Page 43 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS
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Myristicin
Source: Oil of Nutmeg.
Myristicin is a psychoactive drug (that
crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it
affects brain function, resulting in alterations in
mood, cognition, behavior and consciousness).
Safrole
Source: Sassafras oil.
Uses:
Flavoring for beverages and pharmaceutical
preparations.
It was banned by FDA after its carcinogenicity in rats was discovered.
Today, safrole is also banned for use in soap and perfumes by the
International Fragrance Association.
2.7. Oxides: Eucalyptol
Cineole
Source: Oil of Eucalyptus.
Uses:
Cineole is used internally as an expectorant.
Locally it is employed for its antiseptic effect in inflammations of
nose and throat and in certain skin diseases.
It is sometimes used by inhalation in bronchitis.
Determination or cineole:
The method is based on the formation of a solid, loose molecular
complex of cineole and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) by the lowering of the
freezing-point of the mixture, from which the cineole is regenerated by the
addition of hot water. The volume of cineole liberated is measured in
cassia flask.
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