An alkaloid, Spaeranthine, has been isolated from Sphaerunthrrs indicrrs. A volatile oil, obtained by steam distillation of the fresh plant, has also been obtained. The isolation and purification of these two principles are described and their physical and chemical properties reported.
PHAERANTHUS INDICUS is an annual herb of 1 to 2 feet in height, belonging to the natural order of Cornpositue. The plant is distributed throughout India and Ceylon at elevations up to 5000 feet. It also grows in Malaya, China, Africa, and Australia and is commonly found in rice fields and in marshy places. The drug has been used as a digestive tonic and antiseptic.
Regarding the chemical constituents of the plant, Dymock, et al. (1) reports the presence of an ether soluble alkaloid named "Sphaeranthine" and of a viscid deep sheery colored water-soluble oil.
An alkaloid, Sphaeranthine, was isolated in a pure form, having the molecular formula, C13H1gN05, and melting at 166-168O with decompositon. Several derivatives have also been prepared. The physical and chemical constants of an essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the fresh flowering plants, have also been determined.