Asima Chatterjee

The reversible antifertility effect of Piper betle Linn. on Swiss albino male mice.

To study the antifertility effect of an extract (alcoholic) of the leaf-stalk of Piper betle Linn., one set of experiments with two different doses in Swiss male albino mice were evaluated. Initially, 500 mg of the leaf-stalk extractive for 30 days and then 1000 mg for next 30 days/animal/day/kg body weight were administered orally. The extract reduced fertility to 0% within 60 days. Suppression of cauda epididymal sperm count and motility (p <0.05) was observed. Biochemical parameters did not show any marked alterations in testosterone content in serum nor 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) activity in testes although fructose content in seminal vesicles was reduced as are the weights of reproductive organs. The cholesterol content in testes increased, although not appreciably. After cessation of drug (plant extract) treatment, the altered parameters recovered. Results suggest that the contraceptive effect of the extract of leaf-stalk of Piper betle Linn. is mainly on the maturation process of spermatozoa in epididymides without influencing hystemic hormonal profiles. Withdrawal of the extract restored all altered parameters including organ weights and fertility after 60 days.

Chemical investigation of Cedrela toona

Abstract Two varieties of Cedrela toona Roxb. are available in West Bengal and the seeds of one variety produces cedrelone, 1,2-dihydrocedrelone, bergapten and β-sitosterol. Occurrence of 1,2-dihydrocedrelone, a new tetranortriterpenoid, provides further interesting evidence of the chemotaxonomic feature of Meliaceae .

Hexacosylferulate, a phenolic constituent of Pinus roxburghii

The occurrence of hexacosylferulate in Pinus roxburghii is reported. Its structure has been derived from spectral measurements, chemical reactions and finally from an unambiguous synthesis.

Aphananin, a triterpene from Aphanamixis polystachya

Abstract The structure of aphananin isolated from the fruits of Aphanamixis polystachya was established as 21,23S-epoxytirucall-7-ene-3β,21β,24,25-tetrol 3β-monoacetate from spectral analyses and chemical transformations.

Isocrotocaudin, a new norclerodane-type diterpene from Croton caudatus

Abstract Isocrotocaudin, a new furanoid norditerpene (norclerodane type), has been isolated from the petrol extract of the stem-bark of Croton caudatus (Eup

The constitution of ajmaline

Das IR.-Absorptionsspektrum des Alkaloids Ajmalin zeigt die typische (7,24 µ) in der Seitenkette (festgestllt mitKuhn-Roth); bei 5,92 µ erscheint die Bande der Karbonylgruppe. Ajmalin wurde durch Abbau mit Selen in Ind-N-methyl-harman übergeführt. Durch Kalischmelze lässt sich Ajmalin in eine kristalline Base (in kleiner Menge), eine stickstoffreie Säure und Indol-2-Karbonsäure aufspalten. Auf Grund dieser Spaltstücke wurde eine mögliche Strukturformel für Ajmalin diskutiert.

Serpine—a new isomeride of yohimbine isolated fromRauwolfia serpentina benth

AusRauwolfia serpentina Benth. wurde das neue Alkaloid Serpin, C21H26O3N2, Smp. 213–14°, isoliert. Es ist mit Yohimbin isomer. Das Alkaloid enthält eine-OH- und eine -COOCH3-Gruppe. Das I.R.-Spektrum des Serpins zeigt die typische -COOMe-Bande (5,80µ). Eine Iminogruppierung -NH wird durch die intensive 2,95-µ-Bande verursacht. Bei der Bande bei 2,75µ handelt es sich um eine Hydroxyl-Gruppierung. Nach seinem UV.-Spektrum und IR.-Spektrum handelt es sich um ein Indolalkaloid. Durch Dehydrierung des Serpins mit Selenstaub wurdeYobyrin, das sogenannte «Tetrabyrin» undKetoyobyrin gebildet. Aus diesen Spaltstükken ergab sich die Konstitutionsformel des Serpins.

Reflexine, a new indole alkaloid ofRauwolfia reflexa

Reflexine, a new indole alkaloid, has been isolated from the leaves ofRauwolfia reflexa Teijsm. and Binn. From spectral studies, chemical reactions and correlation with seredamine, reflexine is shown to be its C-17 epimer (IV).

Recent Developments in the Chemistry and Pharmacology of Rauwolfia Alkaloids

Rauwolfia represents an important genus of the botanical family Apocynaceae which holds a unique position in the vegetable kingdom, since it produces both cardiac glycosides and alkaloids of high therapeutic efficiency (74, 208, 247, 351, 397, 398).

Xanthoxylone: A new triterpenoid ketone from Xanthoxylum rhetsa

Abstract Xanthoxylone, a new pentacyclic triterpenoid ketone has been isolated from a rutaccous plant, Xanthoxylum rhetsa . From spectral properties and conversion experiments the structure and stereochemistry of the terpenoid have been deduced as 1 .