Identification of 1,4-Benzoxazin-3-ones in Maize Extracts by Gas-Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) has been used for the separation, detection, and identification of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones (hydroxamic acids and lactams) and benzoxazolinones found in maize (Zea mays L.) extracts. Compounds of interest were partitioned into ethyl acetate from aqueous maize seedling extracts. For analysis by GLC-MS, trimethylsilyl derivatives were prepared, chromatographed on a column of 3% OV-1, and detected in the mass spectrometer. Mass spectra were obtained for all peaks present in extracts of four maize lines. A data comparison system was developed for relating unidentified spectra to the spectra of the reference compounds. Based on spectral comparisons, three hydroxamic acids (2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1, 4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one; 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one; and 2,4-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), three lactams (2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one; 2,7-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one; and 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), one benzoxazolinone (6-methoxybenzoxazolinone), and two organic acids (malic and aconitic) were identified in the extracts. In addition, one other hydroxamic acid and one other related compound were tentatively identified based on mass spectral evidence.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">ScBx</Emphasis> gene based association analysis of hydroxamate content in rye (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Secale cereale</Emphasis> L.)

Hydroxamates (HX) are major secondary metabolites synthesized by rye and are responsible for some of the unique properties of this cereal, including good tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses and allelopathy. Recently, five genes encoding enzymes taking part in HX biosynthesis have been sequenced and characterized, which was the starting point to undertake the present study. Association analysis of the content of six HX–HBOA (2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), GDIBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one glucoside), DIBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), GDIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one glucoside), DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one) and MBOA (6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one) in the above-ground parts of plants and roots was performed on a population consisting of 102 and 121 diverse inbred lines, in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Altogether, 48 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found to be associated with the content of at least one HX: 20 SNPs were associated with HX synthesized in the above-ground parts of rye plants (AG-SNP), and 28 were associated with HX synthesized in the roots (R-SNP). The highest number of SNPs was present in genes ScBx1 (9) and ScBx5 (11). The majority of SNPs were affected by environmental factors, except for two: ScBx4_1702 associated with GDIBOA and MBOA contents, and ScBx5_1105 associated with HBOA content in roots.     

Distribution and variations of three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in maize induced by the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)

Contents of three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in tissue samples from different parts (young leaf, second leaf, old leaf, stem and root) of young maize plants of 4-leaves stage, fed by the third instar larvae of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS). Samples were taken immediately (set A) or 48 h (set B) after larvae had fed on the second leaf for 48 h. The three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones investigated in our experiments were 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (HMBOA). In samples of set A, the levels of DIMBOA and HMBOA were significantly lifted in the old leaf (L3) and young leaf (L1), respectively, while amounts of these two chemicals in other plant parts were not significantly different between larvae-fed plants and intact plants. Concentrations of DIBOA in each plant part remained unchanged. In samples of set B, no concentration differences for any of these three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones between larvae-fed plants and controls were observed in any plant part. The feeding of the Asian corn borer seems to have limited effects on induction of these three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in young maize plants of the variety investigated.     

Quantitation of 1,4-Benzoxazin-3-ones in Maize by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

A gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) procedure is reported for the quantitation of the trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of substituted 2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-ones (2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[HBOA]; 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[HMBOA];2,4- dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[DIBOA]; 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[DIMBOA]; and 2,4-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[DIM ₂BOA]) found in maize (Zea mays L.) extracts. Derivatized samples were chromatographed on columns with liquid phases of 2% DC-11 and 3% OV-17 and detected by flame ionization. Internal standards were methyl palmitate and methyl stearate on DC-11 and methyl behenate on OV-17. Detector response was linear to at least 5 nanomoles for TMS₂-HBOA and TMS₂-DIBOA and to 19 nanomoles for TMS₂-DIMBOA. Standard errors of 2% or less were obtained when four replicate samples were analyzed. For each of the 15 maize lines examined, the amount of DIMBOA determined by GLC was directly proportional to the amount of ferric chloride-reactive material determined colorimetrically.     

Effects of four benzoxazinoids on gibberellin-induced alpha-amylase activity in barley seeds

Germination of barley seeds was inhibited by 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA) at concentrations greater than 0.03mmol/L, and 6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (MBOA) and benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (BOA) at concentrations greater than 0.1mmol/L. These benzoxazinoids also inhibited the induction of alpha-amylase activity in the barley seeds, and inhibited gibberellin-induced alpha-amylase activity in de-embryonated barley seeds. Significant inhibition in the germination and alpha-amylase induction were observed as concentrations of DIMBOA, DIBOA, MBOA and BOA increased. These results suggest that DIMBOA, DIBOA, MBOA and BOA may inhibit the germination of barley seeds by inhibiting the gibberellin-induced process, leading to alpha-amylase production. The inhibitory activities of germination and alpha-amylase induction of DIMBOA and DIBOA were greater than those of their degraded substances MBOA and BOA, respectively, and the inhibitory activities of DIMBOA and MBOA were greater than those of their demethoxylated analogues DIBOA and BOA, respectively.     

The chemical constituents of the fungus Stereum sp

Four new compounds, including a sesquiterpene and three aromatic compounds, and a known compound were isolated from a culture broth of the fungus Stereum sp. The novel sesquiterpene was determined to be stereumone A ((+)-2,3,4a,5,6,7,8a,9-octahydro-5-hydroxy-6,6,9-trimethyl-4,8a-epoxynaphtho[2,3-b]furan-8(8H)-one; 1), and the three new aromatic compounds were elucidated as 3,5-dihydroxy-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)benzene-1,2-dicarbaldehyde (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (3), butyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoate (4), together with the known compound methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoate (5). The structures were established by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR techniques. Compounds 2 and 4 showed evident nematicidal activity against nematode Panagrellus redivivus.     

Elucidation of the final reactions of DIMBOA-glucoside biosynthesis in maize: characterization of Bx6 and Bx7

Benzoxazinoids were identified in the early 1960s as secondary metabolites of the grasses that function as natural pesticides and exhibit allelopathic properties. Benzoxazinoids are synthesized in seedlings and stored as glucosides (glcs); the main aglucone moieties are 2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA). The genes of DIBOA-glc biosynthesis have previously been isolated and the enzymatic functions characterized. Here, the enzymes for conversion of DIBOA-glc to DIMBOA-glc are identified. DIBOA-glc is the substrate of the dioxygenase BENZOXAZINLESS6 (BX6) and the produced 2,4,7-trihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3-(4H)-one-glc is metabolized by the methyltransferase BX7 to yield DIMBOA-glc. Both enzymes exhibit moderate K(m) values (below 0.4 mm) and k(cat) values of 2.10 s(-1) and 0.25 s(-1), respectively. Although BX6 uses a glucosylated substrate, our localization studies indicate a cytoplasmic localization of the dioxygenase. Bx6 and Bx7 are highest expressed in seedling tissue, a feature shared with the other Bx genes. At present, Bx6 and Bx7 have no close relatives among the members of their respective gene families. Bx6 and Bx7 map to the cluster of Bx genes on the short arm of chromosome 4.     

The possible role of hydroxylation in the detoxification of atrazine in mature vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides Nash) grown in hydroponics

The resistance mechanism of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) to atrazine was investigated to evaluate its potential for phytoremediation of environment contaminated with the herbicide. Plants known to metabolise atrazine rely on hydroxylation mediated by benzoxazinones, conjugation catalyzed by glutathione-S-transferases and dealkylation probably mediated by cytochromes P450. All three possibilities were explored in mature vetiver grown in hydroponics during this research project. Here we report on the chemical role of benzoxazinones in the transformation of atrazine. Fresh vetiver roots and leaves were cut to extract and study their content in benzoxazinones known to hydroxylate atrazine, such as 2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA), 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) and their mono- and di-glucosylated forms. Identification of benzoxazinones was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and comparison of retention factors (Rf) and UV spectra with standards: although some products exhibited the same Rf as standards, UV spectra were different. Furthermore, in vitro hydroxylation of atrazine could not be detected in the presence of vetiver extracts. Finally, vetiver organs exposed to [14C]-atrazine did not produce any significant amount of hydroxylated products, such as hydroxyatrazine (HATR), hydroxy-deethylatrazine (HDEA), and hydroxy-deisopropylatrazine (HDIA). Altogether, these metabolic features suggest that hydroxylation was not a major metabolic pathway of atrazine in vetiver.     

Antioxidant, cyclooxygenase and topoisomerase inhibitory compounds from Apium graveolens Linn. seeds

Cyclooxygenase inhibitory and antioxidant bioassay-directed extraction and purification of celery seeds yielded sedanolide (1), senkyunolide-N (2), senkyunolide-J (3), 3-hydroxymethyl-6-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-2-ol (4), L-tryptophan (6), and 7-[3-(3,4-dihydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydro-furan-2-yloxy)-4,5-dihydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy]-5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-chromen-4-one (7). The structures of compounds 1-7 were determined using spectroscopic methods. Compound 4 is reported here for the first time. At 250 pg ml(-1), compounds 1-4, 6 and 7 displayed prostaglandin H endoperoxide synthase-I (COX-I) and prostaglandin H endoperoxide synthase-II (COX-II) inhibitory activities at pH 7. The acetylated product (5) of compound 4 also inhibited COX-I and COX-II enzymes when tested at 250 microg ml(-1). Compounds 6 and 7 exhibited good antioxidant activity at concentrations of 125 and 250 microg ml(-1). Only compounds 1-3 exhibited topoisomerase-I and -II enzyme inhibitory activity at concentrations of 100, 200 and 200 microg ml(-1), respectively.     

