Macrocarpins A-D, new cytotoxic nor-triterpenes from Maytenus macrocarpa

Macrocarpins A (1), B (2), C (3) and D (4), four new nor-triterpenes, have been isolated from the roots of Maytenus macrocarpa. The structures were established by spectroscopic examinations. Natural compounds 1, 2, 4 and the acetyl derivative 1a are cytotoxic against four tumoral cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 0.4 and 5.2 microM.