Shai LJ, McGaw LJ, Aderogba MA, Mdee LK, Eloff JN. Four pentacyclic triterpenoids with antifungal and antibacterial activity from Curtisia dentata (Burm.f) C.A. Sm. leaves.
J Ethnopharmacol 2008;
119:238-244. [PMID:
18662765 DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2008.06.036]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Revised: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Curtisia dentata is used in southern Africa to treat various diseases of bacterial and fungal origin in humans and animals to such a degree that the species is vulnerable and declining [Dold, A.R., Cocks, M.L., 2001. Traditional veterinary medicine in the Alice district of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Science 97, 375-379]. Preliminary studies indicated good activity against Candida albicans.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The phytochemistry and antimicrobial activity of this plant species has not been extensively investigated, and a closer examination of the compounds responsible for antimicrobial activity was warranted.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Broth microdilution assay and bioautography were used to evaluate antibacterial and antifungal activity in Curtisia dentata leaf extracts and fractions. Bioassay-directed fractionation using column chromatography yielded four compounds characterised by spectroscopic methods.
RESULTS
Lupeol (1), betulinic acid (2), ursolic acid (3) and 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid (4) were isolated from Curtisia dentata leaves. Betulinic acid, ursolic acid and 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid appreciably inhibited fungal growth with MIC values ranging from 8 to 63mug/mL.
CONCLUSIONS
The isolation of four antibacterial and antifungal triterpenoids is reported for the first time from Curtisia dentata. This study provides information on the antimicrobial compounds of this species, as well as a preliminary rationale for the use in traditional South African medicine.
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