Studies on the Mutagenicity of Swertiae Herba. I. Identification of the Mutagenic Components

Abstract

The mutagenicity of the extract of Swertiae Herba is attributable to its xanthone derivatives. Seven active principles were isolated and six of them were identified as methylbellidifolin, methylswertianin, swertianin, bellidifolin, norswertianin and desmethylbellidifolin, all of which have already been isolated from this plant. The seventh mutagenic compound, a new xanthone derivative formulated as 5, 8-dimethylbellidifolin, was also obtained from methylbellidifolin by methylation with diazomethane as a minor product. The structure-mutagenicity relationship of these compounds, together with some other derivatives, is discussed.