Glycosides having the ability to induce vitamin D intoxication (calcinosis) upon administration into animals are described as calcinogenic principles. They occur in small amounts in the leaves of several plant species, particularly those of the order Solanaceae. Hydrolysis splits off the glycosidic moiety and gives vitamin D3 sterols as aglycones. Calcinosis was observed in grazing animals as a consequence of the ingestion of calcinogenic plants of wide geographical distribution. The disease is characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues, and its symptoms are reminiscent of hypervitaminosis D. The active principles occur only in minute concentration in the plant leaf, and they are accompanied by chemically similar substances, as well as by pigments and phenolic derivatives. In addition, they are sensitive to acids and to oxidizing agents. Preliminary purification of the crude extracts was usually required before chromatography.
Glycosides having the ability to induce vitamin D intoxication (calcinosis) upon administration into animals are described as calcinogenic principles. They occur in small amounts in the leaves of several plant species, particularly those of the order Solanaceae. Hydrolysis splits off the glycosidic moiety and gives vitamin D3 sterols as aglycones. Calcinosis was observed in grazing animals as a consequence of the ingestion of calcinogenic plants of wide geographical distribution. The disease is characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues, and its symptoms are reminiscent of hypervitaminosis D. The active principles occur only in minute concentration in the plant leaf, and they are accompanied by chemically similar substances, as well as by pigments and phenolic derivatives. In addition, they are sensitive to acids and to oxidizing agents. Preliminary purification of the crude extracts was usually required before chromatography.