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

Resumen

Objective: To identify the main alkaloids present in the seeds, calyx, and corolla of E. americana and E. coralloides (Fabaceae) using HPLC-MS.

Design/methodology/approach: The seeds, calyx, and corolla of both species were separated; the crude alkaloid extracts were prepared according to the method described by Games et al. (1974). The crude alkaloid extracts were analyzed 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 the presence of erythrinine and 8-oxo erythraline is typical of E. coralloides. These compounds can be used to distinguish both species.

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

Findings/conclusions: A large number of erythrinane-like alkaloids were found in seed, calyx, and corolla. The use of seeds and flowers in the preparation of diverse traditional dishes can cause soothing and sedating effects in consumers, as a result of the presence of lactonic alkaloids. The HPLC-MS method allowed the detection of alkaloidal structures in flowers and seeds that had not been identified in previous studies about this species.