ABSTRACT
The polymeric derivatives of alkaloids, which are basic nitrogen-containing low-molecular compounds of predominantly plant origin, have recently come into focus owing to their potential pharmacologic activity. Unlike polymeric derivatives of other naturally occurring substances, the polymeric derivatives of alkaloids are primarily obtained by means of homo-or copolymerization of their unsaturated low-molecular compounds. Polymers of the unsaturated derivatives of alkaloids are obtainable by conventional radical polymerization methods. Special attention has been paid to the radiation method which proved highly effective in the production of polymers for medicine. To increase biological activity and decrease toxicity, an allyl derivative of the alkaloid salsolidine (VIII) was copolymerized with N-vinylpyrrolidone in solvent in the presence of AIBN. Biological experiments on mice revealed that synthesized polymers, as compared to a free form of the given morphine antagonist, have 2 to 30 times longer effect and are generally less toxic.
