A Survey of Quinolizidine Alkaloids and Phenylethylamine Tyramine in Cytisus scoparius (Leguminosae) from Different Origins

Distribution and content of the quinolizidine alkaloids and phenylethylamine tyramine in various organs of Cytisus scoparius taken from different localities in Germany, Russia, Italy and France were analyzed by capillary GLC. Sparteine and sparteine-derivatives like 11,12- dehydrosparteine are predominant in shoots and flowers whereas lupanine-type alkaloids are mainly accumulated in seeds, pods and roots. During the year no changes within the alkaloid pattern of the young developing shoots could be observed, but the total alkaloid amount increases remarkably at the end of the vegetation period. With respect to the date of harvest only a limited variation of the alkaloid profile and content could be found in shoots, flowers and roots taken from different geographical origins. In comparison the alkaloid pattern of seeds and pods varied considerably which seemed to be correlated with the different states of maturity and not with the geographical origin. Phenylethylamine tyramine is accumulated in flowers, green pods and young developing shoots. In young developing shoots the tyramine content declined drastically during the vegetation period.