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Planta Med 1980; 40: 41-47
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1075000
Research Articles

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Z-Butylidenephtalide in the Essential Oil from Roots of Levisticum officinale

M. J. M. Gijbels, J. J. C. Scheffer, A. Baerheim Svendsen
  • Department of Pharmacognosy, State University of Leiden, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 April 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Z-butylidenephtalide was prepared by means of a stereospecific synthesis method. Its configuration was confirmed by 'H-NMR measurements and experiments on photochemical isomerization. The Z-compound was found to be the only butylidenephtalide isomer present in a commercial sample of essential oil from the roots of Levisticum officinale Koch, as well as in freshly distilled oil. UV irradiation induces isomerization from the Z-to the E-isomer with markedly different organoleptic properties.

Key Word Index

Levisticum officinale - Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) - Essential Oil - Z-Butylidenephtalide.