Abstract:
D. ferox L. is reported for the first time to grow in Egypt. Paper chromatography was applied to the total alkaloids of D. ferox and the distinct spots appeared on the chromatogram. One corresponding to hyoscine (RF. 0. 6) and the other higher (RF. 0.9) than that of atropine (RF. 0. 73). Using a column of Kiesephr buffered with Mciivain citrate buffer pH 6, only two alkaloids were separately eluted, one by ether (RF. 0. 9) and the other by chloroform (RF. 0. 6). The latter is verified to be hyoscine while the other is apoatropine. The atropine, hyoscyamine or mateloidine which are reported in the literature to be present in D.ferox, are not detectable by any means and in any stage of development of the plant. A new rapid easy method based on the solubility of apoatropine hydrochloride in chloroform and the insolubility of hyoscine hydrochloride is suggested for the separation and assaying of these two alkaloids in D. ferox or when mixed together. The seeds contain only huoscine (0. 1%) and no apoatropine, but on germination apoatropine becomes the principal alkaloid in seedings of 5 days old (0. 13%) while hyo-scine drops to 0. 03%. As the seedlings grow older. the percentage of apoatropine decreases gradually, while the percentage of hyoscine increases till the plant is mature. In the mature plants, the stems contain the least amount of apoatropine (0. 03), while the pericarp and leaves contain the highest percentage of this alkaloid in relation to hyoscine. Although the flowers contain the highest percentage of hyoscine (0.24%), it is for commercial purposesthat the flowering tops of D. ferox. grown in Egypt are to be collected (percentage of hyoscine, 0. 197) to constitute the drug and for the preparation of hyoscine.
Page(s):
254-257
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, Volume: 4, Issue: 4, Year: 1961