Isolation of an Antibacterial Principle from Terminalia ivorensis chev. Stem bark

Background: Widespread resistance to current antibiotic therapies has necessitated the search for new antiinfectives from natural and synthetic sources. Ethnobotanical information indicated the use of Terminalia ivorensis in the treatment of wounds, syphilis and inflammation.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the antibacterial properties of the Terminalia ivorensis extract and isolate the bioactive compound from the extract.

Methods: Sensitivity of four nosocomial microorganisms (Bacillus substilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) to the acetone extract of T. Ivorensis was investigated by agar cup diffusion method. Bioguided solvent–solvent fractionation was carried out on the extract. The most active fraction was subjected to open column chromatography to obtain a bioactive compound. The compound was characterized by application of spectroscopic techniques (ESI-MS, HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR).

Results: Four microorganisms were sensitive to the whole extract. Column separation led to the isolation of 2- (3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-benzofuran-5,6-diol as an active principle in the extract. MIC values obtained for the bioactive compound and the whole acetone extract were 1.25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml respectively.

Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a scientific basis for the application of T. ivorensis extract in the treatment of infections. Further studies on its in vivo activities and the toxicity profile are required before application in humans.