an alkaloid used for obtaining models of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid, C₁₆H₂₇NO₅ from plants of the Heliotropum genus, Boraginaceae.

• Molecular Weight : 313.16 Da.
  
  
• Melting Point : 119-126 °C.
  
  
• Solubility in : soluble in chloroform; slightly turbid in water.
  
  
• Purity min. : 98 %. (TLC).
  
  
• Biological Activity : a single administration of 40 mg/100 g, s.c. on rats causes an experimental hepatitis for 20 days. recommended doses for an experimental cirrhosis: - 1st week: 20 mg/100 g every other day; - 2nd week: 15 mg/100 g every other day; - 3rd week: 10 mg/100 g every other day.
  
  
• Toxicity (LD₅₀) : rats (male i.p.): 296 mg/kg. rats (female i.p.): 478 mg/kg.
  
  
• Storage recommendations : Store at +4°C, in dark place.
  
  
• CAS Reg. No. : 303-33-3
  
  
• Bibliography :
  
  1. Silvingham et al., Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis (1988). 8:205
  2. Bruggeman et al., "Induction of SCEs by some pyrrolizidine alkaloids in V79 Chinese Hamster cells co-cultured with chick embryo hepatocytes." Mutation Res. (1985). 142:209-212
  3. Schoental et al., "The effects of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, heliotrine, and nicotinamide on the concentration of plasma insuline and blood glucose in the rat." Biochem. Soc. Trans. (1976). 4(4):649-650
  4. Schoental et al., Cancer Res. (1975). 35:2020-2024
  5. Maltsev. "Study of enzyme oxidative-reducing activity in rat liver in heliotrine chronic intoxication." Pharmacol. and Toxicol. (1971). 2:228-231
  6. Bull et al., "The chronic pathological effects on the liver of the rat of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids heliotrine, lasiocarpine, and their N-oxides." J. Path. Bact. (1959). 78:483-502