Tithoniamarin and tithoniamide:: a structurally unique isocoumarin dimer and a new ceramide from Tithonia diversifolia

Tithoniamarin (1), a new isocoumarin dimer and a new ceramide, named tithoniamide (2a), have been isolated from Tithonia diversifolia, in addition to the known beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucopyranoside. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Preliminary studies showed that 1 has antifungal and herbicidal activities against Microbotryum violaceum and Chlorella fusca.