Key words
alkaloids - flavonoids - chalcones - coumarins - lignans - phenols - terpenes - chromones - alkane - alkene - plants -
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Introduction
Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads through aerosols and causes pulmonary and
extrapulmonary tuberculosis where it infects human lungs and other body parts,
respectively. In infected body parts, bacilli remain dormant for a longer period and
get reactivated in immunosuppressed conditions. According to World Health
Organization (WHO), in 2011 alone, an estimated 1.4 million mortalities were
reported due to TB. A potent antitubercular drug rifampicin (RMP), which was
introduced fifty years ago, is being used for treatment in combination with
isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), and pyrazinamide (PZA) as a multidrug regimen for
a period of six months. Spontaneous mutations accumulated in the genome due to poor
patient compliance to this long treatment schedule led to the development of
multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug-resistant (XDR) forms of bacilli in
patients [1]. TB caused by MDR/XDR is very difficult to
control as it takes a long time to cure and by this time it again spreads to other
individuals. Recently, a new drug, bedaquiline (Sirturo®, FDA), and a second new
vaccine, MVA85-A, were introduced against MDR forms. According to the WHO, it is
estimated that by 2050, drugs and vaccines in various phases of clinical trials
would help to eradicate TB. From new sources, by characterising more
antimycobacterial compounds in preclinical and clinical trials, the resistant form
of bacilli emerging during the eradication programme can also be eliminated.
Various natural compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, etc., present in
balanced diets orchestrate like a multidrug regimen and can maintain a healthy
population. Identification of natural products with an antimycobacterial effect and
the further development of drugs [2] is difficult as it
requires expensive, sophisticated facilities and animal models. Combinatorial
chemistry is mainly followed to develop new drug molecules. But among the millions
of compounds generating, only very few show biological activity and many do not have
true drug qualities. Natural products from microbes and plants have various
biological activities and properties of a drug. Aspirin and penicillin are famous
natural products commercialised as drugs from willow bark and Penicillium
notatum, respectively. Natural products are widely exploited in
pharmaceutical industries as a valuable source for lead drugs. Presently, in
combinatorial chemistry, the compounds with a structural base similar to that of
natural products are only considered [3] because natural
products are sterically complex and interact with respective molecular targets
three-dimensionally with more specificity. Even though many scaffolds from natural
product databases are not found in trade drugs. The unexploited scaffolds of natural
products would be a promising starting point in future drug discovery [4]. Among recently explored sources, compounds from
marine sponge-associated microbes have been exploited for new drugs [5]. But still, plants having more biodiversity remains as
a main source of natural products because of an abundant metabolite content and
common pathways which can be easily manipulated. Plants are aesthetic and can be
easily cultivated because of their cosmopolitan nature.
Plant extracts having terpenes, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, chalcones,
coumarines, lignans, phenols, polyketides, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, simple
aromatics, and peptides have been used in the treatment of different human diseases
[6], [7] around the
globe, including tuberculosis. From plant extracts, antimycobacterial compounds with
a mechanism of activity have been reported. This review reports various groups of
compounds having antimycobacterial activity with their sources, structure, and in
vitro activity with the available mechanism of action. In [Table 1], the activity values of compounds effective
against both sensitive and resistant forms of M. tuberculosis are
described.
Table 1 List of compounds with activity values tested against
sensitive and resistant forms of M. tuberculosis. Compound name
with its activity value in () and reference in [] are included under
each class of compounds. The values in regular and bold letters are
against sensitive and resistant forms, respectively.
