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Chemical compound From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pseudaconitine, also known as nepaline (C36H51NO12), is an extremely toxic alkaloid found in high quantities in the roots of Aconitum ferox, also known as Indian Monkshood, which belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The plant is found in East Asia, including the Himalayas.
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IUPAC name
8-(Acetyloxy)-20-ethyl-3,13-dihydroxy-1α,6α,16β-trimethoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)aconitan-14α-yl 3,4-dimethoxybenzoate | |
Other names
Nepaline; Acraconitine; Feraconitine; Pseudoaconitine; Nepal aconitine; Nepaline; Veratroylaconine | |
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Properties | |
C36H51NO12 | |
Molar mass | 689.799 g·mol−1 |
Melting point | 202 °C (396 °F; 475 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Pseudaconitine was discovered in 1878 by Wright and Luff. They isolated a highly toxic alkaloid from the roots of the plant Aconitum ferox and called it pseudaconitine. The poison is also called bikh, bish, or nabee.[1]
Pseudaconitine is a moderate inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine through hydrolysis.[2] Inhibition of this enzyme causes a constant stimulation of the postsynaptic membrane by the neurotransmitter which it cannot cancel. This accumulation of acetylcholine may thus lead to the constant stimulation of the muscles, glands and central nervous system. Furthermore, it appears the substance in small quantities also causes a tingling effect on the tongue, lips and skin.[3]
Pseudaconitine is a diterpene alkaloid, with the chemical formula C36H51NO12. The crystal melts at 202 °C and is moderately soluble in water, but more so in alcohol. This shows that it is a lipophilic substance. When heated in the dry state, it undergoes pyrolysis and pyropseudaconitine (C34H47O10N) is formed. This does not have the same tingling effect as pseudaconitine.[3][4]
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