Source

Quinine is a quinoline alkaloid sourced from Cinchona bark. Cinchona alkaloids were of great economic importance for use in the treatment of malaria. Despite the introduction of synthetic antimalarials, salts of quinine remain commercially important due to problems of resistance associated with newer antimalarials. Isolated by P.J. Pelletier and J. Coventou in 1817, quinine was the first effective treatment for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum appearing in therapeutics in the 17th century. It remained the antimalarial drug of choice until the 1940s.

Uses

Apart from being an antimalarial, it has antibacterial, anti-pruritic, mild oxytocic, local anaesthetic, cardiovascular stimulant and analgesic properties. Quinine decreases the excitability of the motor end plate.

Large quantities of cinchona bark and quinine are used in tonic beverages for its astringent bitter taste and stomachic properties.