Effect of Fertilizers on Galanthamine and Metabolite Profiles in Narcissus Bulbs by ¹H NMR

Abstract

Narcissus bulbs contain the biologically active alkaloid galanthamine, and Narcissus is being developed as a natural source of the molecule for the pharmaceutical industry. The effect of fertilizer on galanthamine production was investigated in a field study using a (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolite profiling approach. Galanthamine was quantitated and major metabolites in the bulbs were identified. The application of standard fertilization levels of nitrogen and potassium caused a significant increase in galanthamine as compared to a control. Multivariate data analysis of the (1)H NMR data revealed that applying double the standard level of nitrogen fertilizer resulted in production of more amino acids and citric acid cycle intermediates, but not more galanthamine. The results indicated that standard levels of fertilizer currently applied in The Netherlands are sufficient for optimal galanthamine accumulation in the bulbs. This study shows how (1)H NMR-based metabolic profiling can provide insight into the response of plant metabolism to agricultural practices.

Primary, Secondary Metabolites, Photosynthetic Capacity and Antioxidant Activity of the Malaysian Herb Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pumila Benth) Exposed to Potassium Fertilization under Greenhouse Conditions

“…Troufflard et al [36] also found the content of oxylipins in Arabidopsis thaliana was reduced in K deficient plants. Under K deficiency, Lubbe et al [37] reported that the production of galanthamine in Narcissus bulbs was reduced. These results all suggest the importance of K in regulating the production of secondary metabolites in plants.…”

Towards a Molecular Understanding of the Biosynthesis of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids in Support of Their Expanding Medical Use

“…or Lycoris spp. Tissue specific distribution, optimal time of harvest, treatments fertilizer or pesticides, and the effects of growth media and plant hormones on cultured tissues, are some of the main focal points [10,88–91]. An NMR-based study on the effect of fertilizers on galanthamine content in N. pseudonarcissus cv.…”

“…An NMR-based study on the effect of fertilizers on galanthamine content in N. pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton concluded that application of the standard fertilizer treatment used in the ornamental bulb industry caused a significant increase in galanthamine content compared to a non-treated control, and was sufficient for optimal galanthamine production [10]. The present cultivation of ornamental flower bulbs is characterised by a high input of agrochemicals, for instance to prevent fungal diseases.…”

“…At present the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids are primarily known for the clinical use of galanthamine in the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease [9]. Although galanthamine can be produced by organic synthesis, plants are the main source for the pharmaceutical industry [10]. While extensively cultivated and bred for their ornamental flowers, species such as Narcissus spp., Leucojum aestivum , Ungernia victoris and Lycoris radiata are also grown for the commercial production of galanthamine [11].…”

Metabolomics - Useful Tool for Study of Plant Responses to Abiotic Stresses

“…Lubbe et al [100] investigated the effect of fertilizer on galanthamine production in Narcissus bulbs in a field study using a 1 H NMR metabolite profiling approach. Galanthamine was quantitated and major metabolites in the bulbs were identified.…”