Isolation and Identification of Homologues of Ajoene and Alliin from Bulb-Extracts of Allium ursinum

Abstract

From the chloroform extract of Allium ursinum L. (Liliaceae) bulbs, in addition to other sulfur-containing constituents (E/Z)-4,5,9-trithiadeca-1,6,11-dien-9-oxide [= methylajoene) and (E/Z)-4,5,9-trithiaocta-1,6-dien-9-oxide (= dimethylajoene) were isolated and identified by NMR and mass spectroscopy. These two compounds were also found in A. sativum but in lower amounts. The higher contents of the corresponding precursors (+)-S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (MCSO) and methylallyl/allylmethy] thiosulfmate in A. ursinum water/methanol extracts correspond with the higher amounts of ajoene homologues.

Key words

Allium ursinum - wild garlic - ramson - Allium sativum - garlic - ajoene - mathylajoene - dimethylajoene - alliin - (+)-S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide