Effect of Lignans from Schisandra chinensis Baillon on Seed Germination in Pepper

In this study, the effects of dibenzocyclooctadiene on seed germination were investigated in pepper. Four dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans - schisandrin (1143.7 mg), schisandrin C (317.3 mg), gomisin A (261.4 mg) and gomisin N (213.4 mg) - were isolated from hexane extracts of the fruits of Schisandra chinensis. The molecular structures of the four lignans were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses including 1D NMR experiments, and bi comparing their spectroscopic data with those of previous literatures. Seeds were immersed in schisandrin, schisandrin C and gomisin A and gomisin N for 1 hr and incubated at in the dark for germination. Compared to untreated control, treatment with schisandrin C and gomisin A suppressed seed germination at 48 hrs after incubation, whereas treatment with gomisin N increased germination rate at 48 hrs after incubation. The results of the germination activity of the lignans from S. chinensis confirm their potential plant growth role, and the relative natural abundances of these metabolites suggest their potential use as natural plant growth regulators.