Three novel 14-epiarborane triterpenoids from Imperata cylindrica Beauv. var. major

Abstract Three novel triterpenoids, 14-epiarbor-7-en-3β-ol ( 1 ), 14-epiarbor-7-en-3β-yl formate ( 2 ) and 14-epiarbor-7-en-3-one ( 3 ) were isolated from the rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica . Their structures were determined using spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR and using NMR shift reagents. These unique triterpenoid skeletons were isolated for the first time and the presence of these compounds suggests a novel biosynthetic route for triterpenoids.