Betaine distribution in the Malvaceae

Aerial parts of 26 taxa, distributed in 18 genera and all 5 tribes of the M alvaceae have been examined for the presence of betaines. Glycinebetaine wa s obtained in high yield (0.5-4.6%, dry weight) from all the plants studied , except Abelmoschus moschatus, in extracts of which glycinebetaine was not detected. Trigonelline was recorded for 16 of the plants tested, but the y ields were low (0.005-0.07%, dry weight). Roots and flowers of a few of the species were also examined for betaines. The same compounds as those found in the aerial parts were usually detected, but the glycinebetaine contents of the, roots and flowers were considerably lower. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.