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There is an urge for traditional herbal remedies as an alternative to modern medicine in treating several ailments. Alangium salviifolium is one such plant, used traditionally to treat several diseases. In several reports, there are findings related to the use of this plant extract that demonstrate its therapeutic value. However, very few attempts have been made to identify the extensive metabolite composition of this plant. Here, we performed metabolite profiling and identification from the bark of A. salviifolium by extracting the sample in organic and aqueous solvents. The organic and aqueous extracts were fraction-collected using the Agilent 1260 Analytical Scale Fraction Collection System. Each of the fractions was analyzed on Liquid Chromatogaphy/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight LC/Q-TOF and Gas Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight GC/instruments. The Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) analyses were performed using Hydrophilic Ineraction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC), as well as reversed-phase chromatography using three separate, orthogonal reverse phase columns. Samples were analyzed using an Agilent Jet Stream (AJS) source in both positive and negative ionization modes. The compounds found were flavonoids, fatty acids, sugars, and terpenes. Eighty-one secondary metabolites were identified as having therapeutic potential. The data produced was against the METLIN database using accurate mass and/or MS/MS library matching. Compounds from Alangium that could not be identified by database or library matching were subsequently searched against the ChemSpider) database of over 30 million structures using MSMS data and Agilent MSC software.In order to identify compounds generated by GC/MS, the data were searched against the AgilentFiehn GCMS Metabolomics Library as well as the Wiley/NIST libraries.

One unusual metal complex of cadinane sesquiterpene alkaloid (1), one new cadinane sesquiterpene alkaloid (2) and two new neolignan glycosides (3-4) along with six known cadinane sesquiterpene derivatives (5-10), nineteen known phenolic glycosides (11-29) were isolated from the aerial parts of Alangium alpinum. Structures of new crystals of metal complex were characterized by X-Ray diffraction and ICP-AES analysis. Other new compounds were elucidated by combined use and detailed analysis of HR-ESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR and CD spectroscopic method. In addition, all isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory effects against TNF-α induced NF-κB activation in Hela cells and NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Plant extracts with their enriched chemical constituents have established potential alternative mosquito control agents. In this research, we developed an eco-friendly mosquitocidal agent from Alangium salvifolium leaves against the dengue and Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti and we investigated its biosafety on the mosquito aquatic predator Toxorhynchites splendens. Results showed that the methanolic extract of A. salvifolium leaves was composed by eight main compounds, with major peak area for hexadecenoic acid (21.74%). LC50 and LC90 values calculated on Ae. aegypti fourth instar larvae were 104.80 and 269.15 ppm respectively. The methanolic extract tested at 100 ppm decreased the α-β carboxylesterase and SOD ratio significantly and upregulated the GST and CYP450 level. The A. salvifolium methanolic extract displayed significant repellent and adulticidal activity at 100 and 400 ppm respectively. The treatment with 100 ppm of the methanolic extract led to 210 min of protection from Ae. aegypti bites. Four hundred parts per million of the extract showed 98% adult mortality within 30 min from the treatment. Lastly, biosafety assays on the mosquito aquatic predator Tx. splendens showed that the toxicity of the A. salvifolium extract was significantly lower if compared to the cypermethrin-based treatments. The methanolic extract of A. salvifolium showed a maximum of 47.3% mortality rate at the concentration of 1000 ppm, while 0.7 ppm of cypermethrin achieved 91.3% mortality rate on Tx. splendens. Overall, our study enhances basic knowledge on how to improve natural larvicidal agents against dengue and Zika virus mosquito vector with harmless responses on non-target aquatic predators.

Alangium Lam. sect. Conostigma Bloemb. is largely confined to the Malesian area and contains 19 species. By using the characters as found in the original species-descriptions, and with emphasizing the nature of the indument of the leaf bud, the confusingly variable Alangium javanicum s.l.-complex could be dismantled for a great part. Four new species: A. ledermannii, A. pallens, A. plumbeum, and A. subcordatum, and two new varieties: A. meyeri var. macilentum and A. ebenaceum var. insignis are recognised. Two taxa are raised to specific status: A. nobile subsp. denudatum to A. denudatum and A. javanicum var. minahassicum to A. minahassicum. A key to the species is presented, and the concerned taxa are enumerated, referenced, described and some are figured.

