Isolation and pharmacological screening of 8-O-acetyl harpagide from Ajuga bracteosa wall

8-O-Acetyl harpagide was isolated and characterized from Jaguar bracteosa Wall, a species indigenous to Pakistan. Pharmacological screening of the compound for antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, cardiotonic and antipyretic activities was carried out. The compound was found effective against a number of human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Antispasmodic and cardiotonic effects elicited by the compound were also found. The compound also exhibited antipyretic activity when administered in the higher doses. (author)