Exudate flavonoid aglycones in the alpine species of Achillea sect. Ptarmica: Chemosystematics of A-moschata and related species (Compositae-Anthemideae)

In completion of our studies on Achillea exudate flavonoids, 11 alpine spec ies of Achillea sect. Ptarmica were analyzed for their aglycone profiles. T he study focuses on species commonly associated with A. moschata. The major flavonoid constituents found in exudates of most taxa were 6-hydroxyflavon ol 3,6,4'-trimethyl ethers, except in A. ageratifolia and its subspecies, w hich are characterized by the accumulation of the 3,6,7-trimethoxy and 6-hy droxyflavones. Infraspecific variation was particularly high in A. abrotano ides and A. moschata. Results an discussed in relation to published data fo r related species and within the context of evolutionary aspects in the gen us Achillea. The 3,6,4'-trimethoxy substitution is regarded as a basic chem ical trend within the genus Achillea. Geographical and ecological aspects a re briefly addressed, and a summary on known exudate aglycone composition o f species from all sections of Achillea is included. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.