Curare is a crude dried extract from stems of Strychnos castelnaei Wedd., S. toxifiera Benth, S. crevauxii G. Planchon, S. gubleri G. Planchon, belonging to family Loganiaceae. The extract is also prepared from Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par and C. microphylla (Menispermaceae).
CURARE
Synonyms
South American arrow poison, Ourari, Urari, Woorari,
Wourara, Woorali.
Biological Source
Curare is a crude dried extract from stems of Strychnos castelnaei Wedd., S.
toxifiera Benth, S. crevauxii G. Planchon, S. gubleri G. Planchon, belonging to
family Loganiaceae. The extract is also prepared from Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Par and C. microphylla (Menispermaceae).
Characteristics
Earlier curare has been imported in earthen pots and
bamboos, now it is being imported in tins. It is dark brown or black in colour.
It is odourless and very bitter in taste.
Chemical Constituents
Curare contains several alkaloids, and quaternary
compounds. The most important alkaloid is curarine and two quaternary bases,
calabashcurarine I and calabashcurarine
Though the drug contains Strychnos, but strychnine is not
present.
Uses
Curare has been used in the treatment of hydrophobia,
cholera and tetanus. It is used as a source of alkaloids. It has muscular
relaxation in surgery and is used to control convulsions of strychnine
poisoning and of tetanus.
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