic.

If drugs based on alkaloids are used inappropriately or without compliance with the necessary dosage, can cause the following:

• impaired vision and hearing;
• breathing problems, chest tightness;
• dizziness, nausea, vomiting;
• bleeding;
• dry mouth;
• a sharp increase or decrease in blood pressure;
• severe poisoning deaths.

significant part of the alkaloids in their physiological effects on a person is a poison, strong, causing convulsions and death (strychnine, morphine, belladonnin).The other part - the compound drugs that cause dependency.Psychological, emotional and physical (nicotine, caffeine, cocaine).Therefore, these compounds should behave with extreme caution and only use the advice and prescription.

use in medicine

In this area plants containing alkaloids - is the basis for many of broad-spectrum drugs, or, on the contrary, highly specialized.On the basis of such materials obtained candles, tinctures, pills, ampoule solutions.The action is aimed at the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory, nervous system and the endings of mental disorders.Also for the treatment of the digestive system such as contraceptives, oncological illnesses, to eliminate alcohol dependence and many other areas.

which contains alkaloids in nature?

In vivo alkaloids contain medicinal herbs and plants.Today we know okolo10000 names of these substances and almost all of them are extracted precisely from such raw materials.

In parts of fungi, bacterial cells, algae, echinoderms alkaloids have been found.From some of the animals cells were extracted natural alkaloid compounds, but they are few.

Thus, it turns out that the main supplier, an inexhaustible source of these substances for medical purposes, human life, industry - a plant containing alkaloids.

Herbs

What are these plants?They are, in fact, too many to mention all.However, you can name the most common and frequently used by man.

1. Ragwort ploskolistny - alkaloid platifillin and senetsifillin - antispasmodic and sedative effect on the body, is used to create the appropriate drugs.
2. Krasavka common of the family Solanaceae.It is very important for medicine plant.Alkaloid belladonna - atropine and belladonnin.Preparations based on components of belladonna excite the central nervous system, stimulate mental and physical activity, increase performance and endurance.Has antispasmodic and analgesic effect.On the basis of an extract of the plant established medicinal drops, tinctures and candles.
3. Belen black.Fully poisonous plant, all its parts are dangerous.Alkaloids - hyoscyamine and scopolamine.Used for the treatment of neurological ailments and motion sickness.
4. Celandine.It is very common in our country the plant.However Quinolizidine contains alkaloids, pahikarpin, saponin, termopsin and others.Very toxic if used improperly.
5. alkaloids in plants papaveraceous estimated two dozen.This opium, morphine, narcotine, papaverine, thebaine, codeine and other derivatives of isoquinoline.Their action and the value considered separately.
6. Passion myasokrasnaya.It contains a number of alkaloids, indole derivatives.It has a strong sedative effect.
7. Ergot.Specially created the culture of this fungus parasite that destroys the crops of rye used to produce the strongest alkaloids.It ergotamine and ergometrine, and another 18 species.Used in medicine (especially in gynecology).
8. rauwolfia snake - the roots of this plant contain more than 50 alkaloids, used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.

Herbs and plants - a very important area of ​​medicine of our time.After all, most of the drug is synthesized based on natural raw materials.They have been used since ancient times and have not lost their relevance to humans today.On the contrary, over time, people are more eager to discover and explore the component composition of these plants in order to find something important, something that will help solve the problem of many incurable diseases.

most common alkaloid

These are considered to be a derivative of opium - codeine.It can identify specific chemical reactions of morphine.Compared with the latter, it is safer to use, as by the action of soft.However, the effectiveness as an analgesic, antitussive, sedative drug no worse than that of morphine or opium.

Therefore, codeine-based drugs are very common in medicine and used by people of all countries.The only limitation - is the dosage.It should be used only on the advice and under the supervision of a physician.

Opium and its alkaloids

Opiates - as in medicine and chemistry called all the opium alkaloids, which can be out of it isolated and synthesized based on it.What is the connection?Unfortunately, they are now almost everyone's lips, and do not always have a good reputation and are worthy, the correct application.It alkaloids such as:

• morphine;
• papaverine;
• heroin;
• codeine.

In medicine, these substances are used as antitussive, analgesic, sedative.On the basis of codeine, even created a number of medications for colds in children.

However, compounds such as opium and heroin, are not only used for medical purposes, but also as a heavy intoxicating drugs.They cause terrible dependence of the human body, and over time can cause serious harm to health, even the lives of people.