Molecules of Witchcraft Andrew Nguyen and Anthony Haynes

Molecules of Witchcraft Andrew Nguyen and Anthony Haynes

Sorcery and Herbalism: the basis of Witchcraft ❖ Prior to 1350 and the height of the Roman Catholic church, witchcraft was simply sorcery, and it was an accepted part of life having been ingrained in culture for centuries. ➢ Pre 1350, Sorcery was only condemned if it was an act of maleficium and someone was harmed. ➢ With the church in power, anything not sanctioned as a miracle was officially the work of Satan. ❖ The Inquisition of the Roman Catholic church focused their efforts on witches, for they had much to gain from the hunt. ➢ Herbalists were among the most often targeted, for their knowledge of local plants and their ability to cure illnesses or remove hexes appeared only as if possible by magic.

Herbs of Healing. . . Digoxin Molecule ❖ A plethora of plants and their effects were known before modern pharmaceuticals ➢ Digitalis, the extract of Foxglove, was a key tool as it contained molecules that heavily affected the heart - Cardiac Glycosides ❖ William Withering and Digoxin Steroid Ring System Three Sugar Units Five Membered Lactone Ring ❖ Roman and Egyptian heart tonics ❖ The similarity of each cardiac glycosides’ structure is vital to their effectiveness and the way they react. OH group

And of Death ❖ Toxins were just as readily available for herbalists. Six-membered Lactone Ring Bufoxin Molecule ➢ The majority of these venoms were convulsive poisons and were derived from amphibians. ❖ The molecule Bufoxin was one of these molecules, being the active component of Bufo Vulgaris’s venom. ❖ With both being able to stop suffering and cause it, “witches” held a surprising amount of power and were feared for it.

Alkaloids-Molecules of Mania Coniine molecule ❖ The infamous claims that witches could fly or attended sabbats were actually confirmed by many accused, “willingly” at that. ❖ Alkaloids: the passive plant protection ➢ How alkaloids affect the mind. ➢ Differing structures and difference in strength ❖ Not all alkaloids are created equally; despite all affecting central nervous system, different effects can occur per source Strychnine Molecule

Twilight Sleep, Shrieking Roots, and Midnight Flights Atropine Molecule ❖Witches’ salves and potions held more than meets the eye ➢ Solanaceae-The nightshade family ➢ Wildly different members of the same family with similar components. Only difference additional O Scopolamine Molecule ➢ Hyoscine-the Truth Serum and its Twilight Sleep. ❖Seers and seeing alternate realities with the aid of alkaloids.

Cocaine vs. Atropine ❖ A chemically similar alkaloid to atropine can be found within the leaves of several species of Erythroxylon. Cocaine Molecule ❖ This isn’t part of the nightshade family. ❖ Coca leaves have many different uses. ❖ Pure cocaine that is extracted and purified has a different effect on the body. ❖ It helped treat morphine addictions. ❖ Its structure is very useful. ➢ Benzocaine, novocaine, and lidocaine Atropine Molecule

The Ergot Alkaloids ❖This alkaloid group led to a lot of witch burnings. ❖The effects of this group has many devastating causes. ❖Ergotism: A condition that someone suffers from after eating some grain or rye that is infected with ergot fungus. ❖This fungus is usually formed because of damp areas and poor storage conditions. ❖It was first reported around 600 B. C.

The Ergot Alkaloids, cont. Lysergic Acid Molecule Ergotamine Molecule ❖All Ergot Alkaloids have the same similar chemical features. ❖Ergotamine is used to treat severe migraine headaches. ❖Ergovine Molecule is used to treat postpartum hemorrhages. ❖LSD-25 was derived by Albert Hofmann. ❖Began to be marketed in 1947 Ergovine Molecule Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, LSD-25 Molecule

Question 1: Questions What differentiates the digoxin molecule from the bufotoxin molecule, as relating to the steroid ring system? Question 2: Comments Concerns What are three most significantly used members of the Solanaceae family? Which two major alkaloids did they contain?