ASCARIDOLE AND RELATED PEROXIDES FROM THE GENUS CHENOPODIUM

Aim: Detection of monoterpenoid ascaridole and other terpenoids in the genus Chenopodium from the East Mediterranean. Method: Distribution of ascaridole in leaves of 13 species medicinal plant belonging to the genus Chenopodium was examined with the help of the GC-MS method. Results: cis-Ascaridole was found as a major peroxy monoterpenoid (up to 46.9 %) in the oil. Three minor isomers: cis-isoascaridole (1.1-6.4 %), trans-ascaridole (1-2 %), and trans-isoascaridole (1-2 %) were also detected. The biological activities and biosynthesis of ascaridole are further discussed. Conclusions: The results on Ascaridol and the major volatiles and semi-volatiles of wild species belonging to the genus Chenopodium provide important information on biologically active monoterpenoid compounds and volatile metabolites biosynthesized in wild medicinal plants growing in the East Mediterranean.