Alkaloids ofDelphinium speciosum
On separating the total alkaloids we isolated methyllycaconitine, lycoctonine, anthranoyllycoctonine, and gigactonine, which were identified on the basis of an analysis of spectral characteristics and a comparison of the I~C NMR spectra. In addition to these, a base was isolated with mp 180-182°C (acetone), composition C22H35N05 (I). The NMR spectrum of (I) had the signals of tertiary C-methyl group (0.97 ppm, 3 H, singlet), of a N-ethyl group (1.04 ppm, 3 H, triplet, J = 7 Hz), and of a methoxy group (3.82 ppm, 3 H, singlet), and also one-proton signals at 4.12 ppm (triplet, J = 5 Hz) and 4.6 ppm (doublet, J = 7 Hz), The IR spectrum showed the absorption bands of hydroxy groups at 3400-3600 cm -: and of ether bonds at ii00 cm -~. The mass spectrum of (I) was characteristic for alkaloids with the lycoctonine skeleton and was close to the spectrum of karakoline [2, 3]. The maximum peak in the mass spectrum of (I) was the peak of the M +17 ion, showing the presence of the hydroxy group at C-I [2], Acetylation of the alkaloid with acetic anhydride in the presence of pyridine yielded the triacetate (II) with mp 162-164°C (acetone), showing the presence of three secondary hydroxy groups. Its mass spectrum contained the peak of the molecular ion M + 519 (8%), and also the peaks of ions with m/z 476 (8%), 460 (100%), 416 (15%) and 400 (12%), The PMR spectrum contained the signals of a N-ethyl, a tertiary C-methyl, and of three acetoxy groups, and also one-proton signals at 4.68 ppm (triplet, J = 5 Hz), 4.75 ppm (quartet, ABX system, JAX = i0 Hz, JBX = 7 Hz) and 5.22 ppm (doublet, J = 7 Hz), showing the presence of hydroxy groups at C-14, C-I, and C-6 [3, 4]. The acetylation of (I) with acetyl chloride gave the tetraacetate (III). Its mass spectra contained the peak of the molecular ion M + 561 (1%), and also the peaks of ions with m/z 502 (77%), 442 (33%), 400 (100%), and 372 (33%), According to these results, the fourth hydroxy group must be located at C-8, The information obtained indicated that (I) was alkaloid B, isolated previously from Delphinium bicolor Nutt, [4-7]. A direct comparison with alkaloid B kindly supplied by Prof, M. N, Benn showed their identity.
The alkaloids of nutt.
The structures of alkaloid- and - were established via X-ray crystallography of the former as its HI salt, and its chemical conversion to the latter.
The contribution of charcoal production to rural livelihoods in a semi-arid area in Kenya
Forest incomes in the form of both timber and non-timber forest products are an important source of livelihood for many communities in Africa. A major forest resource is charcoal, which contributes to the livelihoods of millions across the region. While incomes from charcoal are used to meet a wide spectrum of needs within rural livelihoods, the role of charcoal production on livelihoods of small-scale producers is not well understood. Therefore, we provide an example on the importance of charcoal on livelihoods in an agropastoralist community in a semi-arid region in Kenya. Based on a household questionnaire targeting 150 charcoal and 150 non-charcoal makers, as well as focus group discussions, we assessed the determinants for participation in charcoal production and developed a household typology based on charcoal income dependence. We also determined the role of charcoal in income equalization and poverty reduction. Our study shows that charcoal contributes about 20% of the household income in the study area. Gender, land size and the number of food-scarce months are the key determinants of participation in charcoal production. Based on the poverty analysis, we conclude that even though charcoal income does not lift the producers out of poverty, it can mitigate the impacts of poverty by reducing the poverty gap and poverty severity. Based on our findings, we recommend a multipronged approach to address sustainable rural livelihoods including a more explicit acknowledgement of charcoal production as a source of rural income. We also recommend broadening of the local livelihood base and a more active management of the woodland to ensure the sustainability of the income.