Page 143 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

Constituents :

Cinchona contains not less than 6.5% of total alkaloids, of which 30-60%
are alkaloids of quinine group.
Cinchona bark contains quinoline alkaloids.

1- The most important alkaloids are quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and
cinchonidine.

2- Catechol Tannins.

Tests for identity :

1- Mayer's test (specific for alkaloids) a creamy precipitate is
immediately formed.

2- Thalleioquine test : (Specific test for quinine and quinidine) an
emerald green colour is given due to quinine and quinidine.

3. It gives positive reaction for catechol tannins.

4. Chromatography.

Medicinal uses
Uses Approved by Commission E

Loss of appetite and dyspeptic complains.
• Quinine is used for treatment of malaria and although partly
replaced by synthetic drugs.
• Quinidine is employed for the prophylaxis of cardiac
arrhythmias and for the treatment of atrial fibrillation,however
its use is now suppressed by other modern medicines.

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