Abstract:

Achnatherum inebrians(Hance) Keng is a toxic grass of pastureland in the Northwest China. Two alkaloids, one neutral substance and one basic composition have been isolated from the plant.By means of MS, NMR, IR, and UV spectra and chemical methods, the two alkaloids are identified as ergonovine (ergometrine) and ergometr-inine respectively. They are isolated for the first time from achnatherum, The principle composition of the neutral substance is 1-octacosanol. Study of the structure of the basic composition, which is possible to be the active principle of the toxic plant, is in progress.