Occurrence of Shikimic Acid in the Leaves of Gymnosperms.

1) We have confirmed the wide occurrence of shikimic acid in gymnosperms by paper partition chromatography. Shikimic acid was found in 30 species out of 34 species tested. 2) Shikimic acid was present in concentrations of 1-10 mg. Per g. fresh weight in species of Taxodiaceae and Pinaceae, while it was present in concentrations of 0.5 mg. Per g. fresh weight in species of Taxaceae and Cu-pressaceae. 3) We have isolated shikimic acid from the leaves of Pinus Thunbergii Parlatore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]