Terpenoid biotransformation in mammals IV Biotransformation of (+)-longifolene, (-)-caryophyllene, (-)-caryophyllene oxide, (-)-cyclocolorenone, (+)-nootkatone, (-)-elemol, (-)-abietic acid and (+)-dehydroabietic acid in rabbits

Abstract

1. The metabolism of (+)-longifolene, (-)-caryophyllene, (-)-caryophyllene oxide, (-)-cyclocolorenone, (+)-nootkatone, (-)-elemol, (-)-abietic acid and (+)-dehydro-abietic acid was studied in rabbits.

2. Each of these sesquiterpenoids was converted to primary, secondary or tertiary alcohols, among which the primary alcohol was predominant.

3. A vinylic methyl group and an exomethylene group were easily hydroxylated and converted to a glycol via an epoxide in many cases.

4. Eight new metabolites were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods.