Phthalides from the rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii

Three phthalides, 3-butylidene-7-hydroxyphthalide, and cis and trans-6,7-dihydroxyligustilides, along with a dimeric phthalide wallichilide have been isolated from the hot water extract of the rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii. Their structures were established mainly on the basis of spectroscopic data. 3-Butyl-4,5-dihydro-3-hydroxy phthalide and adenosine were identified as active principles of the extract which are responsible for increase of coronary blood flow in the dog heart.