Abstract
Three new [nilotinins M8-M10 (1-3)] and two known [tamarixinin A (4) and gemin D (5)] ellagitannins and seven simple phenolics [gallic acid (6), methyl gallate (7), 3,4-di-O-methylgallic acid (8), ellagic acid (9), 3-O-methylellagic acid (10), methyl ferulate 3-O-sulphate (11), and 7,4 '-di-O-methylkaempferol (12)] were isolated from the halophytic plantTamarix nilotica(Ehrenb.) Bunge (Tamaricaceae). Their structures were determined based on intensive spectroscopic studies and comparisons with reported data. Compounds4, and6-8were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and anti-leishmanial activity againstLeishmania major. Compounds4,6and7showed promising cytotoxic properties against A549 (IC(50)29 +/- 2.3, 10.5 +/- 0.7, and 20.7 +/- 1.9 mu g/mL), while compounds4and7showed higher growth-inhibitory effects againstL. majorpromastigotes (IC(50)40.5 +/- 2.7 and 38.4 +/- 2.5 mu g/mL), as compared with the standards doxorubicin (IC(50)0.42 mu g/mL) and miltefosine (IC(50)9.43 mu g/mL), respectively.