Amsinckia menziesii
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID644008ecd3b47011532976 |
| Scientific name | Amsinckia menziesii |
| Authority | (Lehm.) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr. |
| First published in | Bot. Gaz. 61: 36 (1916) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Among Western North American Indigenous groups the dried aerial parts of Amsinckia menziesii have been collected and made into a simple infusion to ease coughing and cold symptoms, and as a gentle tonic for winter colds. In the Pacific Northwest and northern California, ethnobotanists recorded that a weak tea of the aerial parts was taken for coughs and bronchial irritation (Gunther 1973; Turner et al. 1980; Moerman 1998). In the Intermountain West and adjacent grasslands, a decoction of the flowering tops was prepared as a mild respiratory remedy, sometimes combined with other foraged greens when very scarce (Chamberlin 1911; Native American Ethnobotany Database). In northern Mexico, historical Spanish and mestizo pharmacopeia also list a lightly boiled infusion of the dried tops for “tose bronquial” (locally recorded by Latorre and Latorre, 1993; DEST library of medicinal plants). Extracts used externally—tinctures or light macerations of the leaves or whole herb—have been documented for soothing minor aches and as a poultice for skin irritations, though such preparations appear in regional European-style materia medica rather than primarily in Indigenous practice (Wedelia coarctata, 2014; DEST library, 2019). In all cases the preparation is brief and modest, with herb gathered in bloom and used while still fragrant.
A practical, minimal-infusion method as recorded for use as a mild bronchial tea is as follows. Combine 2–3 grams of air‑dried aerial parts with about 200 ml of near‑boiling water; steep tightly covered for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink one cup as needed, no more than twice daily, and discontinue if nausea or abdominal upset occurs (Chamberlin 1911; Turner et al. 1980). Because the plant contains unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it should not be taken during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for more than several days. Do not use with other hepatotoxic herbs or in people with liver disease, and avoid giving to children or using chronically.
The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is well established in Amsinckia menziesii, and these unsaturated alkaloids are the principal constituents driving the pharmacological profile of the herb (Roitman 1981; Smith & Culvenor 1981). No extensive profiling of other secondary metabolites has been reported, and modern pharmacological work on the species itself remains sparse.
Research over the past decade has highlighted the hepatotoxic and carcinogenic risks of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which has constrained contemporary use of teas from Amsinckia menziesii (EFSA 2011; Rutz et al. 2022). In Western herb commerce the plant is seldom sold, and most communities that historically employed it now rely on safer alternatives for colds.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Properties relevant to use:
Aerial parts (leaves and stems) of *Amsinckia menziesii* (Lehm.) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr. contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, notably lycopsamine and supinine, which have been chemically characterized. These alkaloids have been investigated in studies of pyrrolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis and toxicology, providing a model system for research on these compounds within the Boraginaceae and for phylogenomic analyses using nuclear and chloroplast markers.
Sustainability and sourcing:
*A. menziesii* is a widespread native annual herb in western North America and commonly occurs as a ruderal in disturbed habitats. No commercial cultivation exists, and research material is typically collected from wild populations; no specific conservation concerns have been documented.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Amsinckia copelandii | Suksd. | Werdenda 1: 62 (1931) |
| Amsinckia douglasiana var. interior | J.F.Macbr. | Contr. Gray Herb. 49: 13 (1917) |
| Amsinckia eatonii | Suksd. | Werdenda 1: 64 (1931) |
| Amsinckia helleri | Brand | Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 25: 212 (1928) |
| Amsinckia hirticaulis | Suksd. | Werdenda 1: 55 (1931) |
| Amsinckia hispidissima | Suksd. | Deutsche Bot. Monatsschr. 18: 133 (1900) |
| Amsinckia menziesii f. angustisepala | Faegri | Bergens Mus. Årbog (Årbok) 15. 1929 |
| Amsinckia menziesii f. latisepala | Faegri | Bergens Mus. Årbog (Årbok) 15. 1929 |
| Amsinckia menziesii var. microcarya | Brand | Pflanzenr. , IV, 252(97): 211 (1931) |
| Amsinckia menziesii var. retrorsa | (Suksd.) Reveal & Schuyler | Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 149: 8 (1999) |
| Amsinckia micrantha | Suksd. | Deutsche Bot. Monatsschr. 18: 134 (1900) |
| Amsinckia parviflora | A.Heller | Muhlenbergia 2: 313. 1907 |
| Amsinckia sparsiflora | Suksd. | Werdenda 1: 77 (1931) |
| Benthamia menziesii | (Lehm.) Druce | Bot. Exch. Club Brit. Isles Rep. 5: 570. 1920 [Oct 1920] |
| Benthamia parviflora | Druce | Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 7(5): 777. 1926 [Jun 1926] |
| Echium menziesii | Lehm. | Nov. Stirp. Pug. 2: 29 (1830) |
| Benthamia micrantha | (Suksd.) Druce | Bot. Exch. Club Brit. Isles Rep. 4: 299. 1916 |
| Benthamia retrorsa | (Suksd.) Druce | Bot. Exch. Club Brit. Isles Rep. 4: 299. 1916 |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | menzies' fiddleneck |
| Welsh | amsincia |
| Finnish | lännenkeltalemmikki |
| Swedish | ogräsgullört |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Africa click to expand
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Southern Africa
- Cape Provinces
- Northern Provinces
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Southern Africa
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Russian Far East
- Khabarovsk
- Primorye
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Russian Far East
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Europe click to expand
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Eastern Europe
- North European Russia
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Middle Europe
- Belgium
- Germany
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Northern Europe
- Great Britain
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Southeastern Europe
- Greece
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Eastern Europe
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Northern America click to expand
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Mexico
- Mexican Pacific Islands
- Mexico Northeast
- Mexico Northwest
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North-central U.S.A.
