Hyoscyamine

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Hyoscyamine

Hyoscyamine (pronounced: hi-oh-sigh-a-meen) is a tropane alkaloid. It is a secondary metabolite found in certain plants of the family Solanaceae, including henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), mandrake (Mandragora officinarum), and deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). It is a racemic compound, with its structure first elucidated by Richard Willstätter in 1902.

Etymology

The term "Hyoscyamine" derives from the genus name Hyoscyamus, which is of Greek origin. Hyoscyamus comes from the Greek words "hyos" meaning pig and "kyamos" meaning bean. The plant was so named because pigs were observed to be fond of eating it.

Pharmacology

Hyoscyamine is used as the levo-isomer of atropine, and it has similar pharmacological effects to atropine, but is more potent. It is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, and to alleviate some heart problems. It is also used in certain eye examinations to dilate the pupils.

Related Terms

  • Atropine: A racemic mixture of d- and l-hyoscyamine, used in medicine for its actions on the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Tropane Alkaloids: A class of alkaloids, many of which have significant pharmacological properties.
  • Solanaceae: A family of flowering plants, many of which contain significant amounts of tropane alkaloids.
  • Hyoscyamus niger: A species of henbane, which is a source of hyoscyamine.
  • Mandragora officinarum: A species of mandrake, which is a source of hyoscyamine.
  • Atropa belladonna: A species of deadly nightshade, which is a source of hyoscyamine.

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