Hordenine-obtained from the plant of Lophophora williamsii

B. Hordenine:

Synonyms Anhaline; Eremursine; Peyocactine.

Biological Sources It is obtained from the plant of Lophophora williamsii (Lamaire) Coult. (Catctaceae) (Peyote) and Selenicereus grandiflorus Britt and Rose (Coctaceae) (Night Blooming Cereus).

Chemical Structure

4-[2-Dimethylamino) ethyl] phenol; (C₁₀H₁₅NO).

Isolation It is isolated from barley germs by the method suggested by Erspamer and Falconieri* (1952).

Characteristic Features

1. It is obtained as orthorhombic prisms from ethanol or benzene +ether; as needles from water having mp 117-118°C.

2. It sublimes at 140-150°C and has a bp₁₁ 173°C.

3. Solubility Profile: It is very soluble in chloroform, ethanol and ether; 7 g dissolves in 1 L of water; practically insoluble in petroleum ether; and sparingly soluble in benzene, xylene and toluene.

Identification Test Hrodenine readily forms its hydrochloride salt which is obtained as needles from ethanol having mp 177°C; and it is very soluble in water.

Uses It exhibits digitalis-like activity.