Glucosinolates, volatile constituents and biological activities of Erysimum corinthium Boiss. (Brassicaceae)

Fresh leaves, roots and ripe seeds of Erysimum corinthium Boiss. (Brassicaceae) were investigated to uncover their glucosinolate contents through natural autolysis and exogenous myrosinase hydrolysis. The hydrolysis products were submitted to GC–MS analysis. Six glucosinolates were identified for the first time in this plant; namely, sinigrin, progoitrin, glucoiberin, 3-(methylcarbonyl)propyl glucosinolate, glucocheirolin and glucoerysolin. Glucocheirolin was the major compound accumulated in the seeds and progoitrin was the major compound in the roots, while 3-(methylcarbonyl)propyl glucosinolate was the major compound in the leaves. Other volatile constituents, e.g., terpenes and fatty acids esters were also identified. Seeds and leaves showed higher antimicrobial activity than roots. Seeds showed a marked cytotoxicity in vitro against colorectal, hepatic and Hela cell lines.