Plant Constituents Biologically Active to Insects. V. Antifeedants for the Larvae of the Yellow Butterfly, Eurema hecabe mandarina, in Osmunda japonica. (1)

Abstract

Three compounds having antifeeding activities for the larvae of the yellow butterfly, Eurema hecabe mandarina DE L'ORZA, were isolated from Osmunda japonica THUNB. These compounds were identified as (4R, 5S)-osmundalactone (II), (4R, 5S)-5-hydroxy-2-hexen-4-olide (III) and succinic acid (V), of which the former is the main antifeedant in this plant. (4R, 5S)-5-Hydroxyhexan-4-olide (I) and (3S, 5S)-3-hydroxyhexan-5-olide (IV) were isolated in addition to the antifeedants, and various sterols, fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters were obtained as a mixture. This is the first report of the occurrence of I, II and III as natural products, though they have been artificially prepared.