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Betaine distribution in the Malvaceae
G Blunden1, A V Patel, N J Armstrong
1School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Hampshire PO1 2DT, Portsmouth, UK.
Phytochemistry
|September 15, 2001
Summary
Betaines, including glycinebetaine and trigonelline, were identified in aerial parts of Malvaceae plants. Glycinebetaine was abundant in most species, while trigonelline occurred in lower amounts.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Plant biochemistry
- Natural product chemistry
Background:
- Betalains are nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites found in plants.
- The Malvaceae family is known for its diverse phytochemical profiles.
- Understanding betaine distribution can inform chemotaxonomic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and yield of betaines in various Malvaceae taxa.
- To compare betaine content in different plant parts (aerial, roots, flowers).
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical screening of aerial parts from 26 Malvaceae taxa.
- Quantification of glycinebetaine and trigonelline using established methods.
- Analysis of root and flower samples from selected species.
Main Results:
- Glycinebetaine was detected in high concentrations (0.5-4.6% dry weight) in most aerial parts, except in Abelmoschus moschatus.
- Trigonelline was found in lower yields (0.005-0.07% dry weight) in 16 of the tested plants.
- Betaines in roots and flowers were generally present but at significantly lower levels than in aerial parts.
Conclusions:
- Glycinebetaine is a characteristic and abundant compound in the aerial parts of many Malvaceae species.
- Betaine profiles in Malvaceae are consistent across different plant parts, with quantitative variations.
- The findings contribute to the chemotaxonomic understanding of the Malvaceae family.