Isolation of Bioactive Compounds That Relate to the Anti-Platelet Activity ofCymbopogon ambiguus

Abstract

Infusions and decoctions ofCymbopogon ambiguushave been used traditionally in Australia for the treatment of headache, chest infections and muscle cramps. The aim of the present study was to screen and identify bioactive compounds fromC. ambiguusthat could explain this plant’s anti-headache activity. A dichloromethane extract ofC. ambiguuswas identified as having activity in adenosine-diphosphate-induced human platelet aggregation and serotonin-release inhibition bioassays. Subsequent fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of four phenylpropenoids, eugenol, elemicin, eugenol methylether andtrans-isoelemicin. While both eugenol and elemicin exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of ADP-induced human platelet serotonin release, only eugenol displayed potent inhibitory activity with an IC50value of 46.6 μM, in comparison to aspirin, with an IC50value of 46.1 μM. These findings provide evidence to support the therapeutic efficacy ofC. ambiguusin the non-conventional treatment of headache and inflammatory conditions.