Journal of Applied Chemistry
Volume 2017 (2017), Article ID 1815278, 12 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1815278

Research Article

New Pharmacophore from the Stem Bark Fractions of Acacia decurrens (Willd), an Invasive South Africa Tree

Bamidele Joseph Okoli and Johannes Sekomeng Modise

Institute of Chemical and Biotechnology, Vaal University of Technology, Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark, No. 1911, 5 Moshoeshoe Street, Sebokeng 1983, South Africa

Correspondence should be addressed to Bamidele Joseph Okoli; bamideleo@vut.ac.za and Johannes Sekomeng Modise; joe@vut.ac.za

Received 24 April 2017; Accepted 12 June 2017; Published 2 August 2017

Academic Editor: Isiaka A. Ogunwande

Copyright © 2017 Bamidele Joseph Okoli and Johannes Sekomeng Modise. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

The tolerance of Acacia decurrens, an invasive species, was exploited pharmacologically in this study. Phytochemical screening revealed important secondary metabolites. Importantly, the assay shows that ethyl acetate and methanol fractions are sources of phytochemicals compared to the hexane and chloroform fractions. A bioassay-guided in vitro assay of the extracts led to the eventual isolation of four bioactive compounds by column chromatography, identification, and characterisation with the aid of GCMS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR. The antimicrobial screening by disc diffusion assay revealed 22.2%, 44.4%, 66.7%, and 77.8% microbial inhibition by 2-methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid (AD1), 6-methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD2), 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carb aldehyde (AD3), and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-aza cyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4), respectively. Compounds AD3 and AD4 are the most potent antibacterial compounds against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC 12.5–6.25 μg/ml. Antioxidant study of the compounds assayed with DPPH and ABTS•+ revealed that compound (AD4) is the most efficient DPPH radical scavenger with IC50 30.07 ± 0.31 and ABTS•+ scavenging activity of 4363.2 ± 452.4 μmol of TE/gDW. This provides scientific information on four pharmacophores with phyto-antioxidants and antimicrobial potential, despite the classification of A. decurrens as a Category 2 invasive plant by the National Water Act.

1. Introduction

Invasive species are flora introduced into a foreign environment from their native host region and with significant consequences on the available resources in the host region [1]. The chances of an invasive species establishing dominance in a new environment are minuscule, but research has proven that once they do, the economic damage can be enormous [2]. Literature has shown that invasive species are responsible for threat on indigenous species, although some other biotic and abiotic factors might contribute [3].

Acacia (wattle) is native shrubs and trees to Australia, from the subfamily of Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, due to its prolific nature being found in all terrestrial habitats [4]. They are classified as a Category 2 invasive plant by the Act on Alien and Invasive Species Regulations of South Africa [5]; such exempted flora does require a permit to be introduced to the environment [6].

Indigenous wildlife may not have the potentials of combating or competing against invasive species that has no predators on the food chain within the new environment [7]; however, this phytotolerance can be exploited for its pharmacological activity against infections of the region. The plant parts have various applications in its native country Australia: the flowers are edible and the seed pods are used for the production of green dye, being grown for firewood or as a fast-growing windbreak or shelter tree. The gum from the trunk is used as a low-quality gum arabic [8].

According to the report of Tewari and Jindal [9], O-Me derivatives of the dietary supplements, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl-D-galactose, 2,3-di-O-Methyl-L-arabinose, 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-galactose, and 2,4-di-O-methyl-D-galactose, were isolated from A. decurrens gum. Also, two novel diterpenoids, 11,14,15-trihydroxy-12-methoxy-20-oxo-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one and 10,11,14-trihydroxy-18-acetoxymethylene-12-methoxy-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one, with selective inhibitory activity against MCF-7 and HT-29 cell lines, were isolated from the root extract of A. decurrens [10]. In addition to the novel bioactive compounds isolated, the recent upsurge in pharmacological potentials for phytoantioxidants, phytoantimicrobial pharmacophore, and tolerance of A. decurrens for native invader has been a source of motivation for the study of invasive vegetation as a source of the lead compound [8]. The selection of A. decurrens is not solely dependent on ethnopharmacological knowledge or traditional uses but by direct testing and bioassay-guided isolation of compounds [11]. The generic protocol for the drug discovery from natural products is employed in the study using bioassay-guided in vitro testing of the plant extracts and eventual isolation and identification of the bioactive compounds (see graphical abstract).

2. Experimental

2.1. Chemicals

The reagents and chemicals used in this study are from Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals Co., St. Louis, MO, USA, and are of analytical grade.

