Extraction, fractionation and bioactivity of Bombax malabaricum DC. PrickLes

Bombax malabaricum has an extensive history of medicinal use as it plays a significant role in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Modern research continues to evaluate every plant part for its therapeutic benefit with the exception of the prickle. Prickles have been traditionally used as a paste in the treatment of skin eruptions. This ethnomedicinal use suggests the potential presence of antimicrobial activity against P. acnes, and as microbial resistance has become more prevalent, the discovery of new antimicrobials is an important and necessary endeavor in order to combat this growing trend.

In an effort to further elucidate the beneficial properties of this important plant, prickles from the tree bark of Bombax malabaricum were both extracted and fractionated using the automated Reveleris Flash Chromatography System. Classes of compounds identified include flavonoids, sterols, and triterpenes through HPLC/MS and the CAMAG TLC System. A procyanidin-rich fraction demonstrated the strongest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity against P. acnes. This finding is consistent with the literature with regard to radical scavenging ability and the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase; however, procyanidins have yet to be evaluated for P. acnes activity.