CONSTITUENTS OF LOCAL PLANTS. V.

Summary

β–Sitosterol was isolated from the unsaponifiable fractions derived from the leaves, seeds and stem and root bark of the Punica granatum plant. The acetate, benzoate and 3,5–dinitrobenzoate derivatives were prepared from β–sitosterol. Friedelin was isolated from the unsaponifiable fractions obtained from the fatty matter of the stem and root bark. From friedelin the oxime, oxime acetate and the 2,4–dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives were prepared. D–mannitol was found in abundant quantities in the stem bark and in lesser amounts in the root bark and in the alcoholic extracts of the defatted leaves and seeds. The usual identificatory derivatives were prepared from D–mannitol along with the 1,6–dibenzoyl derivative. The novel 1,6–dibenzoyl–2, 3, 4,5–tetra–p–nitrobenzoyl derivative and the condensation product of 1,6–dibenzoyl D–mannitol with vanillin were also prepared. Ursolic and betulic acids were identified in the triterpenic mixture obtained by ether extraction of the defatted leaves and ursolic acid alone was detected in the same extract derived from the fruit peels.

Biological testing of mannitol revealed its possible usefulness as a mild anti–spasmodic and anthelmintic agent.