Phtyochemistry study of Styrax pohlii A.DC. (Styracaceae)

Abstract

Styrax belongs to Styracaceae, and comprises around 130 species. Its chemical composition reveals the accumulation of saponins, lignans, triterpenes and phenolic compounds. The benzofuranic lignans, homoegonol and egonol, isolated from species of this genus showed principally antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The phytochemistry study of Styrax pohlii is attractive given that this specie was not yet chemically investigated, as well preliminary experiments, realized by our group GPNUF (Grupo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais da UNIFRAN) employing HPLC-DAD, showed the presence of three peaks with UV spectra resembling to the benzofuranic lignans, and one of then presented the same Rt of the standard egonol. Thus, this project aims to realize the isolation of lignans of S. pohlii employing chromatographic techniques, and also to contribute to the project: Phytochemistry study and evaluation of mutagenicity, antimutagenicity and cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity from Styrax (Styracaceae). (Process no 2008/10283-1).