Page 89 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

Tests for identification
Strychnine
1- Solution in conc. H2SO4 + crystals of K2Cr2O7 → a deep blue
violet colour.
2- Mandalin’s reagent → violet –blue colour.
3-Pure strychnine dissolves in conc. HNO3 with a yellow colour.
Brucine
1- Conc. HNO3 → red colour.
Action and uses

Strychnine is extremely toxic. It is used in veterinary
medicine as CNS stimulant and tonic. It is used as antidote in
barbiturate poisoning. It is also used as rodenticide. Strychnine
has been, and is still being misused as a general tonic and in
aphrodisiac preparations. Strychnine is a potent stimulant of the
CNS, and in toxic doses it causes contractions of many muscles,
leading to tonic or spinal convulsions.

Brucine is less toxic than strychnine. It is sometimes used as
CNS stimulant. Commercially it is used as alcohol and oil
denaturant, for separation of racemic mixtures and as an additive
agent to lubricants.

- ۸۸ -