Curare

| Home | | Pharmacognosy |

Chapter: Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry : Drugs Containing Alkaloids

Curare is a crude dried extract from stems of Strychnos castelnaei Wedd., S. toxifiera Benth, S. crevauxii G. Planchon, S. gubleri G. Planchon, belonging to family Loganiaceae. The extract is also prepared from Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par and C. microphylla (Menispermaceae).


CURARE

 

 

Synonyms

 

South American arrow poison, Ourari, Urari, Woorari, Wourara, Woorali.

 

Biological Source

 

Curare is a crude dried extract from stems of Strychnos castelnaei Wedd., S. toxifiera Benth, S. crevauxii G. Planchon, S. gubleri G. Planchon, belonging to family Loganiaceae. The extract is also prepared from Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par and C. microphylla (Menispermaceae).

 

Characteristics

 

Earlier curare has been imported in earthen pots and bamboos, now it is being imported in tins. It is dark brown or black in colour. It is odourless and very bitter in taste.

 


                                  Twig of curare


Chemical Constituents

 

Curare contains several alkaloids, and quaternary compounds. The most important alkaloid is curarine and two quaternary bases, calabashcurarine I and calabashcurarine

 

Though the drug contains Strychnos, but strychnine is not present.

 


 

Uses

 

Curare has been used in the treatment of hydrophobia, cholera and tetanus. It is used as a source of alkaloids. It has muscular relaxation in surgery and is used to control convulsions of strychnine poisoning and of tetanus.

 

Contact Us, Privacy Policy, Terms and Compliant, DMCA Policy and Compliant

TH 2019 - 2024 pharmacy180.com; Developed by Therithal info.