Gancidin W, a potential low-toxicity antimalarial agent isolated from an endophyticSUK10.

Abstract

Endophyticstrains are potential sources for novel bioactive molecules. In this study, the diketopiperazine gancidin W (GW) was isolated from the endophytic actinobacterial genus, SUK10, obtained from the bark oftree, and it was tested in vivo againstPZZ1/100. GW exhibited an inhibition rate of nearly 80% at 6.25 and 3.125 μg kgbody weight on day four using the 4-day suppression test method on male ICR strain mice. Comparing GW at both concentrations with quinine hydrochloride and normal saline as positive and negative controls, respectively, 50% of the mice treated with 3.125 μg kgbody weight managed to survive for more than 11 months after infection, which almost reached the life span of normal mice. Biochemical tests of selected enzymes and proteins in blood samples of mice treated with GW were also within normal levels; in addition, no abnormalities or injuries were found on internal vital organs. These findings indicated that this isolated bioactive compound fromSUK10 exhibits very low toxicity and is a good candidate for potential use as an antimalarial agent in an animal model.