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AE8: Molecules and Drugs

Question 1A

Chemical formula of Histamine: C5 H9 N3

Question 1B

Question 1C

Histamine is soluble in water as it is able to form hydrogen bond with the water molecules. Due to presence of highly electronegative nitrogen atom that are spread all over the molecule, the hydrogen atoms attached to it are highly polarised to be delta positive. As such, the highly electronegative oxygen atoms in the water molecule will be attracted to the hydrogen thus forming hydrogen bond .

There are two parts in the molecule where hydrogen bonding can occur. The first area will be the amine group located at the end of the compound. The other part will be at the 5 membered ring structure where one of the nitrogen has a hydrogen atom attached to it.

 

Question 2A

Chemical formula for anti-histamine: C16 H21 N3

Question 2B

The structure shown is commonly named tripelennamine. There are a few similarities in terms of structure between tripelennamine and histamine. Firstly, both structures contain an ‘R’ group (alkyl group or hydrogen) attached to the nitrogen located at the end of the molecule (green circle). Secondly, both structures contain a nitrogen atom in a closed ring(red circle). Both of these components make the structures of histamine and tripelennamine very similar.

Tripelennamine: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/tripelennamine#section=2D-Structure

Histamine: http://www.celestialroots.com/histamine.php

 

Question 3A

 

Question 4A

Herbal supplements are partially regulated by the authoritites although it is not as intensive and strict as compared to drugs or food. However, even so, manufacturers have to follow a standard procedure when producing or marketing their product.

  1. Manufacturers are allowed to claim and market that their product aids in reducing the deficiency of nutrients or even improve certain aspects of health only if they have supporting research and studies regarding it. To do this, they have to acknowledge a disclaimer saying that the authorities have no vet this claim
  2. Manufacturers have to ensure that the manufacturing process follows good practice to ensure that all the products produced are consistent and the quality of it meet the minimum standard. This includes having a clean and safe ingredients free from contaminants such as pesticides and bacteria.
  3. The relevant authorities have the power to ask the manufacturer to remove the products from the shelves and take legal actions against them once there are reports regarding the safety aspects of the product.

To ensure that as consumers, the issues such as active ingredients, quality control and even side effects, manufacturers are required to do as follows for their product.

  1. Write the name of the herbal supplement
  2. The full list of ingredients added in the product
  3. The recommended serving size, the exact amount as well as the identity of the active ingredient in the supplement
  4. The name and address of both the manufacturer and distributor
  5. Give warning label stating that consumers should contact the doctor or pharmacist if there are any queries regarding the product.

Question 4B

For Singapore, the Health Science Authority (HSA) has strict control over the herbal supplements that are being sold here. On the HSA website, there is a guideline booklet both for consumers as well as manufacturers regarding the legislation of such supplements. In addition, it is part of the law to ensure that the herbal supplements are safe such as the Medicines Act (Chapter 176), Sales of Drugs Act (Chapter 282) and even The Poisons Act (Chapter 234). This legislation ensures that all rules are strictly adhered to and those that do not confined to this rule will be taken to task.

In addition, the guideline has a complete list regarding the substances that are restricted and prohibited to be added to the supplement. This serves as a guide for the manufacturers who intend to open up and introduce their product in the Singapore market. Information for consumers to validate the safety and quality of the supplement is also part of the guideline booklet. Therefore it serves both the consumers as well as the manufacturer to ensure that everyone is safe.

 

Text Citation 1:

http://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/dam/HSA/HPRG/Complementary_Health_Products/Overview_Framework_Policies/Health_Supplements/HSGuidelines.pdf 

Text Citation 2:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714?pg=2