Cevadine-Synonym Veratrine-obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Sabadilla officinarum

B.1.3 Cevadine

Synonym Veratrine

Biological Source It is obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale (Schlecht and Cham.) A. Gray (Sabadilla officinarum Brandt.) belonging to family Liliaceae.

Chemical Structure [3β(Z), 4α, 16β]-4, 9-Epoxycevane-3, 4, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20-heptol 3-(2-methyl-2-butenoate) as stated below.

Characteristic Features

1. It gives rise to flat needles from ether which decomposes at 213-214.5°C.

2. It has specific rotation [α] D20 +12.8^o (C = 3.2 in ethanol).

3. Solubility: 1 g dissolves in 15 ml ether or ethanol and is very slightly soluble in wager.

Identification Tests

1. It forms aurichloride derivative which are obtained as fine yellow needles from ethanol that gets decomposed at 190°C.

2. It readily produces mercurichloride derivative (C₃₂H₄₉NO₉.HCl.HgCl₂) as silvery scales which decomposes at 172°C.

Caution Cevadine is extremely irritating locally particularly to the mucous membranes. Caution must be used in handling.