Planta Med 2012; 78 - PI333
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1321020

Chemical analysis of selected Penstemon species and their antimicrobial activity

S Zajdel 1, K Graikou 2, K Głowniak 1, I Chinou 2
  • 1Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plant Unit, Chodźki 1 str., 20–093, Lublin, Poland
  • 2Dept. of Pharmacognosy & Chemistry of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece

Penstemons are endemic plant species belonging to Penstemon botanical genus, which is considered as the biggest of North America's flora. They were widely used by Native Americans especially in Mexico in ethnomedicine as remedies for several diseases, such as inflammation, cold and cough, gastrointestinal and gynecological disorders. In the framework of our continuing research on several Penstemon species, our research project addresses the isolation and structural determination of twenty three (23) secondary metabolites from four different species: Penstemon campanulatus, P. fruticosus var. frticosus, P. palmeri and P. venustus. Iridoid glucoside (12 compounds) appeared as the most characteristic chemical group of these species, including plantarenaloside, geniposidic acid, aucubin, as well as a new compound –10-isovaleroyl-dihydropenstemide. Moreover flavonoids, phenylpropanoid glucosides, acetophenone derivatives, monoterpene glucosides and lactones were also isolated and identified through modern spectral data.

All the extracts and the isolated compounds were assayed for their antibacterial and antifungal activity, showing an interesting profile.