Ruchi Badoni

The genus Stephania (Menispermaceae): Chemical and pharmacological perspectives

The plants of the genus Stephania (Menispermaceae) are widely distributed, and have long been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as asthma, tuberculosis, dysentery, hyperglycemia, malaria, cancer and fever. Over 150 alkaloids together with flavonoids, lignans, steroids, terpenoids and coumarins have been identified in the genus, and many of these have been evaluated for biological activity. This review presents comprehensive information on the chemistry and pharmacology of the genus together with the traditional uses of many of its plants. In addition, this review discusses the structure-activity relationship of different compounds as well as recent developments and the scope for future research in this aspect.

Chemical constituents and biological applications of the genus Symplocos

The genus Symplocos has been reviewed for its chemical constituents and biological activities including traditional importance of some common species. The plants of this genus contain terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, and iridoids. Terpenoids are the major constituents within the genus Symplocos and most of them exhibit antiproliferative effects. Some phenolic glycoside derivatives showed inhibitory activity against snake-venom phosphodiesterase I and human nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase I. The members of genus Symplocos are well known for their traditional uses in the treatment of various diseases like leprosy, gynecological disorders, ulcers, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, malaria, and tumefaction. The aim of the present paper is to review the comprehensive knowledge of the plants of this genus including the traditional uses, chemistry, and pharmacology.

Celtisanin, a novel sulphonated phenolic from Celtis australis L. fruits

A novel sulphonated phenolic named celtisanin (1), elucidated as 3-[8′-hydroxy-prop-6′-ene-6′-yl]-5-hydroxymethyl-4-methoxy-2-[penta-1′,4′-diene-1′-yl-5′-sulphonic acid]-5,6-dihydrobenzofuran, has been isolated from the fruits of Celtis australis (Ulmaceae), together with three known compounds: apigenin, quercetin and its glucoside. Their structures were characterised by means of chemical and spectral methods, including advanced 2-D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies.

A New Flavonoid Glycoside from Salix denticulata Aerial Parts

Abstract: A new flavonoid glycoside (1) has been isolated from the aerial parts of Salix denticulata (Salicaceae) together with five known compounds, β-sitosterol, 2,6-dihydroxy- 4-methoxy acetophenone, eugenol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-β-D-(3’-benzoyl) salicyl alcohol and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-glucopyranoside. The structure of 1 was elucidated as 2’,5-dihydroxy-3’-methoxyflavone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside by means of chemical and spectral data including 2D NMR studies.