D. Reticuline
Synonym Coclanoline.
Biological Sources It is obtained from the plant Hydratis canadensis L. (Ranunculaceae) (Goldenseal); the leaves of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) (Bay, Grecian Laurel, Green Bay); the air-dried milky exudation obtained from excised unripe fruits of Papaver somiferum L. (Papaveraceae) (Opium Poppy, Poppyseed Poppy Keshi); and the leaves of Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees (Lauraceae) (Sassafras).
Chemical Structure
1, 2, 3, 4-Tetrahydro-1-[(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) methyl]-6-methoxy-2-methyl-7-isoquinolinol; (C19H23NO4).
Isolation Gopinath et al.,* has described the isolation of d-form of reticuline from Anona reticulata Linn., (Annonaceae).
Characteristic Features
1. The dl-form of reticuline is obtained as pink crystals having mp 146°C.
2. The uvmax: 284 nm (log € 3.85).
3. Solubility Profile: It is soluble in aqueous buffer of pH < 7.5 or > 11; and is practically insoluble in water at pH 8-10.
Identification Tests
(S)-Form Reticuline Perchlorate (C19H23NO4.HClO4): It is obtained as colourless prisms from ethanol having mp 203-204°C. Its specific optical rotation [α]D18 +88.3o (C = 0.21 in ethanol).
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* Gopinath et al., Ber. 92, 776 (1959).
