Studies on the Components of Justicia procumbens L. var. leucantha Honda. (I)

Isolation of Justicin and Isojusticin

Abstract

Two kinds of new substances, named justcin and isojusticin, were obtained as crystals melting respectively at 216° and 251-252°, from the whole herb of Justicia procumbens L. var. leucantha Honda, in 0.1% and 0.01% yield. Both compounds agreed with the formula C₁₆H₁₂O₅, possessed one lactone ring and two methoxyl groups, and the nature of the lactone ring was not that of ordinary coumarins. The same treatment of Dicliptera japonica Makino, Hygrophila lancea Miq., and Acanthus mellis L., all belonging to the same Acanthaceae family, failed to afford any compounds similar to justicin.