Page 44 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

2- Curare alkaloids

• Curare is the crude dried extract of the bark and stems of Chondrodendro
species family Menispermaceae .

• Curare contains several alkaloids ,the most important are
 d-tubocurarine (major)

 Curine (minor).
Both are dimeric alkaloids (bis -benzylisoquinoline alkaloid)

Curare alkaloids

MeO * N MeO *N Me
O Me O
OH H OH H

Me NN+ O Me O
Me N
H H
OH OH

OMe OMe

(+)-Tubocurarine (-)-Curine
(Bebeerine)

d- (+) tubocurarine chloride
 It is a dextrorotatory, quaternary, bis benzylisoquinoline alkaloid,
 It is insoluble in organic solvents
 It is soluble in water and in alcohol,

It dissolves in solutions of alkali hydroxide. Why‫؟‬
(-) Curine (bebeerine)

It differs from (+) tubocurarine in being
 3ry alkaloid.
 It is soluble in organic solvents,
 Insoluble in cold water.

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