a class of plant alkaloids widely used to treat migraine is:
- A- vinic al kaloids
- B- digitalis
- C- stramonium alkaloids
- D- ergot alkaloids***
- E- belladonna alkaloids.
The correct answer is D. Ergot alkaloids.
Here's why:
- Ergot alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in the ergot fungus. These alkaloids have a variety of medicinal properties, including vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and serotonin agonism (activation of serotonin receptors).
- Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by the dilation (widening) of blood vessels in the brain. Ergot alkaloids, with their vasoconstricting properties, can help to narrow these blood vessels and reduce the pain and other symptoms of migraine.
- While other classes of alkaloids listed might have some therapeutic uses, they are not primarily associated with the treatment of migraines.
Here's a breakdown of the other options:
A. Vinca alkaloids:
These alkaloids are used to treat certain types of cancer and are not typically used for migraines.
B. Digitalis:
This is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and is not effective for migraines.
C. Stramonium alkaloids: These alkaloids have some anticholinergic properties but are not commonly used for migraines.
E. Belladonna alkaloids:
These alkaloids have anticholinergic and antispasmodic properties but are not typically used for migraines.
Therefore, considering their vasoconstricting and serotonin agonistic properties, ergot alkaloids are the class of plant alkaloids widely used to treat migraines.
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