Ajmaline
Encyclopedia
Ajmaline is a class Ia antiarrhythmic agent
. It is often used to bring out typical findings of ST elevations in patients suspected of having Brugada syndrome
.
The compound was first isolated by Salimuzzaman Siddiqui
in 1931 from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina
. He named it ajmaline, after Hakim Ajmal Khan
, one of the most illustrious practitioners of Unani medicine
in South Asia
.
Antiarrhythmic agent
Antiarrhythmic agents are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart , such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation....
. It is often used to bring out typical findings of ST elevations in patients suspected of having Brugada syndrome
Brugada syndrome
The Brugada syndrome is a genetic disease that is characterised by abnormal electrocardiogram findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. It is named by the Spanish cardiologists Pedro Brugada and Josep Brugada...
.
The compound was first isolated by Salimuzzaman Siddiqui
Salimuzzaman Siddiqui
Salimuzzaman Siddiqui , HI, MBE, SI, D.Phil., FPAS, FRS. was a leading Pakistani scientist in Natural Product Chemistry. He is credited for pioneering the isolation of unique chemical compounds from the Neem , Rauwolfia, and various other flora. As the founder director of H.E.J...
in 1931 from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina
Rauwolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina, or 'snakeroot' or 'sarpagandha' is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae.-Medicinal uses:It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has the name shégēn mù or yìndù shémù .Rauwolfia serpentina contains a number of...
. He named it ajmaline, after Hakim Ajmal Khan
Hakim Ajmal Khan
Ajmal Khan was an Indian physician specialising in the field of South Asian traditional Unani medicine as well as a Muslim nationalist politician and freedom fighter. Through his founding of the Tibbia College in Delhi, he is credited with the revival of Unani medicine in early 20th century...
, one of the most illustrious practitioners of Unani medicine
Unani
Unani-tibb or Unani Medicine also spelled Yunani Medicine means "Greek Medicine", and is a form of traditional medicine widely practiced in South Asia...
in South Asia
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
.