Antimicrobial activity of the diterpenes flexibilide and sinulariolide derived from Sinularia flexibilis Quoy and Gaimard 1833 (Coelenterata: Alcyonacea, Octocorallia)

Abstract

The soft coral Sinularia flexibilis is rarely overgrown by bacteria and algae. Various studies have shown that it contains diterpenes that protect it from competitors and predators. However, of the many diterpenoids isolated from S. flexibilis, only sinulariolide has been studied for antibiotic properties. Samples of soft corals were collected from Orpheus Island and freeze-dried for chemical extraction and isolation of pure diterpenes. Antimicrobial activity of the diterpenes was determined using the disc assay method with antibiotics as controls and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the diterpenes were determined using the Tube Dilution Technique. Two out of the five diterpenes tested (sinulariolide and flexibilide), showed marked antimicrobial activity and inhibited growth of Gram-positive bacteria. Flexibilide was effective even at concentrations as low as 5 ppm, whereas sinulariolide was effective at concentrations of 10 ppm. These compounds show potential as antibiotics. Copyright (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.

Source or Periodical Title

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - C Pharmacology Toxicology and Endocrinology

ISSN

7428413

Page

121-126

Document Type

Article

Subject

Antibiotics, Antimicrobial, Diterpenes, Flexibilide, Gram-positive bacteria, Octocorallia, Sinularia flexibilis, Sinulariolide, Soft coral

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