Naturally occurring insect growth regulators. III. Echinolone, a highly active juvenile hormone mimic from Echinacea angustifolia roots.

Abstract

A compound, C14H24O2, which induces strong juvenilizing effects in the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L., following topical application to the pupal stage, was isolated in pure form from the roots of Echinacea angustifolia DC and tentatively identified as dextrorotatory (E)-10-hydroxy-4,10-dimethyl-4,11-dodecadien-2-one. The compound has been named echinolone.