Unusual metabolites from some Tanzanian indigenous plant species*
Mayunga H. H. Nkunya
Department of Chemistry, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Abstract: In this paper, the chemistry of some unusual natural products that were isolated from various Tanzanian indigenous plant species during the past 20 years is reviewed. Among the compounds covered in this review are cyclohexane epoxides; heptane derivatives; oxygenated pyrenes; phenanthrene derivatives; flavonoids with uncommon structural frameworks; mono-, bis-, and dimeric prenylated indoles; and variously substituted mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenoids.
Keywords: Heptane derivatives; cyclohexane epoxides; flavonoids; indoles; phenanthrenes; terpenoids; antimalarial activities; Uvaria species; Annonaceae species.
*Paper based on a presentation at the 9th International Chemistry Conference in Africa (ICCA-9), Arusha, Tanzania, 2-7 August 2004. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 1923-1964.