Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of northern prickly ash, Zanthoxylum americanum Mill (Rutaceae)

Abstract

This thesis examines the pharmacological basis for the traditional phytomedicinal uses of Zanthoxylum americanum Mill. (Rutaceae). The antifungal activity of six crude extracts was evaluated against 11 clinically relevant pathogenic fungi including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. All extracts demonstrated light-activated antimicrobial action and broad spectrum of activities against at least eight fungal species. A positive correlation was observed between total furanocoumarin content and antifungal activity (r2 = 0.88, P < 0.001). Antiviral activity towards Herpes simplex virus type-1 was linked to various phytochemical constituents, including three isolated pyranocoumarins suitable for authentication and standardization of commercial raw materials. Anti-HSV activity was significantly enhanced with light treatment (L), for phytochemical fractions rich in polyphenols (+L, MIC = 9.4; -L, MIC > 500) or pyranocoumarins (+L, MIC = 31; -L, MIC > 500), but not in the case of furanocoumarins (+L, MIC = 62; -L, MIC = 94). Phytochemical profiles and average content for phenolic acids and flavonoids contributing to antiviral activity of Z. americanum were reported here for the first time.