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Biomedical subjects

K Hostettmann

Publications and source records attributed to K Hostettmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Developments in the application of counter-current chromatography to plant analysis.

Counter-current chromatography is a very versatile separation technique which does not require a solid stationary phase. It relies simply on the partition of a sample between the two phases of an immiscible solvent system. Some of the more recent applications of the method to the separation of plant-derived natural products are described here. Crude plant extracts and semi-pure fractions can be chromatographed, with sample loads ranging from milligrams to grams. Aqueous and non-aqueous solvent systems are used and the separation of compounds with a wide range of polarities is possible. The technique is complementary to other chromatographic methods and is compatible with gradient systems. The possibilities for solvent selection are almost limitless but some guidelines for the choice of successful systems are presented.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

3-Farnesyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid is a new anti-Helicobacter pylori compound from Piper multiplinervium.

A new prenylated salicylic acid derivative, 3-farnesyl-2-hydroxy benzoic acid (1), was isolated from the leaves of Piper multiplinervium C. DC. (Piperaceae). It showed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity (MIC 37.5 microg/ml) and antimicrobial activity at MICs between 2.5 and 5 microg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Its structure was elucidated by means of MS, 1H and 13C NMR. The ethnomedical claim of Piper multiplinervium to treat stomach aches by the Kuna Indians of Panama may be justified by anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of its MeOH extract.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Traditional medicine in north Côte-d'Ivoire: screening of 50 medicinal plants for antibacterial activity.

Sixty-seven crude ethanol extracts from 50 plants (31 families), which are used in North Côte-d'Ivoire as traditional remedies for bacterial diseases, were screened for in vitro activity against Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Thirty-one extracts showed antibacterial activity only on Gram positive bacteria. Of these, 10 extracts from 10 plant species had a promising level of activity against bacteria including strains resistant to antibiotics such as aminosides, penicillin M, macrolides, lincosamide and streptrogramin B. The most active was Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae) followed by Bobgunnia madagascariensis (Desv.) J.H. Kirkbr. & Wiersema (Caesalpinaceae), Waltheria lanceolata R. Br. ex Mast. (Sterculiaceae), Uapaca togoensis Pax. (Euphorbiaceae), Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae), Khaya senegalensis (Ders.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Lannea acida A. Rich. (Anacardiaceae), Cissus populnea Guill. & Perr. (Vitaceae), Keetia hispida (Benth.) Bridson (Rubiaceae) and Ficus thonningii (Miq.) A. Rich. (Moraceae). This is the first report of the antibacterial potency of these 10 plant species on a range of bacteria. The results provided evidence that some of the studied plants might indeed be potential sources of new antibacterial agents, also against some antibiotic-resistant strains.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

On-line identification of tropane alkaloids from Erythroxylum vacciniifolium by liquid chromatography-UV detection-multiple mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry.

The bark of catuaba (Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Martius, Erythroxylaceae), a tree native to the northern part of Brazil, was investigated for its alkaloid content. With the aim of obtaining preliminary structure information on-line, the alkaloid extract was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array UV detection, to mass spectrometry and to nuclear magnetic resonance. Interpretation of on-line spectroscopic data obtained from this extract led to structural elucidation of six new alkaloids and partial identification of 18 potentially original alkaloids bearing the same tropane skeleton esterified in positions 3 and 6 by 1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-carboxylic acid and/or 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid.

Alkaloids↗

Antifungal, antioxidant and larvicidal activities of compounds isolated from the heartwood of Mansonia gagei.

Eleven compounds isolated from the heartwood of Mansonia gagei were tested for their antifungal activities against Cladosporium cucumerinum and Candida albicans, as well as for their larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and radical scavenging properties in a DPPH assay. Mansonone C (4) was found to be the most interesting compound with antifungal activities against Cladosporium cucumerinum and Candida albicans as well as for its larvicidal properties against Aedes aegypti. Mansonone E (5) was active against Cladosporium cucumerinum and Candida albicans. Two coumarin derivatives, mansorin A (1) and mansorin B (2) were also found to be active against Cladosporium cucumerinum, while mansonone N (9) was the only isolated product to show radical scavenging properties.

Aedes↗

Antifungal isopimaranes from Hypoestes serpens.

Five isopimarane diterpenes (7beta-hydroxyisopimara-8,15-dien-14-one, 14alpha-hydroxyisopimara-7,15-dien-1-one, 1beta,14alpha-dihydroxyisopimara-7,15-diene, 7beta-hydroxyisopimara-8(14),15-dien-1-one and 7beta-acetoxyisopimara-8(14),15-dien-1-one) have been isolated from the leaves of Hypoestes serpens (Acanthaceae). All compounds exhibited antifungal activity against both the plant pathogenic fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum and the yeast Candida albicans; two of them also displayed an acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The structures of the compounds were determined by means of spectrometric methods, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and MS analysis.

