causes encephalopathy ; probably also hepatotoxic.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid C₁₈H₂₇O₆N from the plant Trichodesma incanum, Boraginaceae.

• Molecular Weight : 353 Da.
  
  
• Melting Point : 160 °C.
  
  
• Solubility in : well in methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone and water.
  
  
• Biological Activity : Poisoning by Trichodesma incanum, which contains mainly Trichodesmine and Incanine, presents the following clinical symptoms after a latent period of about 10 days [3]: - vertigo; - recurring headaches leading to nausea and vomiting; - generalized malaise; - delirium, loss of consciousness; - death by respiratory depression.
  
  
• Toxicity (LD₅₀) : 10-15 mg/kg (s.c.) of Trichodesma alkaloids produce death in mice rabbits or dogs within 2 to 6 hours as a result of respiratory depression. Higher doses produce immediate death.
  
  
• Storage recommendations : Store at +4°C, in dark place.
  
  
• CAS Reg. No. : 548-90-3
  
  
• Bibliography :
  
  1. Huxtable, "Human health implications of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and herbs containing them." Toxicants of Plant Origin, vol. 1., Peter R. Cheeke Ed., (CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton, Florida, 1989), p.41-86
  2. Zalkow et al., "Pyrrolizidine alkaloids from middle eastern plants." Journal of Natural Products (1979). 42:603-614
  3. Ismailov et al., "Klinika, diagnostica i lecheniye, trichodesmotokikoza [Clinical signs, diagnosis and treatments of Trichodesma toxicosis (alimentary toxic encephalopathy)]." Meditsina (Taschkent, UzSSR) (1970) (Russian). 85