Evaluation of plant growth regulatory activity of furofuran lignan bearing a 7,9':7',9-diepoxy structure using optically pure (+)- and (-)-enantiomers.

The plant growth regulatory activity of furofuran lignan (7,9':7',9-diepoxylignan) was evaluated by employing optically pure synthesized (+)- and (-)-enantiomers. (+)-Sesamin possessing a 3,4-methylenedioxy group on the aromatic rings and 7-aryl structure showed growth promotion activity against lettuce roots (EC50 = 0.50 mM); on the other hand, growth inhibitory activity was observed against lettuce shoots (EC50 = 0.38 mM). Against ryegrass shoots, (-)-sesamolin, which has 3,4-methylenedioxy groups on the aromatic rings and a 7-acetal structure, was effective in showing growth inhibitory activity (EC50 = 0.23 mM). Different activity levels were observed between (+)- and (-)-enantiomers. It was assumed that the 3,4-methylenedioxy group on the aromatic ring was more potent for the plant growth regulatory activity.