Induced accumulation of 2-hydroxy-4,7-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one glucoside (HDMBOA-Glc) in maize leaves

Accumulation of 2-(2-hydroxy-4,7-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one)-beta-D-glucopyranose (HDMBOA-Glc) was induced in maize leaves by treatment with CuCl2, chitopentaose, penta-N-acetylchitopentaose, or jasmonic acid (JA). The accumulation of HDMBOA-Glc was accompanied by a decrease in level of 2-(2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one)-beta-D-glucopyranose (DIMBOA-Glc). When the leaf segments were treated with JA in the presence of [Me-2H3]L-methionine, the label was efficiently incorporated into HDMBOA-Glc, while no incorporation into DIMBOA-Glc or HMBOA-Glc was detected, suggesting the conversion of constitutive DIMBOA-Glc to HDMBOA-Glc by methylation at the 4-position. Levels of endogenous JA and its leucine conjugate transiently increased prior to the accumulation of HDMBOA-Glc in leaf segments treated with CuCl2 and chitopentaose. The lipoxygenase inhibitor ibuprofen suppressed the accumulation of HDMBOA-Glc induced by CuCl2 treatment, and the reduced accumulation of HDMBOA-Glc was recovered by addition of JA. These findings suggested that JA functions as a signal transducer in the induction of HDMBOA-Glc accumulation.     

Effects of Hydroxamic Acids Isolated from Gramineae on Adenosine 5'-triphosphate Synthesis in Chloroplasts

Two hydroxamic acids isolated from maize extracts, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-(2H)-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) and the 2-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside of DIMBOA, inhibit photophosphorylation by spinach chloroplasts. Both cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylations were inhibited to the same extent. The concentrations producing 50% inhibition for DIMBOA and its glucoside were about 1 and 4 millimolar, respectively. These compounds inhibit coupled electron transport but do not affect basal or uncoupled electron transport. Both acids inhibit the ATPase activities of membrane-bound coupling factor 1 (CF(1)) and of purified CF(1). On the basis of these results, it is concluded that DIMBOA and its glucoside act as energy transfer inhibitors of photophosphorylation.     

Inhibition of ATPase from chloroplasts by a hydroxamic acid from the gramineae

-DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), a hydroxamic acid from the Gramineae involved in the resistance of cereals to aphids, inhibits     

Reaction of a cyclic hydroxamic acid from gramineae with thiols

An insect inhibitor isolated from maize extracts, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), reacted with cysteine, mercaptoethanol, ethane     

Detoxification of corn antimicrobial compounds as the basis for isolating Fusarium verticillioides and some other Fusarium species from corn.

The preformed antimicrobial compounds produced by maize, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one and its desmethoxy derivative 2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one, are highly reactive benzoxazinoids that quickly degrade to the antimicrobials 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (MBOA) and 2-benzoxazolinone (BOA), respectively. Fusarium verticillioides (= F. moniliforme) is highly tolerant to MBOA and BOA and can actively transform these compounds to nontoxic metabolites. Eleven of 29 Fusarium species had some level of tolerance to MBOA and BOA; the most tolerant, in decreasing order, were F. verticillioides, F. subglutinans, F. cerealis (= F. crookwellense), and F. graminearum. The difference in tolerance among species was due to their ability to detoxify the antimicrobials. The limited number of species having tolerance suggested the potential utility of these compounds as biologically active agents for inclusion within a semiselective isolation medium. By replacing the pentachloronitrobenzene in Nash-Snyder medium with 1.0 mg of BOA per ml, we developed a medium that resulted in superior frequencies of isolation of F. verticillioides from corn while effectively suppressing competing fungi. Since the BOA medium provided consistent, quantitative results with reduced in vitro and taxonomic efforts, it should prove useful for surveys of F. verticillioides infection in field samples.     

cis-Jasmone induces accumulation of defence compounds in wheat, Triticum aestivum

