Two new limonoids from the leaves of Sandoricum koetjape.

Two new andirobin-type limonoids, named sandoripin A and sandoripin B, were isolated from the leaves of Sandoricum koetjape collected in Thailand. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, as well as by comparison with reported data of closely related compounds.

Isoflavones and rotenoids from the leaves of Millettia brandisiana.

A new isoflavone, 4'-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyloxy-5,7,2',5'-tetramethoxyisoflavone, brandisianin A (1), was isolated from the leaves of Millettia brandisiana, along with one synthetically known isoflavone, 7,4'-di-O-prenylgenistein (2) and twelve known compounds. The structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Two isolated compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity; 12a-hydroxy-alpha-toxicarol (11) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.

A triterpenoid saponin from Maesa ramentacea.

The structure of a piscicidal triterpenoid saponin (saponin A) isolated from the leaves of Maesa ramentacea has been shown to be 3-O-[[(alpha-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] barringtogenol C21, 22-O-diangeloate. Extensive use was made of homo- and heteronuclear 2D NMR techniques.

Antiinflammatory activity of flavonoids.

Fourteen flavonoids (flavones,- flavanones and chalcones) were assayed for oral antiinflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. The structural features necessary for antiinflammatory activity appear to be the presence of methoxyl groups at C5 and C7 of ring A and the pyrano ring B of the flavonoid molecule. Negligible or low antiinflammatory activities were found in the chalcone derivatives.

Triterpenoid glycosides from Schefflera lucantha.

Three new triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the leaves of Schefflera lucantha Viguier. Based on the spectroscopic data, especially 2D NMR, the structures of glycosides have been established as 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] betulinic acid, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]betulinic acid and 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]oleanolic acid.