This alkaloid was first isolated by Manske from Lobelia cardinalis L. It crystallizes with difficulty from EtOH yielding colourless prisms and has [o:l54 + 22.3°
(CHCI 3). The hydrochloride sesquihydrate has m.p. 220°C. Oxidation of the
alkaloid with KMn04 yields benzoic acid. Pharmacologically, the alkaloid shows
few, if any, of the typical characteristics of lobeline (q.v.).
Manske., Can. 1. Res., 16B, 445 (1938)
Pharmacology:
See pharmacological note made by Unna in the above reference.
Biosynthesis:
Gupta, Spenser., Chern. Commull., 893 (1966)
