Cryptosin - a new cardenolide in tissue culture and intact plants of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schult.

A steroidal glycoside of the digoxin type was isolated from fresh leaves and cultured cells of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem & Schult (Asclepiadaceae). Cultures were raised from leaf and shoot. Explants were cultured on MS medium containing 2,4-D, NAA, BA and coconut milk. Metabolically active calluses were proliferated and maintained on Gamborg's B5 medium with 2,4-D and Kn. The new compound, named cryptosin, was characterised by infrared nmr and mass spectroscopy. Cryptosin was also screened for its pharmacological properties and its cardiotonic action was established.