Ruta chalepensis
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID644000071b9a4245716386 |
| Scientific name | Ruta chalepensis |
| Authority | L. |
| First published in | Mant. Pl. : 69 (1767) |
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.
Fringed rue (Ruta chalepensis) has long been valued across the Mediterranean and Middle East as a bitter aromatic for digestion and external complaints. In Moroccan tradition the leaves are taken as a mild tea or chewed after meals to soothe colic and indigestion (Zniber et al., 2015). Egyptians prepare infusions of the aerial parts for intestinal discomfort, fever, and dyspepsia (Abdel-Aal et al., 2021), while Lebanese herbalists brew a leaf “tea” to relieve coughs, colds, and gastrointestinal aches (Hariri et al., 2018). Across these regions the bitter principle and volatile oils are perceived to stimulate gastric secretion, relieve flatulence, and ease crampy pain.
Topical applications are also well recorded. In Malta the leaves are warmed and applied as a poultice to aching muscles and bruises (Schembri, 2006). Herbalists in Morocco pound fresh leaves into a paste with olive oil or water for inflammatory skin eruptions and insect bites (Benali et al., 2016). A 2018 Lebanese study notes women make compresses from rue leaves to relieve menstrual cramps (Dagher et al., 2018). In each case, practitioners emphasize moderation and short duration due to the plant’s strong nature.
A simple “mild digestive tea” can be made from 1–2 teaspoons of dried, crumbled aerial parts (or 5–6 fresh leaves) infused in 250 mL of just‑boiled water for 5–7 minutes. For a stronger infusion used as a cough aid in Lebanon, 6–8 fresh leaves are steeped for 10 minutes. Because Ruta is a photosensitizing plant and uterine stimulant, keep doses small; avoid in pregnancy, nursing, and photosensitive individuals; and apply only to intact skin, rinsing any residue and avoiding sun exposure afterwards.
R. chalepensis contains furanocoumarins (e.g., psoralen, bergapten) that explain its phototoxic skin reactions and also contribute antibacterial effects in vitro (Benali et al., 2016). The essential oil is rich in 2‑undecanone, 2‑nonanone, and limonene, supporting antimicrobial and carminative actions (Hariri et al., 2018). The bitter alkaloids and coumarins typically present in Ruta, such as quinolinone alkaloids and coumarins, are also linked to its traditional digestive and antispasmodic reputation (Cowan, 1999). Although parts are sold as herbal tea in Mediterranean markets and distilled oil remains in demand, modern research is still defining its safety window and refining quality controls for culinary and medicinal products.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
• Essential oil (distilled from fresh aerial parts), characterized by high levels of 2-nonanone and 2-decanone, with minor esters and hydrocarbons.
Industrial and craft applications:
• Fragrance raw material in soaps, detergents, and laundry products due to a fresh, herbaceous, slightly spicy aroma and moderate persistence; also used in minute proportions in fine fragrances.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
• Flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages and selected foods, typically at trace levels; listed by FEMA as GRAS and approved for food flavoring use under EU regulations when used in accordance with purity specifications and proposed usage levels.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
• Component of perfumes, aromatherapy bases, and functional fragrances; employed where a green/herbal note is desired; recommended inclusion rates low to avoid sensitizing potential; does not denote any health or therapeutic benefit.
Properties relevant to use:
• Oil composition: 2-nonanone (C9 ketone) and 2-decanone (C10 ketone) are major constituents, contributing crisp, fruity-herbaceous notes; moderate vapor pressure supports diffusion without heavy persistence.
Standards and regulation:
• Essential oil subject to ISO/ASTM/EN quality specifications for physical constants (specific gravity, refractive index, optical rotation) and GC profile ranges; FDA/EU provisions for flavoring substances (FEMA GRAS status; EU Flavouring Regulation 1334/2008, Annex I/II) apply when used as flavoring; IFRA guidelines inform safe dermal/leave-on inclusion and sensitization considerations; allergen labeling thresholds (IFRA/cosmetic regulations) are relevant when used in leave-on products.
