2. c. CONTENTS
The Ranunculaceae contain two important alkaloids:
magnoflorine and berberine. The glucosides Ranunculine, proto-anemonine and anemonine are responsible for the vesicant action.
Cyanogenic compounds are particularly well known in the real Ranunculaceae. Saponins occur in Anemone species and in a number of Clematis species. Coffee acid is richly available in three Clematis species (e.g. the C. Vitalba).
and at Ranunculus bulbosus.
Most Ranunculaceae pile up in herbaceous parts and rhizomes grow up and sugars. Adonis, Delphinium and Aconitum thus build up a supply. Oil is stored in the rhizomes of Adonis, Eranthus and Helleborus. Seeds of the Ranunculaceae contain no starch, but 0-30% protein and 7 to 4% oil, the latter in the form of iodised oil, linol and linolenic acid.
Toxicology according to SUPPLIER
The toxic components of these plants can be divided into three main groups:
. Lactones, these substances have a strong stimulating effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Lactones are common in Pulsatilla, Clematis and the Ranunculus species.
2. Heart glycosides, active on the heart function. These substances are found in Adonis vernalis and Helleborus niger. Cimicifuga also contains similar substances (saponins) with an effect on the heart.
3. Alkaloids, these substances are found in Aconitum, Staphisagria, Aquilegia and Hydrastis. Aconitum contains the highly toxic Aconitine, which has a strong cardiotoxic effect.