Abstract
Callus cultures of Ruta graveolens form at least 17 antimicrobial substances, some of which were identified. It appeared
that acridone alkaloids (rutacridone-epoxide, hydroxyrutacridone-epoxide) are the
most active substances against bacteria as well as against fungi. In comparison with
the medicinally used ethacridine lactate, rutacridone-epoxides proved to be much more
active. Coumarins (rutarm, xanthotoxin, bergapten etc.) only cause any inhibition
in higher concentrations. Furoquinoline alkaloids (dictamnine, γ-fagarine) are more
active than the furocoumarins. Essential oil components and flavonoids do not show
any antibiotic activity in our test.
Key Word Index
Ruta graveolens - Rutaceae - Antimicrobial substances - Acridone alkaloid epoxides
- Furoquinoline alkaloids - Furocoumarins - Rutarin - Callus culture
