Cytotoxic and antibacterial compounds from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi fruits

Abstract

Chromatographic procedures of extracts of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi fruits afforded (Z)-masticadienoic (1) and 3β-masticadienolic (2) acids, tetrahydroamentoflavone (3), and 4-O-methyl gallic acid (4). Addicionally, the derivative 6-oxo masticadienoic acid (1a) was prepared by an allylic oxidation. The chemical structures of obtained compounds were elucidated by spectrometric data analyses. Furthermore, both the semi-synthetic derivative and the metabolites were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity against the A549 human lung cancer cell line, as well as antimicrobial activity tests. Compounds 2 and 1a exhibited cytotoxicity towards A549 cells with IC50 values of 20.13 and 6.11 µM, respectively. In the tests against pathogens, the CHCl3 and EtOAc soluble fractions of MeOH extract along with the pure compounds, exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Except for 4-O-methyl gallic acid, the other pure compounds showed inhibitory microbial activities with MIC values ranging from 0.25 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL doses.