Planta Med 2002; 68(7): 640-642
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32891
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Erythrinaline Alkaloids and Antimicrobial Flavonoids from Erythrina latissima

Cornelius C. W. Wanjala1, 3 , Benard F. Juma1 , Gomotsang Bojase1 , Berhanu A. Gashe2 , Runner R. T. Majinda1
  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
  • 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
  • 3Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 2, 2001

Accepted: January 12, 2002

Publication Date:
22 July 2002 (online)

Abstract

The seed pods of Erythrina latissima yielded erysotrine, erysodine, syringaresinol, vanillic acid, a new erythrina alkaloid, (+)-10,11-dioxoerysotrine, which was lethal to brine shrimp and 2-(5′-hydroxy-3′-methoxy phenyl)-6-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzofuran, which showed strong antimicrobial activity against the yeast spores, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The root bark gave four known pterocarpans which showed moderate to strong antifungal activity against the yeast spores and three known flavonoids showed antimicrobial activity against all test microorganisms.

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Dr. R. R.T. Majinda

Department of Chemistry

University of Botswana

Private Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana

Email: majindar@mopipi.ub.bw

Fax: +267-355 2836

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