A NEW INSECT MOULTING HORMONE PHYTOECDYSTERONE TAXISTERONE – B FROM THE ROOTS OF TRICHOSANTHES CUCUMERINA(LINN)

Abstract

A new phytoecdysterone has been isolated from Trichosanthes Cucumerina Line (Cucurbitaceae), which exhibits strong moulting activity. On the basis of chemical and physico-chemical evidences,it has been identified as; 3 epi-22 deoxy –ecdysterone (I). This is the first example of the presence of naturally occurring insect moulting hormone in this plant .

Key words: Phytoecdysterone,moulting activity,hormone,physico – chemical

Trichosanthes Cucumerina is credited to reputed therapeutic value^1,2 and some steroidal constituents have already been isolated from the fruits and roots of this plant^,3,4 therefore the leaves of T. cucumerina were investigated resulting in the discovery of a new phyto - ecdystrone.