ABSTRACT
The family Olacaceae consists of approximately 30 genera and 250 species of plants widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. Olacaceae are classically known to produce tannins, cyanogenetic glycosides, polyacetylenic fatty acids, flavonoids, and an unusual series of polysulfides. Polysulfides are particularly abundant in the Scorodocarpus, Olax, Ochanostachys, and Ximenia species. These include 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane 4,4-dioxide, which imparts the plant’s pungency and garlic odor. These polysulfides are somewhat similar to that of the Allium species and are antimicrobial and cytotoxic. Ochanostachys amentacea Mast. is a tree that grows to a height of 30m with a girth of 1.8m in the rain forests of Malaysia. Its wood is very hard and durable, so it is useful as timber. The bole is fluted and buttressed. The bark is pale brown with a purplish tinge, and has round to oblong, thin, adherent scales.
