The Occurrence and Identification of Flavonoids in Thaumatococcus daniellii Benth

Abstract

A survey was made of the distribution of the major flavonoid compounds in the tissues of T. daniellii. (Benth). The leaf petiole and fruit coat contain derivatives of flavonol and flavones just as the flower tissue which contain anthocyanins in addition. Flavonoids are, however, apparently absent in the rhizome and fruit parts – aril, gel, seed. A proanthocyanidin was detected in the fruit. Pigments were identified by UV spectral measurements with the usual 'shift' reagents, identification of the aglycone and sugar produced on acid hydrolysis or H₂O₂ oxidation, on the basis of R_f, mass spectral analysis of permethylated derivatives, direct comparison and cochromatography with authentic samples in many solvent systems.

Key Word Index

Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benth) - Marantaceae - Flavonoids - Flavonol Glycoside - Glycoflavones - Anthocyanins