The antibacterial activity of extract and isolated major alkaloids (berberine, beta-hydrastine, canadine and canadaline) of Hydrastis canadensis L. (Ranunculaceae) was evaluated against 6 strains of microorganism: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25 993 and ATCC 6538P), Streptococcus sanguis (ATCC 10 556), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25 922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27 853). Bactericidal activity was evaluated by contact test by measuring the "killing time" on a low density bacterial inoculum, and bacteriostatic activity in liquid medium by M.I.C. values. The results provide a rational basis for the traditional antibacterial use of Hydrastis canadensis.

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In this review article, the phytochemistry of the species belonging to the Araucariaceae family is explored. Among these, in particular, it is given a wide overview on the phytochemical profile of Wollemia genus, for the first time. In addition to this, the ethnopharmacology and the general biological activities associated to the Araucariaceae species are singularly described. Lastly, the chemotaxonomy at the genus and family levels is described and detailed.

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In this work, the first phytochemical analysis ever performed on the unripe female cones of Wollemia nobilis W.G.Jones, K.D.Hill & J.M.Allen was described. The analysis evidenced the presence of a new derivative of sandaracopimaric acid together with rare diterpenoids derivatives and known compounds of chemosystematic and bioactivity relevance. Some of these were evidenced in the species or in the family for the first time during this study. The further implications of the isolated compounds in the field of chemosystematics, pharmacology and nutraceutics were discussed.