Tocopherol content and isomersʹ composition in selected plant species

We have analyzed leaves of several plant species for the content and isomersʹ composition of tocopherols and it was found that their content was considerably higher in some cases than previously reported, especially in autumn tree leaves where the average tocopherolsʹ level was in the range of 300–640 μg/g fresh weight and accounted for 40–140% of the chlorophyll amount. The isomersʹ composition, usually dominated by α-tocopherol in leaves, was different in some plant species with a high percentage of γ-tocopherol (Kalanchoe, lettuce, dodder species, and young maple leaves) or δ-tocopherol (Cuscuta epithymum and Cuscuta japonica). C. japonica was exceptional by the complete absence of α-tocopherol. The possible reasons and physiological significance of these observations have been discussed.