Plant Anticancer Agents, XLVIII. New Cytotoxic Flavonoids from Muntingia calabura Roots

Abstract

From a cytotoxic Et2O-soluble extract of Muntingia calabura roots, twelve new flavonoids were isolated, constituting seven flavans 1-7, three flavones 8, 10, and 12, and two biflavans 9 and 11. The structures of compounds 1-12 were established by the interpretation of spectral data, with the nmr assignments of these constituents being based on 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HETCOR, and selective INEPT experiments. This is the first report of the occurrence of 7,8-di-O-substituted flavans, biflavans, and flavones. Most of the isolates demonstrated cytotoxic activity when tested against cultured P-388 cells, with the flavans being more active than the flavones. Furthermore, certain of these structurally related flavonoids exhibited somewhat selective activities when evaluated with a number of human cancer cell lines.

Muntingia calabura: A review of its traditional uses, chemical properties, and pharmacological observations

“…Moreover, the boiled bark can be used as a wash to reduce swelling in the lower extremities (Zakaria et al, 2006a). In Colombia, the infusion of the flowers is used as a tranquillizer and tonic (see Kaneda et al, 1991;Perez-Arbealaez, 1975). In Mexico, the plant is used to treat measles, mouth pimples, and stomachache (Yasunaka et al, 2005).…”

Antifungal metabolite from Muntingia calabura root against early leaf blight of tomato

“…Various parts of this tree have several documented medicinal uses in both Southeast Asia and tropical America (Nshimo et al, 1993). The roots of M. calabura L. (Elaeocarpaceae) were investigated as part of a continuing project to discover novel antineoplastic agents of plant origin (Kaneda et al, 1991). From a cytotoxic Et 2 O-soluble extract of M. calabura roots, twelve new flavonoids were isolated, constituting seven flavans, three flavones and two biflavans.…”

Leaves Extract of Muntingia Calabura Protects Against Gastric Ulcer Induced by Ethanol in Sprague-Dawley Rats

“…Its leaves, barks and flowers are believed to possess medicinal value and is rich in flavonoids, flavones and flavanones, rendering to its potent antitumor activities [10]. Moreover, flowers of M. calabura have been used as anti-septic, antispasmodic, antidyspeptic, diaphoretic, tranquilizer, tonic and for the treatment of headache, whereas roots are employed as emmenagogue and abortifacient [11]. Infusion of the flower of this plant is drunk as a tranquilliser and tonic [11].…”

“…Moreover, flowers of M. calabura have been used as anti-septic, antispasmodic, antidyspeptic, diaphoretic, tranquilizer, tonic and for the treatment of headache, whereas roots are employed as emmenagogue and abortifacient [11]. Infusion of the flower of this plant is drunk as a tranquilliser and tonic [11]. Scientifically, this plant has been proven antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties [12], potentia antibmicrobial activity [13], potent antityrosinase and antioxidant activities [14,15]), cardioprotective effect [16].…”

“…Scientifically, this plant has been proven antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties [12], potentia antibmicrobial activity [13], potent antityrosinase and antioxidant activities [14,15]), cardioprotective effect [16]. M. calabura also inhibited in vitro growth of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans [17] and cytotoxicity to cultured P-388 cells and some human cancer cell lines [11]. Thus far, there are no data available on the gastroprotective activity of MCELE.…”