Abstract
The alkaloid composition of Atropa belladonna was analyzed by high resolution GLC and GLC-MS. A total of 13 alkaloids, most new
for Atropa, were identified from roots. The aboveground parts of the plant revealed 7 alkaloids;
the hygrines were completely absent. The alkaloid pattern of root cultures was almost
identical with the pattern of roots from intact plants. The patterns differed only
quantitatively. Scopolamine which in A. belladonna seems to be synthesized in the roots only, was preferably excreted into the culture
medium. Norhyoscyamine was found frequently in plant shoots. The occurrence of hyoscyamine
N-oxide in various plant organs could be confirmed. Cell suspension cultures produced
trace amounts of hyoscyamine, 3α-acetoxytropane and 3α-tigloyloxytropane. The last
two ester alkaloids were not detectable in intact plants.
