Narceine
Narceine (pronounced: nar-seen) is a crystalline alkaloid that is derived from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. It is one of the lesser-known constituents of opium and is chemically related to other opium alkaloids such as Morphine and Codeine.
Etymology
The term "Narceine" is derived from the Greek word "ναρκη" (narke), meaning "numbness" or "torpor". It was first isolated in 1832 by the French chemist Pierre-Jean Robiquet.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Narceine is a crystalline substance that is soluble in alcohol and ether. Its chemical formula is C23H29NO9. It is structurally similar to other opium alkaloids, with a core structure of a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid.
Pharmacology
Narceine has been found to have analgesic and sedative effects, although it is less potent than other opium alkaloids such as Morphine. It is not commonly used in modern medicine due to its low potency and the availability of more effective analgesics.
Related Terms
- Opium: A narcotic drug that is obtained from the unripe seedpods of the opium poppy.
- Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
- Analgesic: A drug used to relieve pain.
- Sedative: A substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Narceine
- Wikipedia's article - Narceine
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