4',4‴,7,7″-tetra-O-methylcupressuflavone inhibits seed germination of Lactuca sativa

J Nat Prod. 2014 Apr 25;77(4):1093-6. doi: 10.1021/np4010739. Epub 2014 Mar 14.

Abstract

Biflavonoids have been isolated from a wide variety of plant species, but little is known about their native biological functions. Here we report a possible ecological role for biflavonoids by describing the isolation of the biflavonoid 4',4‴,7,7″-tetra-O-methylcupressuflavone (1) from Araucaria columnaris and its inhibitory effect on seed germination. Compound 1 was isolated from needles of a single A. columnaris specimen and inhibited germination of Lactuca sativa seeds in a culture-dish assay; it was also detected in soil samples under the canopy where reduced germination was observed, but not in a location away from the canopy where germination was uninhibited.

MeSH terms

  • Biflavonoids / chemistry
  • Biflavonoids / isolation & purification*
  • Biflavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Germination / drug effects*
  • Hawaii
  • Lactuca / drug effects*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pinus / chemistry*
  • Seeds / drug effects*

Substances

  • 4',4'',7,7'-tetra-O-methylcupressuflavone
  • Biflavonoids