2.2. Collection and Extraction of A. decurrens Stem Bark

The fresh stem bark of A. decurrens was harvested around October 2016 near Vaal Dam Road, Heidelberg (26.5033°S, 28.4397°E), South Africa, diced, and dried at an ambient temperature at a relatively low humidity. Authentication of the of A. decurrens stem bark was carried out by the South Africa National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, and voucher specimen number: 1200-1, and was deposited at Pretoria National Botanical Garden. The extraction was performed by serial maceration using 4 L of each solvent: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol with slight agitation at 111 revs/min for seven days. The solvents were removed using a rotary evaporator and the yield of the extracts was determined.

2.3. Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening

The fractions were analyzed for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard procedures. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined, and the results were expressed in mg of gallic acid per g of the sample [12]. The total flavonoids (TFC) were measured and expressed as mg of rutin equivalents per g of the sample [13]. The tannin content (TC) measured and expressed as mg of tannin per g of the sample [14], and also the alkaloid, saponins, and terpenoids contents were determined and expressed in percentage [15–17].

2.4. Fractionation and Isolation of Compounds

The fractionation of the crude extracts was conducted on a Si-gel column of 640 mm by 60 mm with various solvent systems. The obtained bioactive fractions of the extracts were further subjected to subfractionation on a Si-gel column of 330 mm by 30 mm for isolation. Figure 1 is a summary of the fractionation, isolation, and purification of bioactive compounds from the extracts.

Figure 1: A brief summary of the general fractionation, isolation, and purification of bioactive compounds from the extracts.

2.5. GC-MS Analysis of Compounds

The first step involves the solubilization of compounds AD1 and AD2 in chloroform and AD3 and AD4 in acetone prior to introduction into the GC injection port. The retention time and molecular ion determination were carried out on Clarus 500 PerkinElmer Gas Chromatograph equipped with an Elite-5 (100% dimethylpolysiloxane) column coupled to a mass spectrometer detector. The initial column temperature is set at 110°C and held for 2 min and the oven temperature increased at a rate of 5°C/min, to 230°C, and held for 9 min. The helium (He) flow rate was maintained at 1 ml/min, while keeping the injection port temperature at 250°C. The injection of the compounds was by split mode method of 10 : 1 with a mass scan range of 45–450 ().

2.6. Spectroscopic Analysis of Compounds

Spectroscopic studies were carried out on the compounds by scanning the UV-Vis region using PerkinElmer Spectrophotometer and identification of functional groups by using VERTEX 80 FTIR Spectrophotometer and the 1D and 2D; the characterization was carried out on Agilent VnmrJ3 Spectrometer operating at 400 MHz.

2.7. Inoculums and Inoculation Procedure

Stock culture test organisms maintained at 4°C on slants of nutrient agar were obtained from the Biotechnology Department, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa. The growth method was employed in the standardisation of the inoculum density to achieve a concentration of 1.5 × 10⁸ CFU/ml. The agar plates were cultured from colonies in a Mueller-Hinton broth and incubated at 37°C to 0.5 McFarland standard [18]. Furthermore, the inoculum suspension was used within a quarter of an hour to avoid any change in the size or loss of viability [19]. A uniform streaking of the dry Mueller-Hinton agar plate surface was conducted twice with standardised bacterial inoculum suspension.

2.8. Preparation of Compound Impregnated Discs

Sensitivity discs of 6 mm diameter were immersed in stock solutions of each compound prepared by dissolving 50,000 µg of the compound in 5 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide [20]. The disc was sterilised by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes and impregnated with 10 mg/ml of each compound. Dimethyl sulfoxide-loaded discs (negative controls), ampicillin (positive controls), and compound impregnated discs were dried in an incubator at 45°C for 24 h before the application on the bacterial lawn [21]. The disc diffusion method was carried out to investigate the in vitro sensitivity of Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 26883), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (NCTC 11954), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 29692), Klebsiella pneumonia (BAA 1706), Shigella sonnei (ATCC 25931), Staphylococcus epidermis (ATCC 12228), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC(R) BAA-751TM), and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 22735) against the compounds. The analysis was performed in triplicate.

2.9. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

Microorganism sensitive compounds were screened to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration by broth microdilution method [22]. The 12 wells of each row were filled with 0.5 ml sterilised Mueller-Hinton agar. To wells 3–12 sequentially, an additional 0.5 ml of a mixture of agar and compounds was serially diluted to create a concentration of 100–0.3906 µg/mL. The first well served as growth control and well 2 as an antibiotic control (ampicillin) with MIC of 3.125 μg/mL. The incubation of the deep wells was for 24 h at 37°C and turbidity was measured after 24 h at 600 nm using a PerkinElmer UV-Vis Spectrophotometer to determine the MIC. These tests were performed in triplicate.

