Proof-of-presence of unusually naturally occurring homologous series of fifteen saturated odd and even fatty acids in Acanthus ilicifolius L. (Acanthaceae)

B. E. College (Deemed University), Botanic Garden, Howrah-711 103, India
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Manuscript received 22 May 2003, revised 14 November 2003, accepted 14 November 2003

A unique case of unusual presence of the homologous series of fifteen natural saturated fatty acids with molecular formulae C₁₁ H₂₃CO₂H to C₂₅H₅₁CO₂H containing all the odd and even members simultaneously has been reported from an Indian medicinal plant, Acunthus ilicifolius L. (Acanthaceae). The GC mass analyses of the methyl esters of the mixture of these fifteen acids have been made and their individual mass spectrum thus obtained has been shown as the proof-of-presence of the complete series of the saturated fatty acids in the plant. This unusual case is significant from the biogenetic point of view as the natural presence of such a complete series
having even and odd fatty acids simultaneously are unprecedented from one plant source.