Q.52 Atropine is a drug used in the management of pesticide poisoning. Which of the following plants can
serve as a commercial source of this anticholinergic drug?
(A) Datura metel
(B) Medicago trancatula
(C) Mangifera indica
(D) Arachis hypogaea
Atropine serves as a vital anticholinergic drug in treating organophosphate pesticide poisoning by counteracting excessive acetylcholine effects. Among the given options, one plant stands out as its primary commercial source. This article breaks down the MCQ with the correct answer and detailed explanations.
Correct Answer
Datura metel is the plant that serves as a commercial source of atropine. Plants from the Datura genus, particularly D. metel, contain high levels of tropane alkaloids like atropine and scopolamine in seeds, leaves, capsules, and stems. These alkaloids make D. metel a key natural source for pharmaceutical extraction used in medical treatments.
Option Explanations
(A) Datura metel
This Solanaceae family plant produces significant atropine concentrations, especially in seeds, making it ideal for commercial isolation. Studies confirm atropine levels highest in seeds followed by capsules, supporting its role in drug production for anticholinergic therapies like pesticide poisoning management.
(B) Medicago truncatula
Medicago truncatula, a model legume plant, focuses on nitrogen fixation research and lacks tropane alkaloids. It serves no role as an atropine source and relates more to genetic studies in forage crops.
(C) Mangifera indica
Known as the mango tree, Mangifera indica yields fruits rich in vitamins but contains no anticholinergic compounds like atropine. Its commercial value lies in food production, not pharmaceuticals.
(D) Arachis hypogaea
Arachis hypogaea, or peanut plant, provides edible nuts high in proteins and oils. It does not produce atropine or related alkaloids, limiting its use to agriculture and food industries.
Why Atropine from Datura Matters
Datura metel supports atropine production for critical uses beyond poisoning, including bradycardia and pre-anesthetic care. Optimizing extraction from its parts enhances drug availability while minimizing synthetic needs. For students and professionals, recognizing D. metel underscores pharmacognosy’s role in modern medicine.