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
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Northeastern U.S.A.
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Pennsylvania
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Northwestern U.S.A.
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Montana
- Oregon
- Washington
- Wyoming
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South-central U.S.A.
- New Mexico
- Texas
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Southeastern U.S.A.
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
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Southwestern U.S.A.
- Arizona
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
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Subarctic America
- Alaska
- Aleutian Islands
- Yukon
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Western Canada
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
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Mexico
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Pacific click to expand
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North-central Pacific
- Hawaii
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North-central Pacific
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000532148 |
| Canadensys | 3739 |
| USDA Plants | AMME |
| Tropicos | 4000778 |
| Flora of Italy | 12851 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:11839-2 |
| The Plant List | kew-2635052 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 416440 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1213287 |
| Nature Serve | 2.149774 |
| IPNI | 11839-2 |
| iNaturalist | 55436 |
| GBIF | 2925870 |
| Freebase | /m/03ykj_2 |
| EPPO | AMSME |
| EOL | 580757 |
| Calflora (Californian flora) | 326 |
| USDA GRIN | 453243 |
| Wikipedia | Amsinckia_menziesii |
| CMAUP | NPO12225 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives | |||||
| (+)-Intermedine | 114843 | Click to see | 299.36 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83282-4 https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9661955 |
| (1-Hydroxy-2,3,5,7a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolizin-7-yl)methyl 2-hydroxy-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylbutanoate | 22384 | Click to see | 299.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 |
| (7-acetyloxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolizin-1-yl)methyl 2-(1-acetyloxyethyl)-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate | 162893716 | Click to see CC(C)C(C(C)OC(=O)C)(C(=O)OCC1=CCN2C1C(CC2)OC(=O)C)O | 383.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83312-M https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 |
| (7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolizin-1-yl)methyl 2-(1-acetyloxyethyl)-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate | 78384682 | Click to see | 341.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 |
| [(7R,8R)-7-acetyloxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolizin-1-yl]methyl (2S)-2-[(1S)-1-acetyloxyethyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate | 163194082 | Click to see CC(C)C(C(C)OC(=O)C)(C(=O)OCC1=CCN2C1C(CC2)OC(=O)C)O | 383.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83312-M |
| [(7R,8R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolizin-1-yl]methyl (2S)-2-[(1S)-1-acetyloxyethyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate | 162973293 | Click to see | 341.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 |
| 3'-Acetyllycopsamine | 586647 | Click to see CC(C)C(C(C)O)(C(=O)OCC1=CCN2C1C(CC2)OC(=O)C)O | 341.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 |
| 3'-Acetylmyoscorpine | 91751311 | Click to see CC=C(C)C(=O)OC1CCN2C1C(=CC2)COC(=O)C(C(C)C)(C(C)OC(=O)C)O | 423.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83282-4 |
| 7-Acetyllycopsamine | 156006 | Click to see | 341.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 |
| Amabiline | 442706 | Click to see CC(C)C(C(C)O)(C(=O)OCC1=CCN2C1CCC2)O | 283.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83282-4 |
| Lycopsamine | 107938 | Click to see CC(C)C(C(C)O)(C(=O)OCC1=CCN2C1C(CC2)O)O | 299.36 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9830769 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83282-4 |
| Myoscorpine | 6440700 | Click to see CC=C(C)C(=O)OC1CCN2C1C(=CC2)COC(=O)C(C(C)C)(C(C)O)O | 381.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83282-4 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives | |||||
| 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid | 135 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C(=O)O)O | 138.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / M-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 3-Methoxysalicylic acid | 70140 | Click to see | 168.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / P-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 4-Methoxybenzoic Acid | 7478 | Click to see | 152.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Salicylic acid and derivatives / Salicylic acids | |||||
| 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid | 19 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / 1-hydroxy-4-unsubstituted benzenoids | |||||
| Hydron phenoxide | 20488062 | Click to see | 94.11 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| Vanillin | 1183 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=O)O | 152.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Long-chain fatty acids | |||||
| Myristic Acid | 11005 | Click to see | 228.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Oleic Acid | 445639 | Click to see | 282.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Palmitoleic Acid | 445638 | Click to see CCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)O | 254.41 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Stearic Acid | 5281 | Click to see | 284.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Very long-chain fatty acids | |||||
