Long-chain primary alcohols in Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng leaf surface waxes
The chloroform extracts of young, mature and senescent Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (Cucurbitaceae) leaves containing a layer of epicuticular waxes were analysed by thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The young and mature leaves indicated the presence of 14 individual long-chain primary alcohols, accounting for 2643.33 ± 68.88 and 3350 ± 88.88 μg/100 g, respectively; whereas 15 individual primary alcohols were detected in senescent leaves representing 3013.33 ± 105.25 μg/100 g (mean ± standard error). The predominant primary alcohol was 1-octadecanol in mature and senescent leaves representing 1224.65 ± 24.47 and 2299.41 ± 66.22 μg/100 g, respectively; whereas 1-nonacosanol was dominant accounting for 653.38 ± 12.62 μg/100 g in young leaves. 1-tridecanol was least abundant in young leaves (30.46 ± 1.63 μg/100 g); whereas 1-tetradecanol was least abundant in mature and senescent leaves, accounting for 35.42 ± 1.42 and 8.87 ± 0.83 μg/100 g, respectively.
