Structure of Ephedradine D, a Hypotensive Principle of Ephedra Roots

Abstract

From the crude drug "maa-kon", the roots of Ephedra plants, a new maeroeyelic apermine alkaloid ephedradine D exhibiting the hypotensive activity has been obtained whose stereostructure has been elucidated as shown in formula I based on chemical and physical evidence.The crude drvg "ma5-kont', the "nderground part of ephedra plants (E~hedreceae), has been utilized for entiperspiratory purpose in Oriental medicine.We have recently isolated from the crude drug three hypotensive principlee ephedradim A, B and C whose stereostructures have been Further survey of the alkaloid fraction from the extract of the crude drug resulted in the isolation of another alkaloid which was termed as ephedradine D.Ephedradine D was characterized as the dihydrobromide, m.p. 21+221°, [alD -85.3' (H20), C29H38N405.2HBr(FD-US: ~1 % 522, Hf as free base).When ephedradine D dihydrobromide was administered to rats (1.5 mglkg, i.v .) , a significant hypotension was observed.-The IR spectrum of ephedradine D displayed bands at 3370 em-' for hydroxyl endlor amino groups and at 1620