Study of chemical constituents, antioxidants and antimicrobial activities of Tamarindus indica L. seed.

The fruits of Tamarindus indica L. are consumed worldwide, with various parts of the plant being used for medicinal purposes. The residues (pericarp and seeds) generated during cellulose processing are of significant value as they contain bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction as possible substitutes for synthetic compounds with biological properties using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) analysis and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid [ABTS], and 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and tamarind seed fractions were also performed. The chemical investigation of the acetate fraction using UHPLC-HRMS/MS resulted in the putative identification of 14 compounds, including flavonoids, (+)-catechin/(-)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, procyanidin C2, isoquercetin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, taxifolin, eriodictyol, kaempferide, hydroxybenzoic acid, protocathecuic acid, and protocathecuic acid methyl and ethyl esters derivatives. The crude hydroalcoholic extract exhibited the best results in terms of TPC: 883.87 gallic acid equivalent (GAE; mg/g) and antioxidant activity: FRAP: 183.29 GAE (mg/g), ABTS: 39.67%, and DPPH: 91.08%. The extract exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; 62.5/125 g/mL) and Bacillus cereus MIC/MBC (125/250 g/mL), and gram-negative bacteria, specifically Aeromonas hydrophila MIC/MBC (125/250 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MIC/MBC (250/500 g/mL). Morphological damage to cells was observed using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Tamarind seeds contain unique bioactive compounds that should be explored for their use as novel food preservatives. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Original data were obtained regarding the Tamarindus indica L. seed extract and the ethyl acetate and hexane fractions. This research aimed to investigate the potential of these for food preservation and as alternatives to additives and synthetic compounds added to cattle feed. This paper reports novel findings regarding the chemical composition of the extract and its antioxidant activity, along with its antimicrobial activity against bacteria (gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and gram-negative: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila) and yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

The chemistry of Vernonanthura nudiflora (Less.) H. Rob. flowers and its antimicrobial activities.

Twenty-one known specialised metabolites were isolated from the flowers of Vernonanthura nudiflora (Less.) H. Rob., the structures of the compounds were established based on 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopic experiments. Others 28 compounds were putatively identified using the dereplication technique by UHPLC-HRMS/MS. Twenty-three of the compounds are being reported for the first time in this species. The mixture of sesquiterpene lactones piptocarphins A and B (17 + 18), and the flavone velutin (14) were tested against several microorganisms and showed promising activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC of 15.6 µg/mL and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, 17 + 18 showed greater cytotoxicity against VERO cells (IC50 = 7.0 ± 1.73) compared to compound 14 (IC50 85.0 ± 10.6 µg/mL). These findings reveal the feasibility of using the UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS-based dereplication strategy in complex fractions to identify specialised metabolites, moreover to V. nudiflora flowers being a source of compounds with antimycobacterial potential.

Three new diterpenoids from the leaves of Salvia lachnostachys.

Three new diterpenoids, demethylfruticuline B (1), 20-hydroxyfruticuline B (2), and 6-hydroxyisofruticuline A (3) were isolated from the leaves of Salvia lachnostachys Benth, together with five known compounds: fruticuline B (4), fruticuline A (5), demethylfruticuline A (6), heterobetulinic acid (7), and maslinic acid (8). The known compounds 7-8 are being reported for the first time in this species. Compounds 1 and 4-6 were tested for antioxidant activity using the ORAC-FL method, and the antioxidant capacity was measured as relative trolox equivalent. All compounds were active, with values of relative trolox equivalent varying between 1.20-2.42. The most active compound was demethylfruticuline B (1).

Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi: Microscopy, chemical composition and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase potential.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi (synonym Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg.) leaves are used in the popular treatments of inflammation and pain; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating their activity as the methanolic extract of P. tomentosa. AIM OF STUDY: This study was undertaken to investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the chemical composition and concentrations of constituents of the methanolic extract of P. tomentosa leaves (MEPT). The study also analyzes the micromorphology and histochemistry of leaves of P. tomentosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEPT was analysed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and condensed tannin were determined. The micromorphology and histochemistry of leaves were performed using standard reagents, light and field emission scanning electron microscopy, beyond energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated for DPPH, ß-carotene and MDA. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEPT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was assayed in carrageenan-induced models of paw oedema, mechanical hyperalgesia (Von Frey), cold allodynia (acetone) and pleurisy in mice. The anti-nociceptive potential of MEPT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated by the formalin method in mice. The anti-acetylcholinesterase properties were evaluated in vivo in four rat brain structures. RESULTS: The total ion chromatogram of MEPT demonstrated two alkaloids, one coumarin, one iridoid and two terpene derivatives. The highest phenol, flavonoid, flavonol and condensed tannin concentrations were found in the extract. A comprehensive explanation of the leaf micromorphology and histochemistry was presented. MEPT was significantly inhibited by the DPPH, ß-carotene and MDA models. MEPT (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) reduced the inflammation and hyperalgesic parameters in a carrageenan model and reduced formalin-induced nociception in both phases, which were cold sensitivity and oedema formation. The oral administration of 30 and 100 mg/kg MEPT significantly inhibited AChE activity in the frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: This is the first chemical and biological study performed with a P. tomentosa methanolic extract and anatomical and histochemical analysis. The present study showed that MEPT inhibited pain and inflammatory parameters contributing, at least in part, to explain the popular use of this plant as analgesic natural agent. Also, anatomical and histochemistry of leaves described in the present study provide microscopical information, which aids species identification.

