Phytochemical and Biological Study of Tamarix nilotica Growing in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Tamarix nilotica, is a member of the family Tamaricaceae. It is a shrub that grown in Saudi Arabia, the aerial parts of the plant has been subjected to a phytochemical study and the following results has been concluded: a. Isolation and structure elucidation of eleven compounds present in Tamarix nilotica using physical, chemical and spectral techniques, they are: 1- Three sterols and triterpenoids identified as: β-sitosterol, lupeol and 3-O-caffeoyl isomyricadiol (isolated for the first time from nature). 2- Six flavonoids identified as: clematine, naringenin, kaempferol- 7-methyl ether, kaempferol-7, 4`-dimethyl ether, kaempferide and dillenetin. 3- A cinnamic acid derivative identified as: isoferulic acid methyl ester. 4- An acid amide identified as: N-trans-feruloyltyramine (III). b. Investigations of 28 components from the essential oil of the plant. c. Evaluation of the biological activities of different extracts and isolated compounds especially for their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. 3-O-caffeoyl isomyricadiol (the new isolated compound) has the highest anticancer activity.