Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Analgesics are medications specifically designed to relieve pain by acting on the nervous system to suppress pain signals. The term comes from Greek 'an' (without) and 'algos' (pain). Common analgesics include paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

1. Reserpine is an indole alkaloid, antipsychotic and antihypertensive drug that has been used for the control of high blood pressure and for the relief of psychotic symptoms. Reserpine is derived from Rauwolfia serpantina.
   1. Cryptostegia grandiflora, commonly known as rubber vine, is a woody-perennial vine that is native to south-west Madagascar. Its latex contains commercial quality rubber.
   2. Brassica oleracea is the species of plant that includes many common foods as cultivars, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale. In its uncultivated form it is known as wild cabbage. B. oleracea has become established as an important human food crop plant, used because of its large food reserves, which are stored over the winter in its leaves. It is rich in essential nutrients including vitamin C. Digoxin extracted from the foxglove (Digitalis lanata) plant. Digoxin is widely used in the treatment of various heart conditions.

A. Castor oil is obtained from the plant Ricinus communis. Colza oil is obtained from Brassica rapa var. oleifera (turnip). B. Ephedra species produces the alkaloid ephedrine which is used in various medications.
C. The cancer treatment drug Topotecan is an extract of Camptotheca sp. Hence, only statement A is false.

Ergotine and other ergot alkaloids are produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which infects rye and other cereal grains. This fungus has both historical significance (causing ergotism) and pharmaceutical applications.

Diacetyl morphine is the chemical name of heroin.

The main active constituent of tea and coffee is caffeine (Option B), which is a central nervous system stimulant. Reserpine is a blood pressure medication, 'asphin' appears to be a misspelling or nonexistent term, and morphine is an opioid painkiller.

Antidepressants are useful for patients who are highly depressed or have lost self-confidence. These drugs produce a feeling of well-being and improve efficiency. Tofranil, vitalin, amphetamines and cocaine are some of the examples.

Lisinopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Naproxen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

Nexium belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Nexium decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

An artificial sweetening agent  is a food additive used for the purpose of sweetening food, but does not include aspartame, any sugar or other carbohydrate or polyhydric alcohols for example, sorbitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol and xylitol.

Amitiza is a chloride channel activator. It increases fluid secretion in  intestines which increases intestinal muscle movement and helps make it easier to pass stools (bowel movements).

Phentermine is a stimulant  similar to an amphetamine. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system. It is used togther with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Ortho Evra is a contraceptive skin patch containing a combination of female hormones (estrogen and progestin), that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Fertility depends on regular fluctuations in the levels of these hormones.