Planta Med 2016; 82 - PC42
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1578744

Anti-Trypanosomal Iridals Isolated From Iris Domestica

A Liyana Pathiranage 1, J Moore Stubblefield 1, A Newsome 1, N Dunlap 1
  • 1Tennessee Center for Botanical Medicine Research, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132 USA

A collection of 196 extracts from plants used in traditional Chinese medicine was assayed for potential to treat trypanosomal diseases. Extracts that produced strong anti-trypanosomal activity (> 90%) and low toxicity (< 10%) at 50 µg/mL were selected for further investigation. Bioassay guided fractionation of the petroleum ether extract of Iris domestica led to the identification of several types of iridals with previously unreported anti-trypanosomal activity. After isolation and identification of the compounds, semi-synthetic derivatives were developed which increased stability, efficacy and selectivity.