Chemical defense of a rare mint plant |
| |
Authors: | Thomas Eisner Kevin D McCormick Makoto Sakaino Maria Eisner Scott R Smedley Daniel J Aneshansley Mark Deyrup Ronald L Myers Jerrold Meinwald |
| |
Institution: | (1) Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853 Ithaca, New York, USA;(2) Department of Chemistry, Cornell University, 14853 Ithaca, New York, USA;(3) Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Cornell University, 14853 Ithaca, New York, USA;(4) Archbold Biological Station, P.O. Box 2057, 33852 Lake Placid, Florida, USA;(5) Present address: Oji Paper Company, Ltd., 1-10-6 Shinonome, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| |
Abstract: | Summary Analyses of leaf extracts ofDicerandra frutescens, a highly aromatic mint plant from central Florida listed as an endangered species, revealed presence of 12 closely related monoterpenes. The principal of these, (+)—trans-pulegol, is a new natural product, the synthesis of which is described. The terpenes are produced in glandular capsules that release their contents upon injury of the leaf. Data from bioassays with ants and cockroaches indicate that the terpenes serve for defense against insects.Dicerandra does, however, have a leaf-eating enemy, the caterpillar of a pyralid moth,Pyrausta panopealis. The discovery of a new natural product from an endangered species raises questions about the chemical implications of species extinction. |
| |
Keywords: | chemical defense insect repellent endangered species terpenes trans-pulegol Labiatae Dicerandra Pyralidae Pyrausta |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|