Alkaloid variations within the genus (Menispermaceae) in China.

The genus , which is rich in alkaloids, has been used as a traditional medicine or folklore herb against numerous ailments in China. However, the understanding of the variation within the genus is obscure, which limits the optimal utilization of the genus. An evaluation of the variation within the genus would help screen the ideal genotypes for drug utilization. In the present study, alkaloids in the tubers of four commonly cultivated species in China, i.e., the genotype Lo. (SK-guangxi) from Guangxi Province and three H.S. Lo. genotypes (SY-xueteng, SY-hongteng, and SY-lvteng) sourced from Yunnan Province, were investigated, and the genus variations were compared. The results revealed significant variations in the abundance of alkaloids in tubers within the genus . The genotypes SY-xueteng and SY-hongteng showed a relatively high abundance of total alkaloids compared with the genotypes SK-guangxi and SY-lvteng. Specifically, the genotype SY-xueteng had a relatively high abundance of palmatine in tubers, and the genotype SY-hongteng exhibited a high abundance of stephanine in tubers. Our study provides foundations for further utilization of ideal genotypes by clarifying the variations in the alkaloid contents within the genus in China.