Leaves of the milkweed plant, Asclepias curassavica (Asclepiadaceae), were subjected to microwave irradiation while sandwiched between two silica gel plates. This irradiation caused some of the fluids from inside the leaves to move onto the silica gel. Development of the silica gel by use of 2,2',4,4'-tetranitrobiphenyl followed by dilute KOH solution revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides. Additional experiments were conducted that attempted to simulate attack by a herbivore. These leaves were treated with a paper hole punch in several places and allowed to remain on the plant for up to 24 hours when they were removed and subjected to the microwave extraction process. These leaves clearly showed higher concentrations of cardiac glycosides.
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