Cassane-type diterpenoids from the genus Caesalpinia

Caesalpinia is the name of a genus of enormous size and of ancient origin. It is named after the Italian naturalist, Andreas Caesalpino, of Arezzo (1519-1603). He was also a botanical collector, systematist and philosopher, chief physician to Pope Clement VIII, and a professor of medicine and botany in Pisa and Rome.[1] Caesalpinia consists of about 200 species, consisting of shrubs, tall climbers, small and tall trees, mostly armed with spines and curves, hooked, sharp thorns and rarely unarmed. Their leaves are bipinnate, lacy, and attractive, while the leaflets are few to many, opposite, rarely alternate, small or large, herbaceous or leathery. The flowers are yellow, red, or variegated, showy, handsome, medium to large and are multiflowered. Finally, the pods are variable, often prickly, flat, straight or beaked.[2,3]