Erythrina studies part 37 -: Cytotoxic isoflavones from Erythrina indica

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the CH2Cl2-MeOH (1:1) extract of the stem bark of Erythrina indica, has resulted in the isolation of two now isoflavone derivatives named indicanines D and E together with 11 known compounds including: six isoflavones (genistein, wighteone, alpinumisoflavone, dimethylalpinumisoflavone. 8-prenyl erythrinin C, and erysenegalensein E), one cinnamate (erythrinassinate B), two pentacyclic triterpenes (oleanolic acid and erythrodiol), and two phytosterols (stigmasterol and its 3-O-beta -D-glucopyranoside). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis. The in vitro cytocidal activity against KB cells of some of the isolated compounds is also reported. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.