[Alkaloids from Narcissus tazetta L.]

ABSTRACT

Narcissus tazetta of the Amaryllidaceae is a monocotyledon, perennial and bulbous plant. This ornamental fragrant plant has various alkaloids that have shown anti tumor, anti virus and anticholinergic activities. In this study, we have investigated the alkaloids of the bulbs of Narcissus tazetta [post flowering] from Gilan province, north of Iran. Ethanolic extract of bulbs were prepared. Then the alkaloids were extracted with different solvents [Et[2]O, CHCI[3], Na[2]CO[3] solution] to yielding a brown gum. This extract was Done chromatography by TLC on silica gel. The separated alkaloids were identified by the study of their NMR, IR and MASS spectra. The bulbs of Narcissus tazetta from Gilan province were found to contain homolycorine as the major alkaloid as well as tazettine and ismine. This is the first report of ismine identification in the N. tazetta whereas tazettine and demethylated derivative of homolycorine, that have medicinal properties, were found previously