2.10. DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity

The method of Blois with some modifications was applied to evaluate the ability of the compounds to scavenge the DPPH radicals [23]. Freshly prepared 300 µl of 0.05 mM methanolic solution of DPPH was added to 60 µl of 2-methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid (AD1), 6-methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD2), 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3), 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclo penta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4), ascorbic acid, and quercetin of different concentrations (50–250 μg/mL). Moreover, the mixture was vortexed and allowed for 30 min at 28°C in the absence of light. Then changes in the absorbance of the compounds were measured at 517 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The comparative scavenging potentials of the compounds and standard antioxidants (quercetin and ascorbic acid) were expressed using the formula:

where and are the absorbance of the test and blank, respectively. The IC₅₀ (μM) was calculated using linear regression analysis. All analyses were carried out in triplicate.

2.11. Total Antioxidant Activity by ABTS•+ Decolourization Assay

In the method of Siddhuraju and Manian [24], the total antioxidant activity of the compounds was measured by the decolourization of ABTS•+. Exactly 7 mM of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and 2.45 mM of potassium persulfate were prepared in distilled water, and the mixture was allowed to stand in the dark at ambient temperature for 24 h to generate the ABTS•+. After incubation for 10 h at 28°C in the dark, the bluish green ABTS•+ colour was produced. However, the ABTS cation radical solution was diluted with distilled H₂O to an absorbance of 1.00 at 734 nm. The 3 mL of the generated ABTS•+ solution was mixed with 30 μL of the compounds and Trolox (control). The antioxidant potential was expressed as the concentration of Trolox (μmol/g), having the equivalent antioxidant activity of the compounds on dry weight basis. The absorbance was read at 734 nm exactly after 30 min.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Influence of Menstruum on the Recovery Yield of Compounds

The fractions obtained were different in colours and nature and the percentage yields were recorded. The methanolic fraction has a higher yield compared to the yield of chloroform, ethyl acetate, and hexane (Table 1).

Table 1: Nature of the extracts and recovery yield/g of A. decurrens stem bark.

Menstruum
Physical nature
Colour
Recovery yield/g

Hexane
Oily
Lemon
0.21 ± 0.31

Chloroform
Solid
Light brass gold
1.20 ± 0.05

Ethyl acetate
Solid
Dark brown
0.63 ± 0.01

Methanol
Solid
Chocolate
4.72 ± 0.04

This result implies that most of the secondary metabolites are hydrophilic in nature and consistent with the literature report which confirms methanol as the most suitable solvent for extraction of the polar secondary metabolite [25]. There has been a report that polarity significantly affects the recovery yields of the secondary metabolites from the plant [26].

3.2. Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening

The phytochemical screening of the fractions reveals the presence of terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. All the menstruum contains terpenoids and tannins; however, the saponins were found only in the methanolic fraction (Table 2).

Table 2: Qualitative screening of the stem bark of A. decurrens of extracts.

Phytochemical
Fractions

Hexane
Chloroform
Ethyl acetate
Methanol

Alkaloids
+
++

Glycosides
+
+++
+++
+++

Phenols

+++
+++
++

Saponins

++
+++

Terpenoids
++
++
+++
+++

Tannins
++
+++
+++
+++

Flavonoids

+++
+++

−, absent; +, low in abundance; ++, moderate in abundance; +++, high in abundance.

The methanolic and ethyl acetate fractions contain about 85.7% of the tested secondary metabolites with a high degree of precipitation, while hexane menstruum contains moderately 57.1%. The secondary metabolites identified have established pharmacological activities consequentially [27, 28], indicating that the stem bark contains health-enhancing metabolites, other than growing invasive classification [29].

The alkaloid contents of the chloroform are higher than observed in hexane fraction (Figure 2(a)). However, the % steroids found in the hexane fraction is greater than chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions (Figure 2(c)). High alkaloid and steroid contents in solvents of polarity index of 0.1–4.1 are an indication that they are primarily nonpolar, unlike the saponins which are richer in ethyl acetate compared to the methanol fraction (Figure 2(b)).

(a) % alkaloid

(b) % saponins

(c) % terpenoids

Figure 2: HWB: hexane wattle bark; CWB: chloroform wattle bark; EWB: ethyl acetate wattle bark; MWB: methanol wattle bark.

According to the literature, alkaloids, saponins, and steroids are potent antimicrobial compounds because of their ability to prevent the growth of a microorganism, activating perturbations of the membrane [30] and interfering with gene expression pathways and metabolic processes [31].

The total phenolic contents of the chloroform fraction are higher than those observed in ethyl acetate and methanol fractions, calculated from the calibration curve () (Figure 3(a)). The total flavonoid from the calibration curve () is slightly higher in the methanol than ethyl acetate fraction (Figure 3(b)). However, the calibration curve () shows that the tannins are richer in solvents with polarity index 4.4–5.1, an indication of a highly polar class of tannins (Figure 3(c)). Reports have shown that phenols, flavonoids, and tannins have redox properties, which allow them to act as phytoantioxidants [32]. A significant rise in the level of the tannin and flavonoids extracted was observed as polarity changes with solvent. The observation above is because the tannins and flavonoids are water-soluble polyphenol class of compounds [33], and simple skeleton phenolic rings are connected by a propionic chain [34].

