Kavaka W. Mukonyi
Non-Timber Forest Products Division, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O. Box 20412, Nairobi, Kenya
Isaiah O. Ndiege
Department of Chemistry, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde were isolated from Mondia whytei Skeels (Asclepidiaceae). 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde was shown to have taste modifying properties. The compound was also shown to be responsible for the characteristic sweet aromatic fragrance of M. whytei root-bark. The chemical properties of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde responsible for the taste modifying character are discussed.
(Received April 10, 2001; revised August 28, 2001)
Bull.Chem.Soc.Ethiop. 2001, 15(2), 137-142