Pimprinine, an extracellular alkaloid produced by Streptomyces CDRIL-312: fermentation, isolation and pharmacological activity

Pimprinine, an extracellular alkaloid has been isolated from the culture fi ltrate of Streptomyces CDRIL-312. Pimprinine was subsequently purified usin g silica gel column chromatography and also by preparatory thin layer chrom atography. Some physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activities (in-vi tro) and pharmacological activities of pimprinine were studied. Pimprinine showed promising anticonvulsant activity in both minimum and maximum electr ic seizure threshold test in mice. Its anticonvulsant activity is very much comparable to that of phenyl hydantion sodium. Pimprinine also inhibited e ffectively tremorine-induced tremors and analgesia in mice. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.