Preliminary Insights into the Non-Volatile Constituents of Commiphora ornifolia (Balf.f.) J.B.Gillett Oleogum Resin from Socotra Island

TL;DR

This study explores the non-volatile compounds in the resin of a rare plant from Socotra Island, finding a bioactive compound called yangambin and other sugars.

Contribution

First-time identification of (+)-yangambin in Commiphora ornifolia resin and characterization of its polysaccharide fraction.

Findings

Yangambin was isolated and found in all eight resin samples at concentrations between 3.50% and 9.05%.

The resin's polysaccharide fraction contained arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid.

The study highlights the phytochemical richness and potential bioactivity of C. ornifolia resin.

Abstract

Natural resins are complex mixtures of secondary metabolites produced by many plants in response to stress or injury and have long been used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Among resin-producing genera, Commiphora Jacq. (Burseraceae) stands out for the traditional and medicinal relevance of its oleogum resins, commonly known as myrrh. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the non-volatile fraction of the oleogum resin of Commiphora ornifolia (Balf.f.) J.B.Gillett, which is an endemic species of Socotra Island. Ethanol extraction followed by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (HPLC-DAD, NMR, HRMS) led to the isolation of (+)-yangambin, a furofuran lignan not previously reported in this species. Quantitative analysis showed yangambin to be present in all eight resin samples analyzed, at concentrations ranging from 3.50 (±0.02) to 9.05% (±0.19) of the ethanol extract. In addition, the analysis of the hydrolyzed polysaccharide fraction revealed the presence of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. These preliminary findings highlight the phytochemical richness of C. ornifolia oleogum resin and suggest the presence of other potentially bioactive compounds. The presence of yangambin, known for various pharmacological activities, supports further phytochemical and biological studies on this largely unexplored species.

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