Ipecac root

Key A, ipecac roots B, pharmaceutical preparations C, biological fluids and/or tissues D, solution E, buffered aqueous solution. 

Effects of phytohormones on alkaloid production in ipecac roots cultured on MS solid media... 

The effect of auxins on the alkaloid production in ipecac root cultures... 

The effects of lAA chloro-derivatives on the growth and alkaloid production in ipecac root culture... 

Ipecac root has been used in therapy since the beginning of the XVIIth century as an emetic and expectorant its use against dysentery, already recommended by Helvetius in the eighteenth century, was found to be therapeutically correct in 1912, when emetine, the most important of its alkaloids, was successfully used by L. Rogers (80) in the treatment of amebic dysentery. This very important application has stimulated many investigations of Ipecac root and has shown emetine to be an almost indispensable alkaloid. 

The alkaloids thus far isolated from the Ipecac roots are ... 

Various groups of South American Indians used ipecac root long before their contact with Europeans. Ipecacuanha was brought to Europe late in the 17th century. This preparation is derived from the root of Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Rubiaceae). Ipecac (from Brazil) consists of about 2% alkaloids, 60-70% of which is emetine (111) and about 25% cephae-line (112) (Fig. 32.35). 

Emetine (and synthetic dehydroemetine) are employed primarily in developing countries from the treatment of amoebic dysentery. Ipecac root products (primarily ipecac syrup), which contain mainly emetine and cephaeline are widely used as emetics in cases of poisoning. 

America (Nicaragua, Panama, etc.) and Colombia. Cephaelis ipecacuanha is also cultivated in southern Asia (e.g., India, Burma, and Malaysia). Parts used are the dried roots and rhizome collected during the dry season roots are generally annulated. Cartagena ipecac roots are thicker than those of Rio ipecac. 

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