Natural Products

Question 1

Outline natural products

Answer 1

Compounds made by organisms via secondary metabolism, not essential for survival

Question 2

How are natural products classified

Answer 2

Structure and bio synthetic origin
- alkaloid group
-terpene group
-phenolic group

Question 3

Outline alkaloids

Answer 3

Basic amino group
Made from the metabolism of amino acids

Question 4

Name two alkaloids as CNS drugs

Answer 4

Galamantine
Morphine

Question 5

How does galamantine function as a CNS drug

Answer 5

Extracted from snowdrops
Competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase
Used in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Question 6

How does morphine function as a CNS drug

Answer 6

Extracted from poppys
Agonist of opioid receptor
Used for moderate to severe acute and chronic pain

Question 7

Outline terpenes and terpenoids

Answer 7

Volatile, oily compounds
Terpene - hydrocarbon
Terpenoid- oxygenated terpene

Question 8

Example of a terpenoid

Answer 8

THC
Agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB; activation of the receptor inhibits neurotransmitter release
Therapeutic use in treatment-resistant epilepsy, nausea, pain and spasticity

Question 9

Outline phenolics

Answer 9

Contain at least one phenol group
Synthesised in plants from amino acids phenylaline or tyrosine
Flavonoids are example derived from pathways

Question 10

Examples of flavanoids in the CNS

Answer 10

Dietary flavonoids known for health benefits- berries, tea, cocoa, wine
GABA receptors modulators
Neuroprotective antioxidants