The relevance of alkaloid proportions in Chelidonium maius extracts

Pharmacologically important compounds of Chelidonium majus show broad spectrum of bioactivities, for example antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, pro-apoptotic [1]. The complex alkaloid composition of the species is still under exploring, and so is the bioactive potential of the plant. The phytochemical profile that determines the biological activity is difficult to characterize due to large number of compounds produced in the plant and the multitude of factors determining their formation. The aim of our research was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of C. majus extracts obtained from intact plants and in vitro cultures. Phytochemical analysis showed that roots contained higher number and amounts of alkaloids in comparison to aerial parts. All tested plant extracts manifested antimicrobial activity, related to different chemical structures of the alkaloids. Root extract used at 31.25 - 62.5mg/L strongly reduced bacterial biomass. From the seven individually tested alkaloids, chelerythrine was the most effective against P. aeruginosa (MIC at 1.9 mg/L), and sanguinarine against S. aureus (MIC at 1.9 mg/L). Strong antifungal activity was observed against C.albicans when chelerythrine, chelidonine and aerial parts extract was used. The experiments with plant extracts, individually tested alkaloids and their mixtures allowed for a deeper insight into the potential mechanisms affecting the activity of this group of compounds.

• References

• 1 Zielińska S, Jezierska-Domaradzka A, Wójciak-Kosior M, Sowa I, Junka A, Matkowski A.M. Greater celandine’s ups and downs–21 centuries of medicinal uses of Chelidonium majus from the viewpoint of today’s pharmacology. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9: 1-29