Novel inhibitory activity of the Staphylococcus aureus NorA efflux pump by a kaempferol rhamnoside isolated from Persea lingue Nees.

Objectives: To isolate a plant-derived compound with efflux inhibitory activity towards the NorA transporter of Staphylococcus aureus.

Methods: Bioassay-guided isolation was used, with inhibition of ethidium bromide efflux via NorA as a guide. Characterization of activity was carried out using MIC determination and potentiation studies of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic in combination with the isolated compound.

Amides from Piper capense with CNS activity - a preliminary SAR analysis.

Piper capense L.f. (Piperaceae) is used traditionally in South Africa as a sleep inducing remedy.

New bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Laureliopsis philippiana.

Phytochemical investigation of Laureliopsis philippiana resulted in isolation of a new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid (1) named laureliopsine A. The structure was established by spectroscopic methods, including 2D homo- and heteronuclear NMR experiments. This finding of a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid in Laureliopsis supports its close relationship to Atherosperma and its taxonomic segregation from Laurelia.

MAO-A inhibitory activity of quercetin from Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull.

Aim Of The Study: This study investigated MAO-A inhibitory activity of methanol extract of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull., which traditionally has been used as a nerve calming remedy.

Carroll rearrangement to construct the norneolignan skeleton.

A three-step synthesis of the norneolignan skeleton involving the Carroll rearrangement as the key step has been developed and used for synthesis of the norneolignan skeleton, 1,3-diphenylpenta-1,4-diene and hinokiresinol.