Sustainability and sourcing:
• Wild-harvested in parts of its range; cultivation preferable to maintain oil supply consistency and reduce pressure on wild populations; overharvesting can impact local availability of the species.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Ruta fumariifolia | Boiss. & Heldr. | Diagn. Pl. Orient. 8: 125 (1849) |
| Ruta ulyssiponensis | Houtt. | Nat. Hist. 2(5): 55 (1775) |
| Ruta punctata | Presl ex Mert. & W.D.J.Koch | Deutschl. Fl. , ed. 3, 3: 88 (1831) |
| Ruta bracteosa | DC. | Prodr. 1: 710 (1824) |
| Ruta latifolia | Salisb. | Prodr. Stirp. Chap. Allerton 320. 1796 [Nov-Dec 1796] |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | fringed rue |
| Amharic | ጤና ኣዳም |
| Arabic | سذاب حلبي |
| Arabic | سكب |
| Arabic | شذب |
| German | gefranste raute |
| Persian | راتا چلپنسیس |
| Hebrew | פיגם מצוי |
| Malayalam | അരൂത |
| su | inggu |
| Chinese | 叙利亚芸香 |
Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Ruta chalepensis subsp. chalepensis | Unknown | |
| Ruta chalepensis subsp. fumariifolia | (Boiss. & Heldr.) Nyman | Consp. Fl. Eur. 143 (1878) |
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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Macaronesia
- Azores
- Canary Islands
- Cape Verde
- Madeira
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Northeast Tropical Africa
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Socotra
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Northern Africa
- Algeria
- Libya
- Morocco
- Tunisia
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South Tropical Africa
- Angola
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West-central Tropical Africa
- Gulf Of Guinea Islands
-
Macaronesia
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Arabian Peninsula
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
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Western Asia
- Cyprus
- East Aegean Islands
- Lebanon-Syria
- Palestine
- Turkey
-
Arabian Peninsula
-
Europe click to expand
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Southeastern Europe
- Albania
- Greece
- Italy
- Kriti
- Sicilia
- Yugoslavia
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Southwestern Europe
- Baleares
- Corse
- France
- Portugal
- Sardegna
- Spain
-
Southeastern Europe
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Northern America click to expand
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Mexico
- Mexican Pacific Islands
- Mexico Central
- Mexico Northwest
- Mexico Southwest
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South-central U.S.A.
- Texas
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Southwestern U.S.A.
- California
-
Mexico
-
Southern America click to expand
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Caribbean
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Leeward Islands
- Puerto Rico
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Central America
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
-
Southern South America
- Argentina Northeast
- Argentina Northwest
- Chile Central
- Chile North
- Juan Fernández Islands
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Western South America
- Ecuador
- Peru
-
Caribbean
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000463803 |
| UNII | 9P38G8O4XM |
| USDA Plants | RUCH4 |
| Tropicos | 28100523 |
| Flora of Italy | 2988 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:775070-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-2527496 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 504804 |
| Observations.org | 121612 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 452790 |
| Nature Serve | 2.141464 |
| IPNI | 775070-1 |
| iNaturalist | 78917 |
| GBIF | 3190381 |
| Freebase | /m/0c006bk |
| EPPO | RUACH |
| EOL | 581904 |
| Calflora (Californian flora) | 7240 |
| USDA GRIN | 32577 |
| Wikipedia | Ruta_chalepensis |
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)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| 3-Ethenyl-3,7-dimethyloct-6-enoic acid | 13128171 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(C)(CC(=O)O)C=C)C | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzodioxoles | |||||
| (2S)-5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpentan-1-ol | 163079449 | Click to see | 222.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| 2-Hexanone, 6-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) | 529777 | Click to see CC(=O)CCCCC1=CC2=C(C=C1)OCO2 | 220.26 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| 2-Octanone, 8-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) | 529778 | Click to see CC(=O)CCCCCCC1=CC2=C(C=C1)OCO2 | 248.32 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 |
| 5-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpentan-1-ol | 163079448 | Click to see | 222.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives | |||||
| 2-[6-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)hexyl]-4-methoxyquinoline | 9998809 | Click to see | 363.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Graveolinine | 11044132 | Click to see | 279.29 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Benzoquinolines / Acridines / Acridones | |||||
| (2S)-2-[(2R)-1-chloro-2-hydroxypropan-2-yl]-5-hydroxy-11-methyl-1,2-dihydrofuro[2,3-c]acridin-6-one | 16040191 | Click to see | 359.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| (2S)-2-[(2S)-1-chloro-2-hydroxypropan-2-yl]-5-hydroxy-11-methyl-1,2-dihydrofuro[2,3-c]acridin-6-one | 163033393 | Click to see CC(CCl)(C1CC2=C(O1)C=C(C3=C2N(C4=CC=CC=C4C3=O)C)O)O | 359.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| (2S)-2-prop-1-en-2-yl-2,11-dihydro-1H-furo[2,3-c]acridin-6-one | 163188873 | Click to see | 277.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| 1-Hydroxy-10-methyl-9(10H)-acridinone | 5376484 | Click to see | 225.24 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| 13-Methyl-3,5,8-trioxa-13-azapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,6.07,11.014,19]icosa-1,6,9,11,14,16,18-heptaen-20-one | 13994698 | Click to see | 293.27 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 |
| 2-prop-1-en-2-yl-2,11-dihydro-1H-furo[2,3-c]acridin-6-one | 162978692 | Click to see | 277.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| 20-Hydroxyrutacridone epoxide | 100916216 | Click to see | 339.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 |
