A new xanthone derivative from twigs of Garcinia nobilis

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of the twigs of Garcinia nobilis led to the isolation of a new xanthone, named l-hydroxy-2,5-dimethoxyxanthone (1), together with 15 known compounds (2–16). The structures of the new and known compounds were established by means of spectroscopic methods and by comparison with previously reported data. The structure of compound 1 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction data. Compounds 1–16 were tested for their cytotoxic activity against human cervix carcinoma cell line KB-3-1. Compounds 5 and 11 showed moderate activity while others showed weak biological activity in these cytotoxicity assays. Compounds 4 and 9 were found to be inactive.

Keywords::

• Garcinia nobilis
• Guttiferae
• xanthone
• cytotoxicity

Acknowledgements

AML would like to thank the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung for support through Georg Forster Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (ID No. 1137675) at the University of Bielefeld (Germany). HF would like to acknowledge the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, Referat 412; PKZ A/12/904859) for a fellowship at the same University. This paper is also dedicated to the memory of Professor David Lontsi who passed away on 22 December 2008.