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Planta Med 1976; 29(1): 86-90
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1097633
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

EXAMINATION OF SQUILL TISSUE CULTURES FOR BUFADIENOLIDES AND ANTHOCYANINS

S. E. Shyr, E. J. Staba
  • Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.
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Publication Date:
13 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Three major compounds were isolated but not crystallized by thin-layer chromatography from the previously reported cardioactive semi-purified extracts of Urginea maritima (Linné) Baker (white squill) tissue cultures. Compounds separated were different from the standard squill bufadienolides by ultraviolet, infrared and mass spectra. No bufadienolides were identified in the tissue cultures studied.

Red-purple pigments were produced in squill tissue cultures grown under light. These pigments were tentatively identified by absorption spectra and color reactions as anthocyanins containing a catechol group. No such pigments were found in squill tissue cultures grown in the dark.