Daffodil bulbs

Lycorine (69) was recognized as a potent emetic and a moderately toxic base from the time of its initial isolation from Narcissus pseudonarcissus E. (in about 1877) (48). Since that time its isolation from many other AmaryUidaceae, for example, Lpcom radiate Herb., has served to estabUsh it as the most cosmopohtan alkaloid of the family. TypicaUy, as much as 1% of the dry weight of daffodil bulbs may consist of lycorine (69), which has been reported to... 

Daffodil bulbs require well-drained soil and a sunny planting location. They should be planted in holes that are 3-6 inches deep and there should be 2-4 inches between bulbs. The bulb should be placed in the hole, pointed side up, root side down. Once the bulb is planted, water the area thoroughly. 

Several inhibitors of AChE have been developed for use in treating Alzheimer s disease, which requires that the drugs readily enter the CNS. These inhibitors are structurally unrelated and vary in their mechanism of inhibition, although all are reversible inhibitors. Tacrine (Cognex) is a monoamine acridine. Donepezil (Aricept) is a piperidine derivative that is a relatively specific inhibitor of AChE in the brain, with little effect on pseudo-ChE in the periphery. Galanthamine (Reminyl) is a tertiary alkaloid and phenanthrene derivative extracted from daffodil bulbs that is a reversible competitive inhibitor of AChE it also acts on nicotinic receptors. 

The phenanthridine alkaloid lycorine (narcissine, galanthidine) (MD—Phe G5N C6) has a widespread occurrence and inhibits protein synthesis. Like lycorine, the structurally similar alkaloids dihydrolycorinine, haemanthamine, narciclasine, pretazettine and pseudolycorine also inhibit protein synthesis at the level of peptide bond formation. Galanthamine (lycorimine) (Phe C6N C40 C6 ), from daffodil bulbs but also of widespread occurrence, is both a nACh-R allosteric modulator and an inhibitor of AChE. Galanthamine is clinically employed in the treatment of Alzheimer s disease (dementia linked to deficiency in acetylcholine-mediated signalling in the central nervous system). 

Daffodil bulbs multiply gradually to form clumps. While plants will grow undisturbed for years, overcrowding eventually reduces flower size. Dig bulbs after foliage fades and shake away loose soil. Place them out of the sun to dry for a few days, then gently separate offsets from parent bulbs and replant. Small offsets may take a couple of years to bloom. 

Daffodil (bulb) Narcissus spp 2a, 3 Calcium oxalate crystals Gl upset... 

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