Different Sources of Drugs

• Plants: Plants offer a wide range of chemical compounds with medicinal properties.
  • Examples: Morphine (opium poppy) for pain relief, Quinine (cinchona bark) for malaria, Atropine (Atropa belladonna) for bradycardia.
• Animals: Some drugs are extracted from animal tissues or hormones.
  • Examples: Insulin from animal pancreas for diabetes, Heparin from pig intestines as an anticoagulant.
• Minerals: Inorganic minerals also provide essential drug compounds.
  • Examples: Iron for anemia, Magnesium sulfate as a laxative and electrolyte replenisher.
• Microorganisms: Bacteria and fungi are sources for antibiotics.
  • Examples: Penicillin from Penicillium mold for bacterial infections, Streptomycin from Streptomyces for tuberculosis.

• Synthetic drugs are created entirely through chemical processes in laboratories.
  • Examples: Aspirin (analgesic), Propranolol (beta-blocker), Diazepam (anti-anxiety).

• Derived from natural sources but chemically modified for enhanced properties.
  • Examples: Amoxicillin (improved absorption), Heroin (from morphine), Hydromorphone (stronger analgesic effect).

• Produced through recombinant DNA technology, enabling production of complex molecules.
  • Examples: Recombinant Insulin, Monoclonal Antibodies (trastuzumab for cancer), Erythropoietin (for anemia).

• Marine organisms like sponges and corals offer unique bioactive compounds.
  • Examples: Ziconotide from cone snail venom for chronic pain, Trabectedin from sea squirts for cancer.

• Diversity of Chemical Structures: Natural sources offer unique structures, inspiring synthetic derivatives.
• Customizable and Scalable: Synthetic drugs are easier to produce at scale.
• Biologics for Personalized Treatment: Biotech-derived drugs target specific diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
• Marine Compounds for Novel Drugs: Marine sources are still largely untapped, providing potential for future therapeutics.

Each source provides unique advantages in drug discovery, aiding in the development of new and effective treatments.