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1.
Nat Prod Res ; : 1-5, 2023 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37583125

ABSTRACT

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. (Lamiaceae) is a naturalised medicinal plant in Brazil known as 'cordão-de-frade', being used in folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as infections and inflammations. L. nepetifolia leaf and flower essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation, and their compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. The leaf essential oil major constituents were germacrene D (31.5%), and ß-caryophyllene (19.2%), while in flower essential oil the main constituents were ß-elemene (31.2%), and germacrene D (12.1%). The essential oils were investigated against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi using the microdilution method, exhibiting MIC50 values of 3.93-250 µg mL-1. Both oils showed excellent antifungal properties, which is a very important finding since most fungi have shown increased resistance to known antifungal agents. According to these results, the essential oils of L. nepetifolia are promising sources of new antimicrobial agents, especially for yeast.

2.
Fitoterapia ; 159: 105194, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35430307

ABSTRACT

During the course of a study of Condalia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae), one new cyclopeptide alkaloid condaline B (1), together with six known cyclopeptide alkaloids, condaline A (2), and the scutianines B (3), - D (4) and -E (5), frangulanine (6), and 3,4,28-tris-epi-scutianene N (7), were isolated from the rind bark of Condalia buxifolia. Their structures have been confirmed through spectroscopic analyses such as 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The absolute stereochemistry of condaline A (2), was elucidated by X-ray crystal structure determination of its HI salt. In addition, condaline B (1) was obtained synthetically through a structural transformation of condaline A. Meanwhile, the crude methanol extract, the basic ether fraction, and alkaloids 1-7 were tested against various strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungus, showing promising antimicrobial activity.


Subject(s)
Alkaloids , Rhamnaceae , Alkaloids/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Gram-Negative Bacteria , Gram-Positive Bacteria , Molecular Structure , Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology , Plant Bark/chemistry , Rhamnaceae/chemistry
3.
Phytochemistry ; 196: 113071, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35032919

ABSTRACT

A reinvestigation of the chemical constituents of the stem barks of Scutia buxifolia, a member of the Rhamnaceae, resulted, along with the known alkaloids scutianine C and scutianene L, in the isolation of three undescribed diastereoisomeric alkaloids - scutianine N, 27-epi-scutianine N and 3, 4, 7-tri-epi-scutianine N -, one undescribed non macrocyclic alkaloid - scutianine Q - and a neutral compound -scutianene M. Their structures were determined using extensive NMR techniques and HRMS. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers of the three diastereoisomeric alkaloids have been assigned by gas chromatography employing modified cyclodextrins as chiral stationary phases. Scutianine Q had its structure and stereochemistry defined by single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. All tested compounds showed good to moderate antibacterial activity (MICs between 1.56 and 100 µg mL-1) when evaluated in vitro against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some stereochemistry-activity relationships have been identified for the antibacterial activity of diastereoisomeric alkaloids against the Gram-negative bacteria Enterobacter aerogenes. The alkaloid 27-epi-scutianine N was as active as the standard antibiotic chloramphenicol (MIC = 1.56 µg mL-1), while scutianine N and 3,4,27-tris-epi-Scutianine N were inactive (>100 µg mL-1).


Subject(s)
Alkaloids , Anti-Infective Agents , Rhamnaceae , Alkaloids/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Gram-Negative Bacteria , Gram-Positive Bacteria , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plant Extracts , Rhamnaceae/chemistry
4.
Nat Prod Res ; 33(23): 3426-3431, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29781304

