ISOLATION OF BENZOPHENANTHRIDINE ALKALOIDS FROM MACLEAYA LEAVES WITHOUT USING TOXIC SOLVENTS

This study aims to develop a new method for isolation of benzophenanthridine alkaloids from Macleaya leaves, which do not use toxic or ecologically dangerous solvents or reagents. According to this method, the extraction of alkaloids from the plant material is performed with 90% ethanol by percolation at 40±2 °C until 5–8 parts (V/M) of extract is obtained. The extract is acidified with sulphuric acid to pH 4.0–4.5 for sedimentation of ballast substances. After filtration or centrifugation, sulphuric acid is added to the extract to obtain the concentration of 0.1–0.12 M. Crystallisation of bisulphates of alkaloids occurs during 14 days at room temperature, then is finished in 7 days at 2–8 °C. The crude product is separated by filtration, washed with 96% ethanol and dried. Upon purification, alkaloids pass into a concentrated aqueous solution in the form of sulphates. A major part of impurities is removed by sedimentation, the remainder – by sorption on activated carbon. Than alkaloids are crystallised again in the form of bisulphates or other salts as required. The procedure has been created to obtain the sum of benzophenanthridine alkaloids of Macleaya in form of salicylates. This substance, named "Sanguirisal", is proposed as an active substance for preparation of pharmaceutical forms for topic administration, being much more lipophilic than sanguiritrine.