8549. Sisal

Nomenclature

Henequem; yaxci; potosina.

Description and references

Agave sisalana Perrine, Amaryllidaceae; one of the plants native to the American desert. Process of treating juice and extracting steroidal material and waxes: Spray, US 3019193 (1962). Habit. Principally the Mexican tableland. Abundant in the Mexican states Yucatan and Chiapas. Constit. Hemp, sapogenins such as hecogenin and tigogenin. Review: Chem. Week 41-48 (April 20, 1957).

Caution

The dust is irritating to respiratory tract.

Use

Manuf sisal ropes, steroid intermediates.