Antiplasmodial β-hydroxydihydrochalcone from seedpods of Tephrosia elata

From the seedpods of Tephrosia elata, a new β-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 β-hydroxydihydrochalcones is reviewed and the identity of some of the compounds assigned β-hydroxydihydrochalcone skeleton is questioned.

A new β-hydroxydihydrochalcone (1) was isolated from the seedpods of Tephrosia elata. This compound along with other flavonoids are responsible for the antiplasmodial activity of this plant.