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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #99299
Title: ISOLATION OF KARWINOL A FROM COYOTILLO (KARWINSKIA HUMBOLDTIANA) FRUITS

Author
item KIM, H
item Stipanovic, Robert

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/22/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Fruit from the shrub coyotillo (Karwinskia humboldtiana) contains compounds that are toxic to mammals. As such, it is a threat to the livestock industry and to the public health in the areas near the Rio Grande River in Texas. Oral administration of a purified extract from coyotillo causes quadriplegia in monkey. We have isolated, identified and determined the relative stereochemistry of a compound called karwinol A from this extract The role of karwinol A in quadriplegia in monkey is not known.

Technical Abstract: Karwinskia humboldtiana, also called coyotillo, is a shrub indigenous to the semi-desert area along the Rio Grande River. Ingestion of the fruit of this plant can cause poisoning to children and animals. Fifty-six confirmed cases of coyotillo poisoning intoxication in humans were reported in Mexico between January 1991 and December 1993. Four polyphenolic compounds have been isolated from coyotillo; two of these caused quadriplegia in monkey. We have isolated and identified a new polyphenolic compound from coyotillo fruit that we call karwinol A.