Antileishmanial compounds from Cordia fragrantissima collected in Burma (Myanmar)

J Nat Prod. 2008 Jan;71(1):18-21. doi: 10.1021/np070211i. Epub 2007 Dec 19.

Abstract

A methanol extract of the wood of Cordia fragrantissima, collected in Burma (Myanmar), was found to exhibit significant activity against Leishmania major. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this extract using several chromatographic techniques afforded three new compounds (1-3) and five known compounds (4-8). The structures of the new compounds were revealed on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation and by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Interestingly, the new compounds, despite the presence of asymmetric carbons, were found to be racemates. The activities of the isolates from C. fragrantissima and several derivatives were evaluated against the promastigote forms of Leishmania major, L. panamensis, and L. guyanensis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cordia / chemistry*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Hydroquinones / chemistry
  • Hydroquinones / isolation & purification*
  • Hydroquinones / pharmacology*
  • Leishmania / drug effects*
  • Leishmania / growth & development
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Myanmar
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Hydroquinones
  • cordiaquinol I
  • cordiaquinol J
  • cordiaquinol K