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the antioxidant activity of Cuphea glutinosa (CG) and its effect on Na+, K+-ATPase from cardiac muscle. The ethanolic extract showed higher antioxidant capacity compared to aqueous and ethyl acetate fraction. Ethyl acetate fraction showed ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-glucoside, kaempferol, quercetin, isoquercetin, gallic acid methyl ester, and gallic acid. The ethanolic extract also reduced the Na+,K+-ATPase activity. CG presented a promising antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect on the Na+, K+-ATPase activity, supporting biochemical evidences the popular use of this plant in the treatment of heart failure.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Cuphea/chemistry , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Antioxidants/chemistry , Brazil , Heart/drug effects , Heart Failure/drug therapy , Kaempferols/isolation & purification , Myocardium , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Quercetin/isolation & purification
5.
Fitoterapia ; 131: 80-85, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30339922

ABSTRACT

Two new iridoids (1-2) and a new decomposition product of valepotriates (3), together with fifteen known compounds (4-18) were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana polystachya Smith, a native species from the Pampa Biome. Their structures were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and optical rotation. The structures of 3 and 18 were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In the group of the isolated compounds, 6ß-hydroxysitostenone, hydroxymaltol and isovillosol were isolated from the Valeriana genus for the first time. The extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and prolyloligopeptidase (POP). Compounds 7, 9 and 11 showed weak inhibitory activity against AChE, while 3 and 5 displayed exceptional POP inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 5.3 ±â€¯0.07 and 7.9 ±â€¯0.4 µM, respectively.


Subject(s)
Cholinesterase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Iridoids/isolation & purification , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Valerian/chemistry , Acetylcholinesterase , Brazil , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Iridoids/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/isolation & purification , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Roots/chemistry , Prolyl Oligopeptidases , Rhizome/chemistry , Serine Endopeptidases , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
6.
Fitoterapia ; 131: 1-8, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30240843

ABSTRACT

The investigation of the crude extract of leaves and bark of Pilocarpus pennatifolius Lemaire allowed isolated of a not yet described coumarin, together with three known coumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin and dimethyl allyl xanthyletin), and a not yet described imidazole alkaloid. All structures were established by means of spectral analysis, including extensive 2D NMR studies. In addition, the alkaloid had its absolute stereochemistry determined by X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, extracts and pure compounds were tested against various strains of bacteria and fungi, showing promising antimicrobial activities. We highlight the activities of crude bark methanol extract (CBME), of the leaf basic acetate fraction (LBAcF), and of compound 2 against the Gram negative bacteria Shigella flexneri (MICs = 7.8, 7.8 and 3.12 µg·mL-1, respectively), of compound 5 against the Gram positive Enterococcus fecalis (MIC = 1.56 µg·mL-1), and against two Gram negative bacteria Salmonella enteritidis (MIC = 1.56 µg·mL-1), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 6.25 µg·ml-1). On the other hand, CBME and compounds 3-5 showed excellent activity against the fungus Candida krusei with MICs of 15.6, 1.56, and 3.12 µg·mL-1 respectively, as actives or better than the antifungal standard fluconazole (MIC = 3.12 µg·mL-1).


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/isolation & purification , Phytochemicals/isolation & purification , Pilocarpus/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Brazil , Coumarins/isolation & purification , Coumarins/pharmacology , Molecular Structure , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Bark/chemistry , Plant Leaves/chemistry
7.
Med Chem ; 14(8): 784-790, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29792153