Alangium sect. Rhytidandra is confined to SE Asia, the Pacific and East Australia, and contains 13 species. Five species, viz. Alangium brassii, A. glabrum, A. gracile, A. guadalcanalense, and A. velutinum are described as new, whereas A. villosum subsp. solomonense is raised to specific rank: A. solomonense. Subspecies tomentosum formerly in A. villosum is transferred to another species and has become A. polyosmoides subsp. tomentosum. Finally Iodes ferruginea, described in Icacinaceae appeared to belong in Alangiaceae, and as the name ferruginea was occupied in Alangium it is changed into A. strigosum, nom. nov. A key to the species is presented, and the concerned taxa are enumerated, referenced, described, and two are figured.

The species from Alangium have been used as folk medicine to treat rheumatism, skin diseases, diabetes by the people of Southeast Asia. Previous phytochemical studies have shown this genus are rich sources of alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids, which have attracted considerable attention of many researchers due to their markedly diverse and complex architecture. The crude extracts as well as the monomeric compounds from the title genus possess anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidant pharmacological activities. Besides, some isolates from Alangium exhibited the effects on skeletal, smooth muscle and the nervous system. As a large genus of medicinal plants, the medicinal value of Alangium has been widely reported, but there is no review that provide a systematic summary towards its chemical constituents and pharmacological activities, to our knowledge. This work aims to present a comprehensive overview on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of medicinal plants in the genus Alangium, and to explore the evidence supporting its ethnopharmacological effectiveness.

Alangium sect. Alangium comprises 11 species (and two varieties). The species are primarily defined by their growth habit, viz. erect shrubs or trees versus scandent plants, with additional characters derived from the inflorescences, the size of the flowers, and particulars of the stamens. A key to the species and species descriptions with brief associated information are presented. Alangium amplum W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes, A. indochinense W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes, A. melliferum W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes, and A. sempervirens W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes are new species; A. frutescens Zoll. & Mor. var. palawanense W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes is a new variety, and A . longiflorum Merr. var. brachyanthum (Merr.) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes a new combination.

Studies on the structural determination, biosynthesis, and biological activities of secondary metabolites from natural sources are significant in the field of natural products chemistry. This review focuses on diverse secondary metabolites isolated from medicinal plants and cultivated mycobionts of lichens in our laboratory. Monoterpene-tetrahydroisoquinoline glycosides and alkaloids isolated from Cephaelis acuminata and Alangium lamarckii gave important information on the biosynthesis of ipecac alkaloids. A variety of glycosides linked with a secologanin unit and indole alkaloids were obtained from medicinal plants belonging to the families of Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae, and Loganiaceae. Plant species of the four genera Fraxinus, Syringa, Jasminum, and Ligustrum of the family Oleaceae were chemically investigated to provide several types of secoiridoid and iridoid glucosides. The biosynthetic pathway leading from protopine to benzophenanthridine alkaloids in suspension cell cultures of Eschscholtzia californica was elucidated. The structures and biological activities of the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids of Stephania cepharantha and Nelumbo nucifera were also investigated. In addition, the mycobionts of lichens were cultivated to afford various types of metabolites that differ from the lichen substances of intact lichens but are structurally similar to fungal metabolites. The biosynthetic origins of some metabolites were also studied. These findings suggest that cultures of lichen mycobionts could be sources of new bioactive compounds and good systems for investigating secondary metabolism in lichens.

Now a day’s world population moves towards herbal remedies for treatment of various ailments. Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions. In India, medicinal plants are widely used by people as folk remedies and pharmaceutical preparations. Alangium salvifolium is a deciduous shrub belongs to family Alangiaceae with a long history of traditional medicinal uses in many countries, especially in India, China and Phillipines. The herb exhibits a broad range of therapeutic effects as an effective natural remedy for rheumatism, leprosy, hemorrhoid, burning sensation, constipation and antidote for several poisons. A wide range of chemical compounds including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins have been isolated from the species. Its extracts have been found to possess various pharmacological activities. In this paper, we give a comprehensive review of its habitat, taxonomy, distribution, identification ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological profile of this medicinal plant.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of Alangium salvifolium (AS) flower in mice. The antinociceptive activity was determined using tail immerson, acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced licking test. Antiinflammatory effects were evaluated using carrageenan and formalin induced paw edema in mice. The methanol extract (50 and 100 mg kg(-1)) of flower of AS followed by chloroform extract (100 mg kg(-1)) produced a significant inhibition of both phases of the formalin pain test in mice, a reduction in mice writhing induced by acetic acid and delayed the response of mice to hot water thermal stimulation in tail immersion test. All flowers extract of AS also produced a substantial inhibition (nearly 50%) of carrageenan and formalin induced paw edema. The inhibitions were similar to those produced by indomethacin, p.o. The different alkaloids and flavonoids found in the extract could be account for the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions.

The bioconversion of tyrosine, dopamine, N- desacetylisoipecoside (15) and N- desacetylipecoside (16) into cephaeline (2), emetine (1), and psychotrine (3) into Alangium lamarckii Thw. (Alangiaceae) plant has been studied. Stereospecific incorporation of N- desacetylisoipecoside (15) into 1,2 and 3 has been demonstrated. Further it has been shown that reduction of C1’ – C2’ takes place after O-methylation of psychotrine (3). Feeding results further showed that cephaeline was poorly metabolized in the plants to form psychotrine (3) thus demonstrating that dehydrogenation of C1’ – C2’ does not take place. The efficient incorporation of cephaeline into emetine (1) further showed that O- methylation is the terminal step in the biosynthesis of emetine. Emetine (1) was poorly metabolized by the plants to form cephaeline (2) and psychotrine (3). The experiments thus demonstrated that dehydrogenation and O-demethylation of emetine (1) does not occur to give cephaeline (2) and psychotrine (3). Scientific World, Vol. 10, No. 10, July 2012 p24-28 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v10i10.6857

Objective To assesse the inhibitory effect of alcoholic extract of two Indian medicinal plants namely Ceasalpinia digyna Rottler and, Alangium lamarckii Thwaits on aldose reductase (AR) of rat lens. Methods Rats lens were enucleated through posterior approach and their homogenate was prepared and centrifuged to obtain a clear supernatant for the determination of AR activity and protein content. Results The alcoholic extract of Ceasalpinia digyna and Alangium lamarckii had a potent inhibitory effect on the lens AR enzyme. The IC 50 values of alcoholic extract of the selected plants were calculated and were (46.29±11.17) and (106.00±5.11) μg/mL, respectively. Quercetin was used as a positive control and its IC 50 value was (2.95±1.53) μg/mL. Conclusions Thus, it is concluded that alcoholic extracts of the selected plant exhibit significant inhibitory effects on AR in the rat lens in vitro .

Root bark of Alangium salvifolium (Linn.f.) Wang. (Family Alangiaceae) is a reputed drug mentioned in the ancient books of Ayurveda and Siddha for the treatment of epilepsy, jaundice, hepatitis etc. Root bark of the plant was subjected to macro-microscopic, photomicrographic, physico-chemical, fluorescence, preliminary phytochemical, TLC and HPTLC to fix quality standards for this drug. Microscopic studies have shown stratified phellem, rhytidome, cluster crystals of calcium oxalate and uni- to triseriate medullary rays in the root bark. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol extracts and alkaloid fraction revealed characteristic chromatographic patterns with presence of alkaloids in varying concentrations. This study would be useful in the identification and authentication of the raw drug.

Alangiaceae, in the basal Asterid clade Cornales, consists of only one genus, Alangium. The genus has approximately 24 species distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World and is well represented in the Tertiary fossil record of the northern hemisphere. We conducted phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses for Alangium by integrating data from DNA sequences, morphology, and fossils to evaluate systematic and biogeographic hypotheses. The results largely agree with the traditional classification of four sections within the genus, and suggest sects. Conostigma and Rhytidandra are successive sister taxa to a clade containing sects. Marlea and Alangium. Our results also indicate that the widespread species A. chinense consists of at least two lineages meriting recognition as distinct species. Biogeographic analysis using DIVA and divergence time dating with the Bayesian method (MULTIDIVTIME) resolved the ancestor of Alangium as being in S.E. Asia in the Late Cretaceous. Several intercontinental migrations involving the margin of the Tethys seaway (TESW), the North Atlantic land bridge (NALB) or the Bering land bridge (BLB), and long-distance dispersals are suggested. The results support TESW for plant migration of thermophilic (including evergreen) taxa in the early Tertiary.

A crude organic solvent extract of Alangium cf. longiflorum exhibited potent inhibition of hypoxia-induced HIF-1 transcriptional activity in human U251 glioma cells. Dereplication and bioactivity-guided fractionation, including Sephadex LH-20 and chiral HPLC chromatographies, led to the isolation of tubulosine ( 1), 9-desmethyltubulosine ( 2), and isotubulosine ( 3). Structures were verified by complete (1)H and (13)C assignments using 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. Tubulosine strongly inhibited HIF-1 transcriptional activity, isotubulosine was devoid of activity, and 9-desmethyltubulosine possessed 6-fold less potency than tubulosine.

Widespread use of synthetic pesticides has resulted in the development of insecticide-resistant populations of pests and harmful effects on human health and the environment. There is a need to identify alternative pest management strategies to reduce our reliance on conventional chemical pesticides. In recent years the use of botanical pesticides for protecting crops from insect pests has assumed greater importance. Methanol extract of Alangium salvifolium (L.f.) Wang has potential insecticidal activity against Spodoptera litura Fab. The active fractions were identified through chromatographic techniques as F-IV (Rf value=0.45) and F-VI (Rf value=0.63) and were subjected to GC-MS (GCMATE II). Fifty, 100 and 200ppm of active fractions were applied to fourth instar larvae and the mortality increased with higher concentrations. Relative consumption rate, relative growth rate, efficiency of conversion of ingested food and efficiency of conversion of digested food values all decreased in treated larvae, but approximate digestibility rate increased after treatment. The hydrolytic enzymes, such as acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase were inhibited in treated larvae compared with controls. The histopathology study revealed that the epithelial columnar cells were enlarged, completely atrophied; intercellular spaces were swollen, and also noted a cytoplasmic ooze of cell material that mixed with food column. The present study clearly showed the active fractions from A. salvifolium as potential botanicals to control the larvae of S. litura. This is the first report for nutritional indices, enzymatic activities and histological effects of A. salvifolium chemical constituents against S. litura. Thus probably, this will be used as an alternative for synthetic pesticides against the polyphagous pest like S. litura.

Seven alkaloids ( 1 – 7 ) were isolated from the stem bark of Alangium longiflorum . Compound 1 , (−)-10- O -demethylisocephaeline, was isolated for the first time as a naturally occurring product from a plant source. All structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Biological evaluation showed that 2 , 10- O -demethylcephaeline, exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against human lung carcinoma (A549) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) with ED 50 values of 0.013 and 0.062 μM, respectively. The stereoisomer 1 was less potent than 2 , and related compounds with different hydroxy/methoxy substitution patterns were also less potent or inactive. Thus, compound 2 merits attention as a cytotoxic lead for further study.

Crude CH2Cl2-MeOH extracts prepared from Alangium javanicum and A. grisolleoides were found to induce DNA strand breakage in the presence of Cu2+ and were subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation to permit identification of the active principle(s). Javaniside (1), a novel alkaloid possessing an unusual monoterpenoid oxindole skeleton, was identified as an active principle contributing to the DNA cleavage activity observed for the crude extract of A. javanicum. Alangiside (2), a tetrahydroisoquinoline monoterpene glucoside widely distributed in the genus Alangium, was also isolated from A. grisolleoides as a new type of Cu2+-dependent DNA cleavage agent. The relative configuration of the asymmetric centers in javaniside was established by analysis of 1H-1H coupling constants and NOESY correlations. Semisynthesis of javaniside from secologanin (3) established the absolute stereochemistry of javaniside.

The incorporation of tryptamine, dopamine, N-deacetylisoipecoside, N-deacetylipecoside into alangimarckine, deoxytubulosine and ankorine and of strictosidine and vincoside into alangimarckine and deoxytubulosine in young Alangium lamarckii Thw. (Alangiaceae) has been studied and specific utilisation of N-deacetylisoipecoside demonstrated. Parallel experiments with nordeoxytubulosine and deoxytubulosine suggested that O-methylation precedes condensation of protoemetine with tryptamine and further the reduction of ethylene side chain takes place before condensation. Hydroxylation at C-8 in the trans-quinolizidine moiety is the terminal step in the biosynthesis of alangimarckine.

From the leaves of Alangium paltanifolium var. platanifolium, collected in Fukuoka Prefecture, twelve further megastigmane glycosides were isolated. Seven of them, named platanionosides D-J (1-7), were found to be new compounds. Their structures were elucidated from spectroscopic evidence and their absolute structures were determined from beta-D-glucosylation-induced shift trends of 13C-NMR and by application of a modified Mosher's method.

From the water soluble fraction of the dried fruits of Alangium lamarckii , four tetrahydroisoquinoline-monoterpene glycosides, 6- O -methyl- N -deacetylisoipecosidic acid, 7- O -methyl- N -deacetylisoipecosidic acid, 6,7-di- O -methyl- N -deacetylisoipecosidic acid and 6″- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-6- O -methyl- N -deacetylisoipecosidic acid, and an iridoid glycoside, 6′- O -α- d -glucopyranosylloganic acid, were isolated, together with six known compounds. The structures of the previously unknown compounds were determined by spectroscopic and chemical means. The significance of these glucosides in the biogenesis of Alangium alkaloids is discussed; 6- O -methyl- N -deacetylisoipecosidic acid was also chemically converted into 10- O -demethylprotoemetine and dihydroisoalangine.

From the stems of Alangium premnifolium ; collected on Okinawa island, four sesquiterpene (calamenene) glycosides, named alangicadinosides F-I, and four sesquilignan glucosides, named alangisesquins A-D, were isolated. The structures of the glycosides were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.

Five novel tetrahydroisoquinoline-monoterpene glycosides, 6′- O -β- d -glucopyranosylalangiside, 3′- O -β- d -glucopyranosylalangiside, 6′- O -α- d -glucopyranosylalangiside, 6′- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-3- O -demethyl-2- O -methylalangiside and 6′- O -α- d -xylopyranosylalangiside, were isolated from dried fruits of Alangium lamarckii . The structures of these new compounds were determined by spectroscopic means.

From a methanol extract of stems of Alangium premnifolium, eight lignan derivatives were isolated. Structural elucidation by a spectroscopic method revealed that four of them were new lignan or neolignan glycosides.

Two novel enzyme activities involved in the condensation of dopamine and secologanin were discovered in the cell-free extracts prepared from the leaves of Alangium lamarckii . The extracts condensed dopamine and secologanin rapidly at pH 7.5 to form both (1 R )-deacetylipecoside ( 1 ) and (1 S )-deacetylisoipecoside ( 2 ) which were converted spontaneously to demethylalangiside ( 3 ) and demethylisoalangiside ( 4 ), respectively. Indentification of the enzymatic reaction products was performed by using TLC, HPLC-photodiode array detector and LC-MS. A simple enzyme assay by a spectrophotometric method was developed for enzyme activity detection during enzyme purification. The discovery of these two enzyme activities in A. lamarckii suggested that the naturally occurring ( S )- and ( R )-forms of various tetrahydroisoquinoline-monoterpene alkaloids and nitrogenous glucosides found in this plant are determined by the first enzymatic step of dopamine and secologanin condensation which yields either the (1 R ) or the (1 S )-condensation product.

