Origin of Epilachna paenulata defensive alkaloids: Incorporation of [1-13C]-sodium acetate and [methyl-2H3]-stearic acid

► Piperidine alkaloids incorporated 4 units when 13C acetate was included in Epilachna paenulata diet. ► Labeled stearic acid was incorporated in the endogenous defensive alkaloids of E. paenulata. ► We were able to show for the first time the incorporation of labeled fatty acids in piperidine alkaloids biosynthesis.