Halleridone and Hallerone from Phyla nodiflora as taxonomic markers.

In continuation of our search for biologically active molecules from terrestrial sources, we have investigated the creeping perennial herb Phyla nodiyora (Linn) Greene (Verbenaceae) ("Lippia nodiyora (Linn.) Mich), which grows widely in India. The leaves of P. nodiyora were collected from Bhadrachalam forest in October 1998. The plant was identi"ed by Prof. M. Prabhakar, Plant Anatomy and Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad. The herbarium of the same is deposited at Herbarium Hyderabadensis (H. Hy) (Accession No. 7078) and also at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India.