Jervine-obtained in the rhizomes of Veratrum grandiflorum, Veratrum album, Veratrum viride

B.2.2 Jervine

Biological Sources It is obtained in the rhizomes of Veratrum grandiflorum (Maxim.) Loes F. Veratrum album L., and Veratrum viride Sol. (Liliaceae).

Chemical Structure

(3b, 23b)-17, 23-Epoxy-3-hydroxyveratraman-11-one (C₂₇H₃₉NO₃).

Characteristic Features

1. The needles obtained from methanol and water has mp 243.5-244°C (Saito).

2. Its specific rotation [α]_D²⁰ 150 - ∞ (ethanol) (Saito); and [α]_D²⁰ -167.6^o (chloroform) (Poethke).

3. It has uvmax : 250, 360 nm (€ 1500, 60).

Identification Tests

1. Diacetyljervine (C31H43NO5): The diacetyljervine has mp 173-175°C; [α]_D – 112°; uvmax (ethanol): 250, 360 nm (€ 16400, 80).

2. Jervine Hydrochloride has mp 300-302°C.