Alkaloid Distribution in Seeds of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae)

Abstract

Abstract. Seeds of Argemone mexicana L. accumulate significative amounts of sanguinarine. The analysis of the distribution of this alkaloid through the tissues of mature seeds revealed that up to 60 % of its contents was found tightly fixed to the different components of the seed external covers where it persisted during seedling germination. Contrastingly, sanguinarine contents in cotyledon accounted for the remaining 40 % and it could have been, at least partially, mobilized to the newly formed hypocotyls during emergence from seeds. Berberine was only detected in immature seeds and in seedlings once cotyledons were totally displayed. These results are discussed as a possible sanguinarine role in the chemical protection during seedlings germination.
 
 Resumen. Semillas de Argemone mexicana L. acumulan cantidades elevadas de sanguinarina. Un análisis de la distribución de alcaloides en los diferentes tejidos que componen la semilla reveló que hasta un 60 % del contenido se encontraba fuertemente unido en las capas que forman la cubierta exterior, donde se retuvieron durante la emergencia del hipocótilo. En contraste, los cotiledones presentaron el 40 % restante y parte de ello pudo haber sido movilizado al hipocótilo al emerger. Berberina sólo se observó en semillas inmaduras y en plántulas en desarrollo con los cotiledones desplegados. Estos resultados se discuten en función del posible papel defensivo de la sanguinarina durante la germinación.

Evaluation of In Vivo Wound-Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Solvent Fractions of Fruits of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae)

“…Several active secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, amino acids, steroids, favonoids, and fatty acids, have been isolated from the various plant sections of A. mexicana and were tested for their biological activities [86,93,[110][111][112]. According to reports from earlier investigations, A. mexicana's diverse plant parts have a range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological actions [12].…”

An Update of the Sanguinarine and Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids’ Biosynthesis and Their Applications

“…Commonly, sanguinarine (I) and other BZD alkaloids are synthetized in underground tissues in species of Argemone, Papaver, and Sanguinaria, where enzymes are distributed between the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), both inside in the lumen and membranebound, and the cytosol [16,20]. After their synthesis, alkaloids are accumulated in vacuoles with the participation of a vesicle-mediated transport system [21].…”