Effect of simmondsin derivatives on food intake: Dose-response curves in rats

Simmondsin is a food intake-reducing molecule found in the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). Three naturally occurring analogues of simmondsin, simmondsin 2'-trans-ferulate, 4-demethylsimmondsin, and 4,5-didemethylsimmondsin, were tested for anorexic properties, and dose response curves were constructed. Demethylsimmondsin and didemethylsimmondsin showed no anorexic properties, while simmondsin 2'-trans-ferulate showed dose-dependent food intake-reducing activity, but, on an equimolar basis, was less active than simmondsin. The food intake-reducing activity of two synthetic derivatives of simmondsin, hydroxymethoxyphenylacetonitrile and simmondsinamide, was also determined, and both were found to be inactive.