From the water-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of leaves of Alangium premnifolium , guaiacylglycerol and syringoylglycerol glucosides, benzyl alcohol triglycosides, salicyl alcohol glycoside, a derivative of henryoside, 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl alcohol glycoside and pyrocatechol diglucoside were isolated. Their structures were elucidated from spectroscopic evidence.

Alangium has large, distinctive pollen grains which may allow identification to species and species groups. In Australia, there is one species, A. villosum (Blume) Wangerin, with two subspecies restricted to rainforests of the east coast of the continent. The pollen of both subspecies is the distinctive A. villosum type of Reitsma (1970). Two Tertiary pollen types of Alangium are formally described as the new form species Clavastephanocolporites meleosus and C. blysus; these are morphologically similar to the A. villosum type and the Alangium salviifolium type of Reitsma (1970), respectively. These records complement the numerous Tertiary occurrences in the Indo-Malesian region and elsewhere.

From the water-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of leaves of Alangium premnifolium, two new megastigmane glycosides, alangionosides N and O, along with three known megastigmane glycosides, dendranthemoside A and alangionosides A and B, were isolated. Shimaurinosides A and B, xylopyranosyl(1-->6)glucopyranosides of simple alcohols were also found to be constituents of the water-soluble fraction. Structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses.

From leaves of Alangium premnifolium, harvested on Okinawa island, Japan, five glycosides of cadinane derivatives, alangicadinosides A-E, were isolated. Their structures were determined mainly from spectroscopic evidence.

From a methanol extract of leaves of Alangium premnifolium , four new megastigmane glycosides, alangionosides CF, together with a known compound, plucheoside B, were isolated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated from spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

A new benzopyridoquinolizine alkaloid, designated as angustinine (1), was isolated from the root bark of Alangium lamarckii Thwaites, along with the known ipecac alkaloid, emetine. Investigation of the stem bark of the same plant resulted in the isolation of another known ipecac alkaloid, cephaeline. The structure of the new alkaloid (1) was elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR spectral analysis.

Alangium lamarkii (Alangiaceae) is commonly known as “Ankol”. In Ayurveda the leaves of the plant is useful in treatment of inflammations, blood disorders, burning sensation, spermatorrhoea, gleets, acute fever and lumbago. The root is acrid, pungent, heating, anthelmintic and alterative and useful in treatment of biliousness and inflammations etc. The juice is emetic and alexipharmic and useful in treatment of pain, blood disorders, hydrophobia, rat-bite, lumbago, dysentery and diarrhoea whereas the seeds are cooling, aphrodisiac, indigestible and tonic. The root bark is used in piles whereas fruits are considered as purgative, expectorant and carminative. In order to ensure the use of genuine and authentic material in the preparation of herbal formulations, pharmacognostical and phytochemical methods of standardization of the plant has been carried out in the present work. Macroscopic, microscopic and physico-chemical characters of the leaves of Alangium lamarkii has been carried out. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin layer chromatographic studies have been performed on the various extracts of the leaves of Alangium lamarkii. All these pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies can be used as a diagnostic tool for the correct identification of the plant and also to test adulteration if any.

From the dried fruits of Alangium lamarckii, a novel tetrahydroisoquinoline-monoterpene glucoside, 3-O-demethyl-2-O-methylalangiside, was isolated along with alangiside. Re-examination of the constituents of the roots of Cephaelis ipecacuanha led to the isolation and identification of this same compound, as well as alangiside and that of another new glucoside, 7-O-methylipecoside. The structures of these two new glucosides were determined by spectroscopic and chemical means.

From leaves of Alangium premnifolium harvested on Okinawa island, two new ionol glycosides, named alangionosides A and B, along with dendranthemoside A and benzyl alcohol xyloglucoside, were isolated. Their structures were determined mainly by means of spectroscopic methods. The application of β-d-glucosylation induced shift trends for the determination of the absolute configuration of a carbon atom having a secondary hydroxyl group is also discussed.

