Phytochemistry of limonoids and fatty acids isolated from Khaya grandifoliola root extracts

Khaya grandifoliola (Meliaceae) is a medicinal plant widely utilized in African ethnopharmacology, yet its root phytochemistry remains underexplored. In this study, comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses led to the isolation and structural elucidation of three compounds, 6, 7, and 8, from the methanol root extract of K. grandifoliola. A Compound 6 was identified as the limonoid 7-deacetylgedunin by advanced NMR techniques and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using CuKα-radiation. Compound 8 was characterized as the straight-chain fatty acid, myristoleic acid. 7, named khayagranditriol, represents a novel limonoid derivative that did not exhibit cytotoxicity in preliminary screening. These findings expand the chemical profile of K. grandifoliola, providing insights into its structural diversity and potential bioactivity. The study underscores the relevance of phytochemical investigations in validating traditional medicinal uses and guiding future pharmacological research.