(a) TPC (mgGAE/g)

(b) TFC (mg RUE/g)

(c) TC (mg TAE/g)

Figure 3: HWB: hexane wattle bark extract; CWB: chloroform wattle bark extract; EWB: ethyl acetate wattle bark extract; MWB: methanol wattle bark extract.

3.3. Characterization of 2-Methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid (AD1)

2-Methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid is obtained as a colourless oily compound (110.2 mg) after purification (Rf: 0.84) with λmax 240 (ε 130) (see Supporting File 1, in Supplementary Material available online at https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1815278). The retention time (see Supporting File 2) and molecular mass are 10.8 min and 182 (see Supporting File 3), respectively.

The IR stretching vibration at 3293.87(s) cm⁻¹ is an O-H of the carboxylic acid, and 2952.67(w) and 2843.39(w) are the sp³ C-H of an alkane and C=O of a carboxylic acid at 1710.15(m). The sp² C-H bending vibrations of the alkane are at 1450.34(w) and 1410.80(w) cm⁻¹, and 1113.28(w) and 1014.66(w) cm⁻¹ are the C-O stretching vibrations of carboxylic acid (see Supporting File 4).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃Cl) indicates carboxylic acid proton at 11.312 (1H, s, OH) ppm and methyl and methine protons at 2.15 (2H, m, 2-H), 1.74 (1H, m, 10-H), 1.40 (2H, m, 2-H), 1.41 (1H, m, 6-H), 1.24 (2H, m, 2-H), and 0.87 (3H, m, 11-H) ppm (see Supporting File 5).

¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃Cl) indicates one methyl (CH₃) carbon at 19.68 (C-11) ppm, five methylene (CH₂) carbons at 32.74 (C-7), 30.04 (C-9), 29.38 (C-5), 26.89 (C-3), and 22.70 (C-4) ppm, four methine carbons at 37.09 (C-2), 31.93 (C-6), 30.87 (C-10), and 29.71 (C-8) ppm, and one quaternary carbon at 178.14 (C-1) ppm. Also observed is carboxylic acid carbon resonating at 178.14 (C-1) ppm, and a methine carbon at 37.09 (C-2) is attached to the carboxylic acid carbon (see Supporting File 6).

The HSQC spectrum shows a correlation between the protons at 2.15 (2H, m, 2-H) and 1.74 (1H, m, 10-H) and the methylene carbon at 32.74 (C-7) and 31.93 (C-6) ppm (see Supporting File 7). COSY data reveals a correlation between the protons at 2.15 (2H, m, 2-H) and 1.74 (1H, m, 10-H) ppm to the protons at 1.41 (1H, m, 6-H) and 1.24 (2H, m, 2-H) ppm (see Supporting File 8).

The HMBC shows that the proton at 11.312 (1H, s, OH) ppm is two bonds away from the carbon at 178.14 (C-1) ppm and three bonds away from the carbon at 37.09 ppm. Another notable correlation is between methine proton at 2.15 (2H, m, 2-H) ppm and the carbons at 30.87 (C-10) and 26.89 (C-3) ppm which are two bonds away (see Supporting File 9). The above spectroscopic data confirms structure as AD1 (Scheme 1) with a molecular formula of C₁₁H₁₈O₂.

Scheme 1

3.4. Characterization of 6-Methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD2)

6-Methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one was isolated as a white wax (87.5 mg), melting point: 96–98°C, after purification (Rf: 0.81). The UV-Vis profile revealed peak at λmax 240 nm (ε 200) (see Supporting File 10).

The IR stretching vibrations at 2954.72(w), 2920.47(s), and 2851.24(s) are the sp³ C-H of alkane, and C=O of a ketone at 1723(s), 1640(m), and 1650(m) is sp² C=C of an alkene. The bending vibrations of alkane sp² and sp³ C-H are at 1462.67(m) cm⁻¹ and 1377.32(m) cm⁻¹, respectively (see Supporting File 11).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃Cl) indicates 3.47 (2H, d, CH₂), 1.71 (1H, m, CH), 1.46 (1H, m, CH), 1.30 (2H, m, CH₂), 1.23 (2H, m, CH₂), 1.08 (2H, d, CH₂), and 0.92 (3H, d, CH₃) ppm. It establishes the presence of methyl at 0.92 (3H, d, CH₃) ppm, methylene protons at 3.47 (2H, d, CH₂), 1.30 (2H, m, CH₂), 1.23 (2H, m, CH₂), 1.08 (2H, d, CH₂), and methine proton at 1.71(1H, m, CH) and 1.46 (1H, m, CH) ppm (see Supporting File 12).

