Abstract
Some sesquiterpene esters of the eremophilane type of Petasites hybridus (L.) G.M. et Sch. are known to act as spasmolytic agents and as inhibitors of the synthesis of leukotrienes. In order to make use of this plant in medicinal chemistry, it is important to start with populations that are characterized by a high content of the relevant sesquiterpene esters. Therefore, the sesquiterpene ester content of the rhizomes of six populations from Switzerland and Germany has been determined. In five habitats, the content of petasin, which is known to have the highest spasmolytic activity, was generally high and varied only moderately, depending on location. Surprisingly, however, a population very rich in neopetasin was found in Niedereichsel (Germany). Plants of the habitat Gurnigel (Switzerland) investigated over a complete vegetation period showed the highest amounts of sesquiterpenes in spring time indicating that spring is the best season for their harvest. Sesquiterpene esters with petasol and neopetasol skeletons slowly isomerize to the corresponding esters with isopetasol skeletons.
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