Definition
An alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. It is used as an antimalarial drug, and is the active ingredient in extracts of the cinchona that have been used for that purpose since before 1633. Quinine is also a mild antipyretic and analgesic and has been used in common cold preparations for that purpose. It was used commonly and as a bitter and flavoring agent, and is still useful for the treatment of babesiosis. Quinine is also useful in some muscular disorders, especially nocturnal leg cramps and myotonia congenita, because of its direct effects on muscle membrane and sodium channels. The mechanisms of its antimalarial effects are not well understood.
Used in tonics and bitter drinks Quinine is a natural white crystalline alkaloid having antipyretic, antimalarial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties and a bitter taste. It is a stereoisomer of quinidine which, unlike quinine, is an anti-arrhythmic. Though it has been synthesized in the lab, the bark of the cinchona tree is the only known natural source of quinine. Quinine was the first effective treatment for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, appearing in therapeutics in the 17th century. It remained the antimalarial drug of choice until the 1940s, when other drugs replaced it. (Wikipedia)
Description
Quinine is an alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. It is used as an antimalarial drug, and is the active ingredient in extracts of the cinchona that have been used for that purpose since before 1633. Quinine is also a mild antipyretic and analgesic and has been used in common cold preparations for that purpose. It was used commonly and as a bitter and flavoring agent, and is still useful for the treatment of babesiosis. Quinine is also useful in some muscular disorders, especially nocturnal leg cramps and myotonia congenita, because of its direct effects on muscle membrane and sodium channels. The mechanisms of its antimalarial effects are not well understood.
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Related Pathways
General Information
- Metabolism: Hepatic, over 80% metabolized by the liver. Route of Elimination: Quinine is eliminated primarily via hepatic biotransformation. Approximately 20% of quinine is excreted unchanged in urine. Half Life: Approximately 18 hours
- Uses/Sources: For the treatment of malaria and leg cramps. Used as an antipyretic (fever-reducing), antimalarial, analgesic (painkilling), and anti-inflammatory. It is also used as a flavor component of tonic water and bitter lemon.
- Health Effects: It is usual for quinine in therapeutic doses to cause cinchonism; in rare cases, it may even cause death (usually by pulmonary edema). Quinine can worsen hemoglobinuria, myasthenia gravis and optic neuritis. It can cause paralysis if accidentally injected into a nerve, and is extremely toxic in overdose[Wikipedia]
- Symptoms: Fever, rarely hypotension. [wikipedia]
- Route of Exposure: Oral
Mechanism of Action
Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
---|---|---|
Hemoglobin subunit alpha Intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel protein 4 Platelet glycoprotein IX |
The theorized mechanism of action for quinine and related anti-malarial drugs is that these drugs are toxic to the malaria parasite. Specifically, the drugs interfere with the parasite's ability to break down and digest hemoglobin. Consequently, the parasite starves and/or builds up toxic levels of partially degraded hemoglobin in itself. |
12738668 17139284 17016423 11752352 |
Quinine Interacts with Diseases
Disease | Inference Score | References/Inference Genes |
HIV Wasting Syndrome | 14.79 |
|
Parkinson's disease | 12.34 |
|
Mitochondrial Myopathies | 11.72 |
|
Burns | 11.35 |
|
Polymyositis | 10.65 |
|
Heat Stroke | 10.39 |
|
Anthracosis | 10.27 |
|
Drug-induced liver injury | 9.34 |
|
Lung Injury | 9.29 |
|
Breast carcinoma | 8.87 |
|
Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome | 8.84 |
|
Hepatocellular carcinoma | 8.65 |
|
Acute coronary syndrome | 8.3 |
|
Prostatic Neoplasms | 8.15 |
|
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular | 8.14 |
|
Berylliosis | 8.0 |
|
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 7.95 |
|
Skin Diseases | 7.68 |
|
Acute kidney injury | 7.61 |
|
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease | 7.5 |
|