|
Alkaloids
|
Flavonoids
|
Chalcones and quinones
|
Coumarins, lignans, and phenols
|
Chromones, fatty acids, and terpenoids
|
Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, and miscellaneous
|
|
2-acetyl benzylamine and vasicine acetate (50 µg/mL)
(200 µg/mL)
[8]
|
cryptocaryone (25 µg/mL) [18]
|
(E)-2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone (195.3 µM) [21]
|
dihydroguaiaretic acid (50 µg/mL) (12.5–50 µg/mL)
[28]
|
pisonin B (25 µg/mL) [32]
|
falcarindiol (26.7 µg/mL) [65]
|
|
2′- nortiliacorinine and tiliacorine (3.1 µg/mL)
(3.1 µg/mL)
[12]
|
pinocembrin (3.5 µg/mL) [18]
|
(E)-3,2′,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone (174.8 µM) [21]
|
4-epi-larreatricin (50 µg/mL) (25 µg/mL)
[28]
|
1,3-benzenediol (200 µg/mL) (100–200 µg/mL)
[46]
|
9Z,17-octadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol,1-acetate
(25.3 µg/mL) [65]
|
|
Tiliacorinine (3.1–6.2 µg/mL) (1.5–6.2 µg/mL)
[12]
|
isobachalcone (2.44–19.53 µg/mL) [19]
|
2′,4′,6′-trihydroxy-3′-prenylchalcone and
4′,6′,5′′-trihydroxy-6′′,6′′-dimethyldihydropyrano[2′′,3′′-2′,3′]
chalcone (50 µg/mL) [33]
|
licarin A (25 µg/mL) (3.12–12.5 µg/mL)
[42]
|
linoleic acid and oleic acid (100 µg/mL) (100 µg/mL)
[46]
|
1,3 dimethoxy-2-methyl-5-pentyl benzene (≤ 2.5 µg/mL) [66]
|
|
13′-bromo-tiliacorinine (3.1–6.2 µg/mL) (1.5–3.1 µg/mL)
[12]
|
kanzanol C, 4-hydroxylonchocarpin, stipulin, and amentoflavone
(9.76 – > 39.06 µg/mL) [19]
|
aminoacetate derivative of diospyrin (> 10 – ≤ 50 µg/mL)
(> 10 – ≤ 50 µg/mL)
[34]
|
licarin B (50 µg/mL) (12.5–50 µg/mL)
[42]
|
undecanal (100 µg/mL) (50–200 µg/mL)
[46]
|
3-methoxy-2-methyl-5-pentyl phenol (≤ 2.58 µg/mL) [66]
|
|
Mauritine M (IC50 − 72.8 µM) [13]
|
genistein (35 µg/ml) [20]
|
diospyrin (100 µg/mL) (100 µg/mL)
[34]
|
eupomatenoid-7 (25 µg/mL) (6.25–50 µg/mL)
[42]
|
2,4-undecadienal (25 µg/mL) (25–50 µg/mL)
[46]
|
mono-O-methylcurcumin isoxazole (0.09 µg/mL)
(0.195–3.125 µg/mL)
[67]
|
|
Nummularine H (IC50 − 4.5 µM) [13]
|
(2S)- naringenin (< 2.8 µg/mL) [20]
|
shinanolone (100 µg/mL) [36]
|
beilschmin A (2.5 µg/mL) [43]
|
kaurenoic acid (50 µg/mL) [48]
|
5,6-dehydro-7,8-dihydromethysticin (4 µg/mL) [68]
|
|
|
prunetin (30 µg/mL) [20]
|
7-methyljuglone (0.5 µg/mL) [37]
|
beilschmin B (7.5 µg/mL) [43]
|
1α-acetoxy-6β,9β-dibenzoyloxy-dihydro-β-agarofuran
(> 25 µg/mL) (6.2 µg/mL)
[50]
|
piperolactam A (8 µg/mL) [68]
|
|
|
(2S)-5,7,2′-trihydroxy flavonone (367.6 µM) [21]
|
isodiospyrol A (50 µg/mL) [39]
|
(E)-1-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-3-(2,2-dimethyl-8-hydroxy-2H-benzopyran-6-yl)prop-2-en-1-one
(30 µg/mL) [45]
|
cordiachrome C (1.5 µg/mL) [52]
|
aromatic alkene, and pyrrolidine amide (25 µg/mL) [69]
|
|
|
5,4′-dihydroxy-3,7,8,3′-tetramethoxy flavones (> 50 µg/mL)
(25 µg/mL)
[28]
|
palmarumycin JC2 (6.25 µg/mL) [39]
|
Isobavachalcone (18 µg/mL) [45]
|
globiferin (6.2 µg/mL) [52]
|
tetrahydroxy squalene (10 µg/mL) [70]
|
|
|
5,4′-dihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (> 50 µg/mL)
(25–50 µg/mL)
[28]
|
α-tocopheryl quinone (25 µg/mL) [40]
|
scopoletin (42 µg/mL) [45]
|
diol derivative of labdane (250 µg/mL) [53]
|
trans,trans-1,7,diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-one
(> 128 µg/mL) [71]
|
|
|
nevadensin and isothymusin (200 µg/mL) [29]
|
|
2′,5′′-dimethoxysesamin (63 µg/mL) [47]
|
dioxime derivative of labdane and labdane (500 µg/mL) [53]
|
xanthones (10 µg/mL) [72]
|
|
|
pisonivanone (12.5 µg/mL) [32]
|
|
ethoxycubebin (62.4 µM) [49]
|
caniojane (25 µg/mL) [54]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
trachybalone diterpine derivatives (24–61 µg/mL) [55]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
leubethanol (12.5 µg/mL) (6.25 µg/mL)
[56]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,24-dimethyl-5β-tirucall-9(11),25-dien-3-one (64 µg/mL)
[57]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
abietane and its derivatives (3.12 – > 25 µg/mL)
(0.39–25 µg/mL)
[58]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
bonianic acid A (34.8 µM) [59]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
