Glycosidase-inhibiting pyrrolidine alkaloids from Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Abstract The glycosidase-inhibiting pyrrolidine alkaloids (2 R ,3 R ,4 R ,5 R )-2,5-dihydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (DMDP), 2,5-dideoxy-2,5-imino- dl - glycero - d - manno -heptitol (homoDMDP), homoDMDP-7- O -apioside and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino- d -arabinitol have been identified in the leaves of bluebells ( Hyacinthoides non-scripta ). HomoDMDP and homoDMDP-7- O -apioside are new natural products. Glycosidase inhibition by the aglycones is compared and could explain the symptoms of poisoning of livestock by bluebells.