Atropine

Abstract

Atropine is an anticholinergic alkaloid agent found in plants which are known as atropa belladonna. This substance is very fast acting and has a short half-life. Atropine serves as a substance with medically and potentially toxic effects. One of the most important application of atropine is for treating cardiovascular diseases and myopia, a special form of visual defect, where the eyes are short-sighted. There are two common methods used for isolating atropine from the plant. The first method starts with ultrasound extraction followed by a 24h static extraction using ethyl acetate. Another common method is the extraction of atropine from the roots and stem of the plant, using gas chromatography and a flame ionization detector. This chapter offers an overview of the historical use of atropine, the chemical and physiological properties as well as the medical indications and the potential toxic side effects.