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Antimicrobial alkaloids from Zanthoxylum tetraspermum and caudatum
A P Nissanka1, V Karunaratne, B M Bandara
1Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Phytochemistry
|April 28, 2001
Summary
This study isolated benzophenanthrene alkaloids from Zanthoxylum species, revealing significant antibacterial, antifungal, spermicidal, and insecticidal activities for various compounds, including 8-acetonyldihydronitidine and savinin.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Zanthoxylum species are known sources of bioactive compounds.
- Traditional medicine often utilizes Zanthoxylum for various ailments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify chemical constituents from Zanthoxylum tetraspermum and Zanthoxylum caudatum.
- To evaluate the pharmacological activities of the isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical analysis involving isolation and structural elucidation of compounds.
- In vitro assays to determine antibacterial, antifungal, spermicidal, and insecticidal activities.
Main Results:
- Isolated benzophenanthrene alkaloids 8-acetonyldihydronitidine and 8-acetonyldihydroavicine from Z. tetraspermum.
- Identified liriodenine, sesamin, lichexanthone, and (+)-piperitol-gamma,gamma-dimethylallylether from Z. tetraspermum.
- Found sesamin, savinin, liriodenine, decarine, and 8-O-desmethyl-N-nornitidine in Z. caudatum.
- 8-Acetonyldihydronitidine and 8-acetonyldihydroavicine demonstrated significant antibacterial activity.
- 8-Acetonyldihydronitidine and liriodenine exhibited potent antifungal properties.
- Savinin showed strong spermicidal activity.
- Savinin and sesamin displayed significant insecticidal activity.
Conclusions:
- Zanthoxylum species are rich in diverse benzophenanthrene alkaloids with notable bioactivities.
- The isolated compounds, particularly 8-acetonyldihydronitidine, 8-acetonyldihydroavicine, liriodenine, and savinin, hold potential for therapeutic and pest control applications.
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