Secondary metabolites (Triterpenes) from Couroupita guianensis

Abstract

The n-hexane and carbon tetrachloride soluble fractions of a methanolic extract of the stem bark of the Couroupita guianensis furnished three compounds, identified as β-amyrin (1), betulin-3β-caffeate (2) and lupeol-3β-caffeate (3). The structures of the isolated compounds were deduced by extensive spectroscopic analysis as well as by comparison with published values. Compounds 1-3 were subjected to antioxidant screening through free radical scavenging activity by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), where compound 2 showed moderate antioxidant activity with IC 5 0 value 108.0 µg/ml.