Secondary metabolites of Curvularia sp. G6-32, an endophyte of Sapindus saponaria, with antioxidant and anticholinesterasic properties.

In the present study, the biological activity of an extract of the secondary metabolites (E-G6-32) produced by the Curvularia sp. G6-32 endophyte (isolated from the medicinal plant Sapindus saponaria L.) was investigated. The antioxidant potential was confirmed by the DPPH (22.5%) and ABTS (62.7%) assays, and the total phenolic compound content was 40 µg gallic acid equivalents/mg. The extract E-G6-32 displayed good inhibitory activity toward butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE; IC50 = 110 ± 0.05 µg mL-1). The extract E-G6-32 was subjected to spectroscopic and mass spectrometry analyses. Comparison with the literature data confirmed that (-)-asperpentyn (1) was a major component. Asperpentyn belongs to the epoxyquinone family, which has attractive structural complexity, diverse functional groups, and a broad range of biological activities, including specific enzyme inhibitory activity. Our results suggest that Curvularia sp. G6-32 is a promising source of bioactive secondary metabolites and contains (-)-asperpentyn, which has potential pharmaceutical interest.[Figure: see text].

Screening of six medicinal plant species for antileishmanial activity.

This study is aimed to investigate the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of ethanolic, aqueous or dichloromethane extracts of leaves, flowers, fruits or roots, of six medicinal plant species, namely, Nectandra megapotamica, Brunfelsia uniflora, Myrcianthes pungens, Anona muricata, Hymenaea stigonocarpa and Piper corcovandesis. After isolation and analysis of chemical components by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS), the extracts were also tested for toxicity in J774.A1 macrophages and human erythrocytes. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, acetogenins, alkaloids and lignans were identified in these extracts. Grow inhibition of promastigotes forms of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis and the cytotoxicity in J774.A1 macrophages were estimated by the XTT method. The most promising results for L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis were shown by the ethanolic extract of the fruits of Hymenaea stigonocarpa and dichloromethane extract of the roots of Piper corcovadensis, with IC 50 of 160 and 150 µg mL-1, resp. Ethanolic extracts of A. muricata (leaf), B. uniflora (flower and leaf), M. pungens (fruit and leaf), N. megapotamica (leaf), and aqueous extract of H. stigonocarpa (fruit) showed IC 50 > 170 µg mL-1 for L. amazonensis and > 200 µg mL-1 for L. braziliensis. The extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity towards J774.A1 macrophages with CC 50 > 1000 µg mL-1 and hemolytic activity from 0 to 46.1 %.

Chemical Characterization and Phytotoxic Effects of the Aerial Parts of Ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis).

Studies of the phytotoxic effects between plants can be a crucial tool in the discovery of innovative compounds with herbicide potential. In this sense, we can highlight ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis), which is traditionally used in the crop rotation system in order to reduce weed emergence. The aim of this work was to characterize the secondary metabolites of ruzigrass and to evaluate its phytotoxic effects. In total, eight compounds were isolated: friedelin, oleanolic acid, α-amyrin, 1-dehydrodiosgenone, sitosterol and stigmasterol glycosides, tricin and p-coumaric acid. Phytotoxic effects of the crude methanolic extract and fractions of ruzigrass were assessed using germination rate, initial seedling growth, and biomass of Bidens pilosa, Euphorbia heterophylla and Ipomoea grandifolia. Chemometric analysis discriminated the weed species into three groups, and B. pilosa was the most affected by fractions of ruzigrass. The phytotoxic activities of 1-dehydrodiosgenone, tricin, and p-coumaric acid are also reported, and p-coumaric acid and 1-dehydrodiosgenone were active against B. pilosa.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Methanolic Extract and an Alkaloid from Palicourea crocea (Sw.) Roem and Schult.

Palicourea crocea (Sw.) Roem. and Schult., "douradinha," are used by treat inflammation (edema). Croceaine A (PC-1) was isolated from P. crocea (MEPC) leaves and studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as concentrations of constituents and acute toxicity. The phenols and polyphenolics compounds and HPLC/DAD were determined. The antioxidant activity were evaluated for DPPH, ABTS, and MDA. MEPC (300, 100, and 300 mg/kg) and PC-1 (10 and 30 mg/kg) were tested for anti-inflammatory effects in paw edema, pleurisy, cold sensitivity, and mechanical hyperalgesia. Acute toxicity is also described. MEPC contained high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds (≤ 800.35 mg/g), as well as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and quercetin, revealed by HPLC-DAD analysis. MEPC displayed antioxidant activity against ABTS radicals (IC50 = 68.5 µg/mL) and MDA (74%). MEPC and alkaloid PC-1 demonstrated an anti-edematogenic effect in Cg-induced paw edema in 2 and 4 h, and also significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, cold response to acetone in mice, at 3 and 4 h after injection, as well as leukocyte migrationin the pleurisy model. No toxicity was detected by MEPC. For the first time, P. crocea was evaluated for its antioxidant, systemic anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperalgesic activities.

Anti-inflammatory action of an alkaloid, fraction and extract from Alchornea glandulosa in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alchornea glandulosa (Euphorbiaceae) has traditionally been used in medicine for treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. AIM OF STUDY: This work aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a methanolic extract of leaves from A. glandulosa (MEAG), as well as the ethyl acetate fraction (EAFAG) and isolated compound guanidine alkaloid N-1, N-2, N-3-triisopentenylguanidine (AG-1), in experimental in vivo models of inflammation in mice. We also investigated this extract's phenols, flavonoids and flavonol compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEAG (extracted by maceration with methanol), EAFAG (fraction resulting from the partition of the methanolic extract with ethyl acetate) and AG-1 (alkaloid isolated by chromatographic methods) were analysed. MEAG and EAFAG were analysed by HPLC/DAD. The effects of MEAG (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg), EAFAG (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) and AG-1 (5 and 30 mg/kg) were studied in the following experimental mouse models: paw oedema and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, croton-oil-induced ear oedema, leukocyte migration in a pleurisy model induced by carrageenan and zymosan induction of joint inflammation. RESULTS: MEAG and EAFAG were analysed by LC/DAD, and phenolic acids (gallic acid and caffeic acid) and flavonoids (myricetin-3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin) were detected. MEAG, EAFAG and AG-1 were used in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model and showed maximum inhibitions of 60.10% (MEAG, 2 h, 300 mg/kg) and 66.21% (EAFAG, 2 h, 300 mg/kg). AG-1 at 5 mg/kg showed significant inhibition, ranging from 60.92% to 63.13%, at all evaluated times, and the 30 mg/kg dose showed inhibition of 42.12% (1 h) and 40.36% (2 h). MEAG (37%, 46.1% and 68.11%) and EAFAG (31%, 42.21% and 48.93%), at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg, respectively, significantly reduced the increase in MPO activity, and AG-1 (5 and 30 mg/kg) showed inhibition of 64.62% and 65.12%, respectively. In the pleurisy model, MEAG (300 mg/kg), EAFAG (300 mg/kg) and AG-1 (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the migration of total leukocytes with maximal inhibition of 80.90%, 83.17% and 89.39%, respectively. In the croton oil model, pretreatment with MEAG (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/ear) increased the diameter of the right ear (30.32%, 48.87% and 53.09%, respectively). Finally, MEAG (100 and 300 mg/kg; 33.11% and 56.03%) and EAFAG (100 and 300 mg/kg; 36.89% and 50.53%) reduced zymosan-induced oedema formation. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, these results are the first to demonstrate that A. glandulosa exhibits oral and topical anti-inflammatory activity. This study detected alkaloid and phenol/polyphenolic compounds in A. glandulosa, which may help to explain the ethnobotanical use of this plant in traditional medicine in Brazil to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Curvulin and spirostaphylotrichins R and U from extracts produced by two endophytic Bipolaris sp. associated to aquatic macrophytes with antileishmanial activity.

In the present study, biological activity and chemical composition of two crude extracts of endophytic fungal strains of Bipolaris genera isolated from two species of aquatic macrophytes: Eichhornia azurea (Kunth) and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) were investigated. The nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data provided the identification of three main compounds: curvulin (1), spirostaphylotrichin R (2) and U (3). The fragmentation mechanism of the precursor ions towards collision induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry experiment (MS/MS) is also proposed. Furthermore, biological screening of the crude extracts displayed antileishmanial activity with IC50 values ranging from 70-84.2 µg.mL-1.

