Biological Activity Studies of Ancistrocladus tectorius

Methanol (ATRM) and chloroform (alkaloidal) extracts (ATRC) from the roots of Ancistrocladus tectorius Merr. were used for in vitro biological tests including antibacterial (eleven species or isolates), antiviral (HSV type 1), antiparasitic (Giardia lamblia), effects on the phagocytic and cytotoxic functions of murine macrophages as well as toxicities toward brine shrimp and cell cultures (nine types). The antibacterial, antiviral and toxic activities were moderate, while anti-giardial activity was not observed. Phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Listeria monocytogenes was increased by both extracts. However, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of antibody-opsonised sheep red blood cells was increased by the methanol extract but inhibited by the chloroform extract.