Antiplasmodial halogenated monoterpenes from the marine red alga Plocamium cornutum

Phytochemistry. 2009 Mar;70(5):597-600. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.02.010. Epub 2009 Apr 3.

Abstract

In our continuing search for antimalarial leads from South African marine organisms we have examined the antiplasmodial organic extracts of the endemic marine red alga Plocamium cornutum (Turner) Harvey. Two new and three known halogenated monoterpenes were isolated and their structures determined by standard spectroscopic techniques. The 3,7-dimethyl-3,4-dichloro-octa-1,5,7-triene skeleton is common to all five compounds. Interestingly, compounds bearing the 7-dichloromethyl substituent showed significantly higher antiplasmodial activity toward a chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / chemistry
  • Antimalarials / isolation & purification*
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology
  • Halogens / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Monoterpenes / chemistry
  • Monoterpenes / isolation & purification*
  • Monoterpenes / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Plocamium / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Fast Atom Bombardment
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Halogens
  • Monoterpenes
  • Plant Extracts