Narceine
Narceine[edit | edit source]
Narceine is an alkaloid found in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It is one of the many opium alkaloids that are derived from the plant, which is well-known for its use in producing morphine, codeine, and other related compounds. Narceine is less well-known than some of its counterparts but plays a role in the complex chemistry of opium.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Narceine is classified as a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, a group characterized by their complex ring structures. The chemical structure of narceine includes a phenanthrene core, which is common among opium alkaloids. The structure is depicted in the image to the right, showing its intricate arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Narceine, like other opium alkaloids, interacts with the central nervous system. However, its pharmacological effects are not as potent or well-studied as those of morphine or codeine. It is believed to have mild analgesic properties, but it is not commonly used in clinical practice.
Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]
The biosynthesis of narceine in the opium poppy involves several enzymatic steps starting from the amino acid tyrosine. The pathway includes the formation of reticuline, a key intermediate in the synthesis of many opium alkaloids. Enzymes such as N-methylcoclaurine 3'-monooxygenase and salutaridine synthase play roles in the conversion of reticuline to narceine and other related compounds.
Related Compounds[edit | edit source]
Narceine is structurally related to other opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine. These compounds share similar biosynthetic pathways and chemical features, but differ in their pharmacological effects and clinical uses.
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
The study of narceine and other opium alkaloids dates back to the 19th century, when chemists first began isolating and characterizing the active components of opium. The understanding of these compounds has contributed significantly to the fields of pharmacology and medicine.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
