Secondary metabolites from Jasminum sambac and Cananga odorata

The flowers of Jasminum sambac afforded caryophyllene oxide (1), a mixture of benzyl benzoate (2) and farnesyl acetate (3), methyl isoeugenol (4), squalene (5), and sitosterol (6). The flowers of Cananga odorata afforded 4 and a mixture of 2 and 3. their structures were identified by NMR spectroscopy. The scent of the flowers is attributed to 2-4. Antimicrobial tests on 1-4, indicated moderate activities against P aeruginosa and A niger, and slight activities against E coli, B subtilis, C albicans, and T mentagrophytes. Compound 4 has slight activity against S aureus, while 1 and the mixture of 2 and 3 are inactive against this microorganism.