Abstract
In a previous communication 1 , 2 the writer reported the isolation from the tubers of Chinese corydalis (Yen-Hu-So) five alkaloids which were provisionally labelled A, B, C, D, and E, until further confirmation. Corydalis A is identical with Corydaline in all respects and the other 4 are new. A preliminary examination of the physiological effects of Corydalis B and C by Drs. H. P. Chu and C. Pak 1 showed that Corydalis B has narcotic and local anaesthetic properties and a cardiac augmentor action. Corydalis C is apparently a cerebral stimulant. In a second communication, 3 the isolation of 3 more alkaloids, Corydalis F, G, and H, from the same Chinese Corydalis was reported. The first 2 are phenolic bases and the third, obtained only in the form of its hydrobromide, is quaternary. The present work consists of the isolation of another new alkaloid, Corydalis I, and the identification of Corydalis F and G by means of their mono-methyl ether.
Corydalis I is also a non-phenolic base, melting at 104° C. and having a specific rotation of +112.5° in alcohol. It crystallizes out from a mixture of alcohol and petroleum ether in the form of large prisms. It forms well crystallized salts; hydrogen oxalate, prisms, m. p. 185° C.; hydrochloride, silky soft needles, m. p. 236° C.; hydrobromide, silky needles; m. p. 241° C. The following preliminary physiological tests of Corydalis I were carried out by Dr. C. Pak; with doses varying from 0.19-0.35 mg. per gm. body weight subcutaneously, Corydalis I, in the form of its hydrobromide, produces in mice and rats a slight depression of the central nervous system (drowsiness) followed within one hour by severe convulsions ending in death.
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