Garuga

Several applications of Garuga species, indigeneous in India have been described. Thus the extracts of the leaves of G. pinnata and G. gamblei were used in admixture with honey for the treatment of asthma, while the bark extract was applied against the opacity of cornea... 

Inhibition of PG biosynthesis by open chain diarylheptanoids was first reported by Itokawa and his coworkers (26, 31). Their results were implemented by studies on additional compounds first by Flynn (88) and later by Kinchi et al. (85). The latter group extended the assay of inhibitor activity also to the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme system. Their results are summarized in Table 2. Among macrocyclic diarylheptanoids only for garuganins (88-95), isolated from Garuga pinnata was some antiinflammatory activity claimed, but no specific data were disclosed (57, 58). 

Among cyclic diarylheptanoids garuganins and garugamblins isolated from Garuga pinnata and G. gamblei (88-95) exhibited antibacterial activity (57, 58). Activity and mechanism of action of the pure isolated constituents is unknown. 

After the failure of cyclization reactions by intramolecular condensations, a modified version of the Wmtz reaction was first selected as the key reaction in synthesis of Garuga components. 1,3-dioxo functionality was introduced in a masked form as an isoxazole ring. 

No studies on biological effects of Type IV diarylheptanoids have been reported, but antibacterial activities of the garuganins from Garuga species have been predicted based molecular mechanics and molecular orbital calculations [47]. 

Constit. of the stem bark of Garuga pinnata. Cryst. (MeOH). Mp 205-206°. 

Ansari F R, Ansari W H, Rahman W 1978 A biflavone from Garuga pinnata Roxb. (Burseraceae). Indian J Chem 16B 846... 

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