Constituents of plants growing in Qatar part XV. Chemical investigation and pharmacotoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids of moltikiopsis ciliata

Abstract

Chemical study of the alkaloidal constituents of Moltikiopsis ciliata resulted in the isolation and identification of heliotrine and echinatine, in addition to other minor alkaloids. Pharmacological experiments revealed: 1. The LD50 of the ethanolic extract in mice and rats was: in mice: i.p. 7 mg/ kg; oral 20 mg/kg and in rats: i.p. (mature) 10 mg/kg; oral (immature) 90 mg/kg. 2. Muscle relaxant activity was a prominent feature of acute toxicity studies performed in mice and rats using the ethanolic extract of M. ciliara. Cardiorespiratory failure was the most probable cause of death. 3. Pharmacological screening of the ethanolic extract on toad's and rabbit's hearts has been carried out. © 1988 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.