Nitrotoxins in three genera of Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) found in the Central of Iran and potential health implications

Abstract

Leaflets of 15 populations of Leguminosae including Coronilla varia L., Astragalus agubensis Bunge, and Lotus corniculatus L. species from the Markazi province in Iran were analyzed for the presence of toxic aliphatic nitro compounds that are important due to (1) mammalian toxicities, (2) attraction of pollinators or seed disperses, and (3) repulsion or inhibition of herbivores and microorganisms. Nitrotoxins were detected in some legumes at concentrations ranging from 4 to 25 mg NO₂ mg g⁻¹ plant, in all plant populations examined expect L. corniculatus that is found near a river, indicative of high moisture. This study revealed that environmental conditions affect nitrate concentrations and that nitrotoxins are increased in dry and/or drought conditions. Nitro compounds are suggested as playing a defensive role in plants against stressed environmental conditions.

Keywords:

• Nitrotoxin
• Leguminosae
• Coronilla
• Astragalus
• Lotus

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Dr S. Zareh and Dr F. Attar in Tehran (TUH, Central Herbarium of Tehran University). Also we would like to thank of Mrs Asgari and Mr Hamidian for help in the use of the Plant Physiology Lab facilities at Arak University.