Alkaloids from the seed, calix and corolla of Erythrina americana Miller and Erythrina coralloides A.DC.

Abstract

Objective: Identified the main alkaloids present in the seeds, calyx and corolla of E. americana and E. coralloides using HPLC/MS

Design/methodology/approach: The seeds, calyx and corolla of both species were separated, the preparation of crude extracts of alkaloids was done according to the method described by Games et al. (1974).The crude extracts of alkaloids were analysed using a high performance liquid chromatograph interfaced to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer.

Results: The lactonic alkaloids -a-erythroidine and b-erythroidine were the main alkaloids found in E. americana whereas in E. coralloides is characteristic the presence of erythrinine and 8-oxo erythraline. These compounds can be used to distinguish both species.

Limitations on study/implications: The use of HPLC-MS technique allowed the detection of a large numbers of structures of alkaloid natures in different parts of plants; however this technique is not available in any laboratory.

Findings/conclusions: A large number of erythrinane type alkaloids were found in seed, calyx and corolla. The use of seeds and flowers in the preparations of diverse traditional foods can caused a tranquilizing and sedating effects in the consumers because the presence of lactonic alkaloids. The method of HPLC/MS allowed the detection of alkaloidal structures in flowers and seeds of this species that had not been identifies in previous studies.