Phytochemical analysis of bark from Helietta apiculata Benth and antimicrobial activities

Extraction and characterization of natural products from the bark of the trunk of Helietta apiculata Benth (Rutaceae) afforded nine alkaloids, eight furoquinoline and one quinolone, limonine, three cinnamic acid derivatives, three neolignans, tetracosanoic acid, six coumarins, of which apiculin A and apiculin B (neolignans), and tanizin (coumarin) are previously undescribed compounds. The structures of all compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, and the crystal structures of two of the newly undescribed compounds, apiculin A and apiculin B, were determined by X-ray analysis. Extracts and pure compounds isolated from Helietta apiculata showed promising antimicrobial activities. Investigation of the extract of the bark of the trunk of Helietta apiculata Benth (Rutaceae) afforded nine alkaloids, eight furoquinoline and one quinolone, limonine, three cinnamic acid derivatives, three neolignans, tetracosanoic acid, six coumarins, being apiculin A, apiculin B and tanizin previously undescribed compounds. [Display omitted] •Components of the bark of the trunk of Helietta apiculata Benth (Rutaceae) have been investigated.•Twenty-three compounds were isolated.•Three were undescribed compounds: the neolignanes apiculin A, apiculin B, and the coumarin tanizin.•Their structures were established from NMR, ME, and X-ray diffraction.•Antimicrobial activity of extracts and pure isolated compounds were evaluated.