Veprisinium Salt, A Novel Antibacterial Quaternary Alkaloid from Vepris louisii

Abstract

The water-soluble alkaloid fraction of Vepris louisii G. G ILBERT shows significant antibacterial activity. The compound responsible for the activity has been shown to be a novel quaternary dihydrofuroquinoline alkaloid for which the name veprisinium salt is proposed. Its structure has been established primarily by spectral correlation to known alkaloids, chemical conversion to known derivatives and by partial synthesis. Key Word Index Vepris louisii - Rutaceae - Veprisinium salt - Quaternary dihydrofuroquinoline alkaloid - Pharmacology - Antimicrobial activity