Procyanidins from Adansonia digitata

Abstract

The 80% methanol of the pericarp of the fruits of Adansonia digitata L. (Bombaceae) was found to contain proanthocyanidins as major compounds, viz., (-)-epicatechin, epicatechin-(4 →β8)-epicatechin B2, epicatechin-(4 →β6)-epicatechin B5, epicatechin-(2β→O→7, 4β→8)-epicatechin A2, and epicatechin-(4→β8)-epicatechin- (4→β8)-epicatechin C1. All the isolated compounds were isolated by open-column liquid chromatography (CC) using Sephadex-LH 20 as stationary phase. Elution of the column was performed with EtOH. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of TLC, ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. © 2006 Informa Healthcare.