Pyridine-Piperidine alkaloids

Question 1

Pyridine

Answer 1

Pyridine is a heterocyclic tertiary amine that comprises of a 6-membered ring with molecular formula C5H5N

Question 2

Piperidine

Answer 2

It is a family of heterocyclic aromatic compounds which is produced by hydrogenation of pyridines. It is a secondary amine.

Question 3

Classification of pyridine-piperidine alkaloids

Answer 3

1. Derivatives of piperidines e.g. lobelia
2. Derivatives of nicotinic acid e.g. arecoline
3. derivatives of both pyridine and pyrrolidines e.g. nicotine

Question 4

Lobelia

Answer 4

Lobelia comprises of the dried leaf tops of Lobelia inflata. It should be collected after the capsules have become slightly inflated, then dried and collected

Question 5

What are the major alkaloids of lobelia

Answer 5

Lobelia contains a number of alkaloids among which lobeline is the most important one.

Question 6

Family of lobelia

Answer 6

Lobeliaceae

Question 7

Lobeline

Answer 7

Occurs as a colorless crystalline compound that is readily soluble in hot alcohol but sparingly soluble in water

Question 8

Uses of Lobelia

Answer 8

used as a respiratory stimulant for resuscitation in children, used to quite the smoking habit, in case of alcohol or gas poisoning and as an expectorant for chronic bronchitis

Question 9

What is areca nut?

Answer 9

The dried, ripe seed of Areca catechu. The fruit is a nut that contains a single seed in a thin seed coat and large ruminate endosperm

Question 10

Family of areca nut

Answer 10

Palmae

Question 11

Chemical constituents of areca nut

Answer 11

It contains many constituents but arecoline is the major one upto 0.2%. Also contains lipids, tannins etc.

Question 12

Uses of arecoline

Answer 12

Used as anthelminthic, anti-vermin, aphrodisiac action, emmenagogue, nervine tonic, chewing it can cause mouth cancer