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Diospyros mespiliformis is among the popular multipurpose tropical fruit trees, commonly used as herbal medicines. However, due to the lack of adequate scientific data on the safety of this plant, the present study was conducted to determine the phytochemical compositions and acute toxicity profile of the crude methanol extract of D. mespiliformis. In addition, diospyrin, a bioactive compound from the plant was evaluated for in silico drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and acute toxicity. The phytochemical contents of the plant were quantified using standardized protocols while the 50% lethal dose (LD50) was evaluated using Lorke’s methods. Results revealed that flavonoids (265.46±0.32 mg/g) are the most abundant phytochemical in methanol leaf extract of D. mespiliformis, followed by alkaloids (224.56±0.19 mg/g) and phenols (191.82±0.04 mg/g) while saponins (7.90±0.32 mg/g) was the least abundant phytochemical. The plant extract has LD50 of > 5000 mg/kg in rats. No death was recorded throughout the study period. Similarly, no behavioural changes were observed in animals dosed with the crude extract at 10 -2900 mg/kg BW. Animals administered 5000 mg/kg BW were hyperactive, restless, and displayed profused breathing which lasted only for 30 minutes after administrations. Diospyrin a bioactive compound from D. mespiliformis demonstrated good druglike candidates and exhibited a high safety profile as revealed by in silico study. In conclusion, the crude methanol extract of D. mespiliformis and its bioactive compound is well-tolerated and non-toxic to rats, and thus could be considered a safe medicinal plant for acute oral remedies

Background and aimThis study was carried out to investigate antiplasmodial activities of Diospyros mespiliformis (DM) and Mondia whitei (MW) in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.Materials and methodsAir-dried stem of DM and root of MW were soaked in methanol, decanted and concentrated to give extracts. Parts of these extracts were partitioned successively to give dichloromethane, ethylacetate and methanol fractions. Mice (18 ± 3 g) were infected with Plasmodium berghei-infected erythrocytes from a donor mouse and were treated with the extracts, while the drug control group received 10 mg/kg body weight of artesunate and the parasitized control received the vehicle (5% v/v DMSO). Percentage parasitemia and clearance were estimated from thin films of blood smear. Hematological parameters were determined using standard methods. Both extracts were also tested on in vitro inhibition of β-hematin formation.Results, discussion and conclusionResults showed that DM had the least percentage parasitemia (0.67%) and highest percentage parasite clearance (84.7%) while the MW had 0.89% percentage parasitemia and 79.7% clearance at the highest dose used after the seventh day relative to untreated control. The cell free antiplasmodial activity of the fractions and extracts of both DM and MW revealed that DM significantly inhibited β-hematin formation than MW. The packed cell volume, white blood cell count, Lymphocyte, Eosinophil, Monocyte and Neutrophil significantly increased in the treated groups compared with the control. The results showed that the DM had higher antiplasmodial activity.

The effect of methanolic extract of African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) on glucose level, liver and kidney function biomarkers in alloxan induced diabetic rat was investigated. The rats were grouped into four of ten (10) rats each. The rats in Group B, C and D were induced with 0.4mL of alloxan. Group C was treated with 0.3 mL of methanol stem back of Diospyros mespiliformis, Group D was treated with 1.3 mL of metformin; Group A non-diabetic and Group B diabetic untreated. There was a significance increase (P

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The oral toxicity effect of crude methanolic extract (CMX) of Diospyros mespiliformis hochst ex a. Dc (ebenaceae) was studied. • Crude methanolic extract of D. mespiliformis has an LD50 higher than 5 g/kg post oral treatment in rats, thus relatively safe. • The leaf and bark ethyl acetate fractions of D. mespiliformis were relatively safe post 28-days repeated treatment in rats., Diospyros mespiliformis, commonly called Jackal berry or African ebony, belongs to the plant family, Ebenaceae. The roots, barks and leaves have been used traditionally to treat wide varieties of conditions, however, there is limited information and literature reports concerning the toxicity and safety of this plant. The present study was conducted to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the crude methanolic extract of Diospyros mespiliformis and its fraction in Wistar rats. Diospyros mespiliformis was extracted by methanol 96 %. The crude methanolic extract was then fractionated into low, average and high polar compounds using hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol respectively. For the acute toxicity study, the revised limit Dose Test of “Up and Down” procedure according to the OECD guideline was used to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of the crude methanolic leaf and bark extracts using a single fixed dose (5 g/kg) of the extracts administered by oral-gavage sequentially to 5 female Wistar rats. The rats were observed for instant death and toxicity signs for 24 h and then daily for 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the bark and leaf ethyl acetate fractions (extract) was administered orally at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg bw /day respectively for 28 days to healthy Wistar rats. At the end of the experimental period, body weight, certain haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Results showed that acute oral administration of crude methanolic extract of Diospyros mespiliformis (5 g/kg bw) produced neither mortality nor visible changes in behavior or any other physiological activities and indicated that the LD50 of crude methanolic leaf and bark extract was greater than 5 g/kg bw in Wistar Rats. In the 28-days repeated dose oral toxicity study, no significant toxic effects was detected in any of the parameters evaluated. In conclusion, the crude methanolic extract was found safe in the acute toxicity study and the ethyl acetate fraction of Diospyros mespiliformis in the sub chronic study in rats could be safe for therapeutic purposes over a period not exceeding 28 days.

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of malaria is gaining global attention due to their efficacy and cost effectiveness. This study evaluated the bioactivity-guided antiplasmodial efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of solvent fractions of Diospyros mespiliformis in mice infected with a susceptible strain of Plasmodium berghei (NK 65). The crude methanol extract of the stem of D. mespiliformis (DM) was partitioned between n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Male Swiss mice (20 ± 2 g) infected with P. berghei were grouped and treated with vehicle (10 mL/kg, control), Artemether lumefantrine (10 mg/kg), 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of D. mespiliformis for seven days. Blood was obtained for heme and hemozoin contents while serum was obtained for inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins G and M assessments. Liver mitochondria were isolated for mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), mitochondrial F1F0 ATPase (mATPase) and lipid peroxidation (mLPO) assays. The GC–MS was used to identify the compounds present in the most potent fraction. The dichloromethane fraction had the highest parasite clearance and improved hematological indices relative to the drug control. The heme values increased, while the hemozoin content significantly (P β and IL-6 values did not vary linearly with the dose. Lupeol and Stigmastan-3,5-diene were the most abundant phytochemicals in the DF. The outcome of this study showed that the DF has immunomodulatory effects in infected mice, reduced proliferation of the malaria parasite and thus protect liver cells.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. and Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels are traditionally used in Africa for the treatment of malaria. However, scientific evidence to substantiate this folkloric claim and their effects on liver mitochondria during malaria treatment have not been reported. Aim of the study This study investigated the efficacy of D. mespiliformis and M. whitei against chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of malarial parasites in mice. It also investigated the toxicity and protection against cellular organelles like mitochondria. Materials and methods Male Swiss mice were infected with a chloroquine resistant (ANKA) strain of Plasmodium berghei and were treated via oral gavage with methanol extracts of D. mespiliformis and M. whitei reconstituted in diluted dimethylsulfoxide as vehicle (DMSO, 5% v/v) for five consecutive days. Percentage parasite load and clearance were assessed by microscopy. The infected control was treated with the vehicle. Hematological indices were assessed using standard procedures. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined using assay kits. Hepatic mitochondria were isolated via centrifugation, and their permeability transition (mPT), ATPase (mATPase) activity and lipid peroxidation (mLPO) were determined spectroscopically. Liver tissue histology was carried out by standard laboratory procedures. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts were performed using LC-MS to identify the most prominent compounds from each of the extracts. Results After treatment on day 5, D. mespiliformis and M. whitei at 400 mg/kg decreased mean values for: percentage parasitemia (5.0 ± 1.0, 2.0 ± 0.2), increased Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (36.0 ± 1.4, 36.0 ± 0.0%) and platelets (2.0 ± 1.4, 2.0 ± 2.8 × 105mm3) relative to the untreated control (20.0 ± 5.2; 30.0 ± 0.0%; 1.4 ± 1.4 × 105 mm3, respectively). At the same dose, D. mespiliformis and M. whitei decreased ALT (8.0 ± 3.8, 24.2 ± 4.0U/L), AST (6.2 ± 0.8, 8.0 ± 0.9U/L) and ALP (56.0 ± 0.7, 51.0 ± 1.0U/L) activities compared to the infected control (77.0 ± 10.9U/L, 14.0 ± 0.7U/L and 76.0 ± 6.0U/L, respectively). Both D. mespiliformis and M. whitei reversed mPT opening, decreased mATPase enhancement and mLPO, relative to the control. Histopathology of the liver showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions and severe disseminated congestion in the infected control while both D. mespiliformis and M. whitei were well tolerated at the highest dose. The LC-MS analysis of D. mespiliformis showed the presence of betulinic acid, tocopherol and kaempferol with antimalarial and antioxidant properties while the M. whitei sample contained coumarin and chlorogenic acid that have antimalarial and hepato-protective properties. Conclusions D. mespiliformis and M. whitei show antimalarial effects against resistant Plasmodium berghei infection, enhanced cell viability, mito-protection and are not toxic in mice.

Malnutrition has been a serious issue in Ghana and Africa as a whole. However, the potential of many indigenous fruits to combat it has not yet been tested. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutritional characteristics of four underutilized wild fruits (Gardenia erubescens, Sclerocarya birrea, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Balanites aegyptiaca) of dietary interest in Ghana. The nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of the fruits were analyzed according to standard methods (laid down by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and other well-known researchers) on a dry weight (dw) basis. The nutritional value of the fruits was high enough to contribute to the nutrient requirements of humans, with their iron (0.34&ndash, 1.46 mg/100 g), zinc (0.81&ndash, 2.97 mg/100 g), vitamin A (0.84&ndash, 2.03 mg/100 g), and &beta, carotene (64.84&ndash, 176.89 mg/100 g) contents worth special mention. The antinutrient content also ranged between 0.06&ndash, 1.82 mg/g. Therefore, it is evident from the study that the fruits, although containing some levels of antinutrients, are nutrient-dense, suggesting their potency in fighting malnutrition in humans.

The aim of this study was to determine the active phytochemical(s) most probably responsible for microbial inhibitions, following a bioassay guided protocol. Column chromatographic fractions (AG) obtained from n-Butanol partitioned portion of stem bark extract of Diospyros mespiliformis were analyzed for phytochemical composition. These were subjected to antimicrobial activity tests on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pyogenes , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans . Phytochemical screening conducted on the column fraction E revealed the presence of tannins, free anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, and flavonoids. The anti-microbial test results from fractions A, B, F and G, obtained showed no inhibition against most of the micro-organisms tested, while fractions C, D and E showed significant (P

The present study was aimed to evaluate the tannin content accumulated in the unripe fruit leaf and bark of D mespiliformis African Ebony using acetone methanol aq Methanol hot and cold water extracts A quantitative test was conducted on the extracts and a blue blackish precipitate was observed which indicates that the tannins were hydrolysable The study revealed that the unripe fruits have the highest accumulation of tannin content but the extract weight was significantly higher in aq methanol extract g and acetone extracts g from g of dry samples This was followed by the tannin extracted weight of the leaf in acetone and aq Methanol extracts having g and g respectively while the acetone extracts from the bark was g Furthermore the extracted weight of natural solvent hot and cold water was low hence it is concluded that more tannin are extracted with aqueous methanol and acetone amongst others Consequently conservation of D mespiliformisis highly important therefore it is suggested that the leaves should be used instead of the fruits because of regeneration

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst (Ebenaceae) stem bark is used in traditional medicine for the management of pain related ailments. Several bioactive compounds have previously been isolated from the plant material that includes pentacyclic triterpenes. This study sequentially extracted and carried out a bioassay-guided fractionation of the plant crude material with solvents of varying polarity using analgesic efficacy in rats as bioactivity marker, aimed to isolate the active constituent. Powdered stem bark of the plant was sequentially extracted with hexane, chloroform and methanol; and preliminary tested for analgesic activity. The chloroform extract being the most active amongst the three extracts was subjected to column chromatography, and a fraction was eluted with mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate (50:50%) which yielded a compound. Three dose levels (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) of the compound were administered orally to rats. Acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the positive control. Nociception was induced mechanically using analgesy meter, and chemically with formalin. The compound alleviated the pain stimulus induced by the analgesy-meter and formalin in rats. The isolated compound was identified as lupeol using thermo-analysis (DSC), colorimetric, chromatographic and spectrometric techniques that included: UV-visible, IR, and 13C- and 1H NMR. It was concluded that lupeol acting alone or synergistically might be responsible for the beneficial effect of the plant in treatment of pain related ailments. Key words: Diospyros mespiliformis, lupeol, analgesic.

In this study, leaves of Diospyros mespiliformis was extracted using ethanol and macerated with chloroform and ethyl acetate and later screened for antibacterial properties. The antibacterial analysis was performed qualitatively via disc diffusion method (AATCC 147) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as gram negative and gram positive bacteria respectively. The extract shows a significant activity on the isolated micro-organisms as evidenced by a clear zone of inhibition, more so in the ethyl acetate petri dish indicating its potentials in preventing microbial growth. The extract was then used to dye cotton fabrics by pre-mordanting, simultaneous mordanting and post-mordanting processes. The materials were assessed for fastness properties, such as fastness to washing, light, pressing and rubbing based on AATCC standards. The results show a good to moderate fastness properties suggesting that extract of Diospyros mespiliformis can be successfully used for dyeing of cotton fabric in textile industries thereby reducing the pollution and environmental hazards associated with the use of conventional synthetic chemical dyes.

This study evaluated nutritional values, bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities of the five wild underutilized fruits in the mountains of southwest Saudi Arabia (Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Ex A.Dc., Cissus rotundifolius (L.), Ephedra foeminea Forssk., and Grewia villosa Willd.). The moisture content, crude fibers, total protein, total lipids, total hydrolyzable carbohydrate, total soluble sugars, and total free amino acids were analyzed. The results showed varying amounts among fruits of the five study species. In addition, the mineral composition, amino acid content, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and antioxidant activity were assessed. The highest content of total phenolic and total tannins was measured in D. mespiliformis (20.69 mg/g and 3.84 mg/g) and the lowest in E. foeminea (10.83 mg/g and 1.44 mg/g), respectively. The methanol extract (1 mg/ml) of D. mespiliformis displayed higher percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity (87.36%). The methanol extract (1 mg/ml) of C. grandis exhibited the highest effect of total antioxidant activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (71.53%). The sufficient nutritional and antioxidant value of these wild fruits provide healthy food source for the local residents, much the same as many cultivated fruits and vegetables.

Acute hepatitis B and its complications cause 800000 and 3300 deaths each year respectively in the world and in Burkina Faso. In Burkina Faso, the majority of the population uses medicinal plants to treat hepatitis. The present study consisted to identify the medicinal plants used to treat hepatitis in COMOE province of Burkina Faso. Extracts from the most cited species were screened for their antioxidant capacity (using ABTS and FRAP methods) and their content in phenolics. Thirty-two anti-hepatitis species belonging to 29 genera and 20 families were recorded in the COMOE province. Extracts from Diospyros mespiliformis and Terminalia macroptera showed the best antioxidant activities (1.17 ± 0.00 mM TEAC/g and 70.77 ± 0.4 μM ET/g ; 1.09 ± 0.03 mM TEAC/g and 81.17 ± 0.5 μM TE/g extract, respectively).The same extracts exhibited the highest total phenolic contents. Low correlation has been obtained between total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the extracts. This finding suggests that non-phenolic antioxidant compounds would be involved in the bioactivity of these species. This study constitutes a contribution in the safeguarding of traditional hepatoprotective medicinal knowledge of COMOE province of Burkina Faso. Keywords : Anti-hepatitis plants, antioxidant activity, COMOE province, Burkina Faso.

