Reticuline-Synonym Coclanoline-Hydratis canadensis

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 uv_max: 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 +88.3^o (C = 0.21 in ethanol).

-------------------------------------

* Gopinath et al., Ber. 92, 776 (1959).
Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar