Isolation and characterization of phytoconstituents from stem of elytranthe parasitica(l.) danser

Mistletoes have earned a strong profile in treating cancer. Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser (EP), a hemi-parasitic plant belonging to Mistletoe family or Loranthaceae is known for its potent anti-cancer properties. Exploring the phytochemistry by isolating and characterizing phytoconstituents from unidentified mistletoes such as Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser would prove useful for cancer therapy. Stem parts of Elytranthe parasitica were extracted with methanol and sequentially fractionated with solvents in the increasing order of polarity. The diethyl ether fraction was selected for bioactivity guided fractionation. Fractionation was performed via gel filtration chromatography and analytical TLC to isolate the phytochemical(s). Activity guided fractionation led to the isolation of two phenolic compounds and two phytosterols: a phenolic acid (gallic acid), a flavanone (pinostrobin), a triterpenoid (lupeol) and a phytosterol (s-sitosterol)