Quinine is an alkaloid-type compound, of natural origin, which has a clear and crystalline hue, which is characterized by having certain qualities, among which are analgesic, antipyretic and antimalarial, those in charge of producing these substances are plants belonging to the Cinchona genus. This was used as the main element to treat malaria, but was later supplanted by synthetic substances with a radius of action much more efficient, although it is now possible use is used in cases of resistant malarial in when it comes to adulteration of heroin.
Since its discovery by the American Indians, quinine was highly known for its curative abilities, however its use was not admitted in colonial European society until its uses to treat malaria were demonstrated. This use was discovered by the indigenous people when the European conquerors brought malaria from Europe, it was then that the natives discovered the effects of the bark of the cinchona tree on malaria. The name "quinine" derives from the Quechua dialect, specifically from the word quina which means bark, later the name "quinine" was given to the bark of a flavor treebitter and with healing properties of different diseases and that is where the term quinine is derived.
In 1737, the researcher Charles Marie de La Condamine, managed to discover one of the forms of quinine that was most effective against malaria, finally almost a decade later in 1820 Joseph Bienaimé Caventou and Pierre Joseph Pelletier managed to isolate in its entirety to quinine, which before its purification was possible, the bark of the tree had to be dried, then it was ground into a fine powder and then mixed with some liquid substance and then that mixture was drunk. Despite the great technological advances, the only known source of quinine is the quinine tree, which over time has managed to further purify its synthesis.
The use of this substance at a medicinal level can cause what is known as synchronism, this usually when the doses administered are too high, and can even cause the death of the patient, since it can cause the formation of edema in the lungs, in the case of pregnant women can cause abortion.
