Veratridine-obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale- rhizome of Veratrum album

B.1.2 Veratridine

Biological Sources It is obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale (Schelecht. And Cham.) A. Gray and also from the rhizome of Veratrum album L. (Liliaceae).

Chemical Structure (3β, 4α, 16β)-4, 9-Epoxycevane-3, 4, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20-heptol 3-(3, 4-dimethoxybenzoate) as given under.

Isolation Veratridine can be isolated as the commercial veratrine (mixture) i.e., the mixture of alkaloids cevadine, veratridine, cevadiline, sabadine and cevine obtained from the seeds of S. officinale stated above, as its sparingly soluble nitrate derivative.*

Characteristic Features

1. It is yellowish-white amorphous powder.

2. It tenaciously retains water.

3. It has mp 180°C after drying at 130°C.

4. Its specific rotation is [ α]_D²⁰  +8.0^o (ethanol) and pKa 9.54 ± 0.02.

5. It is insoluble in water but slightly soluble in ether.

Identification Tests

1. It readily forms its nitrate derivative which is an amorphous powder and sparingly soluble in water.

2. Its sulphate salt is formed as its needles which happens to be very hygroscopic.

3. It readily forms its perchlorate derivative as long needles from water having mp 259-260°C (after drying at 120°C in Vacuo).