Biosynthesis of some alkaloids of Punica granatum and Withania somnifera

Abstract

The biosynthesis of isopeletierine [1-(2-piperidyl)propan-2-one], N-methylisopelletierine, and pseudopelletierine (9-methyl-9-azabicylo[3,3,1]nonan-3-one) in intact Punica granatum plants has been studied. N-Methylisopelletierine is shown to be derived from lysine and acetate. Acetate is shown to be the precursor of the three-carbon unit in isopelletierine and pseudopelletierine. N-Methylisopelletierine is shown to be the immediate precursor of psueudopelletierine.

The derivation of anaferine from lysine and acetate has been demonstrated in intact Withania somnifera plants. Isopelletierine has also been shown to be a precursor of anaferine.