Page 236 - PG 504-theoretical notes-phyto-1-2024-2025..

Clinical pharmacy PharmD program Third level Phytochemistry-1 (PG-504)

b) Sesquiterpens

1) Santonin:

▪ It is obtained from dried unexpanded flower head of santonica; Artemsia cinae, family Asteraceae

Compositae).
▪ It is lactone of santonic acid; containing 15 carbon atoms.

▪ Colorless, odorless crystalline powder having bitter taste.
▪ Insoluble in cold water, sparingly in hot; sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, soluble in hot.

▪ It is laevorotatory, neutral.
CH 3

O CH 3
CH 3 O
Santonin O

Preparation:

• Santonica flower heads are treated with lime [Ca(OH)2] when calcium santoninate is formed.

• The mixture is treated with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to convert calcium santoninate
into the water soluble sodium santoninate.

• Precipitate calcium hydroxide by passing carbon dioxide gas, and filter.
• Sulfuric acid is now added to the filtrate, when the crude santonin is precipitated.

• Crude santonin is decolorized and purified by crystallization

Chemical test:

▪ To a small amount of santonin, add few drops of alcoholic solution of KOH or NaOH. On warming,

violet-red color is developed, which changes into reddish yellow.

Use: Anthelmintic for round worms “Ascaris”.

2) Picrotoxin

It is obtained from fruits of Anamirta cocculus, family Menispermaceae.

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