ANTIMICROBIAL CONSTITUENTS OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM SEED COTYLEDONS

Abstract

Cotyledons from the seeds of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don-Holl. (Sapotaceae), are used in ointments in the treatment of vaginal and dermatological infections in Western Nigeria. Activity directed chemical analysis of the methanolic extract of the cotyledons from the seeds of Chrysophyllum albidum led to the isolation and characterisation of eleagnine (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-methyl-β-carboline), tetrahydro-2-methylharman (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1, 2 -dimethyl-β-carboline) and skatole (3-methylindole). Eleagnine was the main antimicrobial compound with activity against Candida albicans (MIC 1250μg/ml) and Candida pseudotropicalis (MIC 250mg/ml). It was also active against Escherichia coli (MIC 500mg/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 62.5μg/ml), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 500μg/ml) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC 250μg/ml). 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1, 2 -dimethyl-β-carboline also showed activity against these organisms while skatole had little activity.


Key Words: Chrysophyllum albidum; Sapotaceae; eleagnine; tetrahydro-2-methylharman; skatole; antimicrobial activity.


Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol.7 2003: 33-36