The cardiac glycoside from Urginea rubella Baker. Part. I. Isolation and properties of rubellin

Abstract

1. The active cardiac principle of Urginea rubella Baker has been isolated. Analysis points to the empirical formula C₃₆H₁₈O₁₆. The name suggested for this compound is "rubellin". Rubellin melts at 261-3°C. with decomposition and has [α]27/D = 15.81°(MeOH). 2. Hydrolysis of rubellin yields a sugar and pro-rubillidin, having M.P. 267-8°C. (decomp.) and [α]20/D = 24°(MeOH). 3. Succinic acid was isolated in small yield from the plant. 4. The toxicity of rubellin towards white rats was determined by intraperitoneal injection, the L.D.50 being 0.692 mgm. per Kg. Dosed to rabbits per os, the toxicity of rubellin is about 10 mgm. per Kilogram rabbit.