Ursolic acid inSorbus aucuparia
chromatographed on A1203, a mixture of neutral substances was obtained with the absorption bands in the IR spectrum characteristic for anhydrides (1805, 1734, and 1000 cm" 1) [3], which disappeared after the saponification of this mixture with 0.5 N ethanolic KOH at 40" C (figure, b). Pure abietic acid was extracted from the saponification product. Under the conditions mentioned, esters of the resin acids (if they are present in the mixture) are not saponified and therefore the acid was produced by the saponification of the anhydride.
Ethnopharmacologically important but underestimated genus Sorbus: a comprehensive review
Sorbus L. sensu lato (Rosaceae family) comprises over 250 trees and shrubs growing in the Northern Hemisphere. Several Sorbus species have found their way into traditonal materia medica, as different leaf, bark or fruit preparations have a long-standing folk use. Ethnomedicine recommends their use not only in respiratory and gastrointestinal system disorders, but also in rheumatism, cancer or diabetes. Chemical composition of the genus Sorbus has been studied since 1960s and until now more than 250 compounds have been identified from thirty-eight species. The most thoroughly investigated substances are phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids). Other constituents include triterpenes, sterols, carboxylic acids, coumarins and cyanogenic glycosides. Biological activity studies performed on the representatives of the genus Sorbus have been predominantly conducted on extracts prepared with the use of different solvents, and more rarely on isolated constituents. The majority of these studies were devoted to determination of antioxidant potential of Sorbus extracts. In a few cases targeted studies were conducted to confirm specific folk usage. Two of the fairly well documented medicinal uses are the antidiabetic activity of Sorbus decora and anti-inflammatory activity of Sorbus commixta.
Triterpene—IV : Die triterpensäuren des Balsams von Liquidambar orientalis Miller
Zusammenfassung Es wird die Isolierung von Oleanonsaure (I) als Methylester und von 3-epi-Oleanolsaure (II) aus dem Balsam von Liquidambar orientalis Mill beschrieben.