Apocynaceae Steroidal Alkaloids

Steroidal alkaloids of the group of pseudoalkaloids have been found in the bark and fruit of Holarrhena spp. (Apocynaceae), distributed in Asia and Africa (23). They are sometimes referred to as Kurchi alkaloids (80). 

The family Apocynaceae is divided into two subfamilies, Plumerioideae and Apocynoideae. The genus Holarrhena belongs to the subfamily Apocynoideae and is taxonomically close to the genus Strophanthus, which is well known for its cardiac steroidal glycosides, which include conessine and holarrhimine. 

Similar types of alkaloids have been isolated from the plants of the closely related species such as Funtumia and Malouetia. It is interesting to note that an alkaloid isolated from the wood of an African Malouetia was reported to possess a curarizing effect (87). 

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Conessine see Apocynaceae steroid alkaloids. Conhydrine, yCeMdetiue see hemlock alkaloids. Conidendrin (a-conidendrin. tsugalactone, tsugaresi-nol). 

HofaKieiiine, Holarrhena alcaloids see Apocynaceae steroid alkaloids. 

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