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. 1975 Jul;30(1):26–28. doi: 10.1128/am.30.1.26-28.1975

Emodin, a Toxic Metabolite of Aspergillus wentii Isolated from Weevil-Damaged Chestnuts

John M Wells *, Richard J Cole *, Jerry W Kirksey *
PMCID: PMC187107  PMID: 1147616

Abstract

A diarrheagenic toxin from culture extracts of Aspergillus wentii Wehmer isolated from weevil-damaged Chinese chestnuts was identified as emodin (2-methyl-4,5,7-trihydroxyanthraquinone). The orange-red, crystalline toxin (mp 255 to 257 C) showed ultraviolet absorption maxima in ethyl alcohol at 223, 250, 267, 290, and 442 nm, and infrared absorption maxima at 3,400 cm-1 (OH), 1,635, and 1,625 cm-1. Chemical shifts and coupling constants of the proton magnetic resonance spectra of the A. wentii toxin and of authentic emodin agreed. Mean lethal dose of emodin orally administered to 1 day old DeKalb cockerels was 3.7 mg/kg.

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Selected References

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