Determination of aliphatic nitro compounds in the roots of Lotus pedunculatus—the effect of maceration on levels of components

Aliphatic nitro compounds (3‐nitropropanoyl esters of glucose)in the roots of Lotus pendunculatus Cav were determined by analysis of nitrite released on alkaline hydrolysis. This method was validated for quantitation of both total nitro compounds in ethanolic extracts and for individual components from TLC separations. The profiles of nitro compounds before and after maceration of root tissue were compared. A doubling of unesterified 3‐ nitropropionic acid and an associated increase in the putative monoester and 2, 6‐diester concentrations were detected, indicative of some hydrolysis of higher homologues. However, more than 75% of the 3‐nitropropionic acid remained esterified after the process of crushing root tissue to mimic predation by root‐feeding insects.