Piptamine

In vitro

Mechanism of Action

Piptamine (N-benzyl-N-methylpentadecan-1-amine) is a unique small-molecule antibiotic produced in fermentation cultures of F. betulina. It exerts antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria through disruption of cell membrane integrity — the long aliphatic chain (C15 alkyl group) inserts into the bacterial lipid bilayer while the cationic amine head group interacts with negatively charged phospholipid head groups, creating transient pores that dissipate the transmembrane electrochemical gradient. This mechanism also accounts for its antifungal activity against Candida albicans and other yeasts.

Research Notes

Birch PolyporeMushroom

Piptamine was isolated from liquid fermentation cultures of F. betulina and demonstrated significant antibacterial activity in disk diffusion and MIC assays against Gram-positive organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus species, and Streptococcus haemolyticus. Antifungal activity was confirmed against Candida albicans. The antibiotic appears to be specific to F. betulina among polypore fungi studied and represents a novel structural class distinct from conventional antibiotics. The compound has not advanced to clinical evaluation.

Found In 1 Herb

Birch Polypore

Mushroom

3D Molecular Structure

Long-chain alkylamino antibiotic

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Piptamine

Long-chain alkylamino antibioticBioactive phytochemical with therapeutic properties

Representative pattern: C₄H₂NO

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Hydrogen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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