anthraquinone Flashcards
What are anthraquinones?
Oxygenated derivatives of anthracene, usually occurring as glycosides
Examples include sennosides from senna, aloins from Aloe, and cascarosides from cascara.
What are the common structural features of anthraquinones?
Usually present as O, C, or both types of glycosides
Upon hydrolysis, they yield aglycones that can be di-, tri-, or tetrahydroxyanthraquinones.
What is the pharmacodynamic effect of anthraquinones?
Induces peristaltic movements in the colon
This is partly due to the release of prostaglandins and stimulation of certain neurotransmitters.
How do anthraquinones affect sodium and chloride secretion?
Inhibit Na+-K+-ATPase or stimulate active chloride secretion
This results in increased sodium and water flow into the lumen.
What are common causes of constipation?
- Decreased motility in colon
- Local painful conditions
- Lack of muscular exercise
- Drug-induced factors
What are the adverse reactions associated with anthraquinones?
May cause mild abdominal cramps, urine discoloration, and hemorrhoid congestion
Overdosage can lead to diarrhea and electrolyte loss.
Which plants are used as anthraquinone laxatives?
- Cassia acutifolia
- Rhamnus purshiana
- Rhamnus frangula
- Rheum plamatum
- Aloe sp.
What are coumarins?
Benzo-alpha-pyrones formed via the shikimic acid pathway
Often hydroxylated or methoxylated at C7.
What is the anticoagulant activity of dicoumarol?
It is a dimer of 4-hydroxy coumarin with potent anticoagulant activity
Formed by microbial action in spoiled sweet clover.
What therapeutic use does khellin have?
Used as a spasmolytic for kidney stones and angina pectoris
Exhibits coronary vasodilatory activities.
What is PUVA therapy?
Treatment combining psoralen with UVA for vitiligo and psoriasis
Stimulates melanogenesis and improves pigmentation disorders.
Fill in the blank: Furanocoumarins are potent _______ agents.
photosensitizing
True or False: Furanocoumarins are light-activated carcinogens.
True
What is a key feature of the pharmacokinetics of anthraquinones?
Only glycosides are active orally, not their aglycones
Aglycones are more active when administered by injection.
What can chronic laxative abuse lead to?
Cathartic colon and melanosis coli
Characterized by chronic diarrhea resistant to therapy.
What are the common glycosides derived from anthraquinones?
- Sennosides
- Aloins
- Cascarosides
What are the pharmacological activities associated with Rhein?
- Inhibits cytokines
- Demonstrates antiviral activity
