Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
is bound to proteins; the concentration of the alkaloid in the cerebrospinal fluid is only about 2% to
5% of that in the plasma, and the drug readily crosses the placenta.
437
Quinine has been used with clindamycin in the treatment of babesiosis and cryptosporidiosis
infections. The drug has also been useful in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps, and the inci-
dence of cramps among patients during hemodialysis was found to be less among those given qui-
nine. The drug possesses mild analgesic and antipyretic activity. Quinine is used in low doses as
a bitter tonic and flavoring agent; a concentration of 0.03% is employed in carbonated tonics and
“bitter lemon” drinks.
Toxicity —
In therapeutic doses, when quinine is repeatedly administered, a cluster of char-
acteristic symptoms called cinchonism may develop. These include ringing in the ears, headache,
nausea, and visual disturbance. Increased doses intensify these symptoms as well as cause gastro-
intestinal, cardiovascular, and dermal effects. Visual dysfunction and functional impairment of the
eighth nerve, which result in tinnitus, decreased auditory acuity, and vertigo, are common mani-
festations of quinine toxicity. It has also been observed that therapeutic doses of quinine and its
congeners may lower blood glucose concentrations by stimulating insulin secretion.
438,439
Recurrent
hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia should be considered very seriously when these alkaloids are used
during pregnancy or when there are severe infections with the attendant malaise and anemia. The
lethal dose of quinine in adults is about 8 g, although death has resulted in doses as low as 2 g in
hypersensitive individuals.
CLUTIA ABYSSINICA
Botanical Name —
Clutia abyssinica
Jaub. & Spach.
Synonyms —
Nil
Family —
Peraceae
African Names —
Chagga: indundu; Hehe: nyakirunbi; Masai: engemarna; Shambala: mhende,
muhende; Xhosa: umbezo
Description —
Clutia abyssinica
is a shrub, up to 2 m high, sparsely branched with glabrous
twigs. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, tapering to an obtuse apex and narrowed at
the base.
Habitat and Distribution —
It is found at
high elevations and in dry grassland. The plant is
distributed in Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
Ethnomedicinal Uses —
Clutia
species are used for the preparation of a malaria remedy. The
leaves are used as an oral decoction for the treatment of hepatitis and externally as a local anti-
inflammatory and as a medication for sores. The root extract is employed in the treatment of threat-
ened abortion, convulsions, influenza, and enlarged spleen and for the management of habitual
miscarriage. A weak infusion of the roots is administered for stomachache and chest pains.
Constituents —
Methylcoumarins, including coumarin, 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylcoumarin,
5-methyl-4-thiomethyl, pereflorin, and 8-hydroxyperiflorin, have been isolated from the roots.
440
The
roots also yield flavonoids and diterpenes,
441,442
as well as the sesquiterpenes bergamotene, cadiene,
α- and β-cuberene caryophyllene, santalol, and selinene, which occur in the volatile oil.
443
The leaf
also yields volatile oil, which consists of farnesyl acetate, α-farnesene, kaurane, 16-β-17- di hyd roxy,
β-ionone, methyl palmitate, and alkanes and several other trace compounds.
443
Pharmacological Studies —
The methanol extract has been shown to exert a weak relaxant
activity on guinea pig smooth muscle, a uterine stimulant effect, and no effect on skeletal muscle.
444
The alcohol extract of
C. richardiana
exhibited inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria.
445
Extracts of
Clutia
species have been found to be devoid of
in vitro
anti-
malarial
446
or cytotoxic activity.
296
