Molecules, Vol. 23, Pages 2693: Evaluation of Alkaloids Isolated from Ruta graveolens as Photosynthesis Inhibitors

Molecules, Vol. 23, Pages 2693: Evaluation of Alkaloids Isolated from Ruta graveolens as Photosynthesis Inhibitors Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules23102693 Authors: Olívia Moreira Sampaio Lucas Campos Curcino Vieira Barbara Sayuri Bellete Beatriz King-Diaz Blas Lotina-Hennsen Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes da Silva Thiago André Moura Veiga Eight alkaloids (1–8) were isolated from Ruta graveolens, and their herbicide activities were evaluated through in vitro, semivivo, and in vivo assays. The most relevant results were observed for Compounds 5 and 6–8 at 150 μM, which decreased dry biomass by 20% and 23%, respectively. These are significant results since they presented similar values with the positive control, commercial herbicide 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU). Based on the performed assays, Compound 5 (graveoline) is classified as an electron-transport inhibitor during the light phase of photosynthesis, as well as a plant-growth regulator. On the other hand, Compounds 6–8 inhibited electron and energy transfers, and are also plant-growth inhibitors. These phytotoxic behaviors based on acridone and quinolone alkaloids may serve as a valuable tool in the further development of a new class of herbicides since natural products represent an interesting alternative to replace commercial herbicides, potentially due their low toxicity.
Source: Molecules - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research