bonianic acid B (9.9 µM) [59]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3-O-acetyluncaric acid (75.5 µM) [59]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
oleanolic acid (50–100 µg/mL) (100–200 µg/mL)
[62]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
phytol derivatives (15.6–50 µg/mL) [64]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
phytol (100 µg/mL) [64]
|
|
Alkaloids
Alkaloids (20–25 %), which mainly protect plants from the aggression of animals,
include a few members with antimycobacterial activity ([Fig. 1]). Adhatoda vasica Ness., Acanthaceae, which is used in the
treatment of colds, cough, and other respiratory disorders, contains antimicrobial
compounds. Alkaloids present in the hexane extract like vasicine acetate (1)
and 2-acetyl benzylamine (2) inhibited both the sensitive and MDR strains of
M. tuberculosis at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 50 and
200 µg/mL, respectively [8]. Justicia adhatoda
L., Acanthaceae, is known as vasaka in the Indian system of medicine. Its
leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots are used against colds, cough, whooping cough,
asthma, and bronchitis because of their sedative, expectorant, antispasmodic, and
antihelminthic activity. In 2012, Jha et al. reported six quinazoline alkaloids
(3–8) from the above plant having significant antimycobacterial activity,
and in silico analysis confirmed that these alkaloids inhibit
β-ketoacyl-acyl-carrier protein synthase III (FabH), an enzyme involved in
the initial step of fatty acid biosynthesis, leading to poor cell wall development
and survival of bacilli [9]. To develop drug resistance,
the efflux pump (EP) in the bacteria release compounds preventing them from reaching
their respective targets inside the cell. Piperine (9; Cat. no. P49007,
SIGMA), a trans-trans isomer of 1-piperonyl-piperidine, is an
antimycobacterial agent which at 128 µg/mL completely inhibits the efflux pump of
M. smegmatis mc2 155. The compound (9) is commonly
found in plants belonging to the family Piperaceae (Piper nigrum L.,
Piperaceae). Piperine has synergistic activity; hence, it reduces the MIC of
ethidium bromide (EtBr) by 2- to 4-fold at subinhibitory concentrations of 32 and
64 µg/mL, respectively. Compound 9 also inhibits Rv1258c, a putative
multidrug EP of M. tuberculosis
[10]. The root extract of Tabernaemontana
elegans Stapf., Apocynaceae, has an MIC of around 128–256 µg/mL against
Mycobacterium sp. due to the presence of indole alkaloids [voacangine
(10) and dregamine (11)] [11].
Tiliacora triandra (Colebr.) Diels., Menispermaceae, an ingredient in
Thai cuisine, has bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as tiliacorinine (12),
2′-nortiliacorinine (13), and tiliacorine (14) with activity
comparable to INH, RMP, and EMB against sensitive (MIC 3.1–6.2 µg/mL) and resistant
forms (MIC 3.1 µg/mL) of M. tuberculosis. The brominated derivative
13′-bromo-tiliacorinine (15) showed better antimycobacterial activity than
12 (MIC of 1.5–3.1 µg/mL) with less cytotoxicity while testing against
MRC-5 cell lines (human foetal lung fibroblast cell line), and the possible
mechanism of action in mycobacterium was proposed as the cause of inhibition of RNA
and protein synthesis [12]. Ziziphus mauritiana
Lam., Rhamnaceae, a medium-sized tree in Thailand and Asian countries, which has
been used traditionally in the treatment of diarrhoea and ulcers, was reported to be
rich in antimycobacterial cyclopeptide alkaloids. Upon further analysis of the plant
root from the methanolic extract using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
(NMR), two cyclic alkaloids and three cyclopeptide alkaloids were identified. The
sensitive strain of M. tuberculosis was inhibited by a cyclic alkaloid,
mauritine M (16; moderatively active), and a cyclopeptide alkaloid,
nummularine H (17; active) [13].
Fig. 1 Alkaloids.
Flavonoids
Phenolic compounds conferring colour to plant parts having a flavane nucleus exhibit
antimicrobial activity. Few plant extracts contain a high amount of
antimycobacterial flavonoids and most of them belong to the classes of flavones and
flavonones ([Fig. 2]). Lin et al. tested a series of
flavonoids for antimycobacterial activity [14].
Argyreia speciosa (Burm.f) Boj., Convolvulaceae, found in the Indian
subcontinent and referred to as vrudhadaruka in Sanskrit, has been used in
the Ayurvedic system of medicine against pulmonary tuberculosis. In 2009, Habbu et
al. reported the antimicrobial activity of the ethyl acetate extract of this plant
(MIC 50 µg/mL) due to flavonoids. Flavonoid sulphates, quercetin 3′7 di-O
methyl 3-sulphate and kaempferol 7-O methyl 3-sulphate, were reported with an
MIC of 25 µg/mL, which is also synergistic with the usual antimycobacterial agents.
Crude as well as purified compounds are less cytotoxic while comparing the hemolysis
of RBC using chloramphenicol as a positive control [15]. The extract of Bromelia balansae Mez., Bromeliaceae, from the
central region of Brazil has been used as a syrup against coughs and other bronchial
infections. The methanolic extract showed moderate activity with an MIC of
128 µg/mL, and in chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses, various flavonoid
glycosides were identified such as kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside
(18),
kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside
(19),
quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside
(20), and kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (21)
[16].
5,4′-Dihydroxy-6,7,8,3′,5′-pentamethoxyflavone (22) and
5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3′-tetramethoxyflavone (23), isolated from Cleome
droserifolia (Forssk.) Del., Capparaceae, suppress nitric oxide production
and reduce oxidative stress in activated macrophages [17]. Two new flavonones, pinocembrin (24) and cryptocaryone
(25), from the leaves of Cryptocarya chinensis Hemsl., Lauraceae,
were effective against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Among the two compounds,
24 was more active than EMB (MIC 6.25 µg/mL) and the latter was found to
be moderatively active [18]. Dorstenia barteri
Bureau., Moraceae, a small herb from most regions of tropical South America,
contains active phytochemicals against bacteria and fungi. The
dichloromethane : methanol (1 : 1) extract of it contains isobachalcone (26),
kanzanol C (27), 4-hydroxylonchocarpin (28), stipulin (29), and
amentoflavone (30). When comparing compounds from 27 to 30,
isobachalcone was more active against M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis
[19]. Similarly, while purifying secondary metabolites
from Ficus nervosa Roth., Moraceae, genistein (31), prunetin
(32), and (2S)-naringenin (33) were obtained having MICs of
35, 30, and ≤ 2.8 µg/mL, respectively [20]. The
extracts of Galenia africana L., Aizoaceae, have been used as a medicine
against asthma, coughs, wounds, eye infections, TB, and skin diseases in many places
in Africa among which the ethanolic extract was very effective against
M. tuberculosis (MIC 780 µg/mL) and M. smegmatis (MIC 1200 µg/mL).
The extract contains (2S)-5,7,2′-trihydroxyflavonone (34), which was
moderatively active against M. tuberculosis and was also found to be
synergistic bringing down the MIC of INH by 16-fold [21]. Two biflavonoids, amentoflavone (30; MIC 600 µg/mL) and 4′
monomethoxy amentoflavone (35; MIC 1400 µg/mL), from Garcinia
livingstonei T. Anderson., Clusiaceae, were active against
M. smegmatis
[22]. Globularia alypum L., Globulariaceae, used
in North African folk medicine, is rich in phenols. A study by Khlifi et al. in 2011
shows that the methanolic and petroleum ether (PE) extracts of G. alypum
leaves contains polyphenols, tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids [0.31–19.8 g
quercitin (36) equivalent/kg of dry mass] and PE is particularly active
against M. tuberculosis (IC50 77 µg/mL) [23]. Lantana camara L., Verbenaceae, contains two new flavonoids,
linaroside (37) and lantanoside (38), which cause 30–37 % inhibition
of mycobacterial growth at 6.25 µg/mL, which is the MIC of EMB, whereas its common
acetylated derivative (39) causes 98 % inhibition [24]. Among fatty acid synthase systems I and II (FAS I and II), the
latter is a prospective antibacterial drug target. The fourth step of the fatty acid
elongation cycle is carried out by an enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA in
M. tuberculosis) which catalyses an NADH-dependent reduction of the
trans-2-enoyl fatty acyl chain to the saturated fatty acyl chain. In 2008, Sharma et
al. reported that epigallocatechin gallate/epigallocatechin-3-gallate (40)
directly inhibits the above-mentioned enzyme (IC50 17.4 µM) by
interacting with the residues near the NADH binding site. Compound 40 also
acts synergestic with triclosan, a common additive of household products known to
target InhA of bacterium and plasmodium [25]. Fisetin
(41), from Cotinus coggygria syn Rhus continus Scop.,
Anacardiaceae, is an inhibitor of an unknown mycobacterial dehydratase (Rv0636) at
MIC 63 µg/mL and is involved in mycolic acid synthesis [26]. Tryptophan aspartate containing coat protein (TACO) in macrophages
prevents phagosome-lysosome fusion. A major green tea polyphenol (40)
downregulates TACO expression by inhibiting the Sp1 transcription factor, thereby
favouring phagososome-lysosme fusion to remove bacilli. But epicatechin (42),
another tea polyphenol, had no effect [27]. In Mexico,
Larrea tridentata Coville., Zygophyllaceae, has been used as a
traditional medicine against respiratory infections and tuberculosis, and its
antimycobacterial activity was confirmed using the chloroform extract. In 2012,
Favela-Hernández et al. reported 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,7,8,3′-tetramethoxyflavone
(43) and 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (44) from this
plant as having activity against both sensitive and MDR forms with MICs of 25 and
25–50 µg/mL, respectively [28]. Limnophila
geoffrayi Bon., Scrophulariaceae, a common ingredient in northeastern
Thailand curry, is an antipyretic, expectorant, and a lactogogue. The
antimycobacterial compounds nevadensin (45) and isothymusin (46) were
reported from the chloroform extract of the above plant through bioassay-guided
fractionation and the compounds were safe to use as evidenced from a mutagenic assay
[29]. Pelargonium reniforme Spreng.,
Geraniaceae, of Africa is being used in the treatment of various ear, nose, and
throat infections, and the main constituent of the tuberculosis remedy in the
extract is known as “Umckaloabo”. Myricetin (47) and
quercitin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (48) are present in the extract
kill M. tuberculosis and previously it was used to reduce the intracellular
survival of Leishmania donovani in macrophages [30]. A natural plant isoflavone, biochanin A (49; Catno.D2016,
Fluka, SIGMA-Aldrich), inhibits EP of M. smegmatis at 256 µg/mL [31]. Pisonivanone (50), having an MIC close to
EMB, was purified from the root of Pisonia aculeata L., Nyctaginaceae. It is
distributed in parts of the Asian subcontinent and the leaves, which are rich in
phytochemicals, are used in the antitubercular screening programme [32].
Fig. 2 Flavonoids.
Chalcones
Few chalcones are reported to possess antimycobacterial activity ([Fig. 3]). G. africana L., Aizoaceae, an ethanolic
extract containing (E)-2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone (51) with moderate
antimycobacterial activity, and (E)-3,2′,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone
(52) with synergistic activity, reduced the MIC of INH by fourfolds [21]. Helichrysum melanacme DC., Asteraceae,
acetone extract contains two antimycobacterial compounds,
2′,4′,6′-trihydroxy-3′-prenylchalcone (53) and
4′,6′,5′′-trihydroxy-6′′,6′′-dimethyldihydropyrano[2′′,3′′-2′,3′] chalcone
(54) [33]. Butein (55) from Rhus
verniciflua Stokes., Anacardiaceae, and isoliquirtigenin (56) and
2,2′,4′-trihydroxychalcone (57) from Dalbergia odorifera T. C.Chen.,
Leguminosae, can inhibit mycolic acid biosynthesis with MICs of 43, 50, and
55 µg/mL, respectively [26].
Fig. 3 Chalcones.
Quinones
Diospyrin (58), a bisnaphthoquinonoid, is an antimycobacterial agent against
both sensitive and MDR which is present in South African Euclea natalensis A.
DC., Ebenaceae [34] and Diospyros montana Roxb.,
Ebenaceae of India, which was traditionally used for the treatment of Ehrlich
ascites carcinoma [35]. Studies showed an aminoacetate
derivative (59) had better activity than the parent compound (58)
[34]. The root bark of E. natalensis used
against bronchial infections by the Zulu (an ethinic group of South Africa) was
extracted with ethanol that contains shinanalone (60), having an MIC of
100 µg/mL [36]. 7-Methyljuglone (61), which is a
napthoquinone isolated from the root extracts of E. natalensis and its
derivatives, shows antimycobacterial activity by inhibiting mycothiol disulphide
reductase [37]. Compound 61 and RMP act
synergistically against intracellular M. tuberculosis and reduce the MIC of
both by fourfold. The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) 0.5 suggests only a
borderline synergistic effect. The combination of 61 with INH reduced the MIC
by sixfold and the FIC value of 0.24 indicates a significant interaction [38]. Palmarumycin JC2 (62) and isodiospyrol A
(63) were isolated from Diospyros ehretioides Wall. Ex G. Don.,
Ebenaceae [39]. In the leaves of a deciduous tree,
Pourthiaea lucida Decne., Rosaceae, which is found at low altitudes in
Taiwan, contains α-tocopheryl quinone (64) which has activity against
M. tuberculosis
[40]. Antimycobacterial quinone compounds with its
structure is shown in [Fig. 4].
