Phytochemical and biological studies of Atriplex inflata f. Muell.: isolation of secondary bioactive metabolites

Abstract Objectives This work describes the phytochemical and biological investigation of the Tunisian Atriplex inflata F. Muell (Chenopodiaceae). Methods Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D NMR and 2D NMR, ESI-HRMS and comparison with available literature data. The isolates were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by the DPPH•, ABTS+•, Fe3+ and catalase assays and also for their antibacterial and anticholinesterase activity. Key findings The chemical study of Atriplex inflata F. Muell led to the isolation of two fatty acids (9E)-methyl-8,11,12-trihydroxyoctadec-9-enoate 1 and (9E)-8,11,12-trihydroxyoctadecenoic acid 2 together with (Z)-litchiol B 3 and 20-hydroxyecdysone 4. Three of which are reported here for the first time in Atriplex genus. Based on the biosynthesis of hydroxylated arachidonic acid and derivatives, a plausible biogenesis pathway of the two fatty acids (1 and 2) was proposed. (Z)-litchiol B (3) was found to be the most active against Staphylococcus aureus. According to the literature, this is the first time that compounds 1, 2 and 3 were tested for their eventual biological activity. Conclusions In the results of the present work, we have proposed the biogenesis pathway of unsaturated fatty acid and described the structure–activity relationship.