Flavonoids from Ulex Species

Nine flavonoids have been isolated from Ulex jussiaei and U. minor (Leguminosae). From both species the isoflavonoids ulexin A and the new naturally occurring ulexin B have been identified, together with isoderrone, the pterocarpans (-)-maackiain and (-)-4-methoxymaackiain, and the chalcone isobavachromene. The pterocarpan (-)-2-methoxymaackiain was only present in the first species and the isoflavones isolupalbigenin and ulexone A have been identified in the second one. C NMR data of isobavachromene, isolupalbigenin and ulexone A are also included. The antifungal activity of the isolated compounds was tested by the bioautographic method against Cladosporium cucumerinum. The most active compounds were the pterocarpans, the chalcone and the isoflavones with non-hydroxylated open chain prenyl substituents.