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A bioactive sesquiterpene from Bixa orellana
Dennis D Raga1, Rafael A Espiritu, Chien-Chang Shen
1Biology Department and Center for Natural Sciences and Ecological Research, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Journal of Natural Medicines
|October 1, 2010
Summary
Bixa orellana leaf extract yielded ishwarane 1, showing anti-toxic properties and enhanced gastrointestinal motility. Ishwarane 1 also demonstrated moderate antifungal and low antibacterial activities.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bixa orellana, a plant used in traditional medicine, contains various bioactive compounds.
- Isolation and characterization of these compounds are crucial for understanding their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify compounds from Bixa orellana leaf extract.
- To evaluate the pharmacological activities of the isolated ishwarane 1, including prophylactic, gastrointestinal, analgesic, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial effects.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical analysis using silica gel chromatography and extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.
- Pharmacological assays were conducted at various doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW) to assess different biological potentials.
Main Results:
- Ishwarane 1 was isolated and identified, along with phytol, polyprenol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol.
- Ishwarane 1 exhibited anti-toxic properties at 100 mg/kg BW and enhanced gastrointestinal motility at 50 mg/kg BW.
- Minimal analgesic activity was observed, with no hypoglycemic effects. Moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and low antibacterial activity against several bacteria were noted.
Conclusions:
- Bixa orellana leaf extract contains valuable compounds like ishwarane 1.
- Ishwarane 1 possesses promising anti-toxic and gastrointestinal prokinetic effects.
- Further research into ishwarane 1's antimicrobial and other pharmacological properties is warranted.
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