Antifungal activity and phytochemical screening of extracts from Phoenix dactylifera L. cultivars

Nat Prod Res. 2011 Dec;25(20):1999-2002. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2010.536765. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

Abstract

In this study, the rachis extracts of eight date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. cultivars were analysed by phytochemical screening and bioautography on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa). The choice of cultivars was based on their reaction to Foa (resistant, tolerant and sensitive). Phytochemical screening was realised for flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and coumarins. Antifungal effects were mostly represented by dichloromethanic extracts (seven out of nine inhibition zones). The best results were represented by the dichloromethanic extract of the cultivar 'Bent-Cherk' rachis (6.50 ± 1.41 mm) and the ethyl acetate extract of the cultivar 'Rotbi' rachis (6.00 ± 1.41 mm). The date palm cultivars presented some similarities concerning phytochemical screening results related to their resistance or sensibility to Foa. From the correlation between phytochemical screening and bioautography, it was observed that the majority of bioactive compounds against Foa seem to be polyphenols. Thus, the natural defence mechanism in vivo against Foa is probably related to the action of polyphenols. The difference between resistant, tolerant and sensitive cultivars is related to their mechanism of action.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acetates
  • Alkaloids / analysis
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Arecaceae / chemistry*
  • Arecaceae / microbiology*
  • Coumarins / analysis
  • Flavonoids / analysis
  • Fusarium / drug effects*
  • Methylene Chloride
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Stems / chemistry*
  • Polyphenols / analysis
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology
  • Tannins / analysis

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Alkaloids
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Coumarins
  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Tannins
  • Methylene Chloride
  • ethyl acetate