A new phthalide derivative from Peperomia nivalis

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Peperomia nivalis is a plant species with potential medicinal properties.
• Phthalides are a class of organic compounds found in various plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new compounds from Peperomia nivalis.
• To evaluate the biological activities of isolated compounds against pathogenic microbes.

Main Methods:

• Phytochemical investigation of Peperomia nivalis aerial parts.
• Structure elucidation using 1D/2D NMR and HRMS.
• Antimicrobial assays against Helicobacter pylori and Plasmodium falciparum.

Main Results:

• One new phthalide (1) and two known compounds (2, 3) were isolated.
• Compound 1 demonstrated moderate activity against H. pylori (MIC 47.5 μM) and P. falciparum (IC50 8.5 μM).
• Compounds 2 and 3 showed weak anti-H. pylori activity and were inactive against P. falciparum.

Conclusions:

• Peperomia nivalis is a source of bioactive phthalides.
• Compound 1 exhibits promising antimicrobial potential against H. pylori and P. falciparum.
• Further research into phthalides from this species is warranted.