Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Peperomia obtusifolia

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Peperomia obtusifolia is an ornamental plant from Middle America.
• It is traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new compounds from Peperomia obtusifolia leaves.
• To evaluate the biological activities of isolated compounds.

Main Methods:

• Chemical investigation using NMR and HREIMS techniques.
• Anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiproliferative assays were performed.
• Biological activity was tested against Caenorhabditis elegans, Botrytis cinerea, Septoria tritici, Phytophthora infestans, Bacillus subtilis, Aliivibrio fischeri, PC-3, and HT-29 cell lines.

Main Results:

• Two new compounds, peperomic ester (1) and peperoside (2), were identified, along with five known compounds.
• Peperobtusin A (5) exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against PC-3 cancer cells (IC50 = 25.6 µM).
• Peperobtusin A (5) demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (90% inhibition).
• Compound 3 showed anti-oomycotic activity against Phytophthora infestans (56% inhibition).

Conclusions:

• Peperomia obtusifolia is a source of novel bioactive compounds.
• Peperobtusin A and compound 3 possess significant anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-oomycotic properties.
• Further research into these compounds may lead to new therapeutic agents.