ALKALOIDS FROM CERATOCAPNOS-HETEROCARPA PLANTS AND IN-VITRO CULTURES

The production of isoquinoline alkaloids related to the crassifoline m etabolism by plants of the genera Ceratocapnos, Sarcocapnos, Fumaria, Platycapnos and Rupicapnos was investigated. Callus and cell suspensio ns of Ceratocapnos heterocarpa were initiated and their alkaloid compo sition compared with that of the plant. In the absence of organogenesi s, only reticuline related alkaloids (protopine, ribasine and dihydros anguinarine) were produced. However, organogenic calli regained their ability to biosynthesize cularines and 1,2-berbines.