Chemotaxonomic Significance of Oregonin in Alnus Species Native to South America, North Africa, Asia

• Published in: Journal of Forest and Environmental Science Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 217 - 228
• Main Authors: 안다현, 이현서, Cha In Park, Chan Ho Lee, 장현두, 권예은, 김태희, 김민석, Hee Kyu Kim, 정은주, 최선은
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 산림과학연구소 30.06.2025
• Subjects: 임학; oregonin; LC-MS/MS; chemotaxonomic significance; HPLC analysis; Alnus species
• ISSN: 2288-9744; 2288-9752

This study investigated the chemotaxonomic classification of Alnus species using oregonin, a diarylheptanoid compound, as an indicator. Alnus species are widely distributed across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, and have been recognized for various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and muscle-protective effects. As a result, chemotaxonomic studies using oregonin as an indicator compound are crucial for utilization of Alnus species resources. However, research comparing Alnus species based on growth region and country remains limited. In this study, 17 Alnus samples from South America, North Africa, and Asia were analyzed using oregonin as a marker compound. Oregonin was directly isolated from Alnus japonica, a species native to Korea, and used as a standard compound for chemotaxonomic analysis. HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis were conducted to compare the samples. HPLC analysis identified peaks with retention times similar to oregonin in 11 samples, including those from Ecuador, Peru, Tunisia, Nepal, China, and Korea. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of oregonin in all these samples, with molecular weights of 476.9-477.2 m/z. HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that more than half of the examined samples contained oregonin, suggesting that oregonin could serve as a reliable chemotaxonomic marker for Alnus species. The study also found that the oregonin content varied significantly based on the extraction site, growth region, and country of origin. Notably, Alnus japonica samples from the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range in Korea (Chuncheon, Yangyang, and Jeongseon) exhibited higher oregonin content than those from other countries, suggesting that regional environmental conditions influence oregonin production. These findings highlight the potential of Korean Alnus species as a valuable natural resource. This research confirms that oregonin is a reliable chemotaxonomic marker for identifying Alnus species across various regions and provides essential data for the development and utilization of high-value natural products derived from Alnus species.