Alkaloids of Aconitum kirinense. Structure of akirine

The known alkaloid lepenine and the new diterpene alkaloid akirine have been isolated from the epigeal part ofAconitum kirinense Nakai. To establish the structure of akirine, its spectral characteristics have been studied and an x-ray structural analysis has been made. It is 1α,8β-dihydroxy-16β-methoxy-9β,14β-methylenedioxy-3β,4β-epoxy-N-ethylaconitane — the first diterpene alkaloid with a lycoctonine skeleton containing a 9,14-methylenedioxy group and a β-oriented substituent at C14.