Investigation of antimalarial principles from seeds of Amomum krervanh (Zingiberaceae)

Abstract

The investigation of antimalarial principles from the seeds of Amomum krervanh ( ZINGIBERACEAE ) has led to the separation of seven pure compounds comprising four monoterpenes, one flavonoid and possibly two diterpenes. Three of the monoterpenes are known compounds, viz: myrtenal, myrtenol and trans -pinocarveol, while the fourth is a new compound whose structure has been elucidated as trans -3-hydroxymyrtenal. The flavonoid has been found to be 3,7,4-trimethoxy-5-hydroxyflavone. Only partial st ave been proposed for the remaining two compounds which are thought to be diterpenes. The above compounds ( with exception of the flavonoid ) give EC50 values in the range 10-5-10-8 g/ml. Besides in vitro testing, in vivo tests were also carried out on myrtenol and one of the diterpenes which exhibited an in vitro EC50 value of 6.15 x 10-8 g/ml. However, in vivo test results are not yet conclusive due to problems concerning solubility of the compounds.