Antifungal dimeric chalcone derivative kamalachalcone E from Mallotus philippinensis

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Mycology

Background:

• Mallotus philippinensis (Kamala) is a plant source of bioactive compounds.
• Chalcones are a class of flavonoids with diverse biological activities.
• Human pathogenic fungi and cancer cell lines are significant health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new compounds from Mallotus philippinensis.
• To evaluate the antifungal and antiproliferative activities of isolated compounds.

Main Methods:

• Acetone extraction of Mallotus philippinensis fruits.
• Isolation and structural elucidation of compounds using NMR spectroscopy (HSQC, HMBC, COSY, ROESY).
• Antifungal assays against human pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi.
• Antiproliferative assays against Thp-1 cell lines.

Main Results:

• One new dimeric chalcone (1) and three known compounds (2-4) were isolated.
• Compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
• Compound 4 exhibited antiproliferative activity against Thp-1 cell lines.

Conclusions:

• Mallotus philippinensis is a valuable source of bioactive chalcones.
• The isolated compounds, particularly the new dimeric chalcone, show promise as antifungal and antiproliferative agents.
• Further research is warranted to explore their therapeutic potential.