Antimalarial activity of sesquiterpenes from the marine sponge Acanthella klethra

J Nat Prod. 1992 Dec;55(12):1787-9. doi: 10.1021/np50090a014.

Abstract

Five sesquiterpenoids containing isonitrile or isothiocyanate groups were isolated from the sponge Acanthella klethra. Compounds 1 and 2 were identified as axisonitrile 3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate derivative, respectively. Compounds 3-5 were found to be eudesmane sesquiterpenes. None of these compounds was cytotoxic toward cultured KB-3 cells, but varying degrees of activity were observed with cultured Plasmodium falciparum. Compound 1 demonstrated greatest promise as an antimalarial agent.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / isolation & purification
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Humans
  • KB Cells / drug effects
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects
  • Porifera / chemistry*
  • Sesquiterpenes / isolation & purification
  • Sesquiterpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Sesquiterpenes