Biosynthesis of antitumoral and bactericidal sanguinarine

Abstract

A simple, rapid, and reliable TLC method for the separation and determinationof sanguinarine has been established. This intensively studied biologically active alkaloid has a wide range ofpotentially useful medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and antitumoral activities. Sanguinarine has also been incorporated intoexpectorant mixtures and has a strong bactericidal effect upongram-positive bacteria, particularly Bacillus anthracisand staphylococci. These medicinal properties are due to theinteraction of sanguinarine with DNA. A fibre-optic-basedfluorescence instrument for in situ scanning was used forquantitative measurements. The sanguinarine was determined overthe range 5-40 ng and a detection limit of 1.60 ng. Themethod was applied to the quantification of sanguinarine in tissueculture extracts of Chelidonium majus L. Copyright © 2006 Víctor P. García et al.