Isolation of non-cytotoxic crotepoxide from the root bark of Croton macrostachyus and the reassignment of its structure

Abstract

Crotepoxide was isolated for the first time from the root bark of Croton macrostachyus along with other known compounds. This compound along with other compounds was investigated for cytotoxicity and found to be not active against the human cervix carcinoma KB-3-1 cells in micromolar ranges. In addition, the ¹³C NMR of crotepoxide is reassigned. The structures of the compounds in general were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (1D and 2D) studies and literature data.

KEY WORDS: Croton macrostachyus, Crotepoxide, Structure revision, Root bark, Cytotoxicity

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2017, 31(3), 465-469.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v31i3.10