Phytochemical Analysis on the Ethyl Acetate Extract of the Leaves of Hyoscyamus Senecionis

Abstract

Hyoscyamus, known as the henbanes, is one of the most important genera of Solanaceae family. This genus has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines for stomach cramps, manic psychosis and heavy coughs since many years ago [1]. Tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine are important secondary metabolites of all species of this genus, which are widely used in pharmaceutical industry [2]. They also contain other various compounds such as tyramine derivatives and steroidal glycosides. Hyoscyamus senecionis is a native Iranian herb which its antispasmodic, analgesic, antipyretic and anticholinergic effects have been confirmed [3]. In our efforts to discover new and potentially bioactive secondary metabolites from Iranian plants, a phytochemical analysis was performed on the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of H. senecionis. This attempt led to the isolation of two glycosylated steroids. Their structures were elucidated using modern NMR spectroscopic technique.