Pediculicidal treatment using ethanol and Melia azedarach L.

Pediculosis is an infestation of the scalp caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, known as lice, which affects thousands of people throughout the world. Disease control is achieved by topical insecticides, whose indiscriminate use has led to the emergence of resistant populations of lice. Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) is an Asian tree that is found in Brazil, where it is popularly known as cinnamon or santa-bárbara. This study aimed to evaluate a pediculicidal treatment, made from a hydroethanolic extract of M. azedarach, and to study the effect of extraction solvents (ethanol and water) on insect mortality. The chemical composition of crude extract was studied by gas chromatography, identifying 32 methyl esters of fatty acids, with esters of heneicosanoic, palmitic, and arachidic acids present in greatest abundance. The (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra suggested the presence of flavonoids and terpenes. Quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1) and quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the extract. The bioassay of pediculicidal activity shows that the M. azedarach extract had a pediculicidal activity, inducing the death of all lice faster than 1% permethrin, a topical insecticide commonly used to control lice.

The Effects of N-Butyl-1-(4-dimethylamino)phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- ß -carboline-3-carboxamide against Leishmania amazonensis Are Mediated by Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Leishmaniasis is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The drugs that are available for the treatment of this infection exhibit high toxicity and various side effects. Several studies have focused on the development of new chemotherapeutic agents that are less toxic and more effective against trypanosomatids. We investigated the effects of N-butyl-1-(4-dimethylamino)phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline-3-carboxamide (C4) and its possible targets against L. amazonensis. The results showed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, the loss of cell membrane integrity, and an increase in the formation of mitochondrial superoxide anions in L. amazonensis treated with C4. Our results indicate that C4 is a selective antileishmanial agent, and its effects appear to be mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Healing effect of the ointment made of Equisetum pyramidale in the treatment of cutaneous lesions in diabetic rats

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and repair effects of the ethanolic extract and ointment of Equisetum pyramidale on the skin lesions of rats induced to diabetes. After the induction of diabetes with alloxan, a surgical procedure was performed on the back of each rat. Then, they were separated into treatment groups: G1 ethanol extract of E. pyramidale; G2-ointment (extract of E. pyramidale 80g + 20g of vaseline:lanolin 1:1); G3 control (vehicle vaseline:lanolin 1:1); and G4-no treatment during 3, 7 and 14 days. The samples were embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histological analysis. The findings showed that the use of ethanolic extract as well as the ointment decreased the inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation, resulting a faster healing, with less crusting and lower amount of secretion in comparison to the control group. Therapy with topical herbal was an effective method in the inflammatory process of tissue repair, contributing to a faster and more organized tissue re-epithelialization.

Resveratrol-derived stilbenoids and biological activity evaluation of seed extracts of Cenchrus echinatus L.

A phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate fractions from the partition of seeds and roots methanol extracts of Cenchrus echinatus L. led to the isolation of three resveratrol-derived stilbenoids: pallidol (1), carasiphenol C (2) and nepalensinol B (3). The results of a topic anti-inflammatory evaluation, DPPH assay and antiproliferative activity against adenocarcinoma cells (Caco 2) are described.

Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory, molluscicidal and free-radical scavenging activities of the leaves of Ficus radicans 'Variegata' (Moraceae).

The methanol crude extract of the leaves of Ficus radicans Roxb. 'Variegata' (Moraceae) and the n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol fractions resulting from its fractionation were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, molluscicidal and free-radical scavenging activities. The crude extract and fractions exhibited significant inhibition of inflammation in both croton oil (CO)-induced ear oedema in mice (p<0.001) and carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema models (p<0.01). The molluscicidal assay against Biomphalaria glabrata showed a weak activity for the n-hexane fraction (DL(50)= 400 µg mL(-1)). A moderated 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity was observed for the ethyl acetate fraction (IC(50)= 66.2 µg mL(-1)). Fractionation of the extracts through chromatographic methods afforded the coumarins 7-methoxycoumarin, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin and methoxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin, the steroids ß-sitosterol and ß-sitosterol 3-O-ß-glucopyranoside, as well as a cinnamic acid derivative and a flavonoid identified as trans-4-methoxy-2-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy cinnamic acid and quercetin 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, respectively. The compounds were identified on the basis of their NMR spectral data and comparison with those previously reported in the literature.

