Alkaloid patterns and biosynthetic capacity of root cultures from some pyrrolizidine alkaloid producing Senecio species.

Root cultures of Senecio vulgaris, S. vernalis, S. erucifolius and S. squalidus were established. The patterns of pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in these root cultures were analyzed by high-resolution GC and GC-MS and compared with the alkaloids present in the respective plants. In vitro cultured roots produce alkaloid patterns and accumulate quantities which are comparable to those found in soil grown plants. With the exception of the otonecine derivative senkirkine all pyrrolizidines accumulate as N-oxides. Only senkirkine is partially released into the medium. The cultures incorporate biosynthetic precursors, e.g. (14)C-labelled putrescine or spermidine with high efficiency into the alkaloids. Senecionine N-oxide was found to be the main product of biosynthesis. Evidence is presented that senecionine N-oxide is directly transformed into senkirkine, the main alkaloid of S. vernalis root cultures.