TOXIC AMINES AND ALKALOIDS FROM ACACIA-BERLANDIERI

Consumption of Acacia berlandieri Benth. by domestic livestock during periods of drought may result in a locomotor ataxia, as well as having negative effects on intake and male fertility. Four phenolic amines ( N-methyl-beta-phenethylamine, tyramine, N-methyltyramine, and hordenin e), had previously been extracted from the plant, and N-methyl-beta-ph enethylamine has been shown to negatively impact fertility in female A ngora goats. In order to clarify the possible role of other, secondary compounds from Acacia berlandieri on non-lethal toxicities in domesti c livestock, leaf samples collected in the spring and autumn were subj ected to rigorous chemical analysis. In addition to the four previousl y detected amines, 29 other alkaloids and amines were isolated and ide ntified by GC-MS, these including nicotine, nornicotine, mescaline, mi mosine, and four amphetamines. A significant increase in the number an d relative quantities of these compounds was observed in late season f oliage. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.