Liquid phase extraction (LPE) and vapor phase extraction (VPE) methodologies were used to evaluate the impact of the plant activator, cis-jasmone, on the secondary metabolism of wheat, Triticum aestivum, var. Solstice. LPE allowed the measurement of benzoxazinoids, i.e. 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (HMBOA) and 6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2-one (MBOA), and phenolic acids such as trans-p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and cis- and trans-ferulic acid. Using LPE, a significantly higher level of DIMBOA was found in aerial parts and roots of T. aestivum following treatment with cis-jasmone, when compared with untreated plants. Similar results were obtained for phenolic acids, such as trans-ferulic acid and vanillic acid in roots. Using VPE, it was possible to measure levels of 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (HBOA), benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (BOA), ferulic acid, syringic acid and coumaric acid. The levels of HBOA in aerial parts and roots were significantly greater in cis-jasmone treated plants compared to untreated plants. cis-Jasmone is known to be a plant activator in terms of production of defence-related volatile semiochemicals that repel aphids and increase the foraging activity of aphid parasitoids. These results show, for the first time, that cis-jasmone also induces selective production of secondary metabolites that are capable of directly reducing development of pests, diseases and weeds.     

Homoisoflavonoids from Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawler

From the ethyl acetate extract of the tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (Liliaceae) eight known and five new homoisoflavonoidal compounds were isolated. The new compounds are 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-6-methyl-3-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (1), 7-hydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-6-methyl-3-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (3), 2,5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(3',4'-methylenedioxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (4) and 2,5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(4'-methoxybenzyl)chroman-4-one (5). Their structures have been elucidated by mass and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 4 and 5 are the first isolated homoisoflavonoids with a hemiacetal function at position 2.     

Unusual naphthoquinones, catechin and triterpene from Byrsonima microphylla

The new triterpene Delta1-lupenone (1), together with lupeol, beta-amyrin and betulin were isolated from the wood of Byrsonima microphylla (Malpighiaceae). The new compounds 3-hydroxy-2-methoxy-8,8,10-trimethyl-8H-antracen-1,4,5-trione (2), 3,7-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-8,8,10-trimethyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-antracen-1,4,5-trione (3), (2S*,10aR*)-2,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-1,1,7-trimethyl-2,3,10, 10a-tetrahydro-1H-fenantren-9-one (4) and (2S,3S)-3'-hydroxy-4',5,7-trimethoxy-flavan-3-ol (5) were also isolated through monitored TLC using the antioxidant beta-carotene reagent. The antioxidant potential of the compounds 2-5 was measured and none of them showed activity. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic analysis based on NMR techniques (1H, 13C NMR, COSY, nOe difference, HMQC and HMBC), UV and MS.     

Homoisoflavonoids and xanthones from the tubers of wild and in vitro regenerated Ledebouria graminifolia and cytotoxic activities of some of the homoisoflavonoids

Eleven homoisoflavonoids and two xanthones were isolated and characterized from the bulbs of Ledebouria graminifolia. Five of the homoisoflavonoids are new compounds and were identified as: 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone, 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone, 5,7,8-trimethoxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone, 5-hydroxy-3',4',7-trimethoxyspiro[2H-1-benzopyran-7'-bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-trien]-4-one, 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyspiro[2H-1-benzopyran-7'-bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-trien]-4-one. Structures were elucidated by extensive 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRMS. A method for tissue culture was developed and the bulbs of mature plants were found to contain all the compounds isolated from the wild specimens of L. graminifolia.     

The role of DIMBOA on the feeding of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lep., Pyralidae)

The role of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), on feeding of Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), was observed and quantified. DIMBOA had an antifeedant effect on ACB and a mathematical model was built for the correlation between DIMBOA concentration and antifeedant index. DIMBOA increased the time that the larvae required to reach the pupal stage and the larval weights in treatment were significantly less than those in control. The number of entrances of ACB on the plant sites were positively correlative to the DIMBOA concentrations, suggesting that feeding stimulants in the corn plants could probably override the antifeedant effect of DIMBOA     

Laurentixanthones A and B, antimicrobial xanthones from Vismia laurentii

A phytochemical investigation of the constituents of the roots of Vismia laurentii has resulted in the isolation of two xanthone derivatives named laurentixanthone A (1) (6-hydroxy-3,3-dimethyl-11-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)pyrano[2,3-c]xanthen-7(3H)-one) and laurentixanthone B (2) (1-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetramethoxyxanthone), along with 11 known compounds: 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone, vismiaquinone, vismiaquinone B, bivismiaquinone, 3-geranyloxy-6-methyl-1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone, O(1)-demethyl-3',4'-deoxypsorospermin-3',4'-diol, 6-deoxyisojacareubin, 1,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylanthraquinone, kaempferol, friedelin and stigmasterol. The structures of compounds were established by means of spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, the compounds were screened for antimicrobial activities in vitro.