A total of fourteen (14) species of wild edible fruits from Burkina Faso were analyzed for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, and their antioxidant activities using the DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods. The data obtained show that the total phenolic and total flavonoid levels were significantly higher in the acetone than in the methanol extracts. Detarium microcarpum fruit had the highest phenolic and the highest flavonoid content, followed by that of Adansonia digitata, Ziziphus mauritiana, Ximenia americana and Lannea microcarpa. Significant amounts of total phenolics were also detected in the other fruit species in the following order of decreasing levels: Tamarindus indica > Sclerocarya birrea > Dialium guineense > Gardenia erubescens > Diospyros mespiliformis > Parkia biglobosa > Ficus sycomorus > Vitellaria paradoxa. Detarium microcarpum fruit also showed the highest antioxidant activity using the three antioxidant assays. Fruits with high antioxidant activities were also found to possess high phenolic and flavonoid contents. There was a strong correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid levels and antioxidant activities.

Four wild fruits, Diospyros mespiliformis, Flacourtia indica, Uapaca kirkiana and Ziziphus mauritiana, were extracted with methanol and analysed for radical-scavenging effect of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, reducing power and anion radical effect on superoxide anion using colorimetric method. There was an increase in the radical-scavenging effect, reducing power and superoxide anion radical-scavenging effect as the concentration of sample increased. Diospyros mespiliformis had high DPPH radical-scavenging capacity. The peels of F. indica and U. kirkiana had higher DPPH radical-scavenging effects, reducing power and superoxide-scavenging effects compared with the pulp while the pulp of Z. mauritiana had high DPPH radical-scavenging effects, reducing power and superoxide-scavenging effects compared with the peel.

International audience; Crude decoction, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of two medicinal plants (Psidium guajava and Diospyros mespiliformis), widely used in the central plateau of Burkina Faso to treat many diseases were evaluated for their antagonistic effects on caffeine induced calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum of rat skeletal muscle cells. These different extracts showed a decrease of caffeine induced calcium release in a dose dependent manner. Comparison of the results showed that Psidium guajava leaf extracts are more active than extracts of Diospyros mespiliformis and that crude decoctions show better inhibitory activity. The observed results could explain their use as antihypertensive and antidiarrhoeal agents in traditional medicine, by inhibiting intracellular calcium release.

Powdered stem bark of plant material (1000g) of Diospyros mespiliformis was extracted with hexane using Soxhlet apparatus and concentrated on a water bath at 600C. The extract was later subjected to column chromatography techniques using gradient elution in which various fractions were obtained and monitored using thin layer chromatography. The structure of the isolated compound were suggested by 1D and 2D spectroscopic analysis and by direct comparison of the data obtained with those reported in literature to be Lupeol.Antimicrobial screening of the lupeol compound and control drugs were carried out using agar well diffusion method. Significant zones of inhibition of lupeol compound were observed from (30-24mm) and standard control drugs range from (40-32mm). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) of the lupeol compound was observed at 6.25-12.5ug/ml and Minimum Bacteriacidal Concentration (MBC) /Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) ranged from (12.5-25ug/ml).Lupeol compound revealed significant antimicrobial activity against some selected clinical isolates in this study and thus validated the traditional claims ofDiospyros mespiliformis used for the treatment of antimicrobial based infections. Keywords : Diospyros mespiliformis, Column Chromatography, Lupeol, Inhibitory Effects, Antimicrobial effect.

