title: Biological activities of cyanobacteria: evaluation of extracts and pure compounds.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001156:Artemia; D001700:Biomphalaria; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D006801:Humans; D007624:KB Cells; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010636:Phenols / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010647:Phenyl Ethers / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D002227:Carbazoles; D010636:Phenols; D010647:Phenyl Ethers; D010936:Plant Extracts; C096119:ambigol A; C096120:ambigol B; C096121:tjipanazole D