Isolation and characterization of Brachystemidines A-E, novel alkaloids from Brachystemma calycinum.

Five novel alkaloids, brachystemidines A-E (1-5), were isolated from the roots of Brachystemma calycinum. Their structures were established by spectral data, especially by 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The crystal structure of brachystemidine D was determined via X-ray diffraction analysis.

New norsesquiterpenoids from Cucubalus baccifer.

The chemical investigation of Cucubalus baccifer L. afforded three new norsesquiterpenoids, cucubalol, cucubalactone and drummondol-11-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside together with two known related compounds, drummondol and 5,7[E]-megastigmadiene-3 beta,4 alpha,9 xi-triol. Their structures were established based on spectral and chemical evidence.