Alkaloids from Leaves and Flowers of Colchicum autumnale L.¹

Abstract

The alkaloid content in fresh and dry leaves and flowers of Colchicum autumnale L. was studied. Results show that 2– and 3–demethylated derivatives of colchicine do not occur in extracts from fresh material but they are present in considerable quantity in material slowly dried before extraction due to enzymatic liberation. Demethylated products are not bound in form of glycosides, but are attached in an unknown manner to cell constituents. In addition to known alkaloids we have found cornigerine, 2– and 3–demethyl–N–deacetyl–N–formylcolchicine, 2– and 3–demethyl–demecolcine, and a new alkaloid 2–de–methylcolchifoline but no alkaloids without tropolone ring. Suitably dried leaves and flowers could be used for the commercial isolation of colchicine alkaloids – instead of seeds and corms which are difficult to obtain.

Key Word Index

Colchicum autumnale - Liliaceae - Alkaloids - 2–Demethylcolchifoline