Aliphatic nitro compounds in Astragalus lusitanicus Lam.

Abstract

Astragalus lusitanicus Lam lusitanicus has been reported to be toxic for mammals. Annually, many sheep are poisoned and die because of feeding on this legume. Aliphatic nitro compounds were detected using two different methods. Colormetry with Griess-ilosvay reagent showed that nitro-compounds occurred in frozen plant samples. Two different compounds in aqueous extract and 1 or 2 in methanolic extracts were detected by thin-layer chromatography. Nitro compounds concentrations were similar to those reported in toxic species of North American Astragalus.