Taxane Diterpenoids from Taxus baccata L. Growing in Iran

There are eight taxus species and two hybrids in the world and taxusbaccata l. (european yew) is the single representative in iran. until now, a large numberof taxoids possessing different skeleton systems, as well as lignans, flavonoids, steroidsand sugar derivatives have been isolated from various taxus species. taxoids are highlyoxygenated diterpenes isolated from different species of yew trees (family taxaceae).they have received considerable attention after the discovery of the clinical efficacy ofpaclitaxel against different cancers due to its remarkable inhibition of microtubulespolymerization leading to apoptosis of cancer cells.objective: this study was conducted for extraction, purification and identification oftaxoids occurring in the aerial parts of taxus baccata l. growing in iran.methods: the plant materials were extracted with organic solvent and after defatting,partitioning, column chromatography and thin layer chromatography steps, the obtainedcompounds were characterized on the basis of spectral data.results: two taxane diterpenoids were isolated. the structures of these taxoids wereestablished as 5-cinnamoyl-10-acetyltaxicin-i and 2-deacetyltaxinine e on the basis ofspectral analysis.conclusion: these two taxoids were not previously encountered in taxus baccata l.species.