Page 56 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)
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Imidazole alkaloids

                                                                 NH

                                                          N
   The most important pharmaceutical examples of this group are

                     Pilocarpus alkaloids.

Pilocarpine

pilocarpine finding use as an ophthalmic cholinergic drug.

                      Lactone of pilocarpic acid
                              (Pilocarpine)

Sources:

          Pilocarpuse microphyllus & P. jaborandi (Rutaceae).

Physical properties:

 oily syrupy non-volatile liquid.
 Dextrorotatory.
 The base is easily soluble in H2O and CHCl3

Tests for identity:

 Helch’s test

Pilocarpine soln in H2O + Pot. dichromate + H2O2 + dil. acid         violet color

Upon shaking with CHCl3 it will extract the violet color .

    This color reaction can be used for Colorimetic estimation of pilocarpine



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