¹³C-NMR δc (400 MHz, CD₃Cl) indicates the presence of fifteen carbon atoms with the carbon peaks resonating at 207.04 (C-1), 157.46 (C-7), 138.34 (C-2), 39.01 (C-14), 37.05 (C-6), 32.70 (C-4), 31.89 (C-8), 30.89 (C-5), 29.10 (C-13), 29.66 (C-12), 29.63 (C-9), 29.33 (C-10), 27.04 (C-11), 22.66 (C-3), and 19.67 (C-15) ppm (see Supporting File 13). ¹³C-NMR reveals the presence of one methyl group at δc 19.67 (C-15), three methine carbons at δc 39.01 (C-14), 37.05 (C-6), and 32.70 (C-4) ppm, eight methylene carbons at δc 31.89 (C-8), 30.89 (C-5), 29.10 (C-13), 29.66 (C-12), 29.63 (C-9), 29.33 (C-10), 27.04 (C-11), and 22.66 (C-3) ppm, and three quaternary carbons at δc 207.04 (C-1), 157.46 (C-7), and 138.34 (C-2) ppm. The C=O stretching vibration of a ketone as observed in the FTIR spectrum at 1705.21 cm⁻¹ is resonating at 207.04 (C-1) ppm; however, the peaks at 157.46 (C-7) and 138.34 (C-2) ppm are olefinic carbons corresponding to the stretching vibrational frequencies at 1640.01 and 1650.11 cm⁻¹ on the FTIR spectrum (see Supporting File 11).

The HSQC shows a correlation between the proton at δ 3.47 (2H, d, CH₂) ppm and the carbon peak at 39.01 (C-14) ppm (see Supporting File 14). The spectrum shows that the methylene proton at 3.47 (2H, d, CH₂) and the methine proton at 1.71 (1H, m, CH) ppm are in the same chemical environment (see Supporting File 15).

The heteronuclear multiple bond correlation experiment reveals the correlations between carbons signals at 207.04 (C-1), 157.46 (C-7), and 138.34 (C-2) ppm and the proton at 3.47 (2H, d, CH₂) ppm (see Supporting File 16).

The GCMS analysis revealed a retention time of 15.98 min (see Supporting File 17) and a molecular ion peak at 218 (see Supporting File 18) which is in agreement with the molecular formula of C₁₅H₂₂O. The molecular structure of 6-methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one based on the spectroscopic information above is deduced to be AD2 (Scheme 2).

Scheme 2

3.5. Characterization of 8-Hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3)

8-Hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde is a white needle (267.4 mg), melting point: 178–180°C, after purification: Rf: 0.68 with 240 nm (1.354) (see Supporting File 19). The retention time is 21.58 min (see Supporting File 20) and a molecular ion is at 396 (see Supporting File 21).

The IR spectrum of 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde reveals the presence of -OH stretching vibration of alcohol at 3274 cm⁻¹, C-H of alkane 2968, 2945, 2919, and 2853 cm⁻¹ the =C-H of aldehyde at 2869 cm⁻¹, C=O of aldehyde at 1735 cm⁻¹, and two peaks of C-O of alcohol at 1190 and 1097 cm⁻¹. The bending vibration at 1464 cm⁻¹ is the C-H of alkane and 1386 cm⁻¹ of C-H of alkane (see Supporting File 22).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃Cl) showed the presence of an aldehyde proton at 9.67 (1H, s, 26-H) ppm, two olefinic protons at 5.12 (1H, t, 12-H) and 5.20 (1H, d, 19-H) ppm, oxymethine proton resonating at 3.20 (1H, m, 3-H) ppm, and hydroxyl proton at 1.59 (1H, s, OH) ppm (see Supporting File 23).

¹³C NMR data δc (400 MHz, CD₃Cl) showed eight methine carbons at 38.73 (C-10), 37.09 (C-8), 31.07 (C-9), 27.14 (C-5), 55.11 (C-14), 78.96 (C-3), 120.13 (C-12), and 122.42 (C-11) ppm, eight methylene at 18.34 (C-1), 23.67 (C-15), 23.50 (C-7), 25.97 (C-16), 26.10 (C-6), 28.05 (C-17), 34.69 (C-2), and 47.58 (C-4) ppm, and three quaternary carbons at 186.36 (C-19), 140.00 (C-13), and 145.18 (C-18) ppm. The ¹³C NMR spectrum revealed the presence of a carbonyl carbon at 186.36 (C-19) ppm, four olefinic carbon atoms resonating at 120.13 (C-12), 122.42 (C-11), 140.00 (C-13), and 145.18 (C-18) ppm, and an oxymethine carbon peak at 78.96 (C-3) ppm (see Supporting File 24).

