The Effect of Chloramphenicol on Atropine and Scopolamine Contents in Datura Stramonium L.

Background & Aims: In regard to the importance of atropine and scopolamine as medicines with natural source, this study was aimed to investigate the effect of chloramphenicol as an inhibitor of protein synthesis on the alkaloids content of Datura stramonium. Method: After initial preparation of medicinal garden seeds, they were planted ۵۰ cm apart in four different sections. Three different concentrations of chloramphenicol (۱۰۰, ۲۰۰ and ۴۰۰ ppm) were sprayed on the plant once a week for a period of ۱۸ weeks. Water was applied for the control group. Replicate samples were taken randomly every two weeks from each section. After extraction and separation of the samples, the quantitative analyses were carried out. The levels of atropine and scopolamine were determined using UV spectroscopy (۱۳ CNMR, UV, IR, Mass). Results: The maximum levels of alkaloids were observed in young stems of the plants. The best result was obtained following applying the concentration of ۲۰۰ ppm, which caused a significant increase in atropine and scopolamine levels in all parts of plant by ۱۰۰% and ۱۱۰% respectively in comparison with the control group (p< ۰.۰۰۵). Conclusion: Increase in the availability of amino acids may lead to an increase of alkaloids production following protein inhibition synthesis