Constituents of the stem bark and twigs of Croton macrostachy(u)s.

Abstract

Croton macrostachys is used in East Africa to treat infestations, malaria and venereal diseases and as a blood coagulant. Analyses of stem bark and twigs yielded lupeol, betulin and 5 fatty acids as new components. In preliminary tests with crotepoxide, previously isolated from the fruits and shown to have anticancer properties, some activity against Trypanosoma brucei and T. evansii in mice was demonstrated.