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quinine

Scientific Name: Cinchona pubescens

Family: Rubiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Quinine: An Overview

Quinine is a medication primarily known for its use in preventing and treating malaria and babesiosis. It is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and has a long history of medicinal applications.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Quinine is a pharmaceutical, derived from cinchona bark.
  • The text mentions Quinine is bitter.

Common Names

  • Quinine bark

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Source: Cinchona bark
  • Chemical Formula: C20H24N2O2
  • ChEBI ID: CHEBI:15854
  • Synonyms: Qualaquin (brand name)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Quinine is derived from the cinchona tree, which is found in Peru.
  • Ecuador is also mentioned as a source of quinine extract.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Quinine is described as a white, bitter, slightly water-soluble alkaloid forming needle-like crystals.
  • It can also be found as a colorless, amorphous powder or crystalline alkaloid.

Traditional and Current Uses

  • Historically, quinine has been used as a fever-reducing and painkilling agent.
  • It is a key ingredient in tonic water, providing its characteristic bitterness.
  • Currently, quinine is mainly used to treat malaria, specifically malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
  • It has also been used to treat nocturnal leg cramps, though its effectiveness for this purpose is debated.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Quinine works by killing parasites, specifically Plasmodium falciparum, which are transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Quirky Facts

  • The brand name Fever-Tree (tonic water) was chosen as it is the colloquial name for the cinchona.
  • Gin's historic role in keeping the British Empire healthy, due to the quinine in tonic water, is being celebrated by gin brands that support related charities.

Further Information

  • WebMD
  • British National Formulary (NICE)
  • International Programme on Chemical Safety Poisons Information Monograph 464
  • The IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology
  • Sigma-Aldrich
  • Medscape