Like plants in several other Solanaceae genera, many Jaborosa species contain
steroid-derived compounds called
withanolides.[5] Many of the withanolides isolated from Jaborosa have been dubbed jaborosalactones. Some withanolides are
phytotoxic, having effects on other plants such as inhibiting
germination and
radicle growth.[5] Some have antifeedant effects, deterring insects such as
mealworms (Tenebrio molitor),[2] the
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata),[1] and the
African cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis)[6] from consuming the plant.
^
abVesprini, J. L.; Galetto, L. (2000). "The reproductive biology ofJaborosa integrifolia (Solanaceae): Why its fruits are so rare?". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 225 (1–4): 15–28.
doi:
10.1007/BF00985456.