Rotenoids from Mirabilis multiflora

Mirabilis multiflora (Nyctaginaceae) commonly known as Colorado four o'clock is a flowering plant native to Southwestern United States. The parts of this plant were used by Hopi Indians to induce visions and by other tribes for treating indigestion, eye irritation and suppressing the appetite. Examinations of the methylene chloride and methanol extracts of the roots of M. multiflora resulted in the isolation and identification of the series of rotenoids including mirabijalone A, boerhvinone C and two new compounds in this class. The detailed procedure of isolation and spectroscopic identification of new compounds will be presented.