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New and bioactive aromatic compounds from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides
Emerson F Queiroz1, Anne-Emmanuelle Hay, Fatima Chaaib
1Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et Phytochimie, Ecole de Pharmacie Genève-Lausanne, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Planta Medica
|June 20, 2006
Summary
Researchers investigated the root bark of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, a plant used traditionally in West Africa. They isolated a new peroxide derivative with potential biological activity using advanced chromatographic techniques.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- The root bark of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Rutaceae) is traditionally used as a toothbrush in West Africa.
- Medicinal plants are a valuable source of novel bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a phytochemical investigation of the root bark of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides.
- To isolate and identify biologically active compounds, particularly acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Methanolic (MeOH) extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides root bark was prepared.
- Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) was employed for the separation of compounds.
- Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautographic assays were used for monitoring activity.
- Liquid Chromatography/Ultraviolet/Mass Spectrometry (LC/UV/MS) was used for on-line identification.
- Spectroscopic methods (UV, NMR, MS, HR-MS) were used for structure elucidation.
Main Results:
- A new peroxide derivative was isolated from the MeOH extract.
- Several known biologically active compounds were identified.
- The structures of the isolated compounds were successfully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- The phytochemical investigation of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides yielded a novel peroxide derivative.
- This study highlights the potential of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides as a source of bioactive natural products.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pharmacological properties of the isolated compounds.