Rodent and ruminant ingestive response to flavonoids in Euphorbia esula

Euphorbia esula, common name leafy spurge, was chemically evaluated for aversive phytochemicals that appear to minimize herbivory by rodents and cattle. A middle-layer extract elicited food aversions in rats as did the petroleum ether extract of the initial methanol extract. Kaempferol-3-0-beta-glucuronic acid and quercetin-3-0-beta-glucuronic acid were separated and identified from the middle-layer residue. This study is the first report of quercetin-3-0-beta-glucuronic acid in leafy spurge. Together these flavonoidal glucosides were mildly aversive to rats but showed less aversive activity when tested separately. The middle-layer extract produced no aversive response from cattle, while the petroleum ether extract elicited strong aversions in cattle. Flavonoidal compounds from leafy spurge that were aversive to rats, a monogastric mammal, were not aversive to cattle, a ruminant. Microbial degradation of the compounds before they reach the intestines and are absorbed into the bloodstream is likely a key advantage for cattle compared to rats.