Chemical and toxicity studies of Trichodesma africanum L.

Trichodesma africanum L. (Boraginaceae), a desert plant of Africa and Asia, was found to contain beta-amyrin, beta-methyl oleanate, potassium nitrate and a nitrogen-containing toxin, each producing a notable toxic response when injected in laboratory mice and rats. Muscle contraction and a blood pressure reduction caused by the toxin are described. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, e.g., trichodesmine, present in other Trichodesma species were also identified in the material by tlc and spectrometric methods. These did not, however, produce the acute toxic effects observed for the nonalkaloid compounds mentioned above. beta-Sitosterol and stigmasterol were identified as the principal sterols in the plant.