Phytochemical screening of some Rocky Mountain plants

Fifty-four species of plants from 36 genera and 21 families were collected in the mountains and high plains of northern Colorado. Extracts were tested for alkaloids, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity and IP toxicity in mice. A few were tested for insect attractant or deterrent properties. Alkaloids were found in 23 species, 15 showed cytotoxicity, and 27 exhibited IP toxicity. Four extracts showed insect deterrent properties, and three proved to attractant. None of the extracts showed useful antitumor activity. High alkaloid content and/or activity in several of the screens can be used to identify species and genera worthy of detailed phytochemical investigation.