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A new 5-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (1), together with four known compounds, one coumarin, 5-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (2) and three cucurbitacins, 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin F (3), 23,24-dihydro-25-acetylcucurbitacin F (4) and 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin F (5) have been isolated and characterised from the ethanol extract of Coutarea hexandra fruits. Their structures have been established by spectroscopic analysis (NMR and MS). Interpretation of the HMQC, HMBC, COSY-45 and NOESY experiments permitted us to establish stereochemistry of the natural products. All compounds were tested in cytotoxicity assays against the breast (MCF-7), lung (H-460), and central nervous system (SF-268) human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new prenylated salicylic acid derivative, 3-farnesyl-2-hydroxy benzoic acid (1), was isolated from the leaves of Piper multiplinervium C. DC. (Piperaceae). It showed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity (MIC 37.5 microg/ml) and antimicrobial activity at MICs between 2.5 and 5 microg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Its structure was elucidated by means of MS, 1H and 13C NMR. The ethnomedical claim of Piper multiplinervium to treat stomach aches by the Kuna Indians of Panama may be justified by anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of its MeOH extract.

Ethnomedical uses of 108 medicinal plant species, belonging to 52 families, 89 genera, used by the Teribe Amerindians of Bocas del Toro Province in Panama, along with their socio-cultural practices are reported here. The methods of administration of the herbal remedies, the plant parts used, their families and local names are also documented. The recorded medicinal plants were used mainly for fever, various type of pain and inflammation. The potential value of 26 plants and their traditional uses was elucidated through literature search.

Results of an ethnopharmacognostic survey of 90 plants used by the Kuna Indians of San Blas Islands, who live in Ailigandí, are listed. Results of a literature search are also reported, including medical uses, known constituents and pharmacological effects.

A list of newly identified plants is presented to supplement Part I (Joly et al. (1987) Journal of Ethnopharmacology 20, 145-171). A comparative analysis is made between our work and two other recent inventories of plants used by the Guaymi Indians of Panama and Costa Rica. As in Part I, the results of a literature survey are also provided, including medicinal uses, known constituents and pharmacological effects.

Plants used by Guaymi "Curanderos" in Western Panama (Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí) are listed. Results of a literature survey are also reported, including medical use, known constituents and pharmacological effects.