| Behenic Acid | 8215 | Click to see CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O | 340.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Hexacosanoic Acid | 10469 | Click to see | 396.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Lignoceric Acid | 11197 | Click to see CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O | 368.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids | |||||
| (2S,4aS,10aR)-1,1,4a-trimethyl-7-propan-2-yl-2,3,4,9,10,10a-hexahydrophenanthren-2-ol | 13996029 | Click to see CC(C)C1=CC2=C(C=C1)C3(CCC(C(C3CC2)(C)C)O)C | 286.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Colensane and clerodane diterpenoids | |||||
| (3R,4R,4aS,8aS)-4-[2-(furan-3-yl)ethyl]-4-hydroxy-3,4a,8,8-tetramethyl-2,3,5,6,7,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-one | 101717490 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Rotundifuran | 9841926 | Click to see CC1CC(C2C(CCCC2(C1(CCC3=COC=C3)O)C)(C)C)OC(=O)C | 362.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Vitetrifolin B | 15543011 | Click to see | 362.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Vitetrifolin C | 15543012 | Click to see | 360.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-alpha-Terpineol | 442501 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]propan-2-yl acetate | 93317 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(C)(C)OC(=O)C | 196.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Quinone and hydroquinone lipids / Vitamin E compounds / Tocopherols | |||||
| (+)-gamma-Tocopherol | 92729 | Click to see | 416.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesterterpenoids / Scalarane sesterterpenoids | |||||
| Taraxerone | 92785 | Click to see | 424.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides / Iridoid O-glycosides | |||||
| (1S,4AS,7S,7aS)-7-hydroxy-7-methyl-1-(((2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(((4-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy)methyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-1,4a,5,6,7,7a-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid | 23955877 | Click to see | 496.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| CID 51346123 | 51346123 | Click to see | 466.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Mussaenosidic acid | 21633105 | Click to see | 376.36 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Negundoside | 9935561 | Click to see | 496.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones / Diterpene lactones | |||||
| [(1R,3R,4R,4aS,8aS)-4-hydroxy-3,4a,8,8-tetramethyl-4-[2-(5-oxo-2H-furan-4-yl)ethyl]-2,3,5,6,7,8a-hexahydro-1H-naphthalen-1-yl] acetate | 10022565 | Click to see CC1CC(C2C(CCCC2(C1(CCC3=CCOC3=O)O)C)(C)C)OC(=O)C | 378.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3-[2-[(1R,2R,4aS,8aS)-1-hydroxy-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-3,4,4a,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]ethyl]-2H-furan-5-one | 102105798 | Click to see CC1CCC2C(CCCC2(C1(CCC3=CC(=O)OC3)O)C)(C)C | 320.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Previtexilactone | 21636179 | Click to see | 378.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Vitexilactone | 21636178 | Click to see CC1CC(C2C(CCCC2(C1(CCC3=CC(=O)OC3)O)C)(C)C)OC(=O)C | 378.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-Ursolic Acid | 64945 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3Alpha-Hydroxyurs-12-En-28-Oic Acid | 7163177 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Alpha-Amyrin | 73170 | Click to see | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Betulinic Acid | 64971 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Corosolic Acid | 6918774 | Click to see | 472.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Lupeol | 259846 | Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC2(C1C3CCC4C5(CCC(C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2)C)C)(C)C)O)C)C | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| Sitogluside | 5742590 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C | 576.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Dicarboxylic acids and derivatives | |||||
| (2E)-2-[(4aS,5R,7R,8R,8aS)-5-acetyloxy-4,4,7,8a-tetramethylspiro[2,3,4a,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-naphthalene-8,5'-oxolane]-2'-ylidene]acetic acid | 101357917 | Click to see | 364.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Lactones / Gamma butyrolactones | |||||
| Iso-ambreinolide | 15559824 | Click to see | 264.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Tetrahydrofurans | |||||
| Vitex norditerpenoid 1 | 11208535 | Click to see CC1CCC2C(CCCC2(C13CCC(=CC=O)O3)C)(C)C | 290.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Vitex norditerpenoid 2 | 11462191 | Click to see | 348.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones | |||||
| Luteolin | 5280445 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O | 286.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid C-glycosides / Flavonoid 8-C-glycosides | |||||
| Vitexin | 5280441 | Click to see | 432.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 6-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Bonanzin | 5379563 | Click to see | 374.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 7-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Artemetin | 5320351 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C(C=C1)C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C(=C(C=C3O2)OC)OC)O)OC)OC | 388.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Casticin | 5315263 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C(C=C1)C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C(=C(C=C3O2)OC)OC)O)OC)O | 374.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Chrysosplenol D | 5280699 | Click to see | 360.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |