Diterpenoid alkaloids with chemotaxonomic significance from Aconitum polycarpum

Phytochemical investigation on the roots of Aconitum polycarpum Chang ex W. T. Wang (Ranunculaceae) led to the isolation of twenty-six compounds for the first time. Their structures were determined by NMR analysis and compared with reported data. The chemotaxonomic value of these compounds was further discussed by network analysis. The structural features of the isolated diterpenoid alkaloids indicate that the relatively advanced evolutionary status of A. polycarpum within subgenus Aconitum. Some compounds, such as 12, 18, 20, 21, and 22 with a limited distribution in the genus Aconitum exhibited certain potential chemotaxonomically values.