Antimicrobial Activity of Compounds Isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis and Semi-Synthetic Derivatives against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Author(s)

Ferreira, Daniele S. ; Tozatti, Marcos G. ; Souza, Maria G. M. ; Martins, Carlos H. G. ; Januario, Ana H. ; Pauletti, Patricia M. ; Silva, Marcio L. A. ; Cunha, Wilson R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Latin American Journal of Pharmacy; v. 35, n. 5, p. 862-868, 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

This work describes the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis and semi-synthetic derivatives against four resistant microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus and Enterococcus faecalis. Amongst the isolated compounds, ursolic acid was the most effective substance against S. epidermidis (MIC 6.25 mu g/mL) and E. faecalis (MIC 12.5 mu g/mL). Among the semi-synthetic derivatives, only the acetoxy derivative of ursolic acid exhibited a moderate activity against E. faecalis (MIC 25 mu g/mL). Time-kill assays using ursolic acid revealed that this compound exerted its bactericidal effect (24 h). In contrast, the checkerboard assays conducted against microorganisms did not evidence any synergistic effects when the combinations of penicillin and tetracycline with ursolic acid were employed. In conclusion, our results showed that ursolic acid is an important triterpene in the search for new effective antimicrobial agents. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/16182-8 - Chemical study and biological assays with species of the cerrado searching to antiparasitic substances
• Grantee: Wilson Roberto Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants