Antiplasmodial Activity of a Novel Diarylheptanoid from Siphonochilus Aethiopicus

The Nigerian and South African varieties ofSiphonochilus aethiopicuswere examined for their phytochemical constituents. The ethyl acetate extract of the rhizomes of the South African variety yielded a novel diarylheptanoid, 2,3-diacetoxy-7-(3 '',4 ''-dihydroxy-5 ''-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4 '-hydroxy-3 '-methoxyphenyl)-5-heptene and the flavonoid 3,7-dimethoxyquercetin. From the hexane extract of the Nigerian variety, siphonochilone and another flavonoid, 3,4 ',7-trimethylkaempferol were isolated. The isolated compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. The diarylheptanoid was then assayed for antiplasmodial activityin vitrousing aPlasmodium falciparumgrowth inhibition assay. At the concentrations tested, the compound inhibited parasite growth by 69 - 74%, without producing cytotoxic or significant haemolytic effects. The antiplasmodial activity of the compound is likely mediated by direct mechanism(s) in erythrocytic - stage parasites.