Cryptosin — a new cardenolide in tissue culture and intact plants of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schult

A steroidal glycoside of the digoxin type was isolated from fresh leaves and cultured cells of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem & Schult (Asclepiadaceae). Cultures were raised from leaf and shoot. Explants were cultured on MS medium containing 2,4-D, NAA, BA and coconut milk. Metabolically active calluses were proliferated and maintained on Gamborg's B₅ medium with 2,4-D and Kn. The new compound, named cryptosin, was characterised by infrared nmr and mass spectroscopy. Cryptosin was also screened for its pharmacological properties and its cardiotonic action was established.Abbreviations PVP Polyvinylpyrrolidone - 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA Naphthaleneacetic acid - BA Benzyl adenine - Kn Kinetin - MS Murashige & Skoog - Na,K-ATPase Sodium, potassium — sensitive adenosine triphosphate