Phytochemical study of the n-butanol fraction of Styrax pohlii A.DC. (Styracaceae) and evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity

Abstract

The Styracaceae family consists of approximately 11 genera, and around 130 species, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions. Databases research, on the genus Styrax, revealed the presence of saponins, lignans, neolignans, norneolignans, triterpenes, and phenolic compounds. It is important to mention that recent studies developed in our research group (FAPESP 2009/02535-3 and 2009/11376-6) with S. pohlii led to the isolation of bioactive norneolignans: homoegonol, regional, homoegonol gentiobioside, homoegonol glycoside, and regional gentiobioside. Additionally, the research on new drugs for the treatment of tropical diseases, for example, antischistosomal, in general, is considered the lowest priority for the pharmaceutical industries. Thus, the main objectives of this project will be the chemical study of the bioactive n-BuOH fraction, the evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity of the isolated compounds, and also contribute to the formation of the human resources in the region of Franca.(AU)