Chemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of the Fungus-Growing Termite Strain Macrotermes Bellicosus Used in Traditional Medicine in the Republic of Benin

Abstract

The fungus growing termite species <i>Macrotermes bellicosus</i> (<i>M. bellicosus</i>) is used in nutrition and traditional medicine in the Republic of Benin for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Previous findings demonstrated evidence of anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties of <i>M. bellicosus</i>. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of different extracts of <i>M. bellicosus</i> samples and determine the chemical profile of an ethanolic <i>M. bellicosus</i> extract. Chemical profiling was conducted using centrifugal partition chromatography and ¹³C-NMR, followed by MALDI-TOF MS. Major identified compounds include hydroquinone (HQ), methylhydroquinone (MHQ), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl glycol (DHPG), <i>N</i>-acetyldopamine (NADA) and niacinamide. The fatty acid mixture of the extract was mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid and highlights the nutritional purpose of <i>M. bellicosus</i>. Using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay, an antibacterial activity of <i>M. bellicosus</i> samples was observed against various clinical strains with a highest growth inhibition of <i>S. aureus</i>. In addition, HQ and MHQ as well as fractions containing DHPG, niacinamide and NADA inhibited <i>S. aureus</i> growth. The reported antimicrobial activity of <i>M. bellicosus</i> and identified active substances provide a rationale for the traditional medicinal use of <i>M. bellicosus</i>.