Isolation and characterisation of bioactive terpene from the fruits of Helicteres isora Linn.

Helicteres isora Linn is an important plant described in Indian Materia Medica; the fruits of which are ground and used in colic pain, gripping bowels and flatulence. A fraction rich in terpenoids and phenolic compounds was extracted from the pericarp of the fruits of Helicteres isora. This fraction was studied phytochemically and a pure terpene derivative was isolated by using column, thin layer and flash chromatography techniques. It was subjected to several spectroscopic analysis such as IR, NMR and Mass spectroscopy and was determined to be 10-methyl, 4-isopropenyl, dodecahydro- ethanophenanthrene. This terpene derivative exhibited considerable antimicrobial and antispasmodic activities. As far as our knowledge goes this terpene derivative is novel and is not reported in this plant.