Specific inhibition of formation of acid-fastness in mycobacteria by 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid.

3,3'-Di-O-methylellagic acid obtained from Euphorbia adenochlora selectively inhibited the formation of acid-fastness in mycobacteria without retardation of their growth. Gross reductions in contents of wax D, cord factor and free mycolic acids were found in the nonacid-fast bacilli compared with the normal ones.