Дезерпидин

Химические свойства

Crystalline solid; exists in three crystallineforms; mp 228–232°C (442.4–449.6°F); soluble in chloroform and methanol, insolublein water; pK 6.68 in saturated solution of40% methanol in water.

Использование

Deserpidine is found and extracted fromthe roots of Rauwolfia canescens L., andApocyanaceae. Therapeutically, it is used asan antihypertensive agent.

Угроза здоровью

The pharmacological properties of deserpi dine are similar to those of reserpine, causingsedation and tranquilization. Toxic effectsfrom high doses include drowsiness, depres sion, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps,and hypotension. It is less toxic than reserpine. However, the poisoning effects may begreater than those of other Rauwolfia alka loids, such as rescinnamine. An oral LD50value in mice is 500 mg/kg.There is some evidence of its carcinogenic actions in animals and humans. Ratsgiven oral doses of 54 mg/kg over 77 weeksdeveloped blood tumor. In humans, it mayproduce tumors in skin and appendages.Cancer-causing properties of deserpidine,however, are not yet fully established.