Cnicin
Appearance
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
[(1R,2S,4E,8Z,10S)-8-(hydroxymethyl)-4-methyl-13-methylidene-12-oxo-11 -oxabicyclo[8.3.0]trideca-4,8-dien-2-yl] (3S)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-methylidene-butanoate
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.042.004 |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C20H26O7 | |
Molar mass | 378.421 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Cnicin is a sesquiterpene lactone, esterified with a substituted acrylic acid, and belonging to the germacranolide class of natural products. It is mainly found in Cnicus (Cnicus benedictus L. (Asteraceae)), and is present in spotted knapweed plants, where highest and lowest concentrations are found in the leaves (0.86-3.86% cnicin) and stems respectively.[1][2] Cnicin is used as a bitter tonic and the bitterness value is approximately 1,500.
References
- ^ Olson, B. E.; Kelsey, R. G. (1997). "Effect of Centaurea maculosa on sheep rumen microbial activity and mass in vitro". J. Chem. Ecol. 23 (4): 1131–1144. doi:10.1023/B:JOEC.0000006391.88098.12.
- ^ Providing Supplement, with or without PEG, to reduce the effects of cnicin and enhance grazing of spotted knapweed by sheep and cattle, Masters Thesis, M Cheeseman, Montana State University