Fig. 4 Quinones.
Coumarins, Lignans, and Phenols
Coumarins, Lignans, and Phenols
Few members of the coumarins, lignans, and phenols have an antimycobacterial property
([Fig. 5]). The extract of Symplocus, having
a high amount of lignans, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids, has been
used in the treatment of leprosy [41]. Aristolochia
taliscana Hook. & Arn., Aristolochiaceae, was used as a traditional drug
in Mexico against coughs and respiratory infections. The hexane extract contains
antimycobacterial licarin A (65) and B (66) and eupomatenoid-7
(67). Of these, 65 was the most active compound against MDR forms
of M. tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (M. smegmatis,
M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, and M. avium) [42]. Epoxyfuranoid lignans beilschmin A (68) and B (69),
from Beilschmiedia tsangii Merr., Lauraceae of southern Taiwan, were better
than EMB when comparing the activity values [43].
Pangelin (70), isolated from Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss.,
Apiaceae, has activity against M. fortuitum, M. aurum, M. phlei, and
M. smegmatis (MIC 64–128 µg/mL) [44].
Amongst several formosan plants screened for antimycobacterial activity, Fatoua
pilosa Gaud., Moraceae, contains more bioactive molecules. The fraction
analysed for a bioassay contains new coumarin analogues such as scopoletin
(71), isobavachalcone (72), and
(E)-1-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-3-(2,2-dimethyl-8-hydroxy-2H-benzopyran-6-yl)prop-2-en-1-one
(73), and has moderate antimycobacterial activity with an MIC
< 50 µg/mL and among that 72 had the highest activity value (17.6 µg/mL)
[45]. 5-Hydroxyfuranocoumarin, known as bergaptol
(74), has previously been reported as an antimycobacterial agent isolated
from Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Apiaceae. The hexane extract of the plant
showed antimycobacterial activity against both sensitive and MDR forms of M.
tuberculosis at a concentration of 100–200 µg/mL [46]. The lignans dihydroguaiaretic acid (75) and
4-epi-larreatricin (76) were extracted from L. tridentata
Coville., Zygophyllaceae, where 75 and 76 showed activity against both
sensitive and MDR forms, with 75 being the most active against MDR forms
[28]. A furolignan, 2′,5′′-dimethoxysesamin
(77) obtained from the root bark of Leucophyllum frutescens I. M.
Johnst., Scrophulariaceae, exhibited moderate activity against
M. tuberculosis and was also less cytotoxic when testing with Vero cell
lines [47]. Four new antimycobacterial
macrophyllin-type octanoid neolignans, cinerin A–D (78–81), were
isolated from the leaves of Pleurothyrium cinereum van der. Werff., Lauraceae
[48]. Among them, cinerin C (80) showed a
half inhibition of mycobacterium at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. The lignan which
disrupts mycolic acid biosynthesis, ethoxycubebin (82), was isolated from
Virola flexuosa L., Myrstiaceae, with moderate activity (MIC 62.4 µM) and
no cytotoxicity [49].
Fig. 5 Coumarins, lignans and phenols.
Terpenoids
Reports show terpenoids, which usually impart scent, flavour, and colour, have
antimycobacterial activity ([Fig. 6]). The
sesquiterpene polyesters with a dihydro-β-agarofuran skeleton are predominant
secondary metabolites in plants belonging to the family Celastraceae. In 2011,
Torres-Romero et al. isolated twenty different dihydro-β agarofuran
sesquiterpene derivatives from Celastrus vulcanicola Donn. Sm., Celastraceae,
and among them,
1α-acetoxy-6β,9β-dibenzoyloxy-dihydro-β-agarofuran
(83) had an activity value against bacilli comparable to that of INH,
RMP, and EMB [50]. Farnesol (84; Cat. no. F203
SIGMA-Aldrich), a C15 isoprenoid natural acyclic sesquiterpene alcohol
present in many natural sources, inhibits EP of M. smegmatis
mc2 155 at tested subinhibitory concentrations such as 8, 16, and
32 µg/mL [51]. Plants of the genus Cordia, found
in the continents of Africa, Asia, and America, contain potential bioactive
molecules. The root extract of Cordia globifera W.W.Sm., Boraginaceae,
contains a meroterpene named globiferin (85), but its synthetic derivative
cordiachrome C (86) had more potent activity than globiferin [52]. Curcuma amada Roxb., Zingiberaceae, used in
Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine in the Indian subcontinent, is effective
against various respiratory disorders. From its chloroform extract, a diterpene
dialdehyde, labdane (87), exhibited much less antimycobacterial activity
(500 µg/mL), but two semisynthetic analogues, diol (88) and dioxime
(89), had MICs of 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively [53]. From Jatropha integerrima Jacq., Euphorbiaceae, fourteen
compounds were isolated. Among them, caniojane (90) showed good activity
[54]. Among eleven new trachybalone diterpene
derivatives, ent-trachylobane-3-one (91) and
ent-trachylobane-17-al (92) from Jungermannia exsertifolia ssp.
