AN IRIDOID DIESTER FROM VALERIANA-OFFICINALIS VAR SAMBUCIFOLIA HAIRY ROOTS

A new iridoid diester xymethyl-9-methyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-en-2- yl isovalerate), which we have named valdiate, was isolated from the h airy roots of Valeriana officinalis var. sambucifolia Mikan transforme d with Agrobacterium rhizogenes R1601. It was characterized by its che mical and physical data. Together with valdiate, five valepotriates we re isolated and identified by means of mass spectrometry and H-1 and C -13 NMR spectrometry. The analysis of the non-transformed plant roots belonging to the same species, indicated the absence of valdiate and t he presence of four valepotriates only.