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several species of the genus Erythrina have been used as sedative, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant. Erythrina crista-galli is native to the Pampa Biome and is widely used for medicinal purposes. Erythrinan alkaloids exhibit a range of pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the basic fractions and the alkaloids isolated from E. crista-galli bark against a collection of bacteria and fungi for the first time. METHODS: Erythrina crista-galli stem bark was extracted with MeOH under reflux. The crude extract was dissolved in water, acidified and extracted with diethyl ether. Basification of the aqueous solution followed by diethyl ether and ethyl acetate extractions gave the basic ether and basic ethyl acetate fractions. Chromatographic purification of these fractions afforded five known alkaloids: erytharbine (1), erysotrine (2), erysotramidine (3), erysotrine N-oxide (4) and erythratidine (5) along with a new alkaloid named here erythratidine N-oxide (6). Alkaloids 1-6 were investigated against a collection of bacteria and fungi using the broth micro dilution method. RESULTS: In this work, a new alkaloid was isolated from E. crista-galli. The most significant bacterial inhibitory effect of alkaloidal fractions was observed against the Gram-negative Pseudomas aeroginosa (MIC values of 31.25 µg.mL-1). Basic ether fraction displayed good antimicrobial activity against Shigella sonnei with MIC= 62.5 µg.mL-1. Isolated alkaloids 1-6 showed inhibitory activity against all bacteria tested (MIC values of 50-100 µg.mL-1). In addition, the crude extract and alkaloids 1, 2, and 5 also showed good antifungal potential against Candida krusei (MICs between 12.5 and 31.25 µg.mL-1). The previously undescribed alkaloid 6 presented MIC values between 50 and 100 µg.mL-1 against all tested microorganisms. CONCLUSION: In general, as with a considerable number of phytochemicals with antimicrobial activity, alkaloids 1-6 may be considered with potential as antibacterial/antifungal agents. The MIC values of the extract, alkaloidal fractions and compounds 1-6 indicate that, at least in part, the isolates were responsible for the antimicrobial activity observed.


Subject(s)
Alkaloids/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Erythrina/chemistry , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/isolation & purification , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purification , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification , Bacteria/drug effects , Fungi/drug effects , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plant Bark/chemistry
8.
Phytomedicine ; 43: 140-149, 2018 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29747747

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg.) have been reportedly used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, prevent heart attack and improve blood circulation, reduce serum cholesterol level as well as inhibit oxidation reactions. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of tiger nut and walnut hydro-alcoholic extracts on extracellular metabolism of ATP through the NOS/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway induced by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) in kidney slices. METHODS: The plants were extracted for 24 h in 10 ml of 70% ethanol and 30% distilled water per gram milled material on a mechanical shaker and filtered using Whatman filter paper. The effect of the extracts on ecto-nucleotidases (NTPDase and 5' nucleotidase) and adenosine deaminase activities, nitrites and nitrates levels (NO, markers of NO production) as well as lipid and protein oxidation reactions in kidney slices were evaluated. Also, the phenolic components of the nut samples were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The results revealed a protective effect of tiger nut and walnut on co-incubation with L-NAME of the enzyme activities, increased NO significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to the vehicle. L-NAME also increased the thiobabituric reactive substances but co-incubation with the extracts caused a significant reduction while protein oxidation across groups showed no significant difference when compared to the vehicle group. HPLC finger printing revealed the presence of quercetin and kaempferol as the most abundant phenolic compounds in tiger nut and walnut respectively. CONCLUSION: Tiger nut and walnut extracts showed a protective effect on L-NAME induced kidney slices by reducing the activities of NTPDase (ATP as substrate) and adenosine deaminase, increased NO levels as well as prevent oxidative damage. The effect observed may be attributed to the phenolic compounds present in both nuts as depicted by HPLC finger printing.


Subject(s)
Cyperus/chemistry , Juglans/chemistry , Kidney/drug effects , Kidney/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Adenosine/metabolism , Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism , Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism , Animals , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Cyclic GMP/metabolism , Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism , Female , Lipid Metabolism/drug effects , NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester/pharmacology , Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism , Oxidation-Reduction , Phenols/analysis , Rats, Wistar
9.
Phytochemistry ; 141: 131-139, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28614729

ABSTRACT

Extraction and characterization of natural products from the bark of the trunk of Helietta apiculata Benth (Rutaceae) afforded nine alkaloids, eight furoquinoline and one quinolone, limonine, three cinnamic acid derivatives, three neolignans, tetracosanoic acid, six coumarins, of which apiculin A and apiculin B (neolignans), and tanizin (coumarin) are previously undescribed compounds. The structures of all compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, and the crystal structures of two of the newly undescribed compounds, apiculin A and apiculin B, were determined by X-ray analysis. Extracts and pure compounds isolated from Helietta apiculata showed promising antimicrobial activities.


