Biological activities of cyanobacteria: evaluation of extracts and pure compounds.

A total of 80 lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts obtained from 20 samples of cultured freshwater and terrestrial cyanobacteria were investigated for their biological activities. Of all the extracts, 26% exhibited a significant lethal effect against brine shrimp. Out of 54 extracts tested for antimicrobial activity, 78% showed antibacterial and 45% antifungal activities. Of 30 extracts tested for cytotoxicity against KB cells, none was found to be active. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the lipophilic extracts of Fischerella ambigua led to the isolation of three compounds; ambigols A (1) and B (2), and tjipanazole D (3). Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, molluscicidal, and anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. Tjipanazole D (3) showed moderate antibacterial properties.