[6aS,(+)]-5,6,6a,7-Tetrahydro-1-methoxy-6-methyl-4H-benzo[de][1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-g]quinoline-2-ol

Description

Obtained by Kitasato from Nandina domestica, this alkaloid is amorphous but furnishes a crystalline hydrochloride which is more soluble in H20 than domesti_x0002_cine hydrochloride. On methylation it yields the same methyl ether, m.p. l38-9°C, but the ethyl ether is different, m.p. 82°C, indicating that the difference between these two alkaloids is in the position of the hydroxyl group.
Pharmacologically, the alkaloid resembles domesticine and bulbocapnine, initially inhibiting voluntary movement in the rabbit but then inducing tremors of the whole body. Large doses cause almost instant paralysis.

References

Kitasato.,J. Pharm. Soc., Japan, No. 535,71 (1926) Kitasato., ibid, No. 544, 80 (1927) Kitasato., Phytochimica, 3, 187 (1927) Kitasato., ibid, 9, 265 (1937)