As part of the search for alternative sources of food to alleviate hunger, this study reports the approximate total contents of soluble sugars, starch, and gross energy of nine lesser-known wild-gathered plant seeds. High crude protein levels occurred in Lonchocarpus sericeus (28.03%), Albizia zygia (32.90%), and Gliricidia septum (34.15%). High levels of fat occurred in Entandrophragma angolense (59.30%), L. sericeus (34.15%), and Millettia thonningii (30.66%). Low levels of crude protein but high levels of total carbohydrate were found in Diospyros mespiliformis (77.21% carbohydrate), Daneillia ogea (74.32% carbohydrate), and Afzelia belle (53.96% carbohydrate). Starch contents were high in A. zygia (40.46%), D. ogea (69.62%), and A. belle (51.43%). The seeds with high fat content invariably showed high gross energy levels: E. angolense (30.9 kJ/g), L. sericeus (24.37 kJ/g), and M. thonningii (25.12 kJ/g). The results are compared to those for soya bean and other common staples. It is concluded that these less familiar wild seed plants should not be ignored, but further investigation into possible toxic and antinutrient factors, amino acid patterns, digestibility, and fatty acid composition is still required before recommendations are made.

Diosquinone and plumbagin isolated from the root of Diospyros mespiliformis (Hostch), a common ingredient in several folk medicines and foods, have been shown to have antibacterial activity against a wide range of organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of diosquinone against Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571 and S. aureus E3T ranged from 3 to 30μg/mL, while those against Escherichia coli KL16 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 6750 ranged from 15 to 16μg/mL. MICs were found to increase with the concentration of cells used in the inoculum. Bacterial studies showed that S. aureus NCTC 6571 exhibited a paradoxical biphasic response to dioquinone in nutrient broth, whereas bacterial activity against E. coli KL16 increased with concentration up to the highest concentration of dioquinone tested. Activity against E. coli KL16 was more pronounced in phosphate-buffered saline than in nutrient broth. The other active compound isolated, the naphthoquinone plumbagin, gave MIC values between 400 and 600μg/mL.

Diosquinone [1], a naphthoquinone epoxide previously isolated from the root bark of Diospyros mespiliformis (Hostch) and D. tricolor [Ebenaceae] is been assessed for cytotoxicity activity against ten cancer cell lines by standard NIH method. The ethno-pharmacological claim of this plant and the previously observed good antibacterial activity of this compound among the others isolated from this plant suggest its probable cytotoxicity activity. Diosquinone was observed to be very active against most of the cancer cell lines. It shows very good activity against all the cell lines tested with ED50 value ranging between 0.18 microg/ml. against Human Glioblastoma (U373) to 4.5 microg/ml. against Hormone dependent human prostrate cancer( LNCaP).

Publisher Summary This chapter profiles the potential usage of Diospyros mespiliformis (DSM) fruit seeds in human nutrition and health. Research on the potential uses of DSM has focused largely on the ethno-medical potential of the tree's leaf, bark, and root extracts. The bark, root, and leaf extracts are widely employed in ethno-medicine. A leaf decoction is reportedly used in the treatment of malaria and headaches, and as an anthelmintic. The bark extract reportedly provides good relief for coughing. Extracts from the plant have also been shown to have analgesic and antipyretic effects. DSM fruit pulp largely consists of carbohydrates; it has little protein but contains appreciable amounts of minerals as well as vitamin C. It also has low concentrations of oxalate, phytate, saponin, and tannin. As a human food resource, the soluble sugars and starch make DSM seeds a potential source of dietary energy. In drought years when conventional crops fail to thrive, the highly energy-dense seeds could be used to replace calories that would otherwise be derived from cereal grain. There is a need to fully characterize the anti-nutritional factor content of Diospyros mespiliformis seed and breed plant varieties with higher seed oil yields but maintaining the current fatty acid profile.

Diospyrin and isodiospyrin have been isolated from the bark of Diospyros mespiliformis. Isodiospyrin was also found in the bark and wood of D. virginiana. Isodiospyrin is optically active and, like diospyrin, is an unsymmetrical dimer of 7-methyljuglone, the two naphthaquinone moieties being coupled at C-6 and C-8′. The bark of D. elliptifolia contains betulin, lupeol, plumbagin (2-methyljuglone), and another dimer, elliptinone, which is isomeric with diospyrin and isodiospyrin. Elliptinone has the structure 6,6′-biplumbagin.