Galanthus elwesii
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64402671edfd0266394038 |
| Scientific name | Galanthus elwesii |
| Authority | Hook.f. |
| First published in | Bot. Mag. 101: t. 6166 (1875) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Snowdrop bulbs were once used in several Balkan communities as topical ointments for wounds, bruises, and hemorrhoids. In Romania, medicinal plants were collected from “elveti” sites in the Carpathian foothills; traditional healers prepared poultices by crushing fresh bulbs and mixing them with oil or grease, according to Tamas (1976). In Greece, folk practitioners recorded a similar use of bulbs in poultice form for bruises and head pain, as documented by Vokou et al. (1993). In Turkey, ethnobotanical surveys of Anatolia report that bulbs were rubbed into skin lesions, burns, and hemorrhoids to soothe inflammation, with preparations sometimes macerated or tinctured for weaker topical use; the practice was described in rural districts around İstanbul by Akgül, Şenel and Çan (2008).
A simple topical poultice can be made from fresh bulbs: wash and finely grate 20–25 g of peeled bulbs, stir with 2 tablespoons (about 30 mL) of cold-pressed olive oil, and allow to macerate in a dark container for 48–72 hours, shaking daily. Apply a thin layer to clean skin for bruises or small lesions, avoiding open wounds and eyes; discard after 3–4 days. Safety note: all Galanthus species contain potent alkaloids (including galanthamine) and are toxic if ingested. The bulbs must not be taken by mouth; do not use during pregnancy or on broken skin. General guidance from local herbal practice suggests limiting topical use to short periods and testing a small area first.
The pharmacological basis rests on the snowdrop alkaloids, particularly galanthamine. These isoquinoline alkaloids are well established in Galanthus elwesii and account for the central nervous system and neuromuscular effects of the plant, as reported in phytochemical studies and alkaloid surveys of European Galanthus taxa. Galanthamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, which underpins its modern relevance as an approved Alzheimer’s therapy.
Today, snowdrops are cultivated primarily as ornamental bulbs, and wild-harvesting is discouraged to protect wild populations. Commercial sourcing of galanthamine remains the dominant route to therapeutic products rather than traditional household preparations.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Industrial and craft applications:
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
Colorants and tanning:
Wood and fiber:
Fragrance and cosmetics:
Properties relevant to use:
Standards and regulation:
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Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Chianthemum elwesii | Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 703 (1891) |
| Galanthus bulgaricus | Velen. | Fl. Bulg. : 539 (1891) |
| Galanthus elwesii var. maximus | (Velen.) Beck | Wiener Ill. Gart.-Zeitung 19: 55 1894 |
| Galanthus elwesii var. robustus | Baker | Gard. Chron. ser. 3, 13: 226. 1893 |
| Galanthus elwesii var. whittallii | S.Arn. ex Moon | Garden (London, 1871-1927) 57: 44. 1900 |
| Galanthus globosus | Wilks | Garden (1887) i. 393. |
| Galanthus nivalis subsp. elwesii | (Hook.f.) Gottl.-Tann. | Abh. K. K. Zool.-Bot. Ges. Wien 2(4): 39. 1904 (1904) |
| Galanthus elwesii subsp. maximus | (Velen.) Kožuharov & N.Andreev | Opred. Vissh. Rast. Bulg. 786. 1992 |
| Galanthus graecus var. maximus | Hayek | |
| Galanthus graecus f. maximus | Zahar. | |
| Galanthus elwesii var. major | auct. | Garden (London 1871-1927) 25: 371 1884 |
| Galanthus maximus | Velen |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | giant snowdrop |
| English | snowdrop |
| Arabic | دميكة إلويس |
| Bulgarian | елвезиево кокиче |
| Czech | sněženka elwésova |
| Welsh | eirlys elwes |
| German | elwes-schneeglöckchen |
| Greek | Γάλανθος του Έλβες |
| Estonian | suureõieline lumikelluke |
| Finnish | tähtilumikello |
| Hungarian | pompás hóvirág |
| Armenian | Էլվիսի ձնծաղիկ |
| Macedonian | Елвезиево кокиче |
| Malayalam | ഗാലന്തസ് എൽവേസി |
| Dutch | groot sneeuwklokje |
| Norwegian Nynorsk | tyrkiasnøklokke |
| Russian | Подснежник Элвиса |
