Studies on anti-allergic constituents in the leaves and stems of Anchietiasalutaris var. martiana (Violaceae)

The anti-allergic active fractionation of hexane extracts of the leaves and stems of Anchietia salutaris,ar. martiana (family Violaceae) nas performed by monitoring their activities with an in vitro bioassay system measuring the inhibitory effects on induced histamine release from guinea pig lung ce lls. Three known pentacyclic triterpenes (friedelin, alpha-amyrin, beta-amy rin) were isolated, but these compounds were inactive. Aliphatic hydrocarbo ns and methyl esters of fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic a cids) were detected in active fractions. All compounds isolated were detect ed for the first time in this medicinal plant.