Isolation and tentative characterization of stigmastane type steroids from the roots of Senecio rufinervis D.C.

Abstract

Introduction: Senecio rufinervis D.C. locally known as Bhanwa contains sesquiterpene rich essential oil having analgesic and antimicrobial potential. To the best of our knowledge the plant has never been investigated for its secondary plant metabolites except its essential oil content. The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize its phytoconstituents. Material and Methods: Petroleum ether extract from the roots of S. rufinervis D.C. was subjected to column chromatography yielded stigmastane type steroids. Results: The structure of the two compounds was assigned on the basis of chemical tests and spectral studies. Conclusion: The plant has never been investigated for the isolation of higher natural products other than essential oil, we have for the first time isolated steroids from the plant and tentatively characterized the isolated stigmastane type steroids, thus the plant has the potential for further isolation and absolute characterization of other natural products.