Xanthones from Vismia latifolia

A new xanthone, 1,4,8-trihydroxyxanthone (1,4,8-trihydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-one ), was isolated from the roots of Vismia latifolia (Guttiferae). Four other known xanthones were isolated: 1,5-dihydroxy-8-methoxyxanthone, 1,7-dihydr oxyxanthone, 1,6-dihydroxy-7-methoxyxanthone and 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxantho ne. The last two compounds were isolated for the first time from a Vismia s pecies. The structures were established by UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectr oscopic techniques.