Phytochemistry and antifungal properties of the newly discovered tree Pleodendron costaricense

J Nat Prod. 2006 Jul;69(7):1005-9. doi: 10.1021/np0504863.

Abstract

Gas chromatography analysis of the essential oils of leaves and bark collected from the newly discovered tree Pleodendron costaricense identified alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-thujene, and beta-caryophyllene as their major constituents. Phytochemical analysis of P. costaricense parts led to the isolation and identification of delta-tocotrienol, beta-sitosterol, four known drimane-type sesquiterpenes, cinnamodial (1), cinnamosmolide (2), polygodial (3), and mukaadial (4), and two new compounds, a drimane-type sesquiterpene, parritadial (5), and an eremophilane-type sesquiterpene, pleodendione (6). Antifungal assays with the two major compounds, 1 and 2, were carried out, and results showed a high activity of 1 against Alternaria alternata (MIC = 3.9 microg/mL), Candida albicans azole-resistant strain D10, and Wangiella dermatitides (MICs = 15.6 microg/mL). Compound 2 showed less potent antifungal activities than 1 but was more effective against Candida albicans azole-resistant strain CN1A (MIC = 23.4 microg/mL) and Pseudallescheria boydii (MIC = 78.1 microg/mL). A combination of the dialdehyde sesquiterpenes with dillapiol showed a synergistic antifungal effect with 1 and an additive effect with 4 and 5.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allyl Compounds
  • Alternaria / drug effects
  • Antifungal Agents* / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents* / isolation & purification
  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Azoles / pharmacology
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Costa Rica
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Dioxoles / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Exophiala / drug effects
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plant Bark / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Sesquiterpenes* / chemistry
  • Sesquiterpenes* / isolation & purification
  • Sesquiterpenes* / pharmacology
  • Trees / chemistry*

Substances

  • Allyl Compounds
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Azoles
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Dioxoles
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • 5-allyl 6,7-dimethoxy 1,3-benzodioxole