Studies on the Constituents of the Root Bark of Aralia elata (MIQ.) SEEMAN (Araliaceae) and on “β-Sitosterol.”

Abstract

From the Aralia elata root bark mixed crystals of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were obtained besides oleanolic acid. Also, from the Melia azedrach var. Japonica, Vitex cannabifolia, and Pinellia ternata a sterol whose physical constants were consistent with β-sitosterol was obtained. But gas chromatographic results showed the sterol to exist as mixed crystals of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and another component probably campesterol. It follows from the above results, therefore, that pure β-sitosterol is difficult to isolate from the natural sources.