Emetine and cephaeline content in plants of Psychotria ipecacuanha in Costa Rica

The objective of this study was to identify the emetic metabolites in different parts of the P. ipecacuanha, a plant with emetic properties. Partial phytochemical analysis was performed to determine the presence of emetine and cephaeline in leaves, stems and roots. Both alkaloids were detected in the three plant parts analyzed. Highest alkaloid content was found in roots (8.55 mg/g), followed by stems (4.05 mg/g), and the lowest was found in leaves (2.4 mg/g). The cephaeline content (8.35 mg/g) was higher than that of emetine (6.65 mg/g) in all the three organs analyzed. Toxicity analysis of the crude extract showed a LD50 of 500 mg/kg.