Phytochemical Observations on European Mistletoe (Viscum album L.)

Abstract

Non-polar constituents were extracted from Viscum album with hexane, by Soxhlet extraction. The extract was analysed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, and the following fatty acids, methyl esters and triterpenes were identified: methyl palmitate, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, β - amyrin, lupenone, β - amyrin acetate and lupeol acetate. The neutral fraction of Viscum album was extracted through several steps, and separated by column chromatography. At least two cyclic peptides were detected by TLC protosite reaction with ninhydrin. We identified the cyclic peptide viscumamide and found a possible molecular weight for an unidentified cyclic peptide, by DART mass spectrometry. The fractions containing the unidentified cyclic peptide was purified by preparative TLC, and analysed by NMR spectroscopy. The analysis showed the presence of the amino leucine and an aromatic moiety. The complete structure of this compound could not be elucidated because of too many impurities in the sample.