Antimicrobial activity of protoanemonin, a lactone from ranunculaceous plants
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Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids
Published on: May 4, 2018
Abstract:
Protoanemonin, a component of Ranunculus bulbosus, was tested as an antifungal agent on selected strains of dermatophytes and yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 7.5 X 10(-4) M and the minimum lethal concentrations from 3.8 X 10(-4) M to greater than 1.0 X 10(-3) M. The most sensitive dermatophyte tested was Epidermophyton floccosum, and the most sensitive yeast Rhodotorula glutinis. The effects of different culture media and of light on the sensitivity of Rhodotorula glutinis to protoanemonin were also tested. Structural analogies between protoanemonin and other cytotoxic unsaturated lactones, and the reversal by the amino acid cysteine of the antifungal action suggest a possible mechanism of action.
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