Crinum spp

Structurally, the most relevant innovations are represented by the isolation from Crinum spp. of cherylline (332), possessing a new C15 skeleton, and by the observation that tazettine (240) and related alkaloids are extraction artifacts arising from base-catalyzed isomerization of the corresponding [2]benzopyrano[3,4-c]indole derivatives. The uncertainties relating to most of the alkaloids reported in Volume XI, p. 384, still remain. 

This alkaloid, Ci7HigN04, was isolated first by Tanaka (149d) from Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum. With the revival of interest in the alkaloids of this family, it has been demonstrated to occur in trace amounts in many Crinum spp. and in Ammocharis coranica. Crinamine is isomeric with haemanthamine and contains one methylenedioxy, one methoxyl and one hydroxyl group. It has been shown to contain one double bond, reducible by chemical and catalytic methods. The base was not affected by manganese dioxide, selenium dioxide or mercuric acetate. 

Several substances have been detected in the course of Amarylli-daceae alkaloid isolations which cannot be classified within any of the previous sections. Of these, belladine and 0-methylnorbelladine are basic substances of singular importance in the biosynthesis of the alkaloids of the family. Further discussion of these bases is reserved for Section X. Hordenine has been isolated from Pancratium maritimum (3) and Ungernia victoris (61). It appears to be a metabolite of tyrosine, an important amino acid percursor of the alkaloids of the family. Ismine, C15H15NO3 (mp 99.5°-100.5° [a]p +0° in CHCI3 picrate, mp 158°-159°), has been isolated from an unidentified Ismene spp., Crinum powellii, and Sprekelia formosissima in minute amounts (6). 

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