Subject(s)
Coumarins/chemistry , Lignans/chemistry , Plant Bark/chemistry , Rutaceae/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purification , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification , Coumarins/isolation & purification , Lignans/isolation & purification , Molecular Structure , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/chemistry
10.
An Acad Bras Cienc ; 89(1): 203-212, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28423080

ABSTRACT

Linalool is the main compound of many essential oils and occurs in two isomeric forms: S-(+)- and R-(-)-linalool. This study aimed to determine if linalool isomers have different antimicrobial and anesthetic properties in fish. For this purpose, these compounds were previously isolated from Lippia alba (Mill.)N. E. Brown and Ocimum americanum L. essential oils. Antimicrobial effects were evaluated through the microdilution test against Aeromonas hydrophila, an important fish disease etiologic agent. Induction time until sedation, anesthesia and recovery time were determined in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) through bath exposure (60, 180, 300 or 500 µL L-1). The results showed different biological properties for the isomers being S-(+)-linalool the only active against A. hydrophila at 3.2 mg mL-1. The sedation was induced without differences between the compounds, however R-(-)-linalool promoted faster anesthesia. There were no differences regarding the recovery time of the animals exposed to the linalool isomers. Although both S-(+)- and R-(-)-linalool can be used for sedative purposes, their use in A. hydrophila infection is inadvisable due to the high effective concentration. Considering anesthesia as the main objective, the R-(-)-linalool demonstrated clear advantages at lower concentration.


Subject(s)
Aeromonas hydrophila/drug effects , Anesthetics/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Catfishes , Hypnotics and Sedatives/pharmacology , Monoterpenes/pharmacology , Acyclic Monoterpenes , Animals , Lippia/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Monoterpenes/chemistry , Monoterpenes/isolation & purification , Ocimum/chemistry , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Reference Values , Reproducibility of Results , Stereoisomerism , Time Factors
11.
An. acad. bras. ciênc ; 89(1): 203-212, Jan,-Mar. 2017. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-886624

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Linalool is the main compound of many essential oils and occurs in two isomeric forms: S-(+)- and R-(-)-linalool. This study aimed to determine if linalool isomers have different antimicrobial and anesthetic properties in fish. For this purpose, these compounds were previously isolated from Lippia alba (Mill.)N. E. Brown and Ocimum americanum L. essential oils. Antimicrobial effects were evaluated through the microdilution test against Aeromonas hydrophila, an important fish disease etiologic agent. Induction time until sedation, anesthesia and recovery time were determined in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) through bath exposure (60, 180, 300 or 500 μL L-1). The results showed different biological properties for the isomers being S-(+)-linalool the only active against A. hydrophila at 3.2 mg mL-1. The sedation was induced without differences between the compounds, however R-(-)-linalool promoted faster anesthesia. There were no differences regarding the recovery time of the animals exposed to the linalool isomers. Although both S-(+)- and R-(-)-linalool can be used for sedative purposes, their use in A. hydrophila infection is inadvisable due to the high effective concentration. Considering anesthesia as the main objective, the R-(-)-linalool demonstrated clear advantages at lower concentration.


Subject(s)
Animals , Catfishes , Aeromonas hydrophila/drug effects , Monoterpenes/pharmacology , Hypnotics and Sedatives/pharmacology , Anesthetics/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Reference Values , Stereoisomerism , Time Factors , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Reproducibility of Results , Ocimum/chemistry , Lippia/chemistry , Monoterpenes/isolation & purification , Monoterpenes/chemistry , Acyclic Monoterpenes
12.
Nat Prod Res ; 31(12): 1459-1463, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27834099

ABSTRACT

Chemical investigation of the aerial parts of Leonurus sibiricus L. used in Brazilian folk medicine led to the identification of the following constituents: the labdane-type diterpenoid leojaponin, the phytosterols ß-sitosterol and ß-sitosterol glucoside and the alkaloid leonurine. The crude extracts obtained from methanol and methanol/1% HCl and pure compounds isolated from L. sibirius were investigated as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) inhibitors. Extracts obtained by maceration were active against POP (53-58%), but showed weak activity against AChE. The isolated leojaponin and leonurine were evaluated as POP inhibitors.


