Work

Phytotoxic, antifungal and antiplasmodial properties of diterpenes isolated from Copaifera resins

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Diterpenes are bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse pharmacological and agricultural applications. In this study, four diterpenes— ent -polyalthic acid (1), ent -dihydroagathic acid (2), ent -kaurenoic acid (3), and ent -kaurenol (4)—were isolated from copaiba oil-resins and evaluated for their phytotoxic, antifungal, and antiplasmodial activities. Phytotoxicity assays revealed herbicidal activity against Agrostis stolonifera , with ent -polyalthic acid and ent -kaurenoic acid exhibiting the highest efficacy, inhibiting seed germination. ent -dihydroagathic acid also showed phytotoxicity against Lemna paucicostata with IC 50 value of 3.8 µM. All compounds inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum fragariae in a bioautography bioassay, with ent -kaurenoic acid exhibiting the highest activity. Molecular docking studies demonstrated favorable binding affinities of ent -polyalthic acid and ent -dihydroagathic acid to Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase. Pharmacokinetic assessments indicated adherence to Lipinski’s Rule of Five and suitable properties for oral bioavailability. These findings shows the potential of these diterpenes, particularly ent -polyalthic acid, as lead compound for herbicidal and antimalarial drug development.

Source: Journal of Natural Pesticide Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100161

Authors: Victor Pena Ribeiro, Kumudini Meepagala, Prabin Tamang, Jairo Kenupp Bastos, Joanna Bajsa-Hirschel

Institutions: Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Universidade de São Paulo

Language: English

Topic: Bioactive Natural Diterpenoids Research

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,020