Structural determination of an isolated vasodilatory molecule from Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven (Onagraceae)

The determination of the chemical structure of an isolated vasodilatory molecule from Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven (Onagraceae) was undertaken. This molecule was isolated from n-butanolic extract using bioassay-guided isolation with preparative plate chromatographic techniques and its structure was determined using spectroscopy (UV, 1D- and 2D NMR, MS). The vasodilatory activity of the isolate was investigated on guinea pig isolated aorta. The results show 3 spots from n-butanolic extract with respective retention factor (Rf) of 0.14, 0.6 and 0.91. Pharmacological investigations showed that the isolated molecule with Rf 0.91 relaxes the isolated aorta pre-contracted by norepinephrine. Data from chemical shifts (δH) and spin-spin coupling constants (JHH) were compared with literature to confirm the isolate as rutin. This is the first report of rutin isolated from Ludwigia octovalvis.