Alangium salviifolium root was screened for phytochemical and anti-inflammatory properties. The percentage inhibition of carrageenan induced paw oedema was studied in rats. Alangium salvifolium gave maximum extractive values with Ethanol and the Loss on Drying value, total ash value and acid-insoluble ash and water soluble ash values were within limits. The extract gave positive tests for phytosterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, carbohydrates and alkaloids. The extract was free from glycosides, saponins, tannins, proteins and amino acids. In acute toxicity studies, Alangium salviifolium root extract was found to be safe up to 3000 mg kg−1, p.o. in the albino rats. The Alangium salviifolium root gave significant per cent inhibition of the maximal paw oedema and very highly significant per cent inhibition of total paw oedema during 6 h. This study revealed that Alangium salviifolium root has good anti-inflammatory actions when compared with Diclofenac sodium.

Isoalangidiol (3α,18α-B':A'-neogammacerane-3,18-diol) has been extracted as a natural product from the leaves of Alangium lamarckii Thw. (Alangiaceae). The crystal structure study of its monoacetate, C32H54O3, was undertaken in order to ascertain the conformation of the compound. The four six-membered rings are in chair conformations. The five-membered ring is distorted from a plane and is twisted, with a C19—C18—C17—C21 torsion angle of −43.0 (4)°. The molecular parameters of the compound are all within normal limits.

OBJECTIVE The spectral imaging method was used to quickly identify the Cortex Dictamni pieces and its counterfeit alangium Chinese, which is a potential method would be applied to control the quality of the Cortex Dictamni pieces. METHOD Standard sample, 5 cortex dictamni samples and its counterfeit alangium Chinese of different sources were tested by the liquid crystal imaging instrument. The spectrum resolution was 5 nm, the spectral range was from 405 nm to 680 nm, and the spatial resolution was 50 lp x mm(-1). The characteristic spectrum curves were picked up from spectral cube and principal analysis method was used to analyze the results. RESULT The identification results by the spectral imaging method accorded well with the results by the traditional biology and chemistry analysis method. CONCLUSION The spectral imaging analysis method can be used to identify the cortex dictamni pieces and its counterfeit alangium Chinense. The testing course is convenient, quick and noninvasive.

Isoalangidiol (3α,18α-B':A'-neogammacerane-3,18-diol) has been extracted as a natural product from the leaves of Alangium lamarckii Thw. (Alangiaceae). The crystal structure study of its monoacetate, C32H54O3, was undertaken in order to ascertain the conformation of the compound. The four six-membered rings are in chair conformations. The five-membered ring is distorted from a plane and is twisted, with a C19—C18—C17—C21 torsion angle of −43.0 (4)°. The molecular parameters of the compound are all within normal limits.

A new flavonol with a tetrasaccharide unit named alangiflavoside [4] was isolated from the water-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of Alangium premnifolium leaves, along with three known flavonol glycosides. Structure determination was made based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence

Eight alkaloids were isolated from the leaves of Alangium bussyanum, six of which were known, viz. tubulosine, 9-desmethyltubulosine, deoxydesmethyltubulosine, O-methyltubulosine, deoxytubulosine and 9- or 10-desmethylprotoemetinol. The two other alkaloids were new and their structures were established as alangiobussine and alangiobussinine by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

From Glochidion zeylanicum, two megastigmane glucosides, 3- and 9-O-β- d -glucopyranosides of (3S,5R,6R,7E,9S)-megastigman-7-ene-3,5,6,9-tetrol (1 and 2, respectively), were isolated. Their structures were different from those of kiwiionoside (3) and actinidioionoside (4), isolated from Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia polygama, respectively, in the stereochemistry at the 9-positions. Alangionosides E (5) and O (6), isolated from the leaves of Alangium premnifolium, are also megastigmane glucosides, and the latter is closely related to 1 and actinidioionoside (4). However, the absolute configurations of the 9-position remained to be determined. They were analyzed to be R by means of a modified Mosher's method. Alangionoside E (5) is identical with corchoionoside A in all aspects. The name of corchoionoside A must be retained thereafter.