2. Phytoecdysteroids are a class of chemicals that plant
synthesize for defense against phytophagous (plant eating)
insects. These compounds are exact replicas of ecdysteroids,
hormones used by the arthropod (insect) and crustacean
(crab/lobster) families in the molting process known as
ecdysis. Insects that ingest phytoecdysteroids and have not
adapted to this defense are subject to serious adverse effects,
including reduced weight, molting disruption, and/or
mortality.
Phytoecdysteroids are distributed
throughout the plant kingdom, with approximately 6% of all
plants surveyed containing detectable levels of ecdysteroids
3. Chemistry of Phytoecdysteroids
Chemically, phytoecdysteroids are classed as triterpenoids,
the group of compounds that includes triterpene saponins,
phytosterols, and phytoecdysteroids. Ecdysteroids are polar
steroids, almost sugar-like in their solubility properties
4. While mammalian steroid hormones
have more variable structures, they universally lack the
polyhydroxylated side chain characteristic of ecdysteroids
and are therefore more lipophilic.
Unlike invertebrates, which are unable to synthesize ecdysteroids
and must consume dietary phytosterols that are then
converted into ecdysteroids, plants can completely produce
ecdysteroids from mevalonic acid and cholesterol.
The sterol structure is modified to produce ecdysteroids.
The trans A/B ring juncture in sterols is converted to a cis
A/B ring juncture in ecdysteroids, and a 7-en-6-one
chromophore and a 14 a-hydroxy group are added .
Additional hydroxylations at C2, C20,
C22, and C25 are required to produce the most common
phytoecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20HE).
5. Plant Families with Known
Ecdysteroids
Among plant species highest in phytoecdysteroids is
spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodiaceae) containing
50 ug/g fresh weight. Other examples
are: ajugasterone in Ajuga L., Lamiaceae and Vitex L.,
Verbenaceae; leuzeasterone in Leuzea carthamoides (syn.
Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin, Asteraceae); 2-
deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone 3- glucoside and 3-epi-2-deoxy-
20-hydroxyecdysone in Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers,
Menispermaceae; ecdysterone and
inokosterone in Achyranthes bidentata Blume,
Amaranthaceae. polypodine B in Leuzea
carthamoides and ecdysterone, ajugasterone
C, ajugasterone C-20, 22- monoacetonide in Rhaponticum
uniflorum (L.) DC., Asteraceae
6. Unified isolation scheme for phytoecdysteroids. Al2O3 column
chromatography on alumina; silica (column chromatography on silica);
DCCC droplet countercurrent chromatography; HPLC high performance
liquid chromatography; PTLC preparative thin-layer chromatography on
silica; LH-20 column chromatography on Sephadex LH-20; Crys
crystallization; m.liquid using the mother liquid for further isolation; 20E
20-hydroxyecdysone; 2d 2-deoxy; Ac acetate; Bz benzoate.
7. Importance of
Phytoecdysteroi
ds for
Plants and
Animals
◦ The two most common hormones found in insects are the
ecdysteroid, 20E hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone) and the
sesquiterpene, juvenile hormone. They are usually
accompanied by a number of other minor ecdysteroids. The
application of very low doses has proven beneficial to improve
the synchrony of development and yield of certain
commercially important arthropods.
◦ The most extensively studied examples are
silk moths (especially Bombyx mori), where protocols have
been developed for the preparation of ecdysteroid containing
extracts from native plants and application to the food plant
(Morus spp.) at particular stages of development, which result
in more synchronous cocoon formation and higher yields of
silk per cocoon .
◦ Benefits may also
accrue from the use of low doses of ecdysteroids in apiculture
and aquaculture
8. Pharmaceutical Applications
The effects of ecdysteroids /phytoecdysteroids are varied
and can be divided and briefly summarized as follows.
Anabolic agents:,
Adaptogenic agents:,
Anti-diabetic agents:,
Hypocholesterolaemic agents,
Wound-healing, Immunoprotective agents,
Toxicity:
9. Conclusion
In view of the above wide-ranging and largely positive
effects, it is perhaps not surprising that several food companies
are showing interest in adding ecdysteroid-containing plant
materials or extracts into food products as a way of enhancing
health claims and profit margins. For example, in France at the
moment, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is appearing in a very
wide range of nutritional products, from pasta, biscuits, and
bread to chocolate, drinks, and baby food.
11. Height 0,5-2 m
herbaceous
perennial plant
◦ Chemical constituent
Root and Rhizomes
0,03-0,6 % phytoecddysones (ecdysterone,
inocosterone, integristeron A,B)
essential oils
ascorbic acid, carotins
flavonoids, tannins, phenol
organic acids
inulin
Flowering in
July-
AugustSeed in
August -
September
12. Use in medicine
Liquid extraction of rhizome and roots – EKDISTEN-
Liquid extraction- nervous system disorder
Mental and physical fatigue
Reduced work capacity
EKDISON 0,005 gr tablet
as general tonic in asthenia, reduced work ability, protein synthesis weakens, infectious diseases,
intoxication, neurosis, neurasthenia, sports (prior to intensive exercise athletes are identified with
protein diet)
