Antimalarial Active Principles ofSpathodea campanulata Stem Bark

Abstract

Antimalarial principles of Spathodea campanulata stem bark extract were isolated and characterized. The antimalarial principles in the stem bark were 3β-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (ursolic acid) and two of its derivatives; 3β-hydroxyurs-12,19-dien-28-oic acid (tomentosolic acid) and 3β,20β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28 oic acid. This is the first report of the isolation of ursolic acid and its derivatives as antimalarial compounds