Simple method for large scale isolation of the cyclic arylhydroxamic acid DIMBOA from maize (Zea mays L.)

The 2-beta-O-D-glucoside of the cyclic arylhydroxamic acid 2,4-dihydroxy-7- methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin- 3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) that occurs in large amounts in young maize shoots (Zea mays L.) is converted enzymatically to its aglyc one upon tissue damage. The aglycone DIMBOA possesses strong biologically a ctivity toward various organisms whereas the glucoside is almost biological ly inactive. A simple procedure yielding DIMBOA in gram quantities, from 7- day-old maize seedlings, was developed by using solid-phase extraction.