Acanthaceae↗

Detection of aristolochic acid in Chinese phytomedicines and dietary supplements used as slimming regimens.

Over the last 10 years, numerous cases of intoxications, leading for the most part to end-stage renal failure, have been reported after consumption of slimming regimens made of Chinese herbal preparations. These intoxications were associated with species of the Aristolochia genus, such as Aristolochia fangchi (Aristolochiaceae), known to contain very nephrotoxic and carcinogenic metabolites named aristolochic acids. Several commercial dietary supplements, teas and phytomedicines used as slimming regimens were analysed for their aristolochic acid I content. A preliminary detection of this toxic compound was made by thin-layer chromatography. The presence of aristolochic acid I in these preparations was confirmed by a HPLC/UV-DAD/MS analysis. A quantitative determination of aristolochic acid I was also achieved in the incriminated preparations using both UV and MS detection. Out of 42 analysed preparations, four were found to contain aristolochic acid I and two were suspected to contain aristolochic acid derivatives. Immediate removal of these products from the Swiss market was called for.

Anti-Obesity Agents↗

Triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Silene cucubalus.

A new triterpenoid saponin was isolated from the roots of Silene cucubalus and its structure was determined on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy as gypsogenin 3-O-beta-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-glucuronopyranoside. A known saponin, quillaic acid 3-O-beta-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-glucuronopyranoside, was also isolated.

Humans↗

In vitro cytotoxicity of 11 Panamanian plants.

Thirty-five crude extracts from 11 Panamanian plants, distributed in 10 genera and five families, were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity. Four extracts exhibited an inhibition of cellular growth at IC(50) values lower than 25 microg/ml which was considered a significant activity.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Heliotropamide, a novel oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxamide from Heliotropium ovalifolium.

Heliotropamide (1), a new alkaloid with a novel oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxamide central moiety, has been isolated as the major product of the dicholoromethane extract of Heliotropium ovalifolium aerial parts. Its structure was elucidated by spectrometric methods including ESI-HR, EI, D/CI mass spectrometry, (1)H, (13)C, and 2D NMR experiments, and chemical derivatization. Neither heliotropamide nor its acetylated derivative (1a) showed any antifungal activity against Cladosporium cucumerinum and Candida albicans, antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, radical-scavenging properties in the DPPH test, or inhibitory potential toward acetylcholinesterase.

Alkaloids↗

[History of a plant: the example of Echinacea].

In comparison with other medicinal plants, the history of use of Echinacea is relatively short. The plant originates from North America and was employed by the indigenous Indians. The first archaeological evidence dates from the 18th century. Included in the name Echinacea or purple coneflower are several species of the Asteraceae family: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. Information about the use of the plant from traditional healers ranges from external application for wounds, burns and insect bites to the chewing of roots for toothache and throat infections, and internal application for pain, coughs, stomach cramps and snake bites. The interest of white settlers was also drawn to this medicinal plant. The first Echinacea preparation, known as Meyers Blood Purifier, arrived on the market around 1880, with rheumatism, neuralgia and rattlesnake bites as indications. At the beginning of the 20th century, Echinacea was the most frequently used plant preparation in the USA. Commercial cultivation was started in Germany around 1939. The introduction and cultivation of Echinacea in Switzerland by A. Vogel was around 1950. Chemists and pharmacologists became interested in Echinacea and many constituents are now known, such as polysaccharides, echinacoside, cichoric acid, ketoalkenes and alkylamides. The extracts exhibit immunostimulant properties and are mainly used in the prophylaxis and therapy of colds, flu and septic complaints. Although there are over 400 publications concerning the plant and dozens of preparations of Echinacea n the market, the true identity of the active principles still remains open.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

On-line identification of the antifungal constituents of Erythrina vogelii by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, ultraviolet absorbance detection and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry combined with liquid chromatographic micro-fractionation.

In our continuing search for new antifungal agents of plant origin, the investigation of Erythrina vogelii Hook. f. (Leguminosae), a plant used in the traditional medicine of Ivory Coast to treat various infectious ailments, was undertaken. In order to rapidly identify the active principles, the crude extract was analysed by low-flow LC-1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR) which gave a sensitive detection of all the main peaks. LC microfractionation was performed just after LC-NMR detection and all peaks collected were submitted to antifungal bioautography assays against Cladosporium cucumerinum. By this means, the antifungal activity could be efficiently linked to three of the LC peaks. In order to obtain complementary on-line structural information for all peaks of interest, high-resolution LC-MS-MS together with LC-UV with post-column addition of UV shifts reagents was undertaken on the crude extract. This chemical screening strategy with integrated antifungal bioassays has permitted the on-line identification of numerous constituents and has given useful information for an efficient peak-guided isolation procedure.

Antifungal Agents↗

Evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plants from the Ivory Coast.