The HSQC assignment of the proton at 9.67 (1H, s, 26-H) ppm to the carbonyl carbon at 186.36 (C-19) ppm is an indication that the proton is directly bonded. Also, the oxymethine proton at 3.20 (1H, m, 3-H) ppm shows correlation to carbon peak at 78.96 (C-3) ppm. The olefinic protons at 5.12 (1H, t, 12-H) and 5.20 (1H, d, 19-H) ppm show correlation to the carbon peaks at 120.13 (C-12) and 122.42 (C-11), respectively (see Supporting File 25).

The COSY spectrum indicates that the olefinic protons at 5.12 (1H, t, 12-H) and 5.20 (1H, d, 19-H) ppm show correlation to the methine protons at 1.98 and 1.94 ppm. There is a correlation between the oxymethine proton at 3.20 (1H, m, 3-H) ppm and the protons at 1.53 and 1.52 ppm (see Supporting File 26). The aldehyde proton at 9.67 (1H, s, 26-H) ppm is three bonds away from the olefinic carbon peak at 145.18 (C-18) ppm. Also, the oxymethine proton peak at 3.20 (1H, m, 3-H) ppm shows correlation with 38.73 (C-10), 37.09 (C-8), and 27.14 (C-5) ppm methine protons and 18.34 (C-1) and 23.67 (C-15) methylene protons. The olefinic protons at 5.12 (1H, t, 12-H) and 5.20 (1H, d, 19-H) ppm show multiple bond correlations to carbon peaks at 25.97 (C-16) and 26.10 (C-6) ppm (see Supporting File 27). The structure and molecular formulas of 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde, inferred from the MS spectrum, 1 D NMR, COSY, and HMBC spectra, are confirmed as AD3 (Scheme 3) and C₁₉H₄₂O₂, respectively.

Scheme 3

3.6. Characterization of 8,9-Dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclo penta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4)

8,9-Dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one was isolated as a yellow semisolid (324.5 mg), melting point: 212–214°C, after purification Rf: 0.58 with a GC retention time of 23.25 mins (see Supporting File 28). The UV-Vis peak at λmax 240 nm (ε 1.333) (see Supporting File 29) and the mass spectrum revealed a molecular ion peak at 333 (see Supporting File 30).

On the IR spectrum, an O-H stretching vibration of alcohol is observed at 3369.00(m) cm⁻¹, sp³ C-H stretching vibration at 2924(m) cm⁻¹, S-C stretching vibration at 2498(m) cm⁻¹, and C=O stretching vibration of a tertiary amide at 1685(s). Also, bending vibrations were observed at the fingerprint region at 1019(s) cm⁻¹ of C-O, aromatic C=C overtone at 1610(s) and 1407(m) cm⁻¹, and C-H aromatic bending vibrations at 985(s), 942(s), 929(s), 900(s), 837(s), and 758(s) cm⁻¹ (see Supporting File 31).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) indicated 6.04 (1H, s, 2-H), 6.04 (1H, s, 13-H), 3.98 (2H, s, 4-H), 3.77 (1H, m, 10-H), 3.73 (1H, dd, 9-H), 3.70 (2H, s, 15-H), 3.70 (2H, s, 17-H), 3.50 (2H, t, 19-H), 3.40 (2H, dd, 8-H), 2.32 (2H, d, 11-H), 1.96 (1H, m, 7-H), 1.86 (2H, m, 18-H), 1.84 (1H, s, 19-OH), 1.79 (1H, s, 8-OH), and 1.74 (1H, s, 9-OH) ppm.

¹³C-NMR δc (400 MHz, Cd3OD) indicated 176.72 (C-6), 138.45 (C-12), 136.83 (C-14), 133.11 (C-1), 130.61 (C-3), 128.46 (C-13), 128.42 (C-2), 75.29 (C-9), 74.80 (C-8), 60.17 (C-19), 54.43 (C-10), 47.71 (C-4), 40.72 (C-17), 40.53 (C-15), 38.13 (C-7), 29.11 (C-11), and 27.79 (C-18) ppm.

The ¹H NMR spectrum revealed the presence of aromatic proton at 6.04 (1H, s, 2-H) and 6.04(1H, s, 13-H) ppm, oxy-methine proton resonating at 3.40 (2H, dd, 8-H) ppm, thiomethine protons resonating 3.70 (2H, s, 15-H) and 3.70 (2H, s, 17-H) ppm, and proton α to carbonyl at 1.96 (1H, m, 7-H) ppm (see Supporting File 32).

