Abstract
In Mexican traditional medicine, Bocconia frutescens. L. (Papaveraceae) is known as “gordolobo” or “llorasangre.” Natives use this plant to treat skin ulcer, dermatitis, and some respiratory tract infections. In this study, the aerial parts afforded the alkaloids dihydrochelerythrine, (±)-6-acetonyldihydrochelerythrine, (±)-6-acetonyldihydrosanguinarine, as well as β.-amyrine acetate and 2-decanol. The structures were determined by spectral methods including UV, IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of extracts and pure compounds was tested with Escherichia coli., Staphylococcus aureus., Pseudomonas aeruginosa., and Bacillus subtilis.. This study supports the use of B. frutescens. in traditional medicine.