Planta Med 2016; 82 - PC13
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1578715

Phytochemical Constituents Of Bulbine Natalensis (Asphodelaceae)

JY Bae 1, Z Ali 1, IA Khan 1, 2
  • 1National Center for Natural Products Research
  • 2Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA

Bulbine natalensis is an indigenous succulent herb from Southern Africa that has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac [1] as well as treatment on wound healing [2]. Due to its effect on boosting testosterone level in male [3], it is currently being marketed as various brands of health supplements. This is the first chemical investigation of B. natalensis, even though a report screened this genus chemotoxonomically using TLC and comparative HPLC to reveal chrysophanol, 10, 7′-bichrysophanol, knipholone and isoknipholone [4]. Phytochemical investigation of the stem of B. natalensis yielded six anthraquinones and one naphthalene derivative including three new compounds. NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate the structures of isolated compounds.

Fig. 1

Acknowledgements: This research is supported by “Science Based Authentication of Dietary Supplements” funded by the Food and Drug Administration grant number 1U01FD004246 – 05.

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