Emetine and cephaeline content in plants of Psychotria ipecacuanha in Costa Rica

María Catalina Rosales López,Rodrigo Muñoz-Arrieta,Ana Abdelnour-Esquivel

doi:10.15446/rev.colomb.quim.v49n2.78347

María Catalina Rosales López, Rodrigo Muñoz-Arrieta + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15446/rev.colomb.quim.v49n2.78347

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the emetic metabolites in different parts of the P. ipecacuanha, a plant with emetic properties. Partial phytochemical analysis was performed to determine the presence of emetine and cephaeline in leaves, stems and roots. Both alkaloids were detected in the three plant parts analyzed. Highest alkaloid content was found in roots (8.55 mg/g), followed by stems (4.05 mg/g), and the lowest was found in leaves (2.4 mg/g). The cephaeline content (8.35 mg/g) was higher than that of emetine (6.65 mg/g) in all the three organs analyzed. Toxicity analysis of the crude extract showed a LD50 of 500 mg/kg.

Highlights

Plants synthesize secondary metabolites that can be isolated and used for medicinal, industrial, cosmetic, nutritional, and other purposes [1]
In Costa Rica, Psychotria ipecacuanha is of great economic importance
Only the roots are used as raw material for the international pharmaceutical industry and the entire plant is destroyed at harvest [2, 4]. Based on this commercial practice, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of emetic alkaloids in whole plants of Psychotria ipecacuanha grown in Costa Rica in order to prevent the destruction of plantations

Summary

Introduction

Plants synthesize secondary metabolites that can be isolated and used for medicinal, industrial, cosmetic, nutritional, and other purposes [1]. Structural differences between the two compounds are due to the additional methoxyl group in emetine (emetine has two isoquinoline nuclei and four methoxyl groups, while cephaeline has three methoxyl groups and one free OH) Both alkaloids exert a direct irritant action on the gastric mucosa and generally cause vomiting within 30 min of administration of ipecacuana to the patient [2]. Only the roots are used as raw material for the international pharmaceutical industry and the entire plant is destroyed at harvest [2, 4] Based on this commercial practice, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of emetic alkaloids in whole plants of Psychotria ipecacuanha grown in Costa Rica in order to prevent the destruction of plantations

Materials and methods

Results and discussion

Conclusions