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Planta Med 1984; 50(5): 442-443
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-969761
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Hemlock Alkaloids in Aloes. Occurrence and Distribution of γ-Coniceine

J. V. Dring1 , R. J. Nash1 , M. F. Roberts2 , T. Reynolds1
  • 1Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, U.K.
  • 2Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, W.C.1., U.K.
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Publication History

1984

1984

Publication Date:
26 February 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The hemlock alkaloid γ-coniceine was identified in a number of Aloe species, namely A. gillilandii, Reynolds A. ballyi Reynolds, A. ruspoliana Baker, A. ibitiensis Perrier and A. deltoideodonta Baker. Coniine was identified in A. viguieri Perrier. The levels of γ-coniceine are higher than those found in Conium maculatum L. Some species also contained trace amounts of conhydrinone and pseudoconhydrin. Three of the species are Madagascan endemics, one is restricted to Arabia, while the rest are remote from each other in East Africa. Some of the species are loosely related but there is no overall taxonomic affinity between them.