Antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic and Ca++ antagonist effects of Caesalpinia bonducella

Nat Prod Res. 2011 Feb;25(4):444-9. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2010.529445.

Abstract

Caesalpinia bonducella F. (Leguminosae) has been used as a folk medicine for a variety of ailments. The crude extract of C. bonducella and its fractions were studied for antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic and Ca++ antagonistic properties. The strongest antibacterial effect was displayed by the n-butanol (72%) and ethyl acetate (80%) fractions, followed by the crude extract (46% and 42%), against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The plant extract and its fractions showed mild to excellent activity in antifungal bioassays, with maximum antifungal activity against Candida glaberata (80%) and Aspergillus flavus (70%) by the n-butanol and chloroform fractions, followed by the crude extract (70% and 65%). Caesalpinia bonducella extract caused concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous and high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, similar to that caused by Verapamil. These results indicate that C. bonducella exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, spasmolytic and Ca++ channel blocking actions.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aspergillus flavus / drug effects
  • Caesalpinia / chemistry*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Candida glabrata / drug effects
  • Jejunum / drug effects
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rabbits
  • Verapamil / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Plant Extracts
  • Verapamil