The ¹³C-NMR spectrum showed seventeen carbon atoms of six methine (CH) carbons at 38.13 (C-7), 74.80 (C-8), 75.29 (C-9), 54.43 (C-10), 128.46 (C-13), and 128.42 (C-2) ppm, six methylene (CH₂) at 40.72 (C-17), 40.53 (C-15), 29.11 (C-11) 47.71 (C-4), 60.17 (C-19), and 27.79 (C-18) ppm, and six quaternary carbon atoms at 133.11 (C-1), 130.61 (C-3), 138.45 (C-12), 136.83 (C-14), and 176.72 (C-6) ppm. The ¹³C NMR spectrum revealed the carbonyl carbon of an amide at 176.72 (C-6) ppm and the presence of six aromatic carbon atoms resonating at 138.45 (C-12), 136.83 (C-14), 133.11 (C-1), 130.61 (C-3), 128.46 (C-13), and 128.42 (C-2) ppm. Two oxymethine carbons peaked at 75.29 (C-9) and 74.80 (C-8) ppm and an oxymethylene peak appeared up field at 60.17 (C-19) ppm (see Supporting File 33).

The HSQC showed correlations between the aromatic carbons at 128.46 (C-13) and 128.42 (C-2) ppm and protons at 6.04 (1H, s, 2-H) and 6.04 (1H, s, 13-H) ppm. Also, there is a connection between the two oxymethine carbons at 75.29 (C-9) and 74.80 (C-8) ppm and the protons at 3.98 (2H, s, 4-H) and 3.77 (1H, m, 10-H) ppm (see Supporting File 34).

The COSY spectrum indicates that the aromatic protons at 6.04 (1H, s, 2-H) and 6.04(1H, s, 13-H) ppm are three bonds away from the thiomethylene protons at 3.73 (1H, dd, 9-H) and 3.70 (2H, s, 15-H) ppm (see Supporting File 35). The HMBCAD showed that the peaks at 176.72 (C-6), 138.45 (C-12), 136.83 (C-14), 133.11 (C-1), 130.61 (C-3), 128.46 (C-13), 128.42 (C-2), 74.80 (C-8), and 54.43 (C-10) ppm are close to the same chemical environment as the aromatic protons 6.04 (1H, s, 2-H) and 6.04 (1H, s, 13-H) ppm (see Supporting File 36 for full experimental data). The information from the 1D, HSQC, COSY, HMBCAD, and mass spectra of 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-aza cyclopenta [b] anthracen-6-one confirms a structure of AD4 (Scheme 4) and molecular formula C₁₈H₂₃NO₃S.

Scheme 4

3.7. Antimicrobial Potential of Compounds AD1–AD4

The inhibition effect of the compounds is tested on nine bacterial strains, including six Gram-positive and three Gram-negative strains. The compounds AD(1–4) have little inhibitory activity against Gram-negative strains, but the results on the six Gram-positive strains were significant. Compounds AD2, AD3, and AD4 were the most potent antimicrobial compounds inhibiting 44.4%, 66.7%, and 77.8% of the tested microorganisms, respectively (Table 3 and Figure 4). On the other hand, compound AD1 has the lowest bacterial inhibition at 22.2% compared to the positive control and the other compounds.

Table 3: Sensitivity of the bioactive compounds against the test organisms.

Bacteria
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Ampicillin

Staphylococcus aureus

Escherichia coli

Salmonella typhi

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Micrococcus luteus

Shigella sonnei

Staphylococcus epidermis

Listeria monocytogenes

Enterococcus faecalis

: susceptibility (inhibition zone ≥ 7 mm); : absence of susceptibility.

Figure 4: Antibacterial activity of the bioactive compounds.

Compound AD4 indicated the highest antimicrobial activity due to the presence of functional groups such as the thiol, hydroxyl, and amide. However, E. coli and S. sonnei were predominantly resistance, due to the production of β-lactamases as expected of Gram-negative organisms [35]; similar strength was observed for compounds AD2 and AD3.

For β-lactams to reach the binding proteins located in the inner membrane of the organism specific functional group is required. In this study, the bacterial cell production of β-lactamases was in insufficient concentration to tip the kinetics in favour of the destruction of compounds AD2, AD3, and AD4. Compound AD1 clearly was ineffective due to the absence of the primary functional groups by decreasing penetration or actively extruding the antimicrobial compound [36]. The breaching of the intact cell walls and membranes of the peptidoglycan and cytoplasmic layer of M. luteus, E. faecalis, and L. monocytogenes is also due to the type of functional groups on compounds AD2, AD3, and AD4. They induce cells to lyse and cause breakage of walls and membranes. M. luteus and L. monocytogenes were sensitive to all tested compounds despite the fact that these organisms survive oligotrophic environments for extended periods of time [37], confirming the possible use of the compounds for the treatment of opportunistic infection caused by M. luteus and L. monocytogenes in immunosuppressed patients.

The MIC of bioactive compounds (Table 4) revealed that 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4) exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity toward the tested bacterial strains.

Table 4: Minimum inhibitory concentration (µg/ml) of the bioactive compounds.

Bacteria
(AD1)
(AD2)
(AD3)
(AD4)
Ampicillin

Staphylococcus aureus
—
—
12.5
12.5
12.5

Escherichia coli
—
—
—
—
—

Salmonella typhi
—

12.5
12.5
12.5

Klebsiella pneumoniae
—
—
—
—
6.25

Micrococcus luteus
50
50
12.5
12.5
6.25

Shigella sonnei
—
—
—
25
6.25

Staphylococcus epidermis
—
—
12.5
12.5
6.25

Listeria monocytogenes
50
50
12.5
6.25
6.25

Enterococcus faecalis
—

12.5
6.25
12.5

Compound AD4 has a strong effect on L. monocytogenes and E. faecalis with MIC value of 6.25 µg/ml, whereas compounds AD1 and AD2 displayed destitute bacteriostatic activity with MIC value of 50 µg/ml. 8-Hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) also exhibited significant activity against M. luteus, S. aureus, S. typhi, S. epidermis, L. monocytogenes, and E. faecalis with MIC value of 12.5 µg/ml. However, only two compounds 8-hydroxy-tetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4) demonstrated strong anti-Gram-positive bacterial potential compared to ampicillin with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 µg/ml. These results indicate that the stem bark of A. decurrens can be useful for the development of antibiotic and can also be a bioactive scaffold for new antibacterial drugs.

3.8. In Vitro Antioxidant Activity

The antioxidant capacity of compounds AD(1–4) was evaluation in vitro [38, 39], using DPPH a stable free radical acceptor of electron or hydrogen radical. Compounds AD3 and AD4 had significant scavenging effects on the DPPH radical, indicated by a colour (Table 5). As the concentration of 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4) increases from 50 to 250 μg/mL, so is the electrons taken up by DPPH radical. The radical scavenging strength of the compounds is in the order ascorbic acid > 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4) > quercetin > 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) > 2-methyl-octahydroindene-4-carboxylic acid (AD2) > 6-methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD1) with the IC₅₀ (Table 5).

Table 5: Radical scavenging activity of the compounds from the stem bark of A. decurrens.

Compounds
DPPH radical scavenging activity
IC₅₀ values (μg/mL)
ABTS•+ scavenging activity (μmol of TE/g DW)

AD1
398.31 ± 0.21
1425.3 ± 167.2

AD2
439.29 ± 0.51
1945.9 ± 334.8

AD3
59.34 ± 0.07
3356.4 ± 253.7

AD4
30.07 ± 0.31
4363.2 ± 452.4

Ascorbic acid
15.75 ± 0.04

Quercetin
45.74 ± 0.41

The study revealed that the 8-hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4) were able to inhibit the potassium persulfate activity hence, reducing the production of ABTS•+ and exhibited higher ABTS radical scavenging activity. However, 2-methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid (AD1) and 6-methyldeca hydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD2) are relatively weak antioxidant (Table 5).

The ascorbic acid used as a control in this study readily forms dehydroascorbate which does not possess radical scavenging potentials, but it easily reverts to ascorbate radical by donating an electron to the radical [40]. The radical anions on the oligonucleotides DNA are always prone to the attack of polyhydroxy compounds such as quercetin, and this explains the observed activities of compounds AD4 and AD3. The comparable scavenging activity of compounds AD4 due to the presence of the polyhydroxy groups in the neighbourhood of the aromatic ring is enhanced by the inductive effect of neighbouring groups, consequently, having the ease at which the protons are donated compared to quercetin and compounds AD3. 8-Hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde (AD3) being a tetracyclic steroid has an equally likely activity due to the long carbon chains, imposing a lipophilic property which plays a significant role in the radical scavenging activity [41]. 2-Methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid (AD1) and 6-methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD1) are weak phytoantioxidant compounds due to the absence of electron donating and polyhydroxy groups on the structure.

4. Conclusion

The findings from this study confirm ethyl acetate and methanol as the most efficient solvent for extracting potent phytoantioxidant and antimicrobial metabolites. The generic protocol for the drug discovery from the stem bark of A. decurrens based on straightforward testing led to the isolation and identification of 2-methyl-octahydro-indene-4-carboxylic acid (AD1), 6-methyldecahydro-1H-phenanthren-9-one (AD2), 8-Hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carb aldehyde (AD3), and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-aza cyclo penta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4). 8-Hydroxytetradecahydro-chrysene-1-carbaldehyde and 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one have promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and could be new lead compounds. The free radical scavenging activity of 8,9-dihydroxy-7-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-9,9a-hexahydro-1H,3H-2-thia-5a-azacyclopenta[b]anthracen-6-one (AD4) is comparatively stronger than quercetin. Further, immunological and toxicological studies must be carried out to establish the potential as a lead compound or the acetylated derivative tested in vivo to understand the biochemical interactions.

Additional Points

Supporting information including UV-Vis, GC-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectra of compounds AD(1–4) are available as supplementary material.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the Directorate of Research, Vaal University of Technology, and Northwest University, South Africa, for providing the facilities for the experiment.

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