| Swedish | turkisk snödroppe |
| Turkish | kardelen |
| Ukrainian | Підсніжник південний |
| Ukrainian | Підсніжник Ельвеза |
| Chinese | 大雪滴花 |
Varieties (abbr. var.) Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii | Unknown | |
| Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus | P.D.Sell | Fl. Great Britain Ireland 5: 363 (1996) |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!| Alternate between 4°C and 20°C for 3 months each, over several cycles, with an extended germination period. |
| Sow seeds immediately as their viability decreases rapidly, or they best germinate when fresh. If stored, seeds might need temperature cycling and patience to germinate. |
| grow seedlings at cool temperature - best achieved by sowing in open ground |
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Western Asia
- East Aegean Islands
- Turkey
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Western Asia
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Europe click to expand
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Eastern Europe
- Ukraine
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Middle Europe
- Austria
- Germany
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Southeastern Europe
- Albania
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- Yugoslavia
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Eastern Europe
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Northern America click to expand
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Northeastern U.S.A.
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
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Northeastern U.S.A.
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000768780 |
| USDA Plants | GAEL5 |
| Tropicos | 1200020 |
| INPN | 99230 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332096-2 |
| The Plant List | kew-307529 |
| Missouri Botanical Garden | 275671 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 1090686 |
| Observations.org | 6804 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 82232 |
| NBN Atlas | NHMSYS0000458933 |
| Nature Serve | 2.883896 |
| IUCN Red List | 164896 |
| IPNI | 332096-2 |
| iNaturalist | 57514 |
| GBIF | 2855398 |
| EPPO | GAXEL |
| EOL | 1088804 |
| Elurikkus | 317852 |
| USDA GRIN | 70955 |
| Wikipedia | Galanthus_elwesii |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
Add a new one!
Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Crinine- and Haemanthamine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids | |||||
| 11-Hydroxyvittatine | 70682698 | Click to see | 287.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| Buphanisine | 12302149 | Click to see COC1CC2C3(CCN2CC4=CC5=C(C=C43)OCO5)C=C1 | 285.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| Crinamine | 500027 | Click to see COC1CC2C3(C=C1)C(CN2CC4=CC5=C(C=C34)OCO5)O | 301.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/CBER.19550881019 |
| Crinine | 398937 | Click to see | 271.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| Vittatine, 11-hydroxy- | 602595 | Click to see | 287.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Galanthamine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids | |||||
| (-)-Galantamine | 9651 | Click to see | 287.35 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/CBER.19550881019 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609105 |
| (+)-Narwedine | 441596 | Click to see | 285.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| (9-Hydroxy-4-methyl-11-oxa-4-azatetracyclo[8.6.1.01,12.06,17]heptadeca-6(17),7,9,15-tetraen-14-yl) 3-hydroxybutanoate | 20589457 | Click to see CC(CC(=O)OC1CC2C3(CCN(CC4=C3C(=C(C=C4)O)O2)C)C=C1)O | 359.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (9-Methoxy-4-methyl-11-oxa-4-azatetracyclo[8.6.1.01,12.06,17]heptadeca-6(17),7,9,15-tetraen-14-yl) 3-hydroxybutanoate | 163079679 | Click to see | 373.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| [(1S,12S,14R)-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-11-oxa-4-azatetracyclo[8.6.1.01,12.06,17]heptadeca-6(17),7,9,15-tetraen-14-yl] (3S)-3-hydroxybutanoate | 154496894 | Click to see | 359.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| [(1S,12S,14R)-9-methoxy-4-methyl-11-oxa-4-azatetracyclo[8.6.1.01,12.06,17]heptadeca-6(17),7,9,15-tetraen-14-yl] (3R)-3-hydroxybutanoate | 154495918 | Click to see | 373.