A total of 148 crude ethanol extracts from 115 plant species were tested in vitro against Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Moreover, they were submitted to antifungal assays against Candida albicans and Cladosporium cucumerinum, a human and a plant pathogenic microorganism, respectively, known to be good indicators of antifungal activity. No activity was detected against the Gram-negative bacteria, while 14.8% and 10.8% of the extracts showed Gram-positive bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects on S. aureus and E. faecalis, respectively. An antifungal activity was observed with 15 extracts (10.1%). Two species were particularly active against the fungi: Dioscorea minutiflora and Erythrina vogelii. The young tubers of D. minutiflora contain metabolites with a specific effect on fungi and were not active against the bacteria. On the other hand, E. vogelii was highly effective against the Gram-positive bacteria and the fungi.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Isolation and structure elucidation of an isoflavone and a sesterterpenoic acid from Henriettella fascicularis.

A new isoflavone, 4',5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethylisoflavone (1), and a new sesterterpenoic acid (2), together with five known compounds, lichexanthone (3), (-)-pinoresinol (4), betulinic acid, palmitic acid, and beta-sitosterol, were isolated from a dichloromethane extract of the branches of Henriettella fascicularis. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods. An attempt to determine the absolute stereochemistry of (2E,6S)-6-[(1R,5Z,3aS,9R,10Z,12aR)-1,2,3,3a,4,7,8,9,12,12a-decahydro-9-hydroxy-3a,6,10-trimethylcyclopentanocycloundecen-1-yl]-2-methylhept-2-enoic acid (2) was performed by single-crystal X-ray analysis, using Cu Kalpha radiation. Compound 1 showed significant competitive binding to estrogen receptor beta and moderate antiestrogenic activity with cultured Ishikawa cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Three new prenylated isoflavonoids from the root bark of Erythrina vogelii.

Phytochemical investigation of the CH2Cl2 extract of Erythrina vogelii led to the isolation of five isoflavonoids. Three prenylated isoflavonoids are new natural compounds. The isolation of the antifungal compounds was monitored by inhibition of the growth of Cladosporium cucumerinum in a direct TLC bioautographic assay. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques.

Antifungal Agents↗

Evaluation of quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and ion-trap multiple-stage mass spectrometry for the differentiation of C-glycosidic flavonoid isomers.

LC-MS-MS is becoming a very important tool for the on-line identification of natural products in crude plant extracts. For an efficient use of this technique in the dereplication of natural products, a careful study of the parameters used to generate informative MS-MS spectra is needed. In this paper, the collision-induced dissociation (CID) MS-MS spectra of ubiquitous C-glycosidic flavonoids have been systematically studied using hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight and ion-trap (IT) mass analysers under various CID energy conditions. Efficient differentiation of flavonoid C-glycoside isomers was possible, based on the comparison of CID-MS-MS spectra of particular C-glycoside unit fragments. Striking differences between 6-C and 8-C flavonoid glycosides were especially observed in the product ion spectra of their 0.2X+ fragments ([M+H-120]+). Some guidelines for the on-line characterisation of C-glycosidic flavonoids by LC-MS-MS or LC-multiple-stage MS are given.

Flavonoids↗

Screening of Malian medicinal plants for antifungal, larvicidal, molluscicidal, antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.

A total of 78 different extracts from 20 medicinal plants belonging to 14 plant families from Mali were tested for their antifungal, larvicidal, molluscicidal, antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. Dichloromethane, methanol, water and ethanol extracts were used. TLC autobiography for antifungal activity was run with Cladosporium cucumerinum and Candida albicans. Extracts were also tested on the larvae of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Molluscicidal activities were established with the snails Biomphalaria glabrata, Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. beta-Carotene and DPPH solutions sprayed on TLC plates were used for antioxidant and radical scavenging assays. Of the extracts investigated, 20% were antioxidant and radical scavengers, 19% fungicidal, 30% were larvicidal and 11% were molluscicidal. Three of the plant extracts, from Cussonia barteri (Araliaceae), Glinus oppositifolius (Aïzoaceae) and Lannea velutina (Anacardiaceae) gave positive responses in all four tests.

Aedes↗

Flavonoids and phenylpropanoid derivatives from Campanula barbata.

Four new phenylpropanoid derivatives, barbatosides A-D, and a new catechin, barbatoflavan, were isolated from the whole plant of Campanula barbata L. (Campanulaceae) and identified as wahlenbergioside-3'-O-glucoside, wahlenbergioside-3'-O-(2'''-(p-methoxycinnamoyl))-glucoside, wahlenbergioside-3'-O-(4'''-(trans-p-coumaroyl))-glucoside, wahlenbergioside-3'-O-(4"'-(cis-p-coumaroyl))-glucoside and 3-acetyl-5-methoxy-7,3',4'-trihydroxy-8-O-glucoside-flavan-3-ol, respectively, by spectroscopic methods. In addition, four flavonols were isolated and identified as kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Barbatoflavan demonstrated scavenging properties towards the DPPH radical.

Asteraceae↗