Poster: Secondary Metabolism

Abs # 278: Chemical composition of Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis

Presenter:	Claw, Samantha R., sclaw@nmsu.edu
Authors	Claw, Samantha R. (A)   Chacon, Yolanda  (A)   O'Connell, Mary A. (A)
Affiliations:	(A): Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University

Chilopsis linearis commonly known as desert willow is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Desert willow is in the family Bignoniaceae. Polyphenols are a class of chemicals found in desert willow; and when associated with anthocyanins have a high antioxidant potential. Anthocyanins have been recommended in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In the past only analyses of leaf composition analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS) has been reported, alkanes, squalene, and piperidine were detected. Hexane extractions were performed on the leaves, pods and flowers and resulting extracts were characterized by GC/MS. We are currently characterizing the woody tissue, bark and wood layers of stems separately. We are investigating the use of supercritical fluid extraction as a method to characterize the secondary products in this plant. The wood and bark are expected to have a form of flavonoid called lapachic acid or lapachol an alcohol functional group. Lapachol has been researched as an anti-tumor and anti-viral compound by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The derivative of lapachol, beta-lapachol, has been found to hinder the replication of the HIV-1. All extracts will be tested for anti-microbial activity. This work has been supported in part by the NM Agricultural Experiment Station and by grants from NIH GM61222 and NIH GM07767-25.