ÚLTIMOS AVANCES EN LA QUÍMICA Y ACTIVIDADES BACTERIOLÓGICAS EN LAS PLANTAS MEDICINALES

Investigation of the org. exts. of the roots of Maytenus vitis-idaea and Maytenus spinosa, collected in the province of Salta, Argentina, led to isolation of eighteen compds. belonging to several classes.  From M. vitis-idaea, eight methylenequinone celastroids (1-8) were isolated, four of which (4-7) were hitherto unknown.  Addnl., from M. spinosa, two known celastroids, a known celastroid dimer (9), three pentacyclic triterpenoids (10-12) and six beta-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoid alkaloids (13-18) were identified.  Compds. 4-7 were active against six solid tumor cell lines at micromolar concns.

PARTE UTILIZADA= Used part: Hojas.

ACCIÓN FARMACOLÓGICA= Pharmacological action: Astringente y oftálmico.

COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA= Chemical composition: This work approaches to the study of condensed tannins from Maytenus viti-idaea Griseb. (Celastraceae) present in watery extracts obtanied from both fresh and dry leaves. The presence of delphinidin in the form of high molecular weight compounds (polymers) was determined. Due to their chemical structure, the condensed tannins could act, also, as free radicals scavenger and antiviral agents.

ZONA GEOGRÁFICA: Paraguay y NE de Argentina

Summary
Maytenus vitis-idaea (Celastraceae) is a widely distributed shrub throughout Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay. The sap obtained from the leaves is used in the treatment of ocular pathologies, while the leaves are rubbed on skin diseases. Very few pharmacological and chemicals studies have been performed in this species. Celastroids present in the roots have shown toxicity against several cancer cell lines.

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2) VONKA, C.A., Chifa, C. Condensed tannins in Maytenus vitis-idaea Griseb. "tala salado" (Celastraceae) | [Taninos condensados en Maytenus vitis-idaea Griseb. "tala salado" (Celastraceae)] Latin American Journal of Pharmacy. 2008, vol.27, nº2, p..240-243
 
3) ROJO DE ALMAEIDA, Maria Tereza, et al. Antiproliferative terpenoids and alkaloids from the roots of Maytenus vitis-idaea and Maytenus spinosa. Phytochemistry (Elsevier). 2010, vol.71, nº14-15, p.1741-1748.
 
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