NUCIFERINE

Description

Nuciferine is an aporphine alkaloid from Nelumbo lutea, the ba~e yields colourless crystals when crystallized from EtOH. It is laevorotatory, the following specific rotations having been recorded; [α] ²²_D- 157.5° and - 215°. The ultraviolet spectrum has three absorption maxima at 230, 272 and 310 mp. Two methoxyl groups and one methylimino group are present and the alkaloid may be characterized as the hydrochloride, m.p. 241°C (in vacuo) and the methiodide, m.p. 177-8°C. The optically inactive base has been synthesized and has m.p. 136-7°C, giving a hydrochloride in the form of small colourless prisms from H20, m.p. 258°C (dec.).

The Uses of NUCIFERINE

Nuciferin is an drug candidate for the treatment of obesity-related diseases. It is not well studied and its pharmacokinetics in vivo have not been fully investigated.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion andintraperitoneal routes. When heated to decomposition itemits toxic fumes of NOx.

References

Gulland, Haworth., J. Chern. Soc., 590 (1928)
Yunusov, Konovalova, Orekhov., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 70 (1940)
Arthur, Cheung., J. Chern. Soc., 2306 (1959)
Kupchan et al., Tetrahedron, 19, 227 (1963)