STUDY OF HYOSCYAMINE AND SCOPOLAMINE AMOU NTS IN A SPONTANEOUS-POPULATION OF DATURA-STRAMONIUM L IN ALGERIA

Hyoscyamine is the dominant alkaloid of Datura stramonium, a natural p lant which grows in Algeria. Scopolamine and hyoscyamine contents depe nd closely on the development stages of the plant. Scopolamine is at i ts maximum content in the young plant whereas hyoscyamine is richer in the adult plant. The amount of hyoscyamine + scopolamine increases fr om the basis to the apex according to the position of the leaves. The ratio scopolamine/hyoscyamine increases from the apex to the basis. Th e output is in such natural conditions satisfory.