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Evolution of flavonoids in the Phaseolinae
1PROPLAME-CONICET, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Phytochemistry
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Flavonoid analysis of twenty South American Phaseolinae species revealed predominantly quercetin and kaempferol O-glycosides. This chemical profile suggests an intermediate evolutionary stage within the Papilionoideae subfamily.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Chemotaxonomy
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- The Phaseolinae subtribe, part of the Papilionoideae subfamily, is diverse.
- Flavonoids are important plant secondary metabolites with taxonomic significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen twenty South American Phaseolinae species for flavonoids.
- To analyze the chemical profiles for evolutionary insights.
Main Methods:
- Screening of eight Vigna, three Phaseolus, eight Macroptilium, and one Dolichopsis species.
- Isolation and identification of flavonoid compounds.
Main Results:
- Seventy percent of isolated compounds were flavonol O-glycosides.
- Quercetin (40%) and kaempferol (24%) were the predominant aglycones.
- Only one myricetin glycoside was detected.
Conclusions:
- The flavonoid profiles indicate an intermediate evolutionary level for these Phaseolinae species.
- These species appear relatively advanced within the Papilionoideae subfamily based on flavonoid composition.