Subject(s)
Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Leonurus/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Diterpenes/pharmacology , Gallic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Gallic Acid/pharmacology , Prolyl Oligopeptidases
13.
Bioorg Med Chem Lett ; 26(4): 1173-6, 2016 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26826733

ABSTRACT

Two lanostane triterpenoids (sclerodols A and B) were isolated from the culture of the Eucalyptus grandis derived from the endophyte Scleroderma UFSM Sc1(Persoon) Fries together with three known compounds: one related triterpenoid lanosta-8,23-dien-3ß,25-diol, the disaccharide α,ß-trehalose, and the sugar alcohol mannitol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR, HRME, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The methanol crude extract and the isolated lanostane triterpenoids showed promising anticandidal activities.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Basidiomycota/metabolism , Triterpenes/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Candida/drug effects , Crystallography, X-Ray , Eucalyptus/microbiology , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Molecular Conformation , Triterpenes/isolation & purification , Triterpenes/pharmacology
14.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 175: 370-7, 2015 Dec 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26409180

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Condalia buxifolia root bark infusion is used in traditional medicine in Brazil as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and against dysentery. This study was designed to investigate whether the methanolic extract of the root bark of Condalia buxifolia (MECb) exhibits antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. Furthermore, also was investigated the involvement of glutamatergic and opioidergic system in the antinociceptive effect induced by MECb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of intra-gastric gavage (i.g.) administered MECb (10-300 mg/kg) were evaluated in mice subjected to chemical (formalin, acetic-acid, glutamate) or thermal (hot plate) models of pain. The involvement of opioid system in the antinociceptive effect of the MECb was investigated in formalin test. Furthermore, a nonspecific effect of MECb was evaluated by measuring locomotor activity and exploratory behavior in open field test. Finally, was performed a phytochemical analysis of MECb. RESULTS: The phytochemical analysis of MECb was performed through HPLC analysis showing that the alkaloid Condaline-A is the main constituent. The intragastric administration of MECb (100-300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the nociception caused by acetic acid (48 ± 2%), inflammatory phase (49 ± 3%) and paw edema (32 ± 6) caused by formalin, and MECb (100mg/kg, i.g.) also inhibited nociception caused by glutamate (41 ± 7%). In addition, MECb (100-300 mg/kg, i.g.) increased the paw withdrawal latency in hot-plate test, without affecting the locomotor activity and exploratory behavior in open field test. Finally, the antinociceptive effects of MECb (100mg/kg, i.g.) were significantly reversed by naloxone (1mg/kg, i.p.) in the formalin test. CONCLUSION: These data show, for the first time, that MECb has significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, which appear to be related to the inhibition of the glutamatergic system and the activation of opioid mechanism, besides present central effects. These results support the use of Condalia buxifolia in traditional medicine and demonstrate that this plant has therapeutic potential for the development of phytomedicines with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.


Subject(s)
Analgesics/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Edema/drug therapy , Pain/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Rhamnaceae , Acetic Acid , Animals , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Edema/chemically induced , Female , Formaldehyde , Glutamic Acid , Hot Temperature , Medicine, Traditional , Mice , Motor Activity/drug effects , Naloxone/pharmacology , Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology , Pain/chemically induced , Phytotherapy , Plant Roots
15.
Eur J Med Chem ; 81: 253-66, 2014 Jun 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24852274

