The genus Halimodendron is a monotypic genus of legume containing the single species halodendron, which is known by several common names (Caragana argentea, Halimodendron argenteum, and Robinia halodendron) [1]. The chemistry and pharmacology of this plant have not been studied before. This encouraged us to carry out the phytochemical and biological studies on the aerial parts of the plant Halimodendron halodendron. New compound (1) was isolated and chemically characterized as 3β-O-octadecanoyl-28-[3'-octadecanoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-olean-12-en-28-oic acid from the aerial part of Halimodendron halodendron by UV, IR, ID and 2D NMR and HRESIMS experiments. In addition, seven known compounds were isolated and identified to be: palmetyl alcohol, Glycerol-3-linoleneate, Glycerol-1,3-dilinoleneate, ferulic acid, 3-O-methylquercetin, β-sitosterol, and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Nine fatty acids were identified and quantified in the saponifiable matter of the hexane extract. The identified fatty acids were: myristic acid, n-pentadecanoic acid, palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, and behenic acid. The volatile oil was isolated by hydrodistillation [0.013% (w/w)] with unpleasant smell. GC/MS analysis of the oil resulted in the identification of 27 components. The components of the oil were identified by comparing their retention time and mass fragmentation patterns with those of the available references and/or with published data as well as through GC/MS library search. This is the first report of the composition of the volatile oil of Halimodendron halodendron. The volatile oil showed moderate antimalarial activity.
Acknowledgements: Thanks go to Al-farabi Kazakh National University, and the National Center for Natural Products Research for financial support.
References: [1] Pavlov HB, (1961) Flora Kazakhstana, 5th Ed., publisher AN KazSSR-Alma-Ata, 70–72.
