ABSTRACT
A simple method to obtain extracts enriched in bioactive limonoids from Citrus aurantium L. seeds has been developed, using solvents of increasing polarity. 1H NMR data from the extracts revealed that the highest amounts of limonoids were present in the t-butylmethylether extract. The comparison between extracts obtained from dormant and germinating seeds showed that the latter contained almost double amounts of limonoids, revealing germinating seeds as an excellent source of those bioactive compounds.
Subject(s)
Citrus/chemistry , Plant Extracts/analysis , Seeds/growth & development , Citrus/growth & development , Germination , Limonins , Seeds/chemistryABSTRACT
Penicillium digitatum has been cultured on citrus fruits and yeast extract sucrose agar media (YES). Cultivation of fungal cultures on solid medium allowed the isolation of two novel tryptoquivaline-like metabolites, tryptoquialanine A (1) and tryptoquialanine B (2), also biosynthesized on citrus fruits. Their structural elucidation is described on the basis of their spectroscopic data, including those from 2D NMR experiments. The analysis of the biomass sterols led to the identification of 8-12. Fungal infection on the natural substrates induced the release of citrus monoterpenes together with fungal volatiles. The host-pathogen interaction in nature and the possible biological role of citrus volatiles are also discussed.