Peperomins A, B, and C, Novel Secolignans from Peperomia japonica

Three novel lignans having unusual seco structure, peperomins A, 8 and C were isolated from the fresh whole plant of Peperomia japonica Makino (Piperaceae).The structures of peperomins A , 0 and C were established as I , I1 and 111, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and crystallographic evidence.Peperomia japonica Makino (Piperaceae) is a fleshy, perennial herb growing on wet rocks and trees from low altitudes up to 1500 m in Taiwan.'The aqueous and alcoholic decoctions of the whole herbs are used as a folk medicine for the treatment of malignant tumors.'Apiol, 2,4,5-trirnethoxystyrene and phytosterols had been previously isolated from a species of P. pelluc,da,' but this species had not been so far investigated from a chemical point of view.