Antifungal and Antiplasmodial Activity of Isolated Compounds from Handroanthus serratifolius (Vahl) S. Grose Sawdusts

Handroanthus serratifolius (Vahl) S. Grose [Tabebuia serratifolia (Vahl) G. Nicholson] popularly known in Brazil “ipê-amarelo" is a woody species with potential of sustainable use belonging to a genus known for being as a promising naphthoquinones source which has aroused interest in search for new biological activities. In this paper, the methanolic extract fractionation from H. serratifolius sawdust using different chromatogramphic techniques yielded naphthoquinones dehydro-α-lapachone, dehydro-iso-α-lapachone and α-lapachone, along with lignans paulownin and cycloolivil. The three naphthoquinones presented antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum where the dehydro-iso-α-lapachone was more active (IC50 of 7.53 μg/mL). This same compound also exhibited significant antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans.