Page 77 - phytochemistry general program

Name R1 R2 R3

Ergine H H H

Ergonovine H CH(CH3)CH2OH H

LSD H CH2CH3 CH2CH3

Ergometrine

Ergometrine causes vigorous contraction of the uterus. It is mainly used as
an oxytocic in order to aid delivery or to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. It has
certain advantages over the water insoluble ergot alkaloids in that, it does not
produce vomiting or nausea, and possesses an oxytocic activity. Methergine or

(methylergonovine) (As maleate) is a blood vessel constrictor and smooth muscle
agonist most commonly used to prevent or control excessive bleeding following

childbirth and spontaneous or elective abortion. It also causes uterine contractions
to aid in expulsion of retained products of conception after a missed abortion
(miscarriage in which all or part of the fetus remains in the uterus) and to help

deliver the placenta after child birth child birth. It is available as tablets or injection
and is contraindicated in pregnancy and hypertension.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Another example of this class of simple amides is the famous hallucinogen
(LSD) which is lysergic acid diethylamide (in German lyserg saure diethyamide
(L.S.D.). It is a semi synthetic drug with a very potent action on the CNS in

extremely small doses.

The polypeptide alkaloids .2

These polypeptide alkaloids, together with the simple lysergic amide,
.ergometrine, represent the most important medicinally utilized ergot alkaloids

The polypeptide alkaloids are more complex, high molecular weight, water-

insoluble alkaloids. Though they are also amides of lysergic acid, they are built up

with a complex polycyclic from a lysergic acid moiety forming an amide

latter moiety is formed (a) R1 HO polypeptide moiety. The
acids. (b) up of three different amino
CO NH O N

H O N 75 O

NCH3

R2 (c)

NH