Quinine Hydrochloride

Quinine hydrochloride is a synthetically derived salt form of quinine, originally extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, notably tonic water, to provide a bitter taste. Quinine is also a well-known antimalarial drug, but in foods and drinks, its use is heavily regulated. The FDA restricts the amount of quinine allowed in beverages due to potential toxicity at high doses; it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in low concentrations.