Phytogrowth-inhibitory and antifungal constituents of Helianthella quinquenervis.

Investigation on the roots of Helianthella quinquenervis (Hook.) A. Gray (Asteraceae), led to the isolation of one new benzofuran (6-methoxy-tremetone (1)) and a new prenylacetophenone (4-beta-D-(glucopyranosyloxy)-3-[3-methoxy-trans-isopenten-1 -yl] acetophenone (3)). In addition, 6-hydroxy-3-methoxytremetone (2), encecalin (6), euparin (5), demethylencecalin (4), and angelic acid were obtained. Structural assignments of the isolated compounds were based on spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. Natural products 1-4 showed marginal cytotoxicity against three human tumor cell lines [MCF-7, A-549, and HT-29]. Compounds 4 and 6 inhibited the radicle growth of Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Echinochloa crusgalli. Furthermore, substances 4-6 exhibited antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes.