[Studies on hydrolysis of aconitine].

Objective: To find out hydrolysis regularity of aconitine.

Method: Aconitine was air-tighted and hydrolyzed in water for 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 h. The hydrolysis products were analyzed by HPLC-MS. A major hydrolysis product was isolated by alumina oxide column chromatography, and identified by 1H and 13C-NMR spectra.

Result: HPLC-MS analysis shows that the major hydrolysis products are benzoylaconine and aconine. The hydrolysis can mostly be completed within 20 hours.

Conclusion: Diester aconitum alkaloid can be changed to monoester aconitum and aconine alkaloids. Under the controled condition benzoylaconine is a major hydrolysis products.