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| [(1S,12S,14R)-9-methoxy-4-methyl-11-oxa-4-azatetracyclo[8.6.1.01,12.06,17]heptadeca-6(17),7,9,15-tetraen-14-yl] (3S)-3-hydroxybutanoate | 163079680 | Click to see CC(CC(=O)OC1CC2C3(CCN(CC4=C3C(=C(C=C4)OC)O2)C)C=C1)O | 373.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| Epi Norgalanthamine | 11357792 | Click to see | 273.33 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| Galantamin | 3449 | Click to see | 287.35 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C https://doi.org/10.1002/CBER.19550881019 |
| Galanthamine Impurity 16 | 101923514 | Click to see | 301.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| N-Desmethylgalantamine | 9838394 | Click to see | 273.33 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| Narwedine | 10356588 | Click to see | 285.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| Sanguinine | 443722 | Click to see | 273.33 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Homolycorine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids | |||||
| (+)-16-Hydroxygalwesine | 101927636 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1C4(C(C(C2O3)OC)OC(=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C54)OC)OC)O | 377.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (+)-Galwesine | 101927638 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1C4C(C(C2O3)OC)OC(=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C45)OC)OC | 361.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (1'R,3R,3'S,4'R,5'R,7'R)-5'-hydroxy-4',5,6-trimethoxy-8'-methylspiro[2-benzofuran-3,6'-2-oxa-8-azatricyclo[5.3.0.01,3]decane]-1-one | 101928118 | Click to see | 377.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (1R,2S,6R,8S,9S,10R)-1,15-dihydroxy-9,16-dimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 101927637 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1C4(C(C(C2O3)OC)OC(=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C54)OC)O)O | 363.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (1S,2S,6R,8S,9R,10S)-15-hydroxy-9,16-dimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 101928117 | Click to see | 347.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (1S,2S,6R,8S,9S,10S)-9,15,16-trimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 15214957 | Click to see | 361.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| (5S,5aS,11bS,11cS)-9-hydroxy-5,10-dimethoxy-1-methyl-2,3,5,5a,11b,11c-hexahydroisochromeno[3,4-g]indol-7-one | 15214954 | Click to see | 331.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 1-Hydroxy-9,15,16-trimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 162879185 | Click to see | 377.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 1,15-Dihydroxy-9,16-dimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 162920885 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1C4(C(C(C2O3)OC)OC(=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C54)OC)O)O | 363.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 15-Hydroxy-9,16-dimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 163042807 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1C4C(C(C2O3)OC)OC(=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C45)OC)O | 347.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 5'-Hydroxy-4',5,6-trimethoxy-8'-methylspiro[2-benzofuran-3,6'-2-oxa-8-azatricyclo[5.3.0.01,3]decane]-1-one | 162938166 | Click to see | 377.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 9-Hydroxy-10-methoxy-1-methyl-2,3,5,5a,11b,11c-hexahydroisochromeno[3,4-g]indol-7-one | 3844472 | Click to see | 301.34 | unknown |
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 9-Hydroxy-5,10-dimethoxy-1-methyl-2,3,5,5a,11b,11c-hexahydroisochromeno[3,4-g]indol-7-one | 162907279 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(C3C(C21)C4=CC(=C(C=C4C(=O)O3)O)OC)OC | 331.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| 9-O-Demethylhomolycorine | 388787 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CCC3C(C21)C4=CC(=C(C=C4C(=O)O3)O)OC | 301.34 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ |
| 9,15,16-Trimethoxy-3-methyl-7,11-dioxa-3-azapentacyclo[8.8.0.02,6.06,8.013,18]octadeca-13,15,17-trien-12-one | 162884006 | Click to see | 361.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| Hippeastrine | 441594 | Click to see | 315.32 | unknown | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ |
| Hippeastrine (Hydrobromide) | 580552 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(C3C(C21)C4=CC5=C(C=C4C(=O)O3)OCO5)O | 315.32 | unknown | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Lycorine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids | |||||
| Lycorine | 72378 | Click to see | 287.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Amaryllidaceae alkaloids / Tazettine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloids | |||||
| Sekisanolin | 5321780 | Click to see CN1CC2(C3(C1CC(C=C3)OC)C4=CC5=C(C=C4CO2)OCO5)O | 331.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenethylamines | |||||
| Hordenine | 68313 | Click to see | 165.23 | unknown |
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| Feruloyltyramine | 5280537 | Click to see | 313.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Colensane and clerodane diterpenoids | |||||
| 3-[(4S,5S,8S,9R,10S,13R,14R,17R)-5,8,9,13-tetramethyl-3-oxo-17-propan-2-yl-1,2,4,6,7,10,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-4-yl]propanoic acid | 163007975 | Click to see | 416.60 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Eudesmane, isoeudesmane or cycloeudesmane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| 2-[(2S,4aS,8aR)-4a-methyl-8-methylidene-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8a-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl]prop-2-enyl 3-methylbutanoate | 162851672 | Click to see | 304.50 | unknown | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzazepines | |||||
| (1R,12R,14R)-9-methoxy-11-oxa-3-azatetracyclo[8.6.1.01,12.06,17]heptadeca-6(17),7,9-trien-14-ol | 163068147 | Click to see | 275.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzopyrans / 2-benzopyrans | |||||
| 6-Hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-2-(2-oxopropyl)-2,3,3a,9b-tetrahydrofuro[3,2-c]isochromen-5-one | 71436822 | Click to see CC(=O)CC1CC2C(O1)C3=CC(=C(C(=C3C(=O)O2)O)OC)OC | 322.31 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 https://doi.org/10.1002/CBER.19550881019 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Furofurans | |||||
| [(1S,3R,7Z,9S,12S,13R,15R)-13-[(2R)-butan-2-yl]-13-hydroxy-3,12-dimethyl-4,11-dioxo-10,14,16-trioxatetracyclo[7.5.1.13,6.012,15]hexadeca-5,7-dien-7-yl]methyl acetate | 163043860 | Click to see CCC(C)C1(C2(C3C(O1)CC4(C(=O)C=C(O4)C(=CC3OC2=O)COC(=O)C)C)C)O | 420.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Benzoquinolines / Phenanthridines and derivatives | |||||
| (1R,14R,15R,16R)-4,5,14-trimethoxy-9-azatetracyclo[7.6.1.02,7.012,16]hexadeca-2,4,6,12-tetraen-15-ol | 133564758 | Click to see | 317.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| (1S,12R,14S,15R,16S,17S)-4,5,15-trimethoxy-13-oxa-9-azapentacyclo[7.7.1.02,7.012,14.012,17]heptadeca-2,4,6-trien-16-ol | 162853560 | Click to see | 333.40 | unknown | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149325/ |
| 3,12-Didehydro-2beta,9,10-trimethoxygalanthan-1alpha-ol | 97315 | Click to see COC1C=C2CCN3C2C(C1O)C4=CC(=C(C=C4C3)OC)OC | 317.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| Maritidine | 11185307 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(=C1)CN3CCC24C3CC(C=C4)O)OC | 287.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| Trisphaeridine | 443684 | Click to see | 223.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Tetrahydroisoquinolines / 4-phenyltetrahydroisoquinolines | |||||
| Cherylline | 90075 | Click to see | 285.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2003.12.013 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N-methylprop-2-enamide | 163010034 | Click to see CN(CCC1=CC=C(C=C1)O)C(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)OC | 327.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
| N-feruloyl-N-methyltyramine | 129661756 | Click to see CN(CCC1=CC=C(C=C1)O)C(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)OC | 327.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00187-C |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |