Quinine is obtained from the Cinchona tree.

The Cinchona tree, also known as the Quinine tree, is the primary source of quinine. Quinine is a natural alkaloid that has been used for centuries as an antimalarial drug. It is an important medicine in the treatment of malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.

Origin and Distribution of the Cinchona Tree:
- The Cinchona tree is native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly the Andean forests of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia.
- It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family.
- The tree has a straight trunk, with a dense canopy of glossy leaves and fragrant flowers.
- Due to its medicinal properties, the Cinchona tree has been cultivated in various parts of the world, including India, Indonesia, and Africa.

Extraction of Quinine from the Cinchona Tree:
1. Bark Harvesting: The primary source of quinine is the bark of the Cinchona tree. The bark is harvested by carefully removing a portion of the outer layer without causing damage to the tree.
2. Active Compound Extraction: The harvested bark is then processed to extract the active compounds, including quinine. This is typically done through a process called maceration, where the bark is soaked in a solvent, such as ethanol or water, to dissolve the desired compounds.
3. Purification: The extracted solution is then purified using various techniques, such as filtration, distillation, and crystallization, to obtain pure quinine in a solid form.
4. Drug Manufacturing: The purified quinine can be further processed to produce various antimalarial drugs, such as quinine sulfate or quinine hydrochloride, which are used for the treatment of malaria.

Significance of Quinine:
- Quinine is known for its antimalarial properties and has been used for centuries to treat and prevent malaria.
- It works by interfering with the reproduction and development of the malaria parasites in the human body.
- Quinine is also used in the production of tonic water, giving it its distinctive bitter taste.
- In addition to its antimalarial effects, quinine has also been used to treat other medical conditions, such as leg cramps and arrhythmias.

In conclusion, quinine is obtained from the Cinchona tree, which is primarily found in the tropical regions of South America. The bark of the Cinchona tree is harvested, and the active compound, quinine, is extracted and purified for use as an antimalarial drug. The discovery and utilization of quinine have played a significant role in the treatment and prevention of malaria worldwide.

B is true. Cinchona tree provides the alkaloid quinine, an important medicine for treating malaria