Alkaloid variations within the genus Stephania (Menispermaceae) in China

The genus Stephania, which is rich in alkaloids, has been used as a traditional medicine or folklore herb against numerous ailments in China. However, the understanding of the variation within the genus Stephania is obscure, which limits the optimal utilization of the genus. An evaluation of the variation within the genus Stephania would help screen the ideal Stephania genotypes for drug utilization. In the present study, alkaloids in the tubers of four commonly cultivated Stephania species in China, i.e., the genotype Stephania kwangsiensis Lo. (SK-guangxi) from Guangxi Province and three Stephania yunnanensis H.S. Lo. genotypes (SY-xueteng, SY-hongteng, and SYlvteng) sourced from Yunnan Province, were investigated, and the genus variations were compared. The results revealed significant variations in the abundance of alkaloids in tubers within the genus Stephania. The Stephania genotypes SY-xueteng and SY-hongteng showed a relatively high abundance of total alkaloids compared with the Stephania genotypes SK-guangxi and SY-lvteng. Specifically, the Stephania genotype SY-xueteng had a relatively high abundance of palmatine in tubers, and the Stephania genotype SY-hongteng exhibited a high abundance of stephanine in tubers. Our study provides foundations for further utilization of ideal Stephania genotypes by clarifying the variations in the alkaloid contents within the genus in China.

Automated summary

The genus Stephania is a rich source of alkaloids and has been traditionally used in China for treating various ailments. However, there is limited understanding of the variation within the genus, which hinders its optimal utilization. This study evaluated the variation in alkaloid content in four commonly cultivated Stephania species in China. The results revealed significant variations in alkaloid abundance among the species, with the genotypes SY-xueteng and SY-hongteng showing relatively high alkaloid abundance. This study provides a foundation for the further utilization of ideal Stephania genotypes by clarifying alkaloid content variations within the genus.