Sesquiterpene lactones properties

Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones on Seed Germination. Sesquiterpene lactones are common constituents of the Asteraceae but are also found in other angiosperm families and in certain liverworts (31,32). These highly bitter substances exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities (J 3) which include cytotoxicity, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, insecticidal (34) and molluscicidal (35) properties. Furthermore, they are known causes for livestock poisoning and contact dermatitis in humans (33). Structure-activity relationship studies on sesquiterpene lactones have demonstrated that biological activity frequently depend on the presence of the cr... 

Xanthoxylum piperitum DC Chuan Jian (fruit) Essential oils, phellandrene, limonene, citronellol, geraniol, and sanshol in fruit sesquiterpene lactones-xanthatin, limonene in seed saponin, citral, citronellol, geraniol in leaf berberine, xanthoxylinin root.49-430 Diaphoretic properties, prophylactic against hydrophobia, used as a diuretic, stomachic, carminative, stimulant, resolving inflammatory swellings, it is sedative. 

Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) constitute a numerous group of compounds with several biological activities reported, usually related to the presence of an a, 3-unsaturated carbonyl system in the lactone ring.42 This is a very common chemical feature in these compounds, and their alkylating properties through Michael addition reactions are considered as responsible for such activity.16... 

The nucleophilic properties of groups such as -NHR and -SH have been reported in natural Michael acceptor systems present in many natural products. Typical examples are the addition of the sulfhydryl groups of glutathione to the exocyclic methylene of sesquiterpene lactones (Fig. 6.7).14,41 Such interactions have been considered as responsible for the biological activity observed in many natural products, and this is again the case in Zwanenburg s hypothesis for strigolactones. 

B. gaudichaudiana, which is commonly used for diabetes. Elephantopus scaber contains hydroxylated germacranolides, such as molephantin and molephantinin, which cause diuresis, antipiresis, eliminate bladder stones, and have cytotoxic and antitumor properties. From the Tithonia genus, T, diversifolia is widely used in Mexico and often has been identified erroneously as Arnica montana. Because of this confusion it is used as European arnica to treat hematomas and muscular cramps. The genus is rich in sesquiterpene lactones.11... 

Parthenolide located on the surface of the leaves and seeds was found to have antimicrobial properties. This compound was annoimced to be able to inhibit the growth of Gram positive bacteria, yeast and filamentous fimgi [203,204]. T. indicum var. tuneful is also contain sesquiterpene lactones with antimicrobial activity [205]. 

Sesquiterpenes are C-15 terpenoids which can be found in natural products as hydrocarbons, oxygenated forms (aldehydes, ketones, etc.), or lactones. Sesquiterpene lactones can be found in a limited number of plant species and often have therapeutic properties. 

Sesquiterpenes and, in particular, sesquiterpene lactones make up a group of natural compounds that show a wide variety of biological properties. These properties range from compounds with medical interest, such as some antitumoral drugs, to products with antifeedant or herbicidal activities of interest as agrochemicals. 

Konishi T, Shimada Y, Nagao T, Okabe H, Konoshima T (2002) Antiproliferative sesquiterpene lactones from the roots of Inula helenium. Biol Pharm Bull 25(10) 1370-1372 Konovalov DA, Nesterova TA (2003). Phytochemical study of some Caucasian species of Asteraceae and the possibility of their allergenic properties. Vestnik VGU. Seriya Khimiya. Biologiya. Farmatsiya (2) 205-207 (in Russian)... 

Many sesquiterpene lactones have antifeedant properties against animals. Numerous compounds have been evaluated against insects, especially economically important pests. These reports have been summarized and many of the specific effects reviewed (Fischer, 1991b Pieman, 1986a). 

Sesquiterpene lactones are nonvolatile compounds that do not occur in essential oils. Occurring mainly in Asteraceae, the sesquiterpene lactones that have interesting biological properties will be presented elsewhere. 

---