The secondary metabolism in the leaves of P. cernuum produces cinnamic and dihydrocinnamic acid derivatives and the lignan cubebin. In case of P. crassinervium flavonoids and prenylated hydroquinones were characterized as major compounds. The cell cultures showed the production of the phenylethylamines dopamine and tyramine in P. cernuum, while in case of P. crassinervium four alkamides were isolated as major compounds, including the new 2,3,4-trimethoxy-N-methyl-aristolactam and 3-hydroxy-2-methoxy-N-methyl- aristolactam. ©2005 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.