Punigratane, a novel pyrrolidine alkaloid from Punica granatum rind with putative efflux inhibition activity

Abstract

A new pyrrolidine alkaloid named Punigratane was isolated from the rind of Punica granatum. This is the first report of a pyrrolidine-like structure from the rind. The activity of this compound was tested in a representative MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae strain which exhibited high efflux pump activity. At a concentration of 6 mg, this compound Punigratane was found to have efflux inhibition activity.

Keywords:

• Pyrrolidine alkaloid
• Punigratane
• Punica granatum
• pomegranate rind
• RND efflux pump inhibitor
• multidrug resistance
• Klebsiella pneumoniae

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Dr K. Balakrishna (Emeritus Scientist, Entamology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai-34) for helpful discussions. SAIF IIT-Madras is duly acknowledged for spectral measurements.