One of the leading causes of death in underdeveloped countries is dehydration caused by diarrhea. Uncovering a natural way to develop a treatment for this issue in areas with limited resources is essential. The starting materials for the synthesis of the antidiarrheal drug loperamide, commercially known as Imodium, can be extracted from natural sources. Because of this reality, the process of a natural pathway towards this medication is started. The starting material benzylamine is extractable from the powdered roots of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>, the horseradish tree, which is abundant in countries such as India. Previously established methods of extracting benzylamine from the intact roots includes use of the hazardous solvent chloroform. This project involves the development of a greener alternative to the solvent system currently being employed, while adjusting the isolation of benzylamine from the rest of the natural components.

Progress in the development of a natural, green synthesis of loperamide

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.