Tetra-and Pentacyclic Triterpenoids from Epicuticular Wax of Euphorbia cyparissias L., Euphorbiaceae

Abstract

Abstract The epicuticular wax of Euphorbia cyparissias contains pentacyclic triterpenoids (34%) and primary alcohols (31%) as major com ponents. The major triterpenoids are triterpenols (23%) consisting of α-and β-amyrin, glutinol, 24-m ethylenecycloartenol and ψ-taraxasterol. The triter­ penones (10.5%) are com posed of taraxerone. a -and β-amyrinone, lupenone, glutinone, ψ-taraxasterone, β-fernenone and three further unidentified triterpenes. α-Amyrin was found esterified with hom ologous series of fatty acids. Minor components are alkanes, wax esters, aldehydes and free fatty acids.