Triterpenoids and Steroids ofMyrsine africanaLeaves

Planta Medica
1997.0

Abstract

Myrsinaceae species are widely spread in Africa, but are also found in other parts of tropical Asia and Australia. The family has been reported to possess anthelmintic (1), antiviral (2), analgesic (3), molluscicidal and antifungal (4) properties. In Kenya, the family is represented by five species spread in three genera, namely: Embelia, Myrsine, Rapanea, and Maesa and are widely used in herbal medicine (5). One of the species, Myrsine africana L is reported to have anthelmintic and antimicrobial properties (5). Previous chemical studies on the plant have resulted in the isolation of benzoquinones (6), anthraquinones (7), and a triterpenoid saponin (8). In a more recent paper (9), we reported the isolation of a new antifungal dialkylbenzoquinone analog from the fruits of the plant. As part of our continuing investigations for antifungal metabolites from the plant, we have now isolated and characterised three oleanane triterpenoids along with four steroids. All compounds have been reported for the first time from the plant.

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