Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Principles from the Roots of Aristolochia longa

Two active principles were isolated and identified from the roots of Aristolochia longa, aristolochic acid I (AAsI) and aristolactam la (ALIa); the latter is isolated from this plant for the first time. In vitro cytotoxicity of the two compounds against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia and NSCLCN6 (bronchial epidermoid carcinoma of human origin) was seen. AAsI and ALIa showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa, S. faecalis, S. aureus, and S. epidermides.