Biological activities of cyanobacteria: evaluation of extracts and pure compounds

Planta Med. 1995 Aug;61(4):321-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-958092.

Abstract

A total of 80 lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts obtained from 20 samples of cultured freshwater and terrestrial cyanobacteria were investigated for their biological activities. Of all the extracts, 26% exhibited a significant lethal effect against brine shrimp. Out of 54 extracts tested for antimicrobial activity, 78% showed antibacterial and 45% antifungal activities. Of 30 extracts tested for cytotoxicity against KB cells, none was found to be active. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the lipophilic extracts of Fischerella ambigua led to the isolation of three compounds; ambigols A (1) and B (2), and tjipanazole D (3). Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, molluscicidal, and anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. Tjipanazole D (3) showed moderate antibacterial properties.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / isolation & purification
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Artemia
  • Biomphalaria
  • Biphenyl Compounds / isolation & purification
  • Biphenyl Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Carbazoles / isolation & purification
  • Carbazoles / pharmacology
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cyanobacteria*
  • Humans
  • KB Cells
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Phenols / isolation & purification
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Phenyl Ethers / isolation & purification
  • Phenyl Ethers / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Carbazoles
  • Phenols
  • Phenyl Ethers
  • Plant Extracts
  • ambigol A
  • ambigol B
  • tjipanazole D