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Allelopathic Potential of Rapanea umbellata Leaf Extracts
Author(s) -
Novaes Paula,
Imatomi Maristela,
Varela Rosa M.,
Molinillo José M. G.,
Lacret Rodney,
Gualtieri Sonia C. J.,
Macías Francisco A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
chemistry and biodiversity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.427
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1612-1880
pISSN - 1612-1872
DOI - 10.1002/cbdv.201200367
Subject(s) - allelopathy , bioassay , coleoptile , chemistry , botany , phytotoxicity , biology , germination , ecology
The stressful conditions associated with the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) environment were supposed to favor higher levels of allelochemicals in Rapanea umbellata from this ecosystem. The allelopathic potential of R. umbellata leaf extracts was studied using the etiolated wheat coleoptile and standard phytotoxicity bioassays. The most active extract was selected to perform a bioassay‐guided isolation, which allowed identifying lutein ( 1 ) and (−)‐catechin ( 2 ) as potential allelochemicals. Finally, the general bioactivity of the two compounds was studied, which indicated that the presence of 1 might be part of the defense mechanisms of this plant.