Quinone-method triterpenes from tissue cultures of catha edulis

Tingenone and 22 beta hydroxytingenone were isolated from the callus of catha edulis. They were identified by physical and spectral means [optical rotation, IR, UV, CIMS, 1H-, 13C-NMR and two-dimensional NMR] in comparison with the reported data. The isolated quinone-methide triterpenes could not be detected in the mother plant grown in the greenhouse or outdoors. The cytotoxicity of 22 beta hydroxytingenone in several cell-line systems is also reported