Study of anti-microbial and anti-pectinase activity of extracts and compounds isolated from Siphoneugena densiflora (Myrtaceae) and Vitex polygama (Lamiaceae)

Crude hydroalcoholic extracts (HA) and twelve compounds isolated from Siphoneugena densiflora O. Berg and Vitex polygama Cham. were tested in vitro as growth inhibitors of the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Singer) Moller, that lives in symbiosis with the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens, as well as inhibitors of the fungus’ pectinases. Also, the effects of the extracts and the compounds were assessed in a panel of bacteria and yeasts similar to those living in symbiosis with the ant. HA extracts from S. densiflora displayed significant antimicrobial results, mainly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Caffeoyl 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside was the most promising compound in the control of L. gongylophorus growth.