12 new flavonoids discovered in Kew tree
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - 08:31
in Biology & Nature
Scientists at Kew interested in the classification of legumes have been studying the chemistry of the Kentucky yellow-wood (Cladrastis kentukea). Evidence from DNA sequencing suggested that this species is related to the pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), which contains several new flavonoids described recently at Kew. Flavonoids are a well studied group of plant constituents because of their potential health promoting properties. The fruits of S. japonicum contain high levels of flavonoids and are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Kew scientists wanted to know if the flavonoids found in S. japonicum also occurred in C. kentukea, which would support the relationship between these species.