Chemotherapeutic activity of polyhalogenated terpenes spanish algae

Abstract

A study of the cytostatic and antibacterial activity of four halogenated alicyclic monoterpenes obtained from Plocamium cartilagineum L. and of six polyhalogenated sesquiterpenes isolated from two species of Laurencia; L. obtusa Hups. and L. caespitosa Lamx, is presented. The first monoterpene series was proved to possess higher cytostatic activity. This greater inhibitory activity would seem to be related to a greater presence of halogens in the molecule. The antibacterial activity of both series may be considered as noticeable although the sesquiterpene compounds isolated from the genus Laurencia proved more active in the tests reported here.