Flavonoids of Penthorum sedoides

In an attempt to elucidate the familial affinities of Penthorum, the flavonoids and other phenolic compounds of P. sedoides were examined. The species is characterized by a relatively simple array of kaempferol and quercetin 3-O-mono-, di- and triglycosides. Flavonoid variation was detected between populations. Also present was a group of phenolic compounds that gave positive color reactions for the existence of gallic acid-like components. Although structures were not determined for these compounds, the presence of gallic acid-like moieties in two of the compounds was confirmed by ¹H NMR. The array of these compounds and flavonoids detected in P. sedoides does not readily support inclusion of Penthorum in the Saxifragaceae.