Biosynthetic Pathway of Leaf Aldehyde in Farfugium japonicum Kitamura Leaves

Abstract

3Z-Hexenal, 2E-hexenal (leaf aldehyde) and 1-undecene were first found in Farfugium japonicum Kitamura (japanese silver) leaves. On blending the leaves in the presence of oxygen, 2E-hexenal was enzymatically generated via a similar biosynthetic pathway to that in Thea sinensis leaves: via 3Z-hexenal from linolenic acid. However, unlike Thea sinensis leaves neither 3Z-hexenol (leaf alcohol) nor 2E-hexenol was found in F. japonicum leaves.