Identification of New Dibenzofurans from Distylium racemosum

摘要

Distylium racemosum (Hamamelidaceae) is a large in-deciduous tree distributed over Halla Mountain in Jeju Island, Korea. We are continuously searching for the bioactive compounds applicable as functional cosmetic ingredients from plants in Jeju. From the ethanol extract of D. racemosum branches, we have found inhibition activities on elastase. Elastin degradation by elastase in dermis is associated with aged skin-wrinkle. Since no chemical investigation has been reported from the branches of this plant, we have conducted a phy-tochemical study to identify the active constituents. In this study, we have isolated new dibenzofuran compounds, 2,7-di-hydroxy-1,6-dimethoxy-9-methyldibenzofuran (1) and 3,7-di-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2,7-dimethyldibenzofuran(2).