Phytochemical investigation of the bark extract of Carissa sessiliflora Brongn. Ex Pichon Syn. Carissa bispinosa (L) Desf.ex Brenan (Apocynaceae), endemic to Madagascar

Carissa sessiliflora Brongn. ex Pichon Syn. Carissa bispinosa (L) Desf.ex Brenan (Apocynaceae) is endemic to western Madagascar. Due to its therapeutic properties, this plant plays an important role in traditional medicine and is used to treat infections and malaria. Phytochemical investigations of the cyclohexane extract of this plant's stem bark have led to the isolation of four pure compounds. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic analysis techniques (1D and 2D NMR) and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS in positive mode), as well as by comparing the data with that in the literature. These products are attributed to the chemical family of pentacyclic triterpene compounds.