Studies on the identification, biosynthesis and metabolism of a cyanogenic glucoside in Nandina domestica Thunb.☆

Abstract The occurrence of a new cyanogenic glucoside, p -glucosyloxymandelonitrile, in young shoots of Nandina domestica Thunb. is reported. The amount of the cyanogen varies from 10–20 per cent of the dry weight in young shoots. The administration of 14 C labelled [ 14 C]tyrosine shows that this amino acid is effectively incorporated into the aldehyde and nitrile moieties. Though no intermediates have been established, experimental evidence indicates that the C α C β bond of tyrosine remains intact during conversion. The nitrile moiety is further metabolized and is incorporated into the amide carbon of asparagine.