| A study was performed to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of fire ant extracts. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion tests showed that the extracts could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans but not of Escherichia coli.; Separation of fire ant extracts was performed by both liquid and gas chromatography. Mass spectra analysis was performed.; The extracts were isolated by thin-layer chromatography, preparative separation, and flash chromatography. An elution system of hexane-chloroform (10:90) on silica gel was found the best for separation and applied in the isolation process. Two compounds isolated by flash chromatography were examined using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and GCMS, and the interpretation of their detailed structures is progressing. |
