Poster: Secondary metabolism

Abs # 268: Investigation and quantitative identification of amaryllidaceae alkaloids in Hymenocallis latifolia: native plant tissue and tissue cultures.

Presenter:	Higgs, Paul I., phiggs@mail.barry.edu
Authors	Higgs, Paul I. (A)   Delgado, Ricardo  (A)   Boston, Collins  (A)
Affiliations:	(A): Barry University

Since the time of Hippocrates in 400 B.C. preparations from Narcissus sp. have been used in the treatment of various cancers. In 1984 Pettit isolated the amaryllidaceae alkaloid pancratistatin, a potent antineoplastic agent from Hymenocallis littoralis. However, as is often the case with such secondary metabolites it is isolable in only minute amounts (for example: 1 kg of bulbs gives 2.2 mg 0.0022%). Multiple chemical syntheses have been attempted but all require too many chemical steps and overall yields are extremely disappointing. It is perhaps time to turn back to biology and attempt plant tissue culture techniques as a means of enhancing the natural abilities of Hymenocallis sp. to produce these bioactive alkaloids. Our first steps in this process will be presented.