Moonseed Family

Curare is obtained from various members of the menisperm or moonseed family, particularly from the vines of Chondodendron tomentosum and other members of the Chondodendron genus as well as from various species of Strychnos (Figure 26.1). 

Menispermacea, or Moonseed Family.—Choripetalous woody, climbing, tropical plants with alternate, exstipulate, simple often peltate leaves. Flowers green to white. Fruit a one-seeded succulent drupe. Seeds albuminous. They usually contain tonic, narcotic or poisonous bitter principles. 

Chapter 3 by Mary D. Menachery surveys the alkaloids of South American Menispermaceae (moonseed family). Many different structural types are included in this family. The alkaloidbearing plants are woody-vines, shrubs, or small trees. Several of these species possess potent curare activity. The chemistry as well as pharmacology of these alkaloids is summarized. 

The genera in the family of Menispermaceae (Table 1) include chondrodendron and moonseed. 

---