Question

Write a note on Quinine.

Answer 1

Quinine:

•  The bark of stem of Cinchona tree contains quinine alkaloid in the highest amount. The bark is peeled out, dried and the useful medicine is extracted. 
• More than 30 types of alkaloids have been identified from the bark of different species of Cinchona. 
• Some of these are Quinine, Quinidine, Cinchonine, Cinchonidine etc. Some minor alkaloids found are Cinchotine, Hydroquinone, and Quinamine etc.

 Medicinal Uses: 

• Quinine is most effective and extensively used the medicine of Malaria. It targets the schizont stage of the parasite (Plasmodium vivax).
• It is useful in the treatment of pneumonia and amoebic dysentery. 
• It is also used as tonic and antiseptic. 
• It is used in the treatment of arthritis and tonsillitis. 
• Indiscriminate use of quinine may induce deafness, lethargies, vomiting and blindness. 
• In women, it may result in abortion or miscarriage.