Page 89 - phytochemistry general program
P. 89
Vinblastine is used for treatment of Hodgkin's disease and carcinoma .1
resistant to other therapy. Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a type of blood cancer, .2
which is originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes. It was named
after Thomas Hodgkin
Vincristine has a cytotoxic effect. It is used in treatment of leukemia in
children. It is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by
an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells and results in a lack of
blood platelets).
Gelsemium alkaloids
Gelsemium, “that belongs to the same family (Loganiaceae) as Genus
Strychnos” elaborates also several alkaloids that are mostly indole derivatives.
The most important of which is the alkaloid gelsemine and its methoxy derivative
gelsemicine.
These alkaloids are characterized by the existence of an alpha carbonyl
indole ring system), so, they are function, (next to the nitrogen atom of the
considered as Oxindole derivatives.
alkaloids). The crude drug strychnos They are also extremely toxic (as
gelsemium is included in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for the treatment of
migraine and neuralgia.
O
CH3
N
NO
Gelsemine
Carboline alkaloids
87
