Biosynthesis of cardiac glycosides: Nucleotide-bound 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methylhexoses in leaf extracts of Nerium oleander.

From the leaves of NERIUM OLEANDER L. (Apocynaceae) nucleotide bound D-sarmentose and D-diginose were isolated and purified by use of PVP- and charcoal treatment and further separated by paper chromatography and electrophoresis. D-sarmentose and D-diginose werde identified by repeated thinlayer co-chromatography in two different solvent systems. Complete separation of L-oleandrose, D-cymarose, D-sarmentose, D-diginose and D-digitoxose was achieved for the first time with one single TLC-system.