The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Pharmacology

The Isoquinoline Alkaloids: Chemistry and Pharmacology presents an overview of the chemistry, biogenesis, spectroscopy, and pharmacology of the isoquinoline alkaloids. This book examines the significant and interesting aspects of alkaloids. Organized into 32 chapters, this book starts with a discussion of the biogenesis of the isoquinolines and the various pharmacological effects of simple tetrahydroisoquinolines that have stimulant and convulsive properties. This text then explores the infrared absorptions, with emphasis on wavelength and frequency. Other chapters include topics on synthesis, degradation, reactions, absolute configuration, as well as on ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This book further explores the various methods available for the preparation of simple tetrahydroisoquinolines, including the Bischler–Napieralski, Pictet–Spengler, and phenolic cyclization, as well as the Friedel–Crafts acylation. The last chapter deals with ancistrocladine, which is the first isoquinoline alkaloid found to possess a methyl group. Biochemists and biophysicists will find this book useful.

The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Physiology, Volume V: Pharmacology deals with the chemistry and pharmacology of the alkaloids. This book discusses the general pharmacology of morphine, cryptopine-like compounds, toad poisons, and respiratory stimulants. The appraisal of the utility of alkaloids as antimalarials, uterine stimulants, metabolism of cocaine, and optical isomerism-activity relationship are also elaborated. This publication likewise covers the parasympathetic blocking agents as mydriatics, methods of measuring mydriatic activity, alkaloids exhibiting curariform activity, and minor alkaloids of unknown structure. Other topics include the fate of morphine, tropane group, factors affecting cocaine anesthesia, and sympathomimetic mydriatics. This volume is intended for chemists and pharmacologists concerned with alkaloids.

Internationally acclaimed for more than 40 years, this serial, founded by the late Professor R.H.F. Manske, continues to provide outstanding coverage of the rapidly expanding field of the chemotaxonomy, structure elucidation, synthesis, biosynthesis, and biology of all classes of alkaloids from higher and lower plants, marine origins, or various terrestrial animals. Each volume provides, through its distinguished authors, up-to-date and detailed coverage of particular classes or sources of alkaloids. Over the years, this series has become the standard in natural product chemistry to which all other book series aspire. The Alkaloids, Chemistry and Pharmacology endures as an essential reference for all natural product chemists and biologists who have an interest in alkaloids, their diversity, and their unique biological profile.

Opioids such as morphine, codeine, and oxycodone are extracts or analogs isolated from a single source: the opium poppy. For a long time, it was believed to be nature's only source of opioids. But it now appears that biological diversity has evolved an alternative source of opioid compounds-those derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa. This plan

The Alkaloids, Volume 85, is the newest release in a series that has covered the topic for more than 60 years. As the esteemed, leading reference in the field of alkaloid chemistry, this series covers all aspects of alkaloids, including their chemistry, biology and pharmacology. Sections are presented as high-quality, timeless reviews written by renowned experts in the field and include chapters on Biosynthesis, Total Synthesis, and Biological Profiles of Ergot Alkaloids, Daphniphyllum alkaloids, Chemistry of the Chippiine/Dippinine/Tronocarpine Class of Indole Alkaloids, and more. - Provides the latest information on the study of alkaloids - Covers their chemistry, biology, pharmacology and medical applications - Updates with information surrounding this interesting field, with more than 70 published volumes to date

Volume 8 of this series presents four timely reviews on alkaloids: Chapter 1 is a magnificent and monumental review of curare, "a group of dart and/or arrow poisons varying in composition and featuring muscle relaxation as their basic pharmacological action." The fascinating history of curare is recounted, beginning with early encounters by the Spanish Conquistadores through its use as arrow poisons by the forest tribes in hunting and warfare, its chemistry, ethnography, botany and pharmacology. A terminal section of this chapter treats the development of modern muscle relaxants. This chapter thus traces how curare-initially only a crude plant extract-has given rise to the widely used and very important neuromuscular blocking agents of today. The precise role of plant secondary metabolites and their interactions with insect herbivores have been focal points for research by chemists, botanists and entomologists for many years. Alkaloids and their glycosides are frequently involved as feeding deterrents. Chapter 2 treats the relationships between the chemistry of alkaloids in host plants and the effects that these compounds may have on insect herbivores. Interestingly, an alkaloid produced by a plant may manifest different effects on different insects.