Plant-derived drugs atropine

When one considers the therapeutic impact of morphine, quinine, digitalis, ergot, atropine, cocaine, reserpine, and vincaleukoblastine, to name but a few, it is evident how great is the debt of medicine to plant-derived drugs even today. If one adds the synthetic derivatives and variants of plant-derived products, the role of natural products from plant sources has been most impressive. 

The first name commemorates its success as a homicidal poison, for it is derived from the senior of three legendary Fates, Atropos, who cuts with shears the web of life spun and woven by her sisters Clothos and Lachesis (there is a minor synthetic atropine-like drug called lachesine). The term belladonna (Italian beautiful woman) refers to the once fashionable female practice of using an extract of the plant to dilate the pupils (incidentally blocking ocular accommodation) as part of the process of making herself attractive. 

Several alkaloids derived from histidine occur in plants. Probably the best known of these is pilocarpine (5), found in species of Pilocarpus (Rutaceae) (Fig. 37.2). This compound is a peripheral stimulant of the parasympathetic system and is used topically as a myotic to counteract the mydriatic effects of atropine and other parasympatholytic drugs. Pilocarpine is used for the treatment of glaucoma (as a 0.5-10% solution). 

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