Chemotaxonomic aspects of iridoids occurring inPlantago subg.Psyllium (Plantaginaceae)

Within the genusPlantago, subg.Psyllium is characterized by the accumulation of the iridoids plantarenaloside and bartsioside. The latter compound was identified as constituent ofP. sempervirens for the first time. The structures of iridoids were determined by UV, IR,13C-NMR and1H-NMR. Both compounds are of chemotaxonomic value, as they are typical only of subg.Psyllium withinPlantago. The distribution of plantarenaloside within subg.Psyllium suggests the heterogeneity of this taxon.