Alkaloid constituents of Sida acuta, S. humilis, S. rhombifolia and S. spinosa.

Three types of alkaloidal constituents, viz., beta-phenethylamines, quinazolines and carboxylated tryptamines, in addition to choline and betaine have been isolated from Sida acuta Burm., S. humilis Willd., S. rhombifolia L., and S. spinosa L. and characterized by their physical and spectral properties, and by chemical transformations. The qualitative and quantitative variations in the alkaloidal constituents of roots and aerial portions at different stages of growth were also noted. Elaboration of the quinazoline alkaloids seems to be a characteristic feature of this genus. The favourable combination of sympathomimetic amines and vasicinone in these species would account for their major therapeutic uses in the Indian system of medicine.