Epicuticular Wax Alkanes of Scutellaria Lateriflora L. Leaves

The dried aerial parts of scutellaria lateriflora L. (family Labiatae), have been used for many years as a domestic remedy for epilepsy, hysteria, and nervous tension states. Although several phytochemical investigations have been made regarding the constituents present in this species (i. e. flavonoids, iridoids), none has been recorded concerning the cuticular wax. Using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), and GLC-mass spectrometry, laterifloral collected from Mazandaran province in northern Iran have been analysed. The wax yield was 1.2%. The alkanes fall in the range of C23 to C37 the odd carbon number n-alkanes being predominant. The concentration of branched alkane is low (1.2%). Three homologous series of branched alkanes were identified as 3,9-dimethyl alkanes, 2-methyl alkanes and 3-methyl alkanes.