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| Looking forward to summer flowers like clematis? Don't forget their defensive chemistry! Many clematis species produce ranunculin, an unusual glucoside that, when the plant is attacked, is converted into the lactone protoanemonin, a toxin not to be ingested! #PhytochemicalFriday |
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| Happy Good #PhytochemicalFriday! Today: phenol, typically thought of as a petroleum product, but is of course also a bioproduct, and a component of the essential oil of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), a plant mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. Thanks @HarvLovesAcct for suggesting! |
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| Ibogaine, an alkaloid from Tabernanthe iboga (an Apocynaceae shrub). This compound can induce psychedelic effects upon ingestion and is used in some spiritual practices. Also used by some to treat opioid addiction, and is the subject of several documentaries. #PhytochemicalFriday |
Is ranunculin found in other family members? ... perhaps Aconitum? (deadly!)
ReplyDeleteHi! Yes, it seems like ranunculin is produced by a few species in that family. I just chose clematis because I think many people are familiar with that plant :)
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