First record of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the southern African biotype of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae)

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are amino alcohols, often esterified with mono- or dicarboxylic acids, found in several plant families, including the Asteraceae. used for defence against generalist invertebrate herbivores. However, specialist herbivores that able to sequester PAs from host species derive a number of benefits these compounds. This study investigated and leaves roots southern African biotype (SAB) Chromolaena odorata different regions habitats South Africa, without herbivore Pareuchaetes insulata. Alkaloid N-oxides were initially detected leaf samples by Mayor's Dragendorff's reagents later thin-layer chromatography on root detection successive treatment acetic anhydride Ehrlich's reagent. Two pyrrolizidine alkaloids, rinderine stereoisomer intermidine, isolated reduced extract SAB C. identified Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The structures configuration compounds confirmed chemical spectroscopic methods, especially one-dimensional 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis. known be arctiine moths find their sequestered mating purposes, furthermore, render lepidopterans unpalatable predators. is first detect presence odorata.