Antiplasmodial β-hydroxydihydrochalcone from seedpods of Tephrosia elata

From the seedpods of Tephrosia elata, a new beta-hydroxydihydrochalcone named (S)-elatadihydrochalcone was isolated. In addition, the known flavonoids obovatachalcone, obovatin, obovatin methyl ether and deguelin were identified. The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. The crude extract and the flavonoids obtained from the seedpods of this plant showed antiplasmodial activities. The literature NMR data on beta-hydroxydihydrochalcones is reviewed and the identity of some of the compounds assigned beta-hydroxydihydrochalcone skeleton is questioned. (C) 2009 Phytochemical Society of Europe. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.