PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON EGYPTIAN ARACEAE SPECIES

Summary

A phytochemical investigation of the carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, proteins and alkaloids of Eminium spiculatum and Arisarum vulgäre was undertaken.

The study of the carbohydrates revealed the presence of glucose, fructose, sucrose and raffinose in both species.

The mucilage, isolated from the corms of Eminium, was found to be composed of D–galacturonic acid, D–galactose, D–glucose, D–mannose and L–rhamnose, while that of Arisarum was composed of D–glucuronic acid, D–galactose, D–mannose, L–rhamnose and D–glucuronolactone.

The organic acids of Eminium were found to be succinic, citric and tartaric, while that of Arisarum were citric and tartaric acids.

The saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of the oils were determined. The study of the unsaponifiable matter revealed the presence of β–sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol and dehydro–campesterol, in addition to a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon and a saturated aliphatic alcohol, in both species.

The amino acids components of the two species were identified by paper chromatography.

Using solvent fractionation and Chromatographie techniques, Base „A”, m.p. 90–94° C, Base „B”, C₂₀H₃₅O₂N, m.p. 210–213° C, Base „C”, C₆H₁₂ON, picrate, m.p. 271–274° C, reineckate, m.p. 275–278° C, were isolated from Eminium spiculatum. From Arisarum vulgäre, only one water–soluble base, was obtained on a preparative scale by the reineckate salt. Both species contain few minor constituents and were free from coniine.

The study of the volatile amines of Eminium spiculatum and Arisarum vulgäre, as detected by paper chromatography, revealed 8 and 7 spots respectively. Only one tertiary base was detected in each species.

Zusammenfassung

Es wird über die Ergebnisse einer phytochemischen Untersuchung der Sprosse von Eminium spiculatum und Arisarum vulgäre berichtet.