New Hopane Triterpene from Eleocharis sellowiana (Cyperaceae)

The genus Eleocharis R. Br. (Cyperaceae, Cyperoideae, Scirpeae) includes about 200 species, occurring in wet environments like swamps, lakes and rivers margins. Their aerial parts are formed by simple, not ramified stalks that end in a spiciform inflorescence formed by numerous very inconspicuous flowers. Their subterraneous parts are formed by roots and stem (called rhizome or stolon, depending on its form). E. sellowiana Kunth occurs in Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay and Brazil. This species is widely distributed in São Paulo State. As many other plants from wet environments like swamps, lakes and rivers margins, Eleocharis species are subject of only a few studies. According to the literature only E. dulcis Trin., E. coloradoensis (Britt.) Gilly, E. acuta R. Br., E. microcarpa Torr. and E. smallii L. had been subjected to phytochemical analysis before. In continuation of our phytochemical analysis of Eleocharis genus, the hexanic extracts of E. sellowiana (subterraneous and aerial parts) were subjected to a detailed chromatographic analysis resulting in the isolation of a new pentacyclic triterpene named 3α-hydroxy13α,17α,21β-hopan-15,19-dione (1) and E-phytyl hexadecanoate (2) (Figure 1). Results and Discussion