The content of 2H4MBZA in our sample of M. whitei was 0.50%
(=5.0 mg/g dry material), as determined by hydrodistillation
followed by HPLC. 2H4MBZA has been previously reported in
the roots of two Apocynaceae native from India and used in
Ayurvedic medicine: Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Schult used
to treat skin diseases (2H4MBZA ranging 0.3–3.2 mg/g) and
Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. used as a tonifier and ‘‘blood
purifier’’ (0.2–4.5 mg/g) (Giridhar et al., 2004; Nagarajan and Rao,
2003; Sircar et al., 2007; Thangadurai et al., 2002). Interestingly,
possible presence of alkaloids has been reported in H. indicus
(Arseculeratne et al., 1985).
The