The major alkaloids of the genus Argyrolobium

• Published in: South African journal of botany Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 196 - 198
• Main Authors: van Wyk, B-E., Verdoorn, G.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.1989
• Subjects: Argyrolobium; chemotaxonomy; Fabaceae; generic relationships; quinolizidine alkaloids; Argyrolobium; generic relationships; quinolizidine alkaloids; chemotaxonomy; Fabaceae
• ISSN: 0254-6299; 1727-9321
• DOI: 10.1016/S0254-6299(16)31207-8

The major alkaloids of 12 morphologically dissimilar species of Argyrolobium Eckl. & Zeyh. have been identified. All extracts contain large quantities of anagyrine as the dominant alkaloid. Cytisine, N-methylcytisine, lupanine, sparteine, 5,6-dehydrolupanine and ammodendrine are present as minor compounds in most of the species and as major compounds only in a few of them. The data do not reflect morphological dissimilarities and the species are remarkably uniform in their major alkaloids. Our conclusions are that Argyrolobium is closely related to the genus Polhillia Stirton, that large quantities of anagyrine may be taken as a chemotaxonomic marker for Argyrolobium and that a more detailed study of alkaloids may provide valuable taxonomic evidence in a genus without any obvious morphological specializations. Die alkaloïede van 12 morfologies-verskillende spesies van Argyrolobium Eckl. & Zeyh. is geïdentifiseer. Alle ekstrakte bevat anagirien as die dominante alkaloïed. Sitisien, N-metielsitisien, lupanien, sparteïen, 5,6-dehidrolupanien en ammodendrien is teenwoordig as ondergeskikte verbindings in meeste van die spesies en as hoof verbindings in slegs ’n paar van hulle. Die data weerspieel nie morfologiese verskille nie en die spesies is merkwaardig eenvormig in hul hoof alkaloiede. Ons gevolgtrekkings is dat Argyrolobium naverwant is aan die genus Polhillia Stirton, dat groot hoeveelhede anagirien as ’n chemotaksonomiese merker vir Argyrolobium beskou kan word en dat ’n meer volledige Studie van alkaloïede waardevolle taksonomiese getuienis mag bied in ’n genus sonder enige ooglopende morfologiese spesialisasies.