Xanthones, Benzophenones and Triterpenes from the Stem Bark of Garcinia ovalifolia

Abstract

An investigation of the stem bark of Garcinia ovalifolia oliv. (Guttiferae) has revealed the presence of large quantities of the polyisoprenyl benzophenone xanthochymol. Isoxanthochymol was identified as a minor component. In addition the bark yielded small amounts of a tetraoxygenated xanthone which was shown to be identical with the known compound macluraxanthone, otherwise found only in the Moraceae. The common triterpenes friedelin and sitosterol were also present. The biological significance of these findings is briefly discussed.