Pharmacological investigations of virosecurinine.

This study reports some biological studies on the alkaloid virosecurinine isolated from the plant Securinega Virosa. Virosecurinine is an isomer of the securinine group of alkaloids present in plants used in traditional medicines in many areas, including the Central District of Papua New Guinea. Virosecurinine is mildly toxic to mice with an LD50 of 73 milligrams per kilogram body weight. Death results from violent tonic convulsions and paralysis similar to those observed with strychnine poisoning. Virosecurinine had no effect on the growth of the following bacteria, E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis, or the fungi, F. monoliforme, P. viridicatum, A. niger, R. solani, R. stolonifer and C. lunata.