Triterpenoids of antibacterial extracts from the leaves of Bersama abyssinica Fresen (Francoaceae)

Abstract

Phytochemical screening of the three extracts (acetone, ethanol and methanol) from Bersama abyssinica leaves revealed the presence of triterpenes, phenolic compounds and coumarins. The evaluation of the total phenolic content was achieved using the method of Folin–Ciocalteu allowed us to say that the acetone extract has the highest content of 41.73 mg EAG/g EX. Fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of two triterpenoids, namely ursolic acid (compound BE1) and its glucoside (compound BE2). Evaluation of antibacterial activity was carried out on three bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens using the method of diffusion in a solid medium. Results indicated that the three strains were sensitive to all extracts. Three strains were sensitive to the BE1 and two strains (E. coli and S. aureus) to the BE2. These results may justify the traditional use of parts of B. abyssinica in the treatment of some intestinal diseases.