A study of the alkaloids in Cephalotaxus and their bearing on the chemotaxonomic problems of the genus

Chu Tai-Ping

Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:1979-11-18 Published:1979-11-18
Contact: Chu Tai-Ping

Abstract:

The family Cephalotaxaceae contains so far known only 1 genus with 8 species and

possibly 2-3 varieties mostly native in China.

In recent years, some ester alkaloids of Cephalotaxus have been shown significant

activity in a variety of experimental leukemia systems. 6 species (including varieties)

of the genus have been investigated for their alkaloids.

The detected alkaloids in Cephalotaxaceous plants, from the chemotaxonomic point

of view, may be of some significance to the plant systemstics. Our present study has

indicated that:

(1) The species C. sinensis and C. fortunei (C. oliveri ?) are chemically considered

to be more primitive than others, while C. harringtonia, C. hainanensis and C. wilsoniana

(including C. mannii?) seem to be derived.

(2) Chemical evidence has suggested that the genus Cephalotaxus be accorded a

family rank.

(3) On the basis of morphology, anatomy, embryogeny, geographical distribution

etc., the recent findings in the chemistry of Cephalotaxaceae support the inclusion of

Cephalotaxaceae, Taxaceae and Podocarpaceae in Taxineae of Coniferales.

(4) C. fortunei, C. hainanensis and C. oliveri (C. harringtonia) contain richer

ester alkaloids than other species of the genus. C. fortunei which has a wide distribu-

tion and great amount in many provinces of China, may prove to be a good new

resource for antitumor medicine.

Chu Tai-Ping. A study of the alkaloids in Cephalotaxus and their bearing on the chemotaxonomic problems of the genus[J]. .

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