Page 152 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303 (1)

Pharmacognosy-2 (PG303) Level 2 Clinical Pharmacy-Pharm D

Herb Catharanthus Ephedra Ergot
(vinca) (Ma Hung)
Origin Dried whole plant of Catharanthus roseus dried twigs of Ephedra sinica Family: Dried sclerotium of the fungus, Claviceps
G., Family: Apocyanaceae. Gnetaceae purpurea (family: Hypocreaceae), developed
(Madgascar perwinikle) in the ovary of rye plant, Secale cereale
(family: Gramineae).

Active Alkaloids: vinblastine, vincristine. Alkaloids: Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine. Alkaloids: Ergotamine, Ergometrine,
constituents Ergotoxine.
Uses 1-Vinblastine sulphate: anti-neoplastic Anti-asthmatic drug: nasal decongestant, 1. Ergometrine: control uterine hemorrhage in
agent. bronchodilator. childbirth. (Postpartum bleeding).
2- Vincristine sulphate: leukemia in Side effect: headache, nausea, and vomiting. 2. Ergotamine: in treating migraine.
children. Contraindication: heart conditions and
hypertension.
Chemical test Test for ergotoxine:
p- dimethyl amino benzaldehyde (freshly
prepared) + FeCl3 in H2SO4,
A blue color is produced.
Toxicity Higher dosages: increased blood pressure 1- In humans: (Ergotism) convulsions and
and cardiac rhythm disorders. gangrene of hands and feet.
2- In cattle: develop a gangrene of ears, tails
and hoofs, pregnant cows also become aborted
and may die.
Macroscopical Shape: fusiform
Character Odor: disagreeable
Taste: oily, disagreeable

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