Potencial alelopático de Tropaeolum majus L. na germinação e crescimento inicial de plântulas de picão-preto / Allelophaty potential of Tropaeolum majus L on picão-preto seeds germination and initial seedling growth

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o potencial alelopático de extratos metanólicos de folhas, flores e raízes de capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus L.) sobre a germinação de sementes e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de picão-preto. O extrato metanólico com melhor potencial de inibição foi submetido a particionamento, resultando nas frações hexânica, clorofórmica, acetato de etila e hidrometanólica e posterior caracterização pelo espectro de absorção na região do infravermelho (IV). O efeito alelopático foi avaliado sobre as sementes de picão-preto, as quais foram distribuídas sobre papel germitest umedecido com 2mL dos extratos e mantidas em germinador do tipo B.O.D. regulado a temperatura de 25°C e luz branca constante, sendo que as sementes imersas diretamente em água constituíram o tratamento controle. A avaliação da qualidade da semente foi realizada pelos testes de germinação e vigor (primeira contagem e comprimento de raiz primária e de hipocótilo das plântulas), em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. O potencial alelopático das folhas de capuchinha foi maior em relação às demais partes da planta sobre a germinação das sementes, comprimento de hipocótilo e de raiz das plântulas de picão-preto. Estes efeitos podem estar associados à presença de grupos químicos polares, pois à medida que se aumentou a polaridade dos solventes detectou-se maior efeito inibitório sobre a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de picão-preto.

This research aimed to evaluate the metanolic extracts allelopathic potential from leaves, flowers and roots of capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus L.) on picão-preto seeds germination and initial seedling growth. The best inhibitor metanolic extract was fractioned, in hexanic, cloroformic, etil acetate and hidrometanolic fractions and it was characterized through absorption spectrum using mid-infrared. To evaluate the allelopathic effect of metanolic extracts and the fractions aftereffect; it was used picão-preto seeds distributed on 2ml extracts moistured paper maintained in B.O.D. germinator at 25°C and white constant light. Seeds sowed directly in water moistured germitest paper constituted the control. The allelopathic potential extracts were evaluated through the first count, final germination percentage, seedlings primary root and hypocotyl length (cm). The experiment was carried out DIC with three replications of 25 seeds. The capuchinha leaves showed allelopathic potential on picão-preto seeds germination, hypocotyl and seedlings primary root length. It was suggested that such effects are associated to the presence of polar chemical groups because the increase in the solvents polarity detected the major picão-preto germination and seedlings growth inhibition effect.

Monoterpene indole alkaloids from Palicourea crocea.

Two new monoterpene indole alkaloids, named croceaines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the leaves of Palicourea crocea. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods.

In vitro antibacterial activity of a 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-nutanocoumarin from Chaptalia nutans (Asteraceae).

Ethanolic crude extracts from the roots of Chaptalia nutans, traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine, were screened against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using the disk diffusion test technique. S. aureus with 14 mm inhibition zone was considered susceptible. E. coli and P. aeruginosa without such a zone were considered resistant. As a result of this finding, the ethanolic crude extract was fractionated on silica gel column chromatography into five fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was active against S. aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Further column chromatography separation of the ethyl acetate fraction afforded 30 fractions, which were assayed against S. aureus. Fractions 16 and 17 showed inhibition zones with S. aureus, indicating the presence of active compounds, and were subjected to purification by repeated preparative thin layer chromatography. The pure compound 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-nutanocoumarin inhibited B. subtilis and S. aureus at concentrations of 62.5 g/ml and 125 g/ml, respectively. The antibacterial property of C. nutans appears to have justified its use for the treatment of wounds, which are contaminated through bacterial infections.

In vitro antibacterial activity of a 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-nutanocoumarin from Chaptalia nutans (Asteraceae)

Ethanolic crude extracts from the roots of Chaptalia nutans, traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine, were screened against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using the disk diffusion test technique. S. aureus with 14 mm inhibition zone was considered susceptible. E. coli and P. aeruginosa without such a zone were considered resistant. As a result of this finding, the ethanolic crude extract was fractionated on silica gel column chromatography into five fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was active against S. aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Further column chromatography separation of the ethyl acetate fraction afforded 30 fractions, which were assayed against S. aureus. Fractions 16 and 17 showed inhibition zones with S. aureus, indicating the presence of active compounds, and were subjected to purification by repeated preparative thin layer chromatography. The pure compound 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-nutanocoumarin inhibited B. subtilis and S. aureus at concentrations of 62.5 æg/ml and 125 æg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial property of C. nutans appears to have justified its use for the treatment of wounds, which are contaminated through bacterial infections