- Several plants produce metabolites with important medicinal properties and have been extensively used in traditional medicine across the world. Many of these compounds can now be purified or synthesized and are used in modern medicine.
Given below is a list of metabolites, their plant source and medicinal use
Metabolite Plant Source Medicine Use
A. Digitoxin i. Artemisia Q. Aspirin
annua
B. Salicin ii. Papaver R. Anti-malarial
somniferum
C. Morphine iii. Digitalis S. Cardiac
purpurea ailment
D. Artemisin iv. Willow tree T. Narcotic
analgesic
Which one of the following options is the most appropriate match of the compound with its plant source and use?
(1) A-iii-R; B-i-T; C-iv-Q; D-ii-S
(2) A-iv-Q; B-iii-R; C-ii-S; D-i-T
(3) A-ii-T; B-iii-S; C-i-R; D-iV-Q
(4) A-iii-S; B-iv-Q; C-ii-T; D-i-R
Correct answer: (4) A-iii-S; B-iv-Q; C-ii-T; D-i-R
Explanation:
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(A) Digitoxin is a cardiac glycoside used for treating cardiac ailments and is derived from Digitalis purpurea (foxglove). So, A matches iii (Digitalis purpurea) and S (cardiac ailment).
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(B) Salicin is a phenolic glycoside derived from the willow tree, and it is the precursor to aspirin; so B matches iv (willow tree) and Q (aspirin).
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(C) Morphine is a potent narcotic analgesic alkaloid obtained from Papaver somniferum (opium poppy). So, C matches ii (Papaver somniferum) and T (narcotic analgesic).
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(D) Artemisinin is an antimalarial compound extracted from Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood). So, D matches i (Artemisia annua) and R (antimalarial).
Option-wise:
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(1) Incorrect matching.
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(2) Incorrect matching.
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(3) Incorrect matching.
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(4) Correct matching.
Medicinal metabolism from plants includes digitoxin from Digitalis purpurea for cardiac ailments, salicin from willow tree as aspirin precursor, morphine from Papaver somniferum as narcotic analgesic, and artemisinin from Artemisia annua for antimalarial use.
