Tocopherol content and isomers' composition in selected plant species

We have analyzed leaves of several plant species for the content and isomers' composition of tocopherols and it was found that their content was considerably higher in some cases than previously reported, especially in autumn tree leaves where the average tocopherols' level was in the range of 300-640 mu g/g fresh weight and accounted for 40-140% of the chlorophyll amount. The isomers' composition, usually dominated by alpha-tocopherol in leaves, was different in some plant species with a high percentage of gamma-tocopherol (Kalanchoe, lettuce, dodder species, and young maple leaves) or delta-tocopherol (Cuscuta epithymum and Cuscuta japonica). C. japonica was exceptional by the complete absence of alpha-tocopherol. The possible reasons and physiological significance of these observations have been discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.