Melochia pyramidata L. I: Análisis alcaloidal y cromatográfico; informe preliminar

Abstract

The alcaloid content of the leaves of Melochia pyramidata L. was investigated. Chromatographic analysis showed the presence of three possibly alcaloid substances, one of them in the tertiary fraction, the other two in the quaternary fraction. One of these, tentatively designated as melochin, proved toxic to laboratory mice, affecting principally the hind legs. This substance is deduced to be the probable cause of the cattle disease known locally as "derrengue", which is characterized by paralysis of the hind legs.