Biflavonoids as novel antituberculosis agents

A series of naturally occurring and synthetic biflavonoids was evaluated fo r inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb). Compo unds 6, 24, and 25 demonstrated 96, 95, and 87% inhibition. respectively. a t a screening concentration of 12.5 mug/mL. The type of linkage and the pre sence of methoxy- and vitro-substituents in biflavonoids may contribute to the observed inhibitory activity. The results of this study represent the d iscovery of biflavonoids as a potential new class of antituberculosis agent . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.