110. Tropane Alkaloids

Tropane Alkaloids

Atropine (dl-hyoscyamine)
Hyoscyamine
Scopolamine (d-hyoscine)
Solanine

Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. The name alkaloid comes from the basic (high pH) nature of many members of the group, alkaline-like. Tropane alkaloids all have a tropane ring system but despite this structural similarity, the pharmacological effects of these compounds differ significantly. In addition to the alkaloids mentioned in this episode, cocaine is also an alkaloid that is widely used. Cocaine, Hyoscyamine, and Scopolamine are able to pass the blood-brain barrier and cause hallucinations and other psychoactive effects. Cocaine is extracted from Coca plants that are grown in South America. Hyoscyamine and Scopolamine are extracted from a few different Solanaceae plants including Duboisia plants that are grown on large plantations in Australia and Datura plants that are grown around the world.

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