ABSTRACT

A novel series of symmetrically substituted 3,3-dibenzyl-4-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-ones was synthesized and tested as antimicrobials. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the most active heterocycles were slightly higher than those exhibited by levofloxacin, employed as comparator. Structural factors affecting the activity were explored along three diversification points, including the substituents of the aromatic rings of the 3-benzyl moieties, as well as the functionalization of both, the homocyclic ring of the heterocycle and the quinolonic nitrogen atom. 6-Chloro and 3,3-bis(4'-chlorobenzyl) derivatives showed the lower MIC values. Optimally substituted heterocycles were synthesized, which exhibited enhanced activity.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Quinolines/chemistry , Quinolones/chemistry , Quinolones/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Gram-Negative Bacteria/cytology , Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects , Gram-Negative Bacteria/growth & development , Gram-Positive Bacteria/cytology , Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects , Gram-Positive Bacteria/growth & development , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Molecular Structure , Structure-Activity Relationship
16.
PLoS One ; 9(5): e97000, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24824737

ABSTRACT

Zanthoxylum rhoifolium (Rutaceae) is a plant alkaloid that grows in South America and has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of different health problems. The present study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the steam bark crude methanol extract, fractions, and pure alkaloids of Z. rhoifolium. Its stem bark extracts exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, ranging from 12.5 to 100 µg/mL using bioautography method, and from 125 to 500 µg/mL in the microdilution bioassay. From the dichloromethane basic fraction, three furoquinoline alkaloids (1-3), and nine benzophenanthridine alkaloids (4-12) were isolated and the antimicrobial activity of the benzophenanthridine alkaloids is discussed in terms of structure-activity relationships. The alkaloid with the widest spectrum of activity was chelerythrine (10), followed by avicine (12) and dihydrochelerythrine (4). The minimal inhibitory concentrations of chelerythrine, of 1.50 µg/mL for all bacteria tested, and between 3.12 and 6.25 µg/mL for the yeast tested, show this compound to be a more powerful antimicrobial agent when compared with the other active alkaloids isolated from Z. rhoifolium. To verify the potential importance of the methylenedioxy group (ring A) of these alkaloids, chelerythrine was selected to represent the remainder of the benzophenanthridine alkaloids isolated in this work and was subjected to a demethylation reaction giving derivative 14. Compared to chelerythrine, the derivative (14) was less active against the tested bacteria and fungi. Kinetic measurements of the bacteriolytic activities of chelerythrine against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) were determined by optical density based on real time assay, suggesting that its mechanism of action is not bacteriolytic. The present study did not detect hemolytic effects of chelerythrine on erythrocytes and found a protective effect considering the decrease in TBARS and AOPP (advanced oxidized protein products) levels when compared to the control group.


Subject(s)
Alkaloids/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Zanthoxylum , Structure-Activity Relationship
17.
Planta Med ; 79(16): 1531-5, 2013 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24085498

ABSTRACT

A screening of the natural product chlorogenic acid, isolated from the Brazilian medicinal plant Hypericum brasiliense, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, and p-methoxycinnamic acid, and derivatives of caffeoylquinic, caffeoyl, and cinnamoyl against the enzymes prolyl oligopeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV was carried out. Caffeoylquinic, caffeoyl, and cinnamoyl derivatives were prepared using simple derivatization procedures and through coupling reactions with the amino acid proline. The dipeptidyl peptidase IV assay showed inhibitory activity of the tested compounds at a high concentration (500 µM) in the range of 81.5-7.2 %. In contrast, the derivatives methyl ester and 1,7-acetonide obtained from chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid and its methyl ester derivative showed selectivity and activity as prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitors, with IC50 values of 3 to 14 mM.


