ABSTRACT

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action Several phenanthridine alkaloids have been identified in the leaves, stems, and bulbs of Sprekelia species.1 Phenanthridine alkaloids are present in many of the Liliaceae, most notably in the Narcissus group (see Narcissus). The alkaloids have emetic, hypotensive, and respiratory depressant effects, and cause excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. As many as 15 other phenanthridine alkaloids have been isolated from other genera of the Amaryllis family, including species of Clivia, Galanthus, Haemanthus, Hippeastrum, Hymenocallis, Leucojum, Narcissus, and Zephranthes.1