Recent advances in the chemistry and biological activities of the Pimpinella species of Turkey

Abstract

Two new natural products incorporating a phenylpropyl subunit ("phenylpropanoids"), [4-(prop-2-enyl)phenyl angelate and 4-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenyl 2-methylbutyrate], one new bisabolene-type sesquiterpenoid [1-methyl-4-(6-methylhepta-1,5-dien-2-yl)-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane ("aureane")], and one new trinorsesquiterpene [4-(6-methylbicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-en-7yl)butan-2-one ("traginone")] have been isolated from the essential oils of Pimpinella species occurring in Turkey, together with nine known phenylpropanoids and other natural products. Six of the known compounds are newly reported for Umbelliferae, whilst one is newly reported for Pimpinella species. Compound structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Isolated compounds were evaluated for antimalarial, antimicrobial, estrogenic, and aphidicidal activities. Pure compounds were also tested for antifungal activity against strawberry anthracnose-causing fungal plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae, and C. gloeosporioides using direct bioautography and microdilution broth assays.