Seasonal variation in cotyledoside concentration of Tylecodon wallichii (Harv.) Tolken subsp. wallichii sampled in a krimpsiekte-prevalent region

• Published in: Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research 2001-03, Vol.68 (1), p.1
• Main Authors: Botha, C.J. (Pretoria Univ., Onderstepoort (South Africa). Pharmacology and Toxicology Dept.), Rundberget, T, Wilkins, A.L, Mulders, M.S.G, Flaoyen, A, Van Aardt, M.P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AFRIQUE DU SUD; Animals; Bufanolides - analysis; Bufanolides - isolation & purification; CAPRIN; CAPRINOS; CARDIOVASCULAR AGENTS; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid - veterinary; CRASSULACEAE; Disease Outbreaks; ENVENENAMIENTO; Goat Diseases - etiology; GOATS; INTOXICATION; MEDICAMENTOS CARDIOVASCULARES; MODIFICATEUR CARDIOVASCULAIRE; Neuromuscular Diseases - etiology; Neuromuscular Diseases - veterinary; OVIN; OVINOS; Plant Poisoning - veterinary; PLANTAS TOXICAS; PLANTE TOXIQUE; Plants, Toxic - chemistry; POISONING; POISONOUS PLANTS; SEASONAL VARIATION; Seasons; SHEEP; Sheep Diseases - etiology; SOUTH AFRICA; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization - veterinary; SUDAFRICA; VARIACION ESTACIONAL; VARIATION SAISONNIERE
• ISSN: 0030-2465; 2219-0635

Krimpsiekte, an economically important neuromuscular affliction of small stock, follows upon ingestion of certain members of the Crassulaceae (plakkies) containing cumulative neurotoxic bufadienolides. Tylecodon wallichii (Harv.) Tölken subsp. wallichii is probably the most important species of the group of plants causing krimpsiekte. The growing tip of the stem and various other plant parts of T. wallichii, when available, were collected monthly. The seasonal variation in cotyledoside content of the plant was measured. Cotyledoside concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatographic-electrospray mass spectrometry analysis (HPLC-ESMS). The cotyledoside concentration in the plant stems fluctuated substantially during the year, but tended to be higher in the cold winter months and increased again in the spring and early summer. Elevated plant stem concentrations corresponded with natural field outbreaks of krimpsiekte, which usually occur during the winter to early summer. The highest cotyledoside concentrations were detected in the flowering stalk. Cotyledoside was not the only component of this type in the plant, as mass spectrometry revealed the presence of other, possibly related, compounds.