Compositional Diversity of Terpenoids in the HimalayanValeriana Genera

Abstract

In an effort to determine the chemical diversity of the Valeriana genera of the Northwestern Himalaya (Uttaranchal), V. wallichii, V. himalayana (syn. V. dioica), V. pyrolaefolia, and V. hardwickii var. arnottiana were investigated for their terpenoid compositions by means of GC and GC/MS analyses of their essential oils, as well as by one- and two-dimensional NMR studies of the isolates. Our results establish that V. wallichii DC. includes two stable chemotypes, with no mixed population, chemotype I being characterized by the presence of maaliol (1), and chemotype II having patchouli alcohol (2) and 8-acetoxypatchouli alcohol (3) as major compounds. V. hardwickii var. arnottiana was also found to exist as two independent chemotypes. Here, chemotype I is characterized by alpha-kessyl acetate (4), valeracetate (5), and 8-epikessyl glycol diacetate (6), whereas the chemotype-II species contain maaliol (1) and kessanyl acetate (7). V. himalayana Grub. had maaliol (1), valeranone (8), kessane (9), and alpha-kessyl acetate (4) as major compounds, and V. pyrolaefolia Decne. contained patchouli alcohol (2) and valeranone (8) as markers.

Chemical Diversity in the Essential Oil of Indian Valerian (Valeriana jatamansiJones)

“…The essential oil composition of different Valeriana spp from India and other countries has been investigated earlier [3] [13 -26]. Species of Valeriana have been reported to contain fragrant monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids.…”

“…Species of Valeriana have been reported to contain fragrant monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids. V. jatamansi, in particular, is characterized by the presence of three major terpenoids, i.e., maaliol, patchouli alcohol (1), and 8-acetoxypatchouli alcohol (2) [3].…”

“…The whole plant, as a constituent of the Ayurvedic medicine, is used as a hypnotic and to treat nervous debility, failing reflexes, and spastic disorders [2]. It is also used for curing obesity, nervous disorders, epilepsy, insanity, snake poisoning, eye trouble, and skin diseases [3] [4]. It is the counterpart of the European V. officinalis L., an official drug in the British [5] and European Pharmacopeia.…”

Isolation, Structural Elucidation, and Neuroprotective Effects of Iridoids fromValeriana jatamansi

“…Valeriana wallichii DC., Valerianaceae) is mainly distributed in China and India. 1) Its roots have been used since ancient times for treating various diseases and as an important substitute of European V. officinalis for treating nervous disorders. 1,2) Previous phytochemical investigations on this species have revealed iridoids to be the characteristic constituents of V. jatamansi.…”

“…1) Its roots have been used since ancient times for treating various diseases and as an important substitute of European V. officinalis for treating nervous disorders. 1,2) Previous phytochemical investigations on this species have revealed iridoids to be the characteristic constituents of V. jatamansi. [3][4][5][6] In our continuous search for new natural products or bioactive substances from medicinal plants, [7][8][9] with focus on minor compounds, we investigated the chemical constituents of the roots of V. jatamansi.…”