Aerial parts of Callitris species as a rich source of deoxypodophyllotoxin

• High amount of deoxypodophyllotoxin was detected in four Callitris species.
• Important variations were observed among the four species.
• Important variations were observed among the different tested organs.
• No significant variation appeared over the two different years studied.
• Young leaves of Callitris sp constitute a promising source of deoxypodophyllotoxin.

Podophyllotoxin is a naturally occurring plant lignan with potent anticancer applications. Its supply from Podophyllum hexandrum, its current natural source, is becoming ever scarcer and alternative sources are required. Deoxypodophyllotoxin, one precursor of podophyllotoxin, could be an interesting commercial alternative. In such a context, Callitris species could represent an attractive source of this compound. However, to date, only two Callitris species have been analyzed for their content in lignans. In this work, we were able to detect high amounts of deoxypodophyllotoxin in leaves of C. endlicheri, C. rhomboidea, C. preissii and C. drummondii. The highest content (5.8 mg/g DW) was measured in young leaves of C. endlicheri. Moreover, important variation was observed among the four species and the different tested organs but no significant variation over the two different years studied. Regarding our results, aerial parts of Callitris species should be considered as a promising raw source for the large scale production of deoxypodophyllotoxin.

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