Alkaloids of the genera Aspalathus, Rafnia and Wiborgia (Fabaceae – Crotalarieae)

• Published in: South African journal of botany Vol. 55; no. 5; pp. 520 - 522
• Main Authors: van Wyk, B-E., Verdoorn, G.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.1989
• Subjects: alkaloids; Aspalathus; chemotaxonomy; Fabaceae; generic relationships; isolupanine; lupanine; nutalline; quinolizidine alkaloids; Rafnia; sparteine; Wiborgia; Southern Africa; Rafnia; generic relationships; Wiborgia; Aspalathus; quinolizidine alkaloids
• ISSN: 0254-6299; 1727-9321
• DOI: 10.1016/S0254-6299(16)31150-4

The presence of alkaloids in three southern African genera of the tribe Crotalarieae is reported for the first time. Sparteine, lupanine and nuttalline were detected in several species of Aspalathus L., Rafnia Thunb. and Wiborgia Thunb., but rarely in more than trace quantities. Except for very large quantitative differences, the alkaloids are almost identical to those found in the genus Lebeckia Thunb. Available evidence suggests that the three genera are more closely related to Lebeckia than to any other genus of the tribe. The divergence of these genera seems to be linked to an almost total loss of the ability to produce alkaloids. Die teenwoordigheid van alkaloïede in drie Suider-Afrikaanse genera van die tribus Crotalarieae word vir die eerste keer gerapporteer. Sparteïen, lupanien en nuttallien is waargeneem in verskeie spesies van Aspalathus L., Rafnia Thunb. en Wiborgia Thunb. maar slegs by uitsondering in meer as spoorhoeveelhede. Afgesien van baie groot kwantitatiewe verskille, is die alkaloïede feitlik identies aan dié wat in die genus Lebeckia Thunb. aangetref word. Beskikbare getuienis dui daarop dat die drie genera nader verwant is aan Lebeckia as aan enige ander genus van die tribus. Die divergensie van hierdie genera hou skynbaar verband met ’n bykans totale verlies aan die vermoë om alkaloïede te produseer.