Antifungal, antiprotozoal, cytotoxic and piscicidal properties of Justicidin B and a new arylnaphthalide lignan from Phyllanthus piscatorum.

Using activity against Candida albicans as a lead, the bioactivity-guided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract of Phyllanthus piscatorum led to the isolation of the arylnaphthalide lignan justicidin B (1), which was found to be present in high amounts, and a new C-11 hydroxylated derivative that we named piscatorin (2). We provide evidence that justicidin B (1) is the main active principle of P. piscatorum, showing the same biological effects that were found for the raw extracts. Justicidin B inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (MIC > or = 1 microg/mL), Aspergillus flavus (MIC > or = 12 microg/mL), and Candida albicans (MIC > or = 4 microg/mL), but was not effective against Cryptococcus neoformans and Blastoschizomyces capitatus. Justicidin B also exhibited strong activity against the trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC50 = 0.2 microg/mL) and moderate activity against Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 = 2.6 microg/mL). Testing against Plasmodium falciparum showed only weak activity. This is the first report on the in vitro fungicidal and antiprotozoal effects of justicidin B. In addition, both compounds exhibited a non-specific cytotoxicity in neoplastic and primary cell cultures. No antibacterial effects were detected. Both compounds were piscicidal against zebra fish and it is shown for the first time that piscatorin (2) and justicidin B (1) are the piscicidal principles of P. piscatorum, exhibiting a potency that is comparable to rotenone.