Antimicrobial activity and chemical analysis ofMicrolicia hatschbachiiWurdack (Melastomataceae) extract

Aerial parts of Microlicia hatschbachii were extracted with hexane, and the extract was evaluated for antimicrobial activity by a broth dilution method. After phytochemical procedures: GC-MS identified aliphatic alkanes, carboxylic acids and methyl esters of long-chain fatty acids; and two diterpenoids [labd-8(17)-en-15-oic acid and labd-8(17),13-dien-15-oic acid] were identified by (1)H and (13)C NMR. The antimicrobial activity of the hexane extract could be attributed to the presence of labdanes. This identification is the first reported occurrence of labdane diterpenes in the Melastomataceae family.