An alkaloid is a type of plant-derived organic compound. Alkaloids are generally composed of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. Some alkaloids are considered toxic, but others are often used medicinally. Alkaloids one might encount er in everyday life include caffeine, the drugs atropine and quinine, and the deadly nightshade plant. Alkaloids are relatively rare in plants. They have what's...

We humans tend to believe that the world has always existed in the form in which we know it. History is fine as an object of study, but we rarely make the effort to really situate ourselves in the past. If we ask most pulmonologists who have started or finished their training this century about the origins of inhaled treatment for obstructive lung disease, we might be surprised to find how litt...

Muscarinic blocking drugs are compounds that selectively antagonize the responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and other parasympathomimetics that are mediated by activation of muscarinic receptors. These agents are also referred to as muscarinic antagonists, antimuscarinic drugs, and anticholinergics. The belladonna alkaloids, such as atropine, are the oldest known muscarinic blocking compounds, and...

The hydroalcoholic extracts of dried ligulate florets of Calendula officinalis L., dried leaves of Plantago major L., and dried aerial parts of Vinca major L. were prepared and used as the main active ingredients of two types of anti-anorectal disease ointments and suppositories. Benzocaine was used in one of the formulations, while a mixture of belladonna dry extract and ephedrine sulfate ...