title: Antifungal and antibacterial activity and chemical composition of polar and non-polar extracts of Athrixia phylicoides determined using bioautography and HPLC.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Athrixia phylicoides DC. (Asteraceae) is used medicinally in South Africa to treat a plethora of ailments, including heart problems, diabetes, diarrhoea, sores and infected wounds. It is also prepared in the form of a tea (hot decoction) taken as a refreshing, pleasant-tasting beverage with commercialization potential.
  
  
  METHODS
  Extracts of the dried ground aerial parts were prepared using organic solvents (diethyl ether, dichloromethane/methanol, ethyl acetate and ethanol) and water. These extracts were subjected to HPLC, TLC and bioautography analysis with the aim of linking a range of peaks visualized in HPLC chromatography profiles to antibacterial and antifungal activity of the same extracts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HPLC revealed a group of compounds extracted by more than one solvent. Compounds identified include inositol, caffeic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, hymenoxin and oleanolic acid. The organic extracts displayed similar TLC profiles, and bioautography indicated approximately five antibacterial compounds, but only two antifungal compounds in these extracts. Bioautography indicated that cold water extracted the least antimicrobial compounds.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several previously unknown compounds were identified in Athrixia phylicoides extracts, and bioautography indicated a number of antibacterial and antifungal compounds. There were notable differences in chemical composition and bioactivity between the organic and aqueous extracts. Further research is necessary to fully characterize the active components of the extracts.
authors: Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Phytomedicine Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa. lyndy.mcgaw@up.ac.za.
authors: Lyndy Joy
authors: LJ
authors: McGaw
authors: Victor Patrick
authors: VP
authors: Bagla
authors: Paul Anton
authors: PA
authors: Steenkamp
authors: Gerda
authors: G
authors: Fouche
authors: Jana
authors: J
authors: Olivier
authors: Jacobus Nicolaas
authors: JN
authors: Eloff
authors: Martin Steven
authors: MS
authors: Myer
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial / Q000737:chemistry; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts