Alkaloids and other compounds from seeds of Tabernaemontana cymosa

From the seeds of Tabernaemontana cymosa (=T. psychotrifolia) 17 indole alkaloids and six lignan glucosides were isolated, besides triacylglycerols, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, lupeol, (+)-lyoniresinyl, obtusifoliol, sweroside and a glucoside of 3-O-methylgallic acid. 9-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-tetrahydroalstonine, (+)-5,5'-dimethoxy-9-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)lariciresonol, (-)-2 alpha-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-lyoniresinol and 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-5-O-methylgallic acid are described for the first time. Structural determination is based on spectroscopic studies and/or on comparison with authentic compounds. Some of the isolated substances exhibited significant antifungal and/or cytotoxic effects. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.