Page 36 - phytochemistry general program

Several alkaloids occurs in the leaves of tobacco plant (Nicotianatabacum)
family Solanaceae ,of which nicotine constitutes about 75% of the total
alkaloids.

L-Nicotine L- Nor-nicotine

Tests for identity

- Aqueous solution gives a red color with vanillin/ HCl.

Toxicity. It has a unique action on the autonomic ganglia, where in small
doses, it can act as a respiratory stimulant, though in larger doses, it causes
respiratory depression.

Nicotine has been implicated to some extent in the etiology of some
cardiovascular diseases and in chronic obstructive lung diseases. Nicotine is
teratogenic in laboratory animals. Tobacco smoking also contributes to
atherosclerosis and chronic bronchitis.

Uses

Nicotine has little use in medicine due to its high toxicity. It is mainly used as
insecticide, pesticide either as spray or vapor.

Piperidine ring alkaloids

This group includes,lobelia, Conium and pomegranate alkaloids. .1

Lobelia alkaloid (Indian tobacco)
Lobeline

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