Subject(s)
Caffeic Acids/chemistry , Cinnamates/chemistry , Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/chemistry , Serine Endopeptidases/chemistry , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Caffeic Acids/isolation & purification , Cinnamates/isolation & purification , Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/isolation & purification , Mass Spectrometry , Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular , Optical Rotation , Prolyl Oligopeptidases
18.
J Nat Prod ; 76(7): 1343-50, 2013 Jul 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23819826

ABSTRACT

The stereochemistry of discarines C (1) and D (2) and myrianthine A (3), three cyclopeptide alkaloids isolated from Discaria febrifuga, was determined by a combination of NMR studies of 1-3, enantioselective gas chromatography, and comparison of NMR data with those of synthetic tripeptides. For the synthesis of peptides, the nonproteinogenic amino acid 3-phenylserine was also obtained in its four diastereoisomeric forms (l and d threo, obtained by recrystallization of the diastereoisomeric tripeptide, and l and d erythro, obtained by a Mitsunobu reaction with the threo-tripeptides). The general synthetic strategy described in this paper allows the tripeptide to be obtained with the free N-terminal extremity protected or dimethylated. This strategy also allows the synthesis of the corresponding peptide with an imidazolidinone ring.


Subject(s)
Alkaloids/isolation & purification , Peptides, Cyclic/isolation & purification , Rhamnaceae/chemistry , Alkaloids/chemistry , Brazil , Chromatography, Gas , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Molecular Structure , Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular , Peptides, Cyclic/chemical synthesis , Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry , Plant Bark/chemistry , Plant Roots/chemistry , Serine/analogs & derivatives , Stereoisomerism
19.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 148(2): 486-91, 2013 Jul 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23684720

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Schinus lentiscifolius Marchand (syn. Schinus weinmannifolius Engl) is a plant native to Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil) and has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine as antiseptic and antimicrobial for the treatment of many different health problems as well as to treat leucorrhea and to assist in ulcer and wound healing. Although it is a plant widely used by the population, there are no studies proving this popular use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The crude aqueous extract, the crude neutral methanol extract, fractions prepared from this extract (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol), pure compounds isolated from these fractions, and derivatives were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against five Gram positive bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus pyogenes, three Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella sonnei, and four yeasts: Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The isolated compound moronic acid, which is the most active, was tested against a range of other bacteria such as two Gram positive bacteria, namely, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus spp, and six Gram negative bacteria, namely, Burkholderia cepacia, Providencia stuartii, Morganella morganii, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Proteus mirabilis. RESULTS: The leaf aqueous extract (decoction) of Schinus lentiscifolius showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, ranging from 125 to 250 µg/ml (MIC) against the tested bacteria and fungi. The n-hexane extract, despite being very little active against bacteria, showed an excellent antifungal activity, especially against Candida albicans (MIC=25 µg/ml), Candida tropicalis (MIC=15.5 µg/ml), and Cryptococcus neoformans, (MIC=15.5 µg/ml). From the acetate fraction (the most active against bacteria), compounds 1-6 were isolated: nonadecanol (1), moronic acid (2), gallic acid methyl ester (3), gallic acid (4), quercetin (5) and quercitrin (6). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of moronic acid between 1.5 and 3 µg/ml against most of the tested bacteria shows that it is one of the metabolites responsible for the antibacterial activity of Schinus lentiscifolius. CONCLUSION: The antimicrobial activity and some constituents of Schinus lentiscifolius are reported for the first time. The results of the present study provide scientific basis for the popular use of Schinus lentiscifolius for a number of different health problems.


Subject(s)
Anacardiaceae/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects , Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects , Medicine, Traditional/methods , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Yeasts/drug effects
20.
J Nat Prod ; 75(6): 1220-2, 2012 Jun 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22680778

ABSTRACT

The absolute configuration of franganine (1), a cyclopeptide alkaloid isolated from the methanol root bark extract of Discaria americana, was established on the basis of detailed NMR spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction analysis of its salt (2).


Subject(s)
Alkaloids/chemistry , Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry , Brazil , Crystallography, X-Ray , Molecular Conformation , Molecular Structure , Plant Bark/chemistry , Rhamnaceae/chemistry , Salts
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