Trichodesma incanum

Cai et al. first used a chloroform-0.07 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.4-6.5) solvent system for the separation of matrine and oxymatrine from Sophora flavescens, atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine from Datura mete L. by HSCCC. Cooper et al. successfully used chloroform-0.2 M potassium phosphate buffer with an optimum pH value of each at 5.0, 5.6, 6.0, and 7.4 for the separation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from various sources of Senecio douglasii var. longilobus, Trichodesma incanum, Symphytum spp. and Amsinckia tessellata, respectively. 

Trichodesma incanum which grows in central Asia is responsible for suiljuk, a condition in cattle and horses which appears to be similar to seneciosis. Certain Cynoglossum spp. have also been shown to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Poisoning of cattle by C. officinale has been reported (39), but it is not clear whether the alkaloids are implicated. 

Extraction of Trichodesma incanum gave trichodesmine in 0.075% yield. A ZerewitinofP determination indicated the presence of two active hydrogens. No color was obtained with ferric chloride. The probable structure of trichodesmine is either CIV or CV. 

---