Availability of Standard Reference Materials for Lycorine and Galanthamine, Toxic Alkaloids of <i>Narcissus</i>, After Long-term Storage

Lycorine and galanthamine are toxic alkaloids found in Narcissus. Using HPLC analysis and quantitative NMR analysis, the degrees of purity of these standard reference materials purchased in 2013, 2019, 2021, and 2025 were calculated and compared. The results showed almost no degradation of any component. However, other findings suggest that the lycorine hydrochloride weight changed because of moisture absorption (hydration). This weight change might be avoided by stocking lycorine hydrochloride monohydrate, which is originally hydrated. Maintaining a stock of lycorine and galanthamine reference materials is desirable for facilitating prompt response to food poisoning by Narcissus. Such poisoning incidents have increased rapidly in recent years. If stored properly after purchase according to the method described in the SDS, then the materials will maintain the purity indicated on the label for at least 10 years. They can be used for analysis without other purity measurement.