Ayanin is an O-methylated flavonol, a type of flavonoid. It is the 3,7,4'-tri-O-methylated derivative of quercetin.
It can be found in Croton schiedeanus. It can also be synthesized.
Biosynthesis The biosynthesis of ayanin in Chrysosplenium americanum is by the sequential methylation of the flavonol, quercetin. The first enzyme, quercetin 3-O-methyltransferase uses the cofactor, S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to transfer a methyl group specifically at the 3-position:
Two additional enzymes, 3-methylquercetin 7-O-methyltransferase and 3,7-dimethylquercetin 4'-O-methyltransferase complete the production of ayanin:
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