| Arborinine | 5281832 | Click to see CN1C2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)C3=C(C(=C(C=C31)OC)OC)O | 285.29 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 |
| Hallacridone | 14380428 | Click to see CC(=O)C1=CC2=C(O1)C=C(C3=C2N(C4=CC=CC=C4C3=O)C)O | 307.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 |
| Isogravacridonechlorine | 5486900 | Click to see CC(CCl)(C1CC2=C(O1)C=C(C3=C2N(C4=CC=CC=C4C3=O)C)O)O | 359.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Rutacridone | 5281849 | Click to see CC(=C)C1CC2=C(O1)C=C(C3=C2N(C4=CC=CC=C4C3=O)C)O | 307.30 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-962480 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Rutacridone epoxide | 5281850 | Click to see CC1(CO1)C2CC3=C(O2)C=C(C4=C3N(C5=CC=CC=C5C4=O)C)O | 323.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Furanoquinolines | |||||
| 9-Ethyl-7,8-dimethoxyfuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-one | 86029255 | Click to see | 273.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(82)85091-7 |
| 9-Ethyl-8-methoxyfuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-one | 86029253 | Click to see | 243.26 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1515/ZNB-1981-0921 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(82)85091-7 |
| Dictamnine | 68085 | Click to see | 199.20 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 |
| Furo(2,3-b)quinolin-4(9H)-one, 9-ethyl-7-methoxy- | 157583 | Click to see | 243.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1515/ZNB-1981-0921 |
| Gamma-Fagarine | 107936 | Click to see | 229.23 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 |
| Kokusaginine | 10227 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(=C1)C(=C3C=COC3=N2)OC)OC | 259.26 | unknown |
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6259197/ https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| Maculosidine | 68222 | Click to see COC1=CC2=C(C(=C1)OC)N=C3C(=C2OC)C=CO3 | 259.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Pteleine | 159650 | Click to see | 229.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Skimmianine | 6760 | Click to see COC1=C(C2=C(C=C1)C(=C3C=COC3=N2)OC)OC | 259.26 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Quinolones and derivatives / Hydroquinolones | |||||
| 2-(7-Hydroxy-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-methylquinolin-4-one | 162879375 | Click to see | 295.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 |
| 2-[6-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)hexyl]-1H-quinolin-4-one | 10450485 | Click to see C1OC2=C(O1)C=C(C=C2)CCCCCCC3=CC(=O)C4=CC=CC=C4N3 | 349.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| 4-methoxy-N-methyl-2-quinolone | 182073 | Click to see | 189.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Graveoline | 353825 | Click to see | 279.29 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Coumaric acids and derivatives | |||||
| Methyl Rosmarinate | 6479915 | Click to see COC(=O)C(CC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O | 374.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives | |||||
| 3-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-propen-1-yl)-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one | 182049 | Click to see | 274.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 |
| 6-(2-Methylbut-3-en-2-yl)-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-h]chromen-8-one | 13994699 | Click to see | 258.27 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Coumarin glycosides | |||||
| Rutarensin | 11958880 | Click to see | 658.60 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-962480 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens | |||||
| (R)-6-(1,1-Dimethyl-allyl)-2-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-2,3-dihydro-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one | 17753871 | Click to see CC(C)(C=C)C1=CC2=CC3=C(C=C2OC1=O)OC(C3)C(C)(C)O | 314.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| 6-[(1R)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropyl]furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one | 163083145 | Click to see | 254.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| 7H-Furo(3,2-G)(1)benzopyran-7-one, 2-(1-(acetyloxy)-1-methylethyl)-6-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propen-1-YL)-2,3-dihydro-, (2R)- | 28125521 | Click to see | 356.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| 9-hydroxy-2-[2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxypropan-2-yl]-2,3-dihydrofuro[3,2-g]chromen-7-one | 102597253 | Click to see CC(C)(C1CC2=C(O1)C(=C3C(=C2)C=CC(=O)O3)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O | 424.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2006-962480 |
| Chalepensin | 128834 | Click to see CC(C)(C=C)C1=CC2=C(C=C3C(=C2)C=CO3)OC1=O | 254.28 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1002/JCCS.198100043 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| Chalepin | 119066 | Click to see | 314.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)83169-8 |
| Clausindine | 170935 | Click to see CC1(CC1C2=CC3=C(C=C4C(=C3)C=CO4)OC2=O)C | 254.28 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| Rutamarin | 26948 | Click to see | 356.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens / 5-methoxypsoralens | |||||
| Bergapten | 2355 | Click to see | 216.19 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens / 8-methoxypsoralens | |||||
| 8-Methoxypsoralen | 4114 | Click to see | 216.19 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50059A040 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85390-2 |
| Isopimpinellin | 68079 | Click to see COC1=C2C=COC2=C(C3=C1C=CC(=O)O3)OC | 246.21 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055511 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84549-5 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y https://doi.org/10.1002/PTR.2650080409 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 7-hydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Umbelliferone | 5281426 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC2=C1C=CC(=O)O2)O | 162.14 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP000012Y |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Isorhamnetin | 5281654 | Click to see | 316.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1515/ZNC-1983-1-226 |
| Kaempferol | 5280863 | Click to see | 286.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1515/ZNC-1983-1-226 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |