Hunteria umbellata
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fdf4885da1291496327 |
| Scientific name | Hunteria umbellata |
| Authority | Hallier f. |
| First published in | Jahrb. Hamburg. Wiss. Anst. 17: 190 (1899) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
The root bark of *Hunteria umbellata* holds documented medicinal roles in West African traditional medicine. Among the Yoruba of Nigeria, infusions or decoctions of the root bark are traditionally employed to treat malaria and associated fevers (Soladoye et al., 2015; Ayodele, 2007). The Ewe people of Ghana and Togo report using a root decoction for rheumatic pain and body aches (Iwu, 2014). In Cameroon, healers utilize root bark macerations for urinary tract infections and to facilitate childbirth, though caution is advised due to potent effects (Ayodele, 2007).
Practical preparation and safety are crucial. A common root bark decoction follows this method: Simmer 5–10 grams of dried, powdered root bark in 500 mL of water for 30 minutes, then strain and cool. Traditionally used to reduce fever in adults; dosage is typically 1 cup taken 2–3 times daily for short periods (Ayodele, 2007). Safety considerations include strict avoidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to uterotonic effects reported by some healers (Iwu, 2014). This preparation carries inherent risks of toxicity if overused or ingested in larger quantities, requiring consultation with a qualified traditional practitioner before use (Ayodele, 2007).
The documented phytochemical profile provides context for its traditional efficacy. The bark and roots are known to contain bioactive alkaloids like huntericine and hunteriline, which possess documented antimalarial and anti-inflammatory activity (Ayodele, 2007). Iridoids and secoiridoids have also been identified, contributing to the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties (Iwu, 2014). These compounds are likely responsible for the observed reduction in fever, pain, and infection symptoms in traditional applications.
This medicinal heritage continues to shape modern research and local practices. Scientific studies validate its antimalarial potential, with compounds like huntericine demonstrating activity against *Plasmodium* species (Ayodele, 2007). While the plant remains a staple in regional traditional medicine, sustainable harvesting concerns exist due to wild source depletion (Soladoye et al., 2015). Pharmaceutical companies are yet to commercialize standardized extracts, though continued pharmacological investigations aim to harness its therapeutic promise while addressing conservation needs.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Wood from Hunteria umbellata is heavy, dense, and used for construction timber, furniture, poles, and as a source of fuel. The wood is also processed into charcoal for domestic and small‑scale industrial heating. Bark yields strong bast fibers suitable for rope, twine, and cordage, while the same bark contains tannins that serve as a natural tanning agent for leather. A brown‑red dye can be extracted from the bark for textile use.
Industrial and craft applications:
The durable timber is employed in heavy construction, including beams, flooring, and structural framing, and in the manufacture of tool handles, railway sleepers, and fence posts. The bark fibers are spun into rope used for agricultural tying and marine applications. Leather‑tanning facilities utilize the bark’s tannins to fix protein fibers, and the extracted dye is used for coloring natural fabrics such as cotton and wool.
Colorants and tanning:
The bark’s tannin content (approximately 15 % of dry weight) provides a high‑strength leather‑tanning agent. The same material yields a brown to reddish natural dye suitable for protein fibers, applied in traditional textile dyeing without synthetic additives.
Wood and fiber:
Heartwood density ranges around 0.80–0.90 g cm⁻³ and exhibits high lignin content, conferring mechanical strength and decay resistance for construction purposes. The bark’s bast fibers possess tensile strength suitable for rope and twine, with low moisture absorption enhancing durability in marine environments.
Properties relevant to use:
The wood’s density, high lignin content, and low cellulose/lignin ratio give it excellent load‑bearing capacity and resistance to insect attack. Bark tannins are hydrolyzable, providing effective binding in leather tanning. The bast fibers’ high cellulose but low hemicellulose composition contributes to tensile strength and flexibility in cordage.
Standards and regulation:
Timber from H. umbellata is classified under national grading standards for construction wood (e.g., Nigerian Timber Standards, 1980). Bark‑derived tanning extracts are subject to regulations governing leather‑processing additives (ISO 14155, where applicable). Trade of the species follows CITES guidelines for sustainably sourced forest products in West Africa.
Sustainability and sourcing:
The species occurs in the tropical forests of West Africa. Logging is regulated by local forestry agencies, which require permits and promote selective harvesting to maintain mature tree populations. Regeneration from seedlings is moderate, prompting recommendations for community‑based management plans and reforestation efforts to ensure long‑term availability. Charcoal production and bark collection are monitored to prevent over‑exploitation and to preserve habitat integrity.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Hunteria eburnea | Pichon | Bol. Soc. Brot. , sér. 2, 27: 91 (1953) |
| Hunteria elliotii | (Stapf) Pichon | Bol. Soc. Brot. , sér. 2, 27: 97 (1953) |
| Hunteria mayumbensis | Pichon | Bol. Soc. Brot. , sér. 2, 27: 95 (1953) |
| Picralima elliotii | Stapf | Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1908: 302 (1908) |
| Picralima gracilis | A.Chev. | Explor. Bot. Afrique Occ. Franç. 1: 427 (1920) |
| Picralima umbellata | Stapf | Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1908: 302 (1908) |
| Polyadoa elliotii | Stapf | Fl. Trop. Afr. 4(1): 104 (1902) |
| Polyadoa umbellata | Stapf | Fl. Trop. Afr. 4(1): 103 (1902) |
| Carpodinus umbellata | K.Schum. | Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 23: 221 (1896) |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Africa click to expand
-
West Tropical Africa
- Benin
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
-
West-central Tropical Africa
- Cabinda
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Congo
- Gabon
- Zaïre
-
West Tropical Africa
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000215682 |
| Tropicos | 1805274 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:79368-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-100819 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 516429 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 141571 |
| IUCN Red List | 136108289 |
| IPNI | 79368-1 |
| GBIF | 5536469 |
| Freebase | /m/0wfrhl2 |
| EPPO | HUJUM |
| Wikipedia | Hunteria_umbellata |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives | |||||
| (1S,2R,3R,5R,6E,7S,8R,9S,10S)-6-ethylidene-3,5,9-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12,14,16-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 163186253 | Click to see | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| (1S,2R,3R,6E,7S,8R,9S,10S)-6-ethylidene-3,9,13-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12(17),13,15-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 163190978 | Click to see | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| (1S,2R,5S,6E,7S,8R,9S,10S)-6-ethylidene-5,9,13-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12(17),13,15-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 163186049 | Click to see | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| (1S,2R,6E,7S,8R,9S,10S)-6-ethylidene-9,13,16-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12,14,16-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 163186404 | Click to see CC=C1COCC2(C1C(C(C34C2(CCN3C)C5=C(C=CC(=C5N4C)O)O)O)C(C)C)C(=O)O | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| 6-Ethylidene-3,5,9-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12,14,16-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 163009831 | Click to see | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| 6-Ethylidene-3,9,13-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12(17),13,15-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 163034778 | Click to see | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| 6-Ethylidene-5,9,13-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12(17),13,15-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 162966476 | Click to see CC=C1C2C(C(C34C(C2(COC1O)C(=O)O)(CCN3C)C5=C(N4C)C(=CC=C5)O)O)C(C)C | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| 6-Ethylidene-9,13,16-trihydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yl-4-oxa-11,20-diazapentacyclo[8.7.3.01,10.02,7.012,17]icosa-12,14,16-triene-2-carboxylic acid | 162982973 | Click to see | 458.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Aspidofractine alkaloids | |||||
| 6H,13aH-3a,5a-Ethano-1H-indolizino[8,1-cd]carbazole, 2,3,4,5,11,12-hexahydro-, [10bR-(10bR*,13aS*)]- | 534349 | Click to see | 280.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| dimethyl (1R,9R,16R,18R,21S)-2,12-diazahexacyclo[14.2.2.19,12.01,9.03,8.016,21]henicosa-3,5,7-triene-2,18-dicarboxylate | 101650372 | Click to see | 396.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(76)85107-2 |
| Kopsinine | 7069830 | Click to see COC(=O)C1CC23CCCN4C2C5(C1(CC3)NC6=CC=CC=C65)CC4 | 338.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| Methyl aspidofractinine-3-carboxylate | 573380 | Click to see | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Aspidospermatan-type alkaloids | |||||
| (+)-Vincadifformine | 811594 | Click to see | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Methyl 2,3-didehydroaspidospermidine-3-carboxylate | 579873 | Click to see CCC12CCCN3C1C4(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5NC4=C(C2)C(=O)OC | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Vincadifformine | 94255 | Click to see | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Corynanthean-type alkaloids | |||||
| Methyl 14-ethylidene-2-methyl-18-oxa-2,12-diazahexacyclo[13.3.2.01,9.03,8.09,16.012,19]icosa-3,5,7-triene-16-carboxylate | 436036 | Click to see | 366.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TETLET.2011.10.106 |
| Pseudoakuammigine | 90479136 | Click to see | 366.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TETLET.2011.10.106 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Eburnan-type alkaloids | |||||
| (15R,17S,19R)-17-ethoxy-15-ethyl-1,11-diazapentacyclo[9.6.2.02,7.08,18.015,19]nonadeca-2,4,6,8(18)-tetraene | 163020494 | Click to see | 324.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| 14,15-Didehydro-12-methoxyvincamine | 181142 | Click to see CCC12CC(N3C4=C(CCN(C41)CC=C2)C5=C3C(=CC=C5)OC)(C(=O)OC)O | 382.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| 14,15-Dihydroeburnamenin-14-one | 3195 | Click to see | 294.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| 17-Ethoxy-15-ethyl-1,11-diazapentacyclo[9.6.2.02,7.08,18.015,19]nonadeca-2,4,6,8(18)-tetraene | 163020493 | Click to see | 324.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| 1H-Indolo[3,2,1-de]pyrido[3,2,1-ij][1,5]naphthyridine, 13a-ethyl-2,3,5,6,13a,13b-hexahydro- | 610470 | Click to see CCC12CCCN3C1C4=C(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5N4C=C2 | 278.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Eburnamenin-14-ol, 14,15-dihydro-, (14beta)- | 619344 | Click to see CCC12CCCN3C1C4=C(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5N4C(C2)O | 296.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Eburnamenine | 6857502 | Click to see | 278.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 https://doi.org/10.1021/JO01044A011 |
| Eburnamine | 101699 | Click to see CCC12CCCN3C1C4=C(CC3)C5=CC=CC=C5N4C(C2)O | 296.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Eburnamine | 442066 | Click to see | 296.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 https://doi.org/10.1021/JO01044A011 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| Eburnamonine | 92112 | Click to see | 294.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Pleiocarpaman alkaloids | |||||
| methyl (13E)-13-ethylidene-1,11-diazapentacyclo[12.3.1.02,7.08,17.011,16]octadeca-2,4,6,8(17)-tetraene-18-carboxylate | 12314382 | Click to see | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Pleiocarpamine | 5385014 | Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC3=C4C2CC1C(N4C5=CC=CC=C35)C(=O)OC | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Quebrachamine alkaloids | |||||
| (+-)-Quebrachamine | 624708 | Click to see | 282.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| Quebrachamine | 92990 | Click to see CCC12CCCN(C1)CCC3=C(CC2)NC4=CC=CC=C34 | 282.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids | |||||
| Alepterolic acid | 13858188 | Click to see | 320.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(80)83012-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| 1-[3-(5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-8,9a-dihydroxy-3a,5b-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,5a,6,7,8,9,10,10a,10b-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]fluoren-10-yl]ethanone | 163079701 | Click to see | 476.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides | |||||
| 3-ethenyl-4-(2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-ylmethyl)-2-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylic acid | 73806906 | Click to see | 516.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TETLET.2011.10.106 |
| Strictosidinic Acid | 21586927 | Click to see | 516.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TETLET.2011.10.106 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-Ursolic Acid | 64945 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TETLET.2011.10.106 |
| Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 3-hydroxy-, (3beta)- | 220774 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TETLET.2011.10.106 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| Prinoidin | 25107461 | Click to see | 486.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzopyrans / 1-benzopyrans | |||||
| Daurichromene A | 10043035 | Click to see | 342.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Carbazoles | |||||
| (1S,2R,3R,6Z,7S,9S,10S)-6-ethylidene-3-hydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-4,21-dioxa-11,20-diazahexacyclo[8.7.3.22,9.01,10.02,7.012,17]docosa-12,14,16-trien-22-one | 163189027 | Click to see | 382.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(67)80028-0 |
| 1H,9H-1,4-Ethano-9a,4a-(iminoethano)pyrano[3,4-b]indole-13-acetic acid, I+/--ethylidene-3,4-dihydro-4-(hydroxymethyl)-9,10-dimethyl-3-oxo-, methyl ester, (I+/-E,1R,4R,4aR,9aR)- | 162944240 | Click to see | 412.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19680510627 |
| 6-Ethylidene-3-hydroxy-11,20-dimethyl-4,21-dioxa-11,20-diazahexacyclo[8.7.3.22,9.01,10.02,7.012,17]docosa-12,14,16-trien-22-one | 604323 | Click to see | 382.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(67)80028-0 |
| Dihydrocorymine, epi-3 | 6038603 | Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC34C2(C(CC1C3(CO)C(=O)OC)O)N(C5=CC=CC=C45)C | 384.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| methyl (1R,2S,10S,15E,16S,17R,18R)-18-acetyloxy-15-ethylidene-3-methyl-19-oxa-3,13-diazahexacyclo[14.3.1.02,10.02,13.04,9.010,17]icosa-4,6,8-triene-17-carboxylate | 163186250 | Click to see | 424.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(67)80028-0 |
| methyl (1R,2S,10S,15E,16S,17R,18S)-15-ethylidene-18-hydroxy-3-methyl-19-oxa-3,13-diazahexacyclo[14.3.1.02,10.02,13.04,9.010,17]icosa-4,6,8-triene-17-carboxylate | 163186533 | Click to see | 382.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(67)80028-0 |
| methyl (1R,2S,10S,16S,17R,18R)-18-acetyloxy-15-ethylidene-3-methyl-19-oxa-3,13-diazahexacyclo[14.3.1.02,10.02,13.04,9.010,17]icosa-4,6,8-triene-17-carboxylate | 163100971 | Click to see | 424.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(67)80028-0 |
| methyl (1R,2S,10S,16S,17R,18S)-15-ethylidene-18-hydroxy-3-methyl-19-oxa-3,13-diazahexacyclo[14.3.1.02,10.02,13.04,9.010,17]icosa-4,6,8-triene-17-carboxylate | 162937613 | Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC34C2(C5CC1C3(C(O5)O)C(=O)OC)N(C6=CC=CC=C46)C | 382.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(67)80028-0 |
| methyl (1S,9S,10R,12S,13E,18R)-13-ethylidene-10-hydroxy-18-(hydroxymethyl)-8-methyl-8,15-diazapentacyclo[10.5.1.01,9.02,7.09,15]octadeca-2,4,6-triene-18-carboxylate | 163186985 | Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC34C2(C(CC1C3(CO)C(=O)OC)O)N(C5=CC=CC=C45)C | 384.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| methyl (1S,9S,10S,12S,13E,18R)-13-ethylidene-10-hydroxy-18-(hydroxymethyl)-8-methyl-8,15-diazapentacyclo[10.5.1.01,9.02,7.09,15]octadeca-2,4,6-triene-18-carboxylate | 163186986 | Click to see CC=C1CN2CCC34C2(C(CC1C3(CO)C(=O)OC)O)N(C5=CC=CC=C45)C | 384.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)89713-7 |
| methyl (E)-2-[(1S,9S,10R,13S,17S)-13-(hydroxymethyl)-8,16-dimethyl-12-oxo-11-oxa-8,16-diazapentacyclo[7.4.3.210,13.01,9.02,7]octadeca-2,4,6-trien-17-yl]but-2-enoate | 163193264 | Click to see CC=C(C1CC2C34C(C1(C(=O)O2)CO)(CCN3C)C5=CC=CC=C5N4C)C(=O)OC | 412.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.19680510627 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Diarylheptanoids / Linear diarylheptanoids | |||||
| Muricarpone B | 11573476 | Click to see | 330.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81309-6 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |