BENZOIC-ACID AND HYDROXYLATED BENZOIC-ACIDS IN POLLEN

Benzoic acid, its 2-hydroxy (salicylic acid) and 4-hydroxy derivatives were identified amongst substances leached from hydrating pollen of s everal plant species common in New Zealand. Acacia dealbata (wattle) a nd Cedrus atlantica pollen released all three compounds while two were leached from pollen of Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) and Cupressus ma crocarpa. The substances were generally present in microgram (per gram pollen) levels. Similar extracts of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and pri vet (Ligustrum lucidum) pollen were devoid of these substances while b irch (Betula pendula) pollen contained only benzoic acid. Salicylic ac id and its benzoic acid metabolite are of significance because of the plant hormone activity of the former. The possibility is also raised o f effects of pollen exposure on respiratory function unrelated to prot ein allergens due to pharmacological activity associated with these co mpounds.