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Planta Med 1981; 43(10): 166-174
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-971494
Research Articles

© Hippokrates Verlag Stuttgart

Antimicrobial Substances in Callus Cultures of Ruta graveolens*

B. Wolters, U. Eilert
  • Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie der Technischen Universität, Braunschweig
* The work on the acridone alkaloids is part of the projected dissertation of U. EILERT.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 March 2007 (online)

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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