New 6-Aryl-2-pyrones from Gentiana pedicellata*.

Three new 6-aryl-2-pyrones, viz. pedicellin ( 1), pedicellanin ( 2), and pedicellatin ( 3), have been isolated from the whole plant of GENTIANA PEDICELLATA W ALL., collected when in flower. The compounds have been characterized on the basis of chemical transformation and comprehensive spectral evidence. This is the first report of occurrence of 6-aryl-2-pyrones in a member of the family Gentianaceae. The other secondary metabolites, e.g. triterpene, secoiridoid, and degraded carotenoid, present in this species are typical of the GENTIANA. 1 and 2 produced significant adaptogenic and anti-stress effects in animal models thereby justifying the use of the title species in popular medicine.