Triterpenes from <i>Cabralea canjerana</i> as <i>in Vitro</i> Inhibitors to Light Reactions of Photosynthesis

Abstract

Aims: Cabraleadiol (1), Ocotilone (2) and Odoratone (3) are three triterpenes isolated from Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. (Meliaceae). They were chemically characterized, and their effect was tested on the light reaction of photosynthesis. Study Design: Natural products were used as models to find new models for inhibitors of photosynthesis. Place and Duration of Study: Departmento de Química, Universidade Federal de S &atilde o Carlos and Departmento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, between May 2013 and January 2014. Methodology: The natural products had their effect on the light reaction of photosynthesis studied by pollarography and Chlorophyll a (Chl a ) fluorescence transients. Results: The compounds inhibited ATP synthesis and electron transport rate (basal, phosphorylating and uncoupled). Therefore, they act as Hill reactions inhibitors. Their inhibition site were located in the range of electron flow from OEC complex and between P 680 to Q A of PS II, and inhibited the photosystem II (PS II) by inducing the appearance of a K-band which is an indicative that the photochemical apparatus is failing at the donor side of PS II interacting at the OEC complex and by transforming active reaction centers to “heat sinks” or the formation of silent reaction centers unable to reduce Q A . Conclusion: Furthermore, these triterpenes inhibit PS II and induce the appearance of small G band which is related with the decreased plastoquinone (PQ) pool reduction.