Betaine distribution in the Amaranthaceae

摘要

Aerial parts of 23 species distributed in 10 genera of the Amaranthaceae were examined for the presence of betaines. Glycinebetaine was isolated from all the species studied and, in addition, trigonelline was detected in eight out of the nine species of Amaranthus, 1 of the two species of Alternanthera and in the species of Iresine (3), Celosia (2), Chamissoa (1), Aerva (1), Gomphrena (1) and Froelichia (1). With the exception of I. herbstii, glycinebetaine was the predominant betaine. The highestyield of this compound was from Cyathula geniculata (2.11%, dry weight), but, with the exception of I. herbstii (0.05%), the species tested had contents in the range 0.28-2.11%, dry weight. Trigonelline yields varied from 0.004 to 0.15%, dry weight. Fromthe data obtained, it is suggested that classification of the Amaranthaceae as a betaine-accumulating family would appear to be justified.