Using LC and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis as Tools to Distinguish Timbó Collections into Two Deguelia Species: A Contribution to Chemotaxonomy

Molecules. 2016 Apr 30;21(5):569. doi: 10.3390/molecules21050569.

Abstract

The species Deguelia utilis and Deguelia rufescens var. urucu, popularly known as "timbó," have been used for many years as rotenone sources in insecticide formulations. In this work, a method was developed and validated using a high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) system, and results were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). By quantifying the major rotenoids of these species, it was possible to establish a linear relation between them. The ratio between the concentrations of rotenone and deguelin for D. utilis is approximately 1:0.8, respectively, while for D. rufescens var. urucu it is 2:1. These results may help to distinguish these species contributing to their taxonomic identification.

Keywords: Deguelia; chemotaxonomy; hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA); high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); rotenoids.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Fabaceae / chemistry*
  • Fabaceae / classification
  • Insecticides* / analysis
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Rotenone / analogs & derivatives
  • Rotenone / analysis*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Rotenone
  • deguelin