Antiprotozoal Isoprenoids from Salvia hydrangea

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Salvia species are a rich source of bioactive isoprenoids.
• Investigating novel compounds from Salvia hydrangea for potential therapeutic properties is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new isoprenoids from Salvia hydrangea.
• To evaluate the antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities of these compounds.

Main Methods:

• n-Hexane extract fractionation using comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses (NMR, HRMS).
• Absolute configuration determination via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy.
• Antiprotozoal activity assays against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani, and Plasmodium falciparum, alongside cytotoxicity assessment.

Main Results:

• Seven isoprenoids were isolated, including six novel compounds and salvadione A.
• The structures and absolute configurations of all compounds were elucidated.
• Perovskone C demonstrated potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum (IC50 0.6 μM) with a high selectivity index (62.2).

Conclusions:

• New isoprenoids from Salvia hydrangea were successfully identified and characterized.
• Perovskone C exhibits promising antimalarial potential, warranting further investigation.
• The study contributes to understanding the chemical diversity and bioactivity of Salvia natural products.