A new norhopane from Harpullia arborea.

A new norhopane triterpenoid, 3beta-eicosanoyl-6beta-hydroxy-21alphaH-24-norhopan-4(23),22(29)-diene (1), was isolated from the leaves of Harpullia arborea. The structure of the compound was determined by spectroscopic methods.

Inhibitory effects of Piper betle on production of allergic mediators by bone marrow-derived mast cells and lung epithelial cells.

The leaves of the Piper betle Linn. (Piperaceae) are used in traditional medicine and possess anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and radioprotective activities. However, little is known about their anti-allergic activity.