Abstract
Nine simple indole bases (I–IV, VI, VIII–XI) have been isolated from the flowers of
Arundo donax L. (Gramineae). Three of these bases, e.g., (IX–XI), are previously unreported in nature while (VIII)
is reported for the first time in a gramineous plant.
The content of gramine in the flowers has been found to decrease with the appearance
and increase of the corresponding metho hydroxide. The above and related observations
indicate that gramine metho hydroxide rather that the Nb–oxide is involved in the metabolism of gramine in higher plants.
The total alkaloid and some of the individual entities from the flowers produced curarimimetic
effect of the non–depolarizing type. The alkaloids produced pronounced hypotensive
response and respiratory depression. The hypotensive response is, presumably, histamine–release
mediated.
The effect of variation of the 3–alkyl side chain in indole–3–alkylamines as to their
curari–like activity is discussed.
