On an Antibacterial Compound contained in Fructus Juniperi japonicae. I

Isolation of the Antibacterial Compound

Abstract

1. A compound obtained from the fruits of Juniperus rigida Sieb. et Zucc. and Juniperus conferta Parl. was found to have a remarkable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. It could prevent the growth of the test organism in a dilution of 1:12, 800 and 1:51, 200 in broth and Knight's synthetic medium, respectively.
2. The antibacterial compound seems to be a diterpenic acid having the molecular formula C₂₀H₃₀O₂ with optical activity [α]_D²³=+11°.