Isolation of a δ-Lactone Compound from the Leaves of Clitoria marina Linn

THE plant Clitoria marina Linn. belongs to the Papilionaceae sub-group of Leguminosae, and is distinguished from Clitoria ternatea Linn. by its light-blue to almost white flowers. The leaves of the plant are used in medicine in India. A systematic chemical examination of the leaves has therefore been undertaken, and isolation of a δ-lactone compound from the alcoholic extract of the leaves has been achieved.