cordifolia Steph., Jungermanniaceae, showed moderate activity against
M. tuberculosis
[55]. Leucophyllum frutescens I. M. Johnst.,
Scrophulariaceae, contained a new diterpene, leubethanol (93), in a
methanolic extract [56]. Pandanus species
distributed worldwide are used in folk medicine for the treatment of various
diseases including leprosy. The extract of Pandanus tectorius Soland., var.
laevis., Pandanaceae, contains compounds of which a triterpene,
24,24-dimethyl-5β-tirucall-9(11),25-dien-3-one (94), had activity
against a sensitive tubercular strain [57].
Plectranthus species such as Plectranthus barbatus Andrews.,
Lamiaceae, and Plectranthus bojeri (Benth.) Hedge., Lamiaceae, distributed in
tropical and subtropical Africa, are traditionally used in respiratory disorder
treatments. Abietane (95) and its derivatives (96–98) isolated
from Plectranthus grandidentatus Gurke., Lamiaceae, were reported to have
activity against MDR forms, which were better than the usual antimycobacterial
agents [58]. A diterpene, kaurenoic acid (99),
was isolated from P. cinereum
[48]. Three new antimycobacterial triterpenoids from
ethyl acetate extracts, bonianic acid A (100) and B (101) and
3-O-acetyluncaric acid (102), were isolated from the leaves and
twigs of Radermachera boniana Dop., Bigoniaceae [59]. Oleanolic acid (103; Cat. no. O5504, SIGMA) is a commonly
found triterpenoid in the human diet and in a few medicinal herbs. The
antimycobacterial activity of Quinchamalium majus Brongn., Santalaceae [60]
, Buddleja saligna Willd., Buddlejaceae [60], and Leysera gnaphyloides L., Asteraceae
[61] extracts were mainly due to the presence of
103. In 2010, Ge et al. reported the synergistic interactions of
103 with commonly used antimycobacterial drugs, while 103 alone
showed moderate activity [62]. Deng et al., in 2000,
reported that 103 and its derivatives inhibit DNA polymerase β, which
is an entirely different mechanism than that of INH, RMP, and EMB, which explains
the synergism [63]. A diterpene alcohol such as phytol
(104) and its modified derivatives (105–107) showed very
good antimycobacterial activity [64].
Fig. 6 Terpenoids.
Fatty Acids and Chromones
Fatty Acids and Chromones
Linoleic acid (108), oleic acid (109), and other organic compounds such
as 1,3-benzenediol (110), undecanal (111), and 2,4-undecadienal
(112) from the isolates of Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Apiaceae, had
activity against MDR forms [46]. Chromones, a
benzopyran derivative, can be developed as antimycobacterial drugs. P.
aculeate L., Nyctaginaceae, a commonly distributed herb in Southeast Asia,
has hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in its leaves. In phytochemical
identification, a new chromone, pisonin B (113), showed antimycobacterial
activity [32] ([Fig. 7]).
Fig. 7 Fatty acids, chromones, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and
aromatics.
Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatics
Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatics
Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels., Apiaceae, is a perennial apiaceous herb
indigenous to northwest China. The root extract of this plant has been used against
many diseases. Polyynes, a triple unsaturated natural product commonly found in
seven plant families such as Araliaceae, Asteraceae, Campanulaceae, Santalaceae,
Apiaceae, Pittisporaceae, and Oleaceae, exhibits antifungal, antibacterial, and
antimycobacterial activities. Compounds like falcarindiol (114) and
9Z,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol,1-acetate (115) were
found to have antimycobacterial activity [65].
