A phytochemical investigation of Alchornea latifolia

Fitoterapia. 2000 Apr;71(2):195-8. doi: 10.1016/s0367-326x(99)00133-1.

Abstract

A phytochemical investigation of the chloroform leaf extract of Alchornea latifolia has been undertaken. Along with the triterpenoids taraxerone, friedelin, epifriedelinol, and taraxerol, the plant also contains seco-3,4-friedelin (dihydroputranjivic acid) (1) and seco-3,4-taraxerone (2). These A-ring-opened triterpenoids show in vitro cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 and A-431 human cancer cell lines and are potent inhibitors of topoisomerase II.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Euphorbiaceae*
  • Humans
  • Medicine, African Traditional
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oleanolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Oleanolic Acid / chemistry
  • Oleanolic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Leaves
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / drug effects
  • Triterpenes / chemistry
  • Triterpenes / pharmacology*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Triterpenes
  • Oleanolic Acid
  • friedelin
  • taraxerone