![]() | |
Names | |
---|---|
Preferred IUPAC name Methyl (1S,3S,7R,8R,9R)-9-methyl-2,4,10-trioxatricyclo[5.3.1.03,8]undec-5-ene-6-carboxylate | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
| |
| |
Properties | |
C11H14O5 | |
Molar mass | 226.228 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Sarracenin is an iridoid found in several plant species in the carnivorous family Sarraceniaceae. [1] It also occurs in other non-carnivorous plants such as Strychnos spinosa (Loganiaceae) [2] and Patrinia heterophylla (Caprifoliaceae). [3]
Sarracenin was first isolated from the roots of Sarracenia flava in 1976. Analysis of S. flava extracts was prompted by their use as a folk remedy by people of the Okefenokee swamp region [4]
Sarracenin is believed to be derived from loganin, with either morronoside or secologanin serving as intermediates in the biosynthetic process. [4]
Sarracenin displays antimicrobial activity against several pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pyogenes , Shigella dysenteriae , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis , Candida thrusei , and Candida stellatoidea. [2] It has also demonstrated cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines: A375 (human melanoma cell), SGC-7901 (human gastric cancer cell), and HeLa. [3]
Sarracenin is the primary volatile present in the insect-attracting spoons of Heliamphora species. When Heliamphora plants were grown in a laboratory setting, sarracenin was rarely present in these spoons. Plants that did produce sarracenin generally attracted more insects than those without, suggesting a role in prey attraction or capture. [5] Sarracenin is also present in the pitchers and lids of Darlingtonia californica and many Sarracenia species, likely serving the same purpose as in Heliamphora. [1]