Chemical Constituents and Their Production in Mexican Oaks (Q. Rugosa, Q. Glabrescens and Q. Obtusata)

Mexico is considered one of the main regions of diversification of the genus Ouercus (oaks). Oak species are one of the most important tree groups, particularly in temperate forests, due to its diversity and abundance. Some studies have shown that oak contains specialized metabolites with medicinal importance. In this work, the acetonic extract from leaves of three Mexican oaks (Ouercus rugosa, O. glabrescens, and O. obtusata) was separated using thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography. Chemical identification of the major compounds was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Nineteen compounds were identified, three belonging to the terpenoid family (ursolic acid, beta-amyrin, and (beta-sitosterol) and 16 from the phenolic family. Of the isolated compounds, seven are new reports for oak species (scopoletin, ursolic acid, beta-amyrin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-sambubioside). More compounds were identified in Q. rugosa followed by Q. glabrescens and then Q. obtusata. The characterization of specialized metabolites in oak species is relevant, from both phytocentric and anthropocentric perspectives.

Automated summary

Mexico is considered a main region for the diversification of oak species, which are important in temperate forests. This study identified and characterized major compounds from three Mexican oak species, including some new compounds. Oak species contain specialized metabolites with medicinal importance, highlighting the relevance of this research from both botanical and human perspectives.