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Microbial Poisoning (Bacterial Toxins) (Paid)

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Adulterants (Paid)

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Type of poisoning (Paid)

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Poisoning Types Table (Paid)

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Alkaloids Table (Free)

Notable alkaloids:

AlkaloidSourceApplications/Effects
MorphinePapaver somniferum (opium poppy)Potent analgesic used for severe pain management; acts as a sedative; potential for addiction and misuse.
CodeinePapaver somniferum (opium poppy)Mild analgesic; effective cough suppressant; less potent than morphine but has addictive potential.
QuinineCinchona treeAntimalarial agent; used historically for treating malaria; also provides relief from nocturnal leg cramps.
CocaineErythroxylum cocaLocal anesthetic for certain medical procedures; stimulant; highly addictive and widely abused.
NicotineNicotiana tabacum (tobacco)Stimulant; acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; toxic in high doses; addictive and widely consumed.
BerberineBerberis speciesAntimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; used in traditional medicine for digestive and metabolic disorders.
TubocurarineChondrodendron speciesNeuromuscular blocker used during surgeries; derived from curare poison used in hunting.
CaffeineCoffea arabicaCamellia sinensis (tea), Theobroma cacao (cacao)Central nervous system stimulant; improves alertness and reduces fatigue; widely consumed in beverages.
EphedrineEphedra speciesBronchodilator for treating asthma and nasal congestion; stimulant effects; precursor in the synthesis of methamphetamine.
StrychnineStrychnos speciesPotent neurotoxin causing convulsions; historically used as a pesticide; small doses enhance reflexes.
ReserpineRauwolfia serpentinaAntihypertensive drug; depletes neurotransmitters like norepinephrine; used in traditional medicine for calming effects.
AtropineAtropa belladonna (deadly nightshade)Used in medicine to dilate pupils, reduce salivation, and as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning.
ScopolamineDatura speciesUsed for motion sickness prevention and to alleviate nausea; sedative effects; potential for misuse.
TheobromineTheobroma cacao (cacao)Mild stimulant; found in chocolate; diuretic and vasodilator properties.
ErgotamineClaviceps purpurea (ergot fungus)Treats migraines; constricts blood vessels; precursor for synthesizing LSD.
VincristineCatharanthus roseus (periwinkle)Chemotherapy drug; inhibits cell division; used in treating cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
BrucineStrychnos nux-vomicaSimilar to strychnine but less toxic; used in some traditional medicine applications and chemical research.
PiperinePiper nigrum (black pepper)Enhances bioavailability of drugs and nutrients; has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
CapsaicinCapsicum species (chili peppers)Active ingredient in topical pain relievers; induces desensitization of pain receptors; responsible for spiciness.
HyoscyamineHyoscyamus niger (henbane)Antispasmodic; used in treating gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.

Additional Notes:

  • Alkaloids in Medicine: Many alkaloids are essential for modern pharmacology, particularly in pain management (e.g., morphine, codeine), anesthesia (e.g., cocaine), and cancer treatment (e.g., vincristine).
  • Toxicity Concerns: Some alkaloids, such as strychnine and nicotine, have significant toxicity at higher doses and require careful handling.
  • Traditional Uses: Many alkaloids have a long history in traditional medicine (e.g., berberine, reserpine) before being incorporated into modern therapeutic practices.
  • Research Potential: Compounds like ergotamine and atropine have provided templates for synthesizing new drugs and exploring receptor biology.

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