Presence of 3-(pentadec-10-enyl)-catechol allergen in the epicuticular components of Lithrea caustica (Anacardiaceae)

URZÚA A; SOTES GJ; ECHEVERRÍA J

BOLETíN LATINOAMERICANO Y DEL CARIBE DE PLANTAS MEDICINALES Y AROMáTICAS

SOC FITOQUIMICA LATINOAMERICANA

Lugar: Santiago de Chile; Año: 2011 vol. 10 p. 590 - 594

0717-7917

Epicuticularcomponents were obtained using methylene chloride extraction of fresh leavesfrom two populations of Lithrea caustica. The methylene chlorideextracts were analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The extracts from both sampledpopulations showed a mixture of a hydrocarbon fraction of n-alkanes from C-21to C-33 as their main components and small amounts of monoterpene hydrocarbons.The allergen 3-(pentadec-10-enyl)-catechol was also identified in theepicuticular sample in very different proportions in both extracts. A secondextract obtained after the epicuticle had been removed from the sample revealedoxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and an increased amount ofthe allergen 3-(Pentadec-10-enyl)-catechol. These results demonstrate that thecuticle hydrocarbons of the leaves function as a lipophylic barrier thatcontrols allergen release.