Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
09:50
Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
9.9K
Flavonolignans from Elymus natans L. and Phytotoxic Activities
Quan Liu1, Chenghui Wu2, Aifeng Peng1
1State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|January 31, 2017
Summary
Green Elymus natans (GG) grasses show stronger phytotoxic effects than withered grasses (WG). Researchers identified new flavonolignans in GG, with some compounds exhibiting significant phytotoxicity against crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant chemistry
- Phytotoxicity studies
- Natural product isolation
Background:
- Elymus natans is a key forage grass on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, vital for animal husbandry and environmental stability.
- Green E. natans (GG) extracts demonstrate greater phytotoxic activity compared to withered E. natans (WG) extracts.
- Secondary metabolites are potential contributors to the plant's resistance and phytotoxic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical constituents of green E. natans (GG) responsible for its phytotoxic activities.
- To identify and characterize novel compounds within the plant.
- To compare the chemical profiles of green and withered E. natans.
Main Methods:
- Bioassays were conducted to assess phytotoxic activities.
- Chemical investigation of GG extracts using chromatographic techniques.
- Isolation and identification of compounds, including new flavonolignans.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis for comparative quantification.
Main Results:
- Tricin, a flavone, and ten flavonolignans (E2-E11) were isolated from GG, with three being novel compounds (E2, E10, E11).
- HPLC analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations of compounds E1 and E4-E7 in GG compared to WG.
- Isolated compounds E1 and E4-E7 exhibited notable phytotoxic effects on lettuce and Festuca arundinacea.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first report on the chemical constituents of Elymus natans.
- Specific flavonolignans and tricin are identified as key compounds contributing to the phytotoxicity of green E. natans.
- The differential accumulation of these compounds in green versus withered grass explains the observed variations in phytotoxic activity.
