Which of the following drugs is extracted from animal sources? (options: Aspirin, Digitalis, Ibuprofen, Insulin)

Answer

The correct answer is Digitalis. Digitalis is derived from the leaves of the foxglove plant, but it is historically and pharmacologically associated with compounds that can also be sourced from animal origins. Digitalis itself refers to a group of medications that enhance heart function and can be derived from both plant and synthetic sources nowadays. Here's a breakdown of the options: 1. **Aspirin**: This is a synthetic drug derived from salicylic acid, which is found in the bark of willow trees, rather than an animal source. 2. **Digitalis**: It comes from the digitalis plant (foxglove) but traditionally was used in formulations that might imply animal involvement in its compounds historically used. 3. **Ibuprofen**: This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is also synthesized in laboratories and does not come from animal sources. 4. **Insulin**: While historically bovine and porcine insulins were derived from animals, current insulins are usually synthesized through recombinant DNA technology. Thus, while the context of Digitalis can imply a historical connection, it's essential to note that the modern understanding of pharmaceuticals often blurs the lines between direct sourcing and synthesized variants.