Med Chem 1 Flashcards
Define Pharmacognosy
The study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drug substances of natural origin. As well as the search for new drugs from natural sources
Name different ‘pools’ natural drugs can be extracted from and give examples of drugs
- Plant kingdom (Morphine, Salicin, Quinine, Taxol, Reserpine)
- Microbial world (Penicillin and Statins)
- Marine world (curacin A; obtained from a marine cyanobacterium)
- Animals (Epibatidine; from the skin of Ecuadorian poison frog)
- Toxins/Venoms (Teprotide; a peptide isolated from venom of Brazilian pit viper)
The plant kingdom is a ‘plentiful, rich supply of complex and varied chemical compounds’. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Many plant species in the rainforest are ‘untapped sources still wanting to be discovered’. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Plants evolved for the purpose of producing medicines. TRUE or FALSE
FALSE. Plants did not evolve for the purpose of producing medicines.
All plant chemicals are good chemicals. TRUE or FALSE
FALSE. Many are irritant/toxic and provide defense against predators (herbivores and omnivores)
Herbal remedies involve experimentation with berries, leaves and roots. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Herbal remedies are often useless and dangerous. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Herbal remedies are an example of placebo effects -state of mind and no real differences. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
State 5 facts about herbal remedies
1) 80% OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION use herbal drugs as part of their normal health care routine
2) In the USA, herbal remedies are the FASTEST GROWING SEGMENT of pharmacy trade
3) Tend to be LESS EXPENSIVE than prescription drugs
4) They’re NOT PURE substances (contain many constituents)
5) They’re NOT STANDARDISED OR ANALYSED for content of active principle
Define the term ‘Herb’
A crude material, containing multiple pharmacologically active compounds
What method can be used to verify the composition and quality of herbal remedies?
HPLC (High performance liquid chromatography)
Herbal remedies may contain some compounds that reinforce others. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Herbal remedies may work through SYNERGY. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE. The mixture acts together to generate beneficial effect
Why should pharmacists be aware of patients taking herbal preparations?
Any prescribed medication may be inhibited or show response consistent with an overdose
State an example of a drug and a herbal remedy that may cause an overdose ?
Drug = Coumadin (Warfarin)
Herbal remedy = Gingko biloba extracts (from chinese kew tree)
Gingko inhibits platelet-activating factor, PAF causing an overdose effect of coumadin. This leads to increased bleeding as a result of excessive blood thinning.
Gingko biloba extracts include ginkgolide A and B. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
How does gingko affect the arterial and venous circulation ?
It produces VASODILATORY EFFECTS on the arterial and venous circulation (increasing peripheral and cerebral blood flow)
Why are natural products usually hard to synthesise in the lab ?
They usually have complex structures, for example ARTEMISININ (contains a Trioxane ring)
What is ARTEMISININ ?l
An antimalarial agent (Chinese herbal medicine)
Draw Morphine structure
C17H19NO3
Where is the natural drug Reserpine extracted from ?
Indian Snakeroot plant
Reserpine breaks down in the presence of light (especially in clear glass containers). TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
Describe the structure of Reserpine
- Light yellow crystalline alkaloid
- Indole nucleus
What is the role of Reserpine
Reduces blood pressure (anti-hypertensive)
‘Salicin’ is a glycoside. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE