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Cucurbitacins fromCucurbita texana: Evidence for the role of isocucurbitacins

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Abstract

In addition to cucurbitacins E andI, cucurbitacins D,1, 3-epi-isocucurbitacin D,2, and B,3, were isolated from the fruits ofCucurbita texana and structurally identified by UV, IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and MS, and 2-O-Β-glucopyranosylcucurbitacin I was identified. These compounds have not been reported previously as constituents of this species. The isolation of 3-epi-isocucurbitacin D2 together with normal cucurbitacins suggests that isocucurbitacins occur naturally. Evidence is also discussed that isocucurbitacins are biosynthesized one step ahead of normal cucurbitacin.

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  1. Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station Department of Entomology & Applied Ecology College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Delaware, 19717-1303, Newark, Delaware

    Fathi T. Halaweish

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  1. Fathi T. Halaweish
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Halaweish, F.T. Cucurbitacins fromCucurbita texana: Evidence for the role of isocucurbitacins. J Chem Ecol 19, 29–37 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987468

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987468

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