Ardisia cornudentata Mez., Myrsiniceae, a small shrub commonly found in
Taiwan, is being used to treat various diseases. In an antitubercular screening
programme covering a wide range of formosan plants, the methanolic extract of these
species exhibited antimycobacterial activity. On further analysis, the extract was
found to contain various aromatic compounds and the activities of
3-methoxy-2-methyl-5-pentylphenol (116) and 1,3-dimethoxy-2-methyl-5-pentyl
benzene (117) were found to be better than EMB [66]. Curcuminoids form the major constituents in the plant Curcuma
longa L., Zingiberaceae. The curcuminoid constituents were structurally
modified to 55 analogs and the antimycobacterial activity of each compound was
evaluated. An isoxazole analog, mono-O-methylcurcumin isoxazole (118),
showed potent activity against sensitive and MDR clinical isolates. The activity was
1131-fold more than the parent compound curcumin [67].
Piper sanctum Miq., Piperaceae, is distributed in the central region of
Mexico, where it is commonly known as “acuyo”, “hierba santa”, or “hoja santa”. The
leaves of this plant were also used as a remedy for bronchitis, tuberculosis,
asthma, colds, and also against various other diseases. On analysis of the leaf
extract, a series of alkanes with antimycobacterial activity were reported, among
which 5,6-dehydro-7,8-dihydromethysticin (119) and piperolactam A
(120) demonstrated appreciable activity [68].
Piper sarmentosum Roxb., Piperaceae, locally referred to as “cha-plu” in
Thailand, leaves and root extracts were used in the treatment of toothaches,
dermatitis, and pleurisy. At the same time, an aromatic alkene (121) and a
pyrroliodine amide (122) from the ethyl acetate extract of the plant root had
activity against M. tuberculosis
[69]. Rhus contains 250 species of flowering
plants and, recently, compounds having anti-HIV properties were reported from this
genus. Tetrahydroxysqualene (123), isolated from the methanolic extract of
leaves and twigs of Rhus taitensis Guill., Anacardiaceae, had activity [70] with modest cytotoxicity. The structure of this
class of compounds having antimycobacterial activity is shown in [Fig. 7].
Miscellaneous
The seeds of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata., Zingiberaceae, were very well
recognised in the traditional medicinal practice of China for the treatment of
various stomach diseases and emesis. The seed extract was found to contain many
compounds which demonstrated moderate antimycobacterial activity (MIC
> 64 µg/mL). But trans,trans-1,7,diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-one (124)
had a significant effect on EtBr accumulation and efflux, as well as a synergistic
effect in combination with rifampicin (FIC, 0.28) [71].
Canscora decussata (Roxb.) Schult. & Schult.f., Gentianaceae
(shankpushpi), is a common plant found in the Indian subcontinent.
Xanthones (125–127), isolated from the plant extract, showed activity against
M. tuberculosis comparable to that of streptomycin, which was used as a
positive control in the experiment [72] ([Fig. 8]).
Fig. 8 Miscellaneous compounds.
Conclusion
The present review covers 127 compounds of different classes from 58 plant species
with activity against Mycobacterium species. There is a scope for 39 compounds which
can be developed as future antimycobacterial drugs. Compounds 12–15, 24, 26, 33,
61, 62, 65, 68, 69, 83, 85, 86, 95–98, 116–120, 123, and 125–127,
with MICs < 10 µg/mL, are comparable to antimycobacterial agents such as INH,
RMP, and EMB, and may become future potential antimycobacterial drugs. Compounds
9, 49, 84, and 124, which act as efflux pump inhibitors, may be
useful in reversing drug resistance to TB caused by MDR forms. Drugs acting
synergistically could be developed from plant extracts. Compounds such as 34,
61, and 103 act synergistically in combination with commercially
available antimycobacterial agents and are paving the way as a new option for
multidrug treatment. Compounds 22, 23, 40, 47, and 48 were effective
against intracellular dormant bacilli. This review also highlighted some new sites
and compounds (40, 41, 42, 55, 56, 57, 61, 82, and 103) for drug
action, which determine survival of the bacilli. Common scaffolds may be identified
for synthesis of new antimycobacterial drugs. Compounds such as amentoflavone and
diospyrin (30 and 58) may be isolated from two different plant species
growing in different continents.
There are also many potent antimycobacterial plant extracts from which the active
compounds still have to be isolated. In the current world scenario of global
warming, afforestation using medicinal plants solves these two problems.
Acknowledgements
RSS and BS acknowledge the Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India,
India for research funding (No. 5/8/3(3)/2010-ECD-I) to identify new drug compounds
against mycobacterium. The authors thank the reviewers for comments and suggestions,
and SASTRA University for infrastructural facilities.
