Open AccessA novel compound from celery seed with a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori
Author(s) -
Zhou Yong,
Taylor Brian,
Smith Thomas J.,
Liu Zhongping,
Clench Malcolm,
Davies Noel W.,
Rainsford K.D.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1211/jpp.61.08.0011
Subject(s) - antimicrobial , helicobacter pylori , chemistry , campylobacter jejuni , minimum bactericidal concentration , minimum inhibitory concentration , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , apium graveolens , bacterial outer membrane , antibacterial activity , escherichia coli , chromatography , traditional medicine , biochemistry , biology , medicine , botany , genetics , gene
Objectives The aim was to purify and characterise an antimicrobial component from celery ( Apium graveolens ) seeds, which have been used for centuries as a herbal medicine with reported antibacterial effects. Methods A crude alcoholic extract of celery seeds was fractionated by organic solvent extractions, column chromatography and HPLC. Fractions were assayed for antimicrobial activity against the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori and other bacteria. The purified antibacterial component was characterised via MS and NMR. Preliminary investigation of its mechanism of action included morphological studies, incorporation of macromolecular precursors, membrane integrity and two‐dimensional protein electrophoresis. Key findings The purified component, termed ‘compound with anti‐ Helicobacter activity’ (CAH), had potent bactericidal effects against H. pylori ; the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were 3.15 μg/ml and 6.25–12.5 μg/ml, respectively. CAH (M r = 384.23; empirical formula C 24 H 32 O 4 ) had specific inhibitory effects on H. pylori and was not active against Campylobacter jejuni or Escherichia coli. MS and NMR data were consistent with a dimeric phthalide structure. The results appeared to rule out mechanisms that operated solely by loss of membrane integrity or inhibition of protein or nucleic acid synthesis. Conclusions CAH may be suitable for further investigation as a potent agent for treating H. pylori infections.