Chalepensin is a chemical compound of the furanocoumarin class. Originally isolated in 1967 from Ruta chalepensis ( Ruta chalepensis),
Chemical properties
Chalepensin forms colorless crystalline needles with a melting point of 82-83 °C.
Research
Chalepensin has been shown to have antifertility effects in female rats.
[ This antifertility effect may provide some scientific evidence in support of the traditional uses of fringed rue][ and modern use of rue oil (oil from plants of the genus Ruta) in South America]
Chalepensis has also been shown to have antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Related compounds
Several chemical compounds that have the same core chemical structure as chalepensin are known, including chalepin, rutamarin, 5-methoxychalepensin, and 5,8-dimethoxychalepensin.
