Chemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of the Fungus-Growing Termite Strain Used in Traditional Medicine in the Republic of Benin.

The fungus growing termite species () is used in nutrition and traditional medicine in the Republic of Benin for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Previous findings demonstrated evidence of anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties of . The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of different extracts of samples and determine the chemical profile of an ethanolic extract. Chemical profiling was conducted using centrifugal partition chromatography and C-NMR, followed by MALDI-TOF MS. Major identified compounds include hydroquinone (HQ), methylhydroquinone (MHQ), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl glycol (DHPG), -acetyldopamine (NADA) and niacinamide. The fatty acid mixture of the extract was mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid and highlights the nutritional purpose of . Using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay, an antibacterial activity of samples was observed against various clinical strains with a highest growth inhibition of . In addition, HQ and MHQ as well as fractions containing DHPG, niacinamide and NADA inhibited growth. The reported antimicrobial activity of and identified active substances provide a rationale for the traditional medicinal use of .