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Planta Med 2003; 69(7): 658-661
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41119
Original Paper
Natural Product Chemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids with Antiplasmodial Activities from the Root Bark of Erythrina abyssinica

Abiy Yenesew1 , Solomon Derese1 , Beatrice Irungu1 , Jacob O. Midiwo1 , Norman C. Waters2 , Pamela Liyala2 , Hoseah Akala2 , Matthias Heydenreich3 , Martin G. Peter3
  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
  • 2United States Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, MRU 64109, APO, AE 09831-4109
  • 3Institut für Chemie, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 7, 2002

Accepted: March 29, 2003

Publication Date:
04 August 2003 (online)

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Abstract

From the root bark of Erythrina abyssinica a new pterocarpene [3-hydroxy-9-methoxy-10-(3,3-dimethylallyl)pterocarpene] and a new isoflav-3-ene [7,4′-dihydroxy-2′,5′-dimethoxyisoflav-3-ene] were isolated. In addition, the known compounds erycristagallin, licoagrochalcone A, octacosyl ferulate and triacontyl 4-hydroxycinnamate were identified. The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. The crude extract and the flavonoids and isoflavonoids obtained from the roots of this plant showed antiplasmodial activities.

Key words

Erythrina abyssinica - Leguminosae - root bark - pterocarpene - isoflav-3-ene - 3-hydroxy-9-methoxy-10-(3,3-dimethylallyl) pterocarpene - 7,4′-dihydroxy-2′,5′-dimethoxyisoflav-3-ene - antiplasmodials

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Dr Abiy Yenesew

Department of Chemistry

University of Nairobi

P. O. Box 30197

Nairobi

Kenya

Fax: +254-2-4446138

Email: ayenesew@uonbi.ac.ke