Q1: Which drug is made from vegetables ?

ANS:C - Quinine

Quinine is a medication that is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, which is native to South America. Here's an explanation of quinine:

1. Source: Quinine is extracted from the bark of various species of the cinchona tree, particularly Cinchona officinalis. The bark contains alkaloids, including quinine, which have antimalarial properties.
2. History: Quinine has been used for centuries by indigenous people in South America to treat fevers associated with malaria. Its antimalarial properties were later discovered by European explorers in the 17th century, leading to its widespread use in the treatment of malaria.
3. Antimalarial Properties: Quinine is effective against the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. It works by interfering with the parasites' ability to digest hemoglobin, which they require to survive and replicate within red blood cells. Quinine also disrupts the parasite's life cycle, preventing it from multiplying and causing malaria symptoms.
4. Medical Uses: Quinine was historically used as the primary treatment for malaria before the development of synthetic antimalarial drugs. Today, it is still used in certain regions where Plasmodium strains have developed resistance to newer antimalarial drugs. Quinine is also used in combination therapies for severe or drug-resistant cases of malaria.
5. Other Uses: Besides its antimalarial properties, quinine has also been used to treat other medical conditions, such as leg cramps (especially nocturnal leg cramps). However, its efficacy for this purpose is debated, and it is not widely recommended for this use due to potential side effects.
6. Side Effects: Quinine can cause various side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and blurred vision. In high doses, it can also cause serious adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmias and cinchonism (a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness).
7. Regulation: Due to its potential side effects and the availability of alternative antimalarial drugs, the use of quinine is strictly regulated in many countries. It is generally reserved for the treatment of severe malaria or cases where other treatments have failed.

In summary, quinine is a medication derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and is primarily used for its antimalarial properties. While it has been an important treatment for malaria throughout history, its use is now limited due to the availability of newer antimalarial drugs and potential side effects.