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Antimicrobial compounds from Ceanothus americanus against oral pathogens
1Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Phytochemistry
|September 1, 1997
Summary
Methanol extract of Ceanothus americanus showed antimicrobial activity. Two new compounds, ceanothetric acid and maesopsin-6-O-glucoside, along with ceanothic acid, inhibited oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Higher plants are a rich source of novel antimicrobial compounds.
- Oral pathogens pose significant challenges in dental health.
- Ceanothus americanus is explored for its medicinal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify antimicrobial compounds from Ceanothus americanus extract.
- To evaluate the efficacy of isolated compounds against specific oral pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Methanol extraction of Ceanothus americanus.
- Bioassay-guided fractionation and purification techniques.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination against oral bacteria.
Main Results:
- Three triterpenes (ceanothic acid, 27-hydroxy ceanothic acid, ceanothetric acid) and two flavonoids (maesopsin, maesopsin-6-O-glucoside) were identified.
- Ceanothetric acid and maesopsin-6-O-glucoside were novel compounds.
- Ceanothic acid and ceanothetric acid exhibited significant growth inhibition against Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia (MICs 42-625 µg/mL).
- Maesopsin, its glucoside, and 27-hydroxy ceanothic acid showed inactivity below 500 µg/mL.
Conclusions:
- Ceanothus americanus yields potent antimicrobial triterpenes effective against key oral pathogens.
- Ceanothetric acid and ceanothic acid represent promising leads for developing new oral antimicrobial agents.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of these compounds.