Iridoid glycosides from Linaria multicaulis (L.) Miller subsp. multicaulis (Scrophulariaceae)

Subject and sourceThe genus Linaria belongs to the Scrophularioideae-Antirrhineae tribe of the Scrophulariaceae family and comprisesabout 200 species (Handjieva et al., 1993). Several Linaria species were used in folk medicine as tonics, antiscorbutics,laxatives, antidiabetics, and diuretics, as well as for the treatment of wounds, hemorrhoids, and vasculardisorders (Ercil et al., 2004; Pahlow, 1979). Previously reported neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Linaria saxatilis andflavones from Linaria reflexa showed cytotoxic activity (Gordaliza et al., 1997; Tundis et al., 2005a). In a continuationof our phytochemical investigation on constituents of the Linaria species, the aim of the present study is to explore thecomposition of Linaria multicaulis subsp. multicaulis. Aerial parts and roots of L. multicaulis (L.) Miller subsp.multicaulis were collected in Calabria (Italy) in May 2004, and authenticated by Dr. N.G. Passalacqua of the BotanyDepartment at the University of Calabria (Italy). Avoucher specimen has been retained at the Herbarium of Universityof Calabria (CLU) under the reference no. 20094.