Two New Cytotoxic Spirostane‐Steroidal Saponins from the Roots of Bletilla striata

Two new spirostane‐steroidal saponins, bletilnoside A ( 1 ) and bletilnoside B ( 2 ), together with five known compounds, 3 – 7 , were isolated from the roots of Bletilla striata (Thunb .) Reichb . F. The structures of the new compounds were determined based on their 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral data. The isolated compounds 1 – 7 were tested for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cells (A549, SK‐OV‐3, SK‐MEL‐2, and HCT15) in vitro using a sulforhodamin B bioassay, and compounds 1, 2 , and 5 showed significant cytotoxicities against all tested tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.98±0.16 to 12.10±0.40 μM .     

New Triterpenoid Saponins from the Roots of Gypsophila paniculata L.

The seven new triterpenoid saponins 1 – 7 were isolated from the roots of Gypsophila paniculata L. Their structures were established by 1D ‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques, HR‐MS, and acid hydrolysis. The isolated compounds include 3,28‐O‐bidesmosides with or without a 4‐methoxycinnamoyl group (see 1 vs. 2 and 3 ), and 3‐O‐monoglucosides 4 – 7 . All isolated saponins 1 – 7 and their aglycones were evaluated for their α‐glucosidase inhibition activity. Compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against yeast α‐glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 100.9±3.3 μM , whereas compounds 2 – 7 were inactive.     

Chemical Constituents of the Endophytic Fungus Phomopsis sp. A240 Isolated from Taxus chinensis var. mairei

A new sesquiterpene, eremophil‐9‐ene‐11,12,13‐triol ( 1 ), a new oxazole, 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐5‐methyloxazole ( 2 ), and the two known lactones, 5′‐hydroxyalternariol ( 3 ) and alternariol ( 4 ), were isolated from the extract of Phomopsis sp. A240, an endophytic fungus isolated from the bark of Taxus chinensis var. mairei. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by analyses of their spectroscopic data, as well as by comparison with literature reports. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.     

Heterocyclic compounds from 3,3-dimercapto-1-aryl-2-propen-1-ones. Note 3. Condensation with N-methyl-o-phenylenediamine and N-benzyl-o-phenylenediamine

Two seven-membered ring compounds and three five-membered ring compounds were obtained by reaction in hot xylene of 3,3-dimercapto-l-phenyl-2-propen-1-one (1) with N-alkyl-o-phenylenediamines (2) . Compounds isolated were the 4-phenyl-5-alkyl-1,5-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-thiones (3) the 1-alkyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-thiones (4) , the 1-alkyl-2-phenacylbenzimidazoles (5) , the 1-alkyl-2-phenylbenzimidazoles (6) and the 1-alkyl-2-methylbenzimidazoles (7) . The structures of these compounds were elucidated from their chemical reactivity and their nmr and ir spectra.     

New chalcanonol glycoside from the seeds of saw palmetto: antiproliferative and antioxidant effects

A new chalcanonol glycoside dimer, bis-O-[(I-4′) → (II-6′)]-α-hydroxyphloretin-2′-O-β-glucoside (1), in addition to six known compounds, namely ( ? )-epicatechin (2) and ( ? )-epiafzelechin (3), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), protocatechuic acid (5), methylgallate (6), β-sitosterol (7) and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside (8), was isolated from the seeds of saw palmetto. The structures of the isolated compounds were established from the analysis of their MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The antiproliferative activities of the isolated compounds towards PC3, the human prostate cancer cells were investigated. Amongst the isolated compounds, the new compound and the sterolic derivatives showed antiproliferative effects. Screening of the antioxidant effects of the isolated compounds by 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical assay revealed that the isolated phenolics were active free radical scavengers.     

Two Unusual Rearranged Flavan Derivatives from Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis

Two unusual rearranged flavan derivatives with a rare bicyclo[3.3.1]non‐3‐ene‐2,9‐dione ring, tazettone A ( 1 ) and tazettone B ( 2 ), together with five known flavans, 3 – 7 , were isolated from the bulbs of Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis Roem . The structures of two new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against four human tumor cell lines A549, HCT116, SK‐BR‐3, and HepG2. Compounds 1 and 2 were almost inactive against all tested cell lines, while compounds 3 – 7 exhibited moderate or weak cytotoxicities against the tested cell lines.     

Dioxopiperazine Alkaloids Produced by the Marine Mangrove Derived Endophytic Fungus Eurotium rubrum

Cultivation of the fungal strain Eurotium rubrum, an endophytic fungus that was isolated from the inner tissue of stems of the mangrove plant Hibiscus tiliaceus, resulted in the isolation of two new dioxopiperazine derivatives, namely, dehydrovariecolorin L ( 1 ) and dehydroechinulin ( 2 ), together with eight known dioxopiperazine compounds including variecolorin L ( 3 ), echinulin ( 4 ), isoechinulin A ( 5 ), dihydroxyisoechinulin A ( 6 ), preechinulin ( 7 ), neoechinulin A ( 8 ), neoechinulin E ( 9 ), and cryptoechinuline D ( 10 ). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data as well as by comparison with literature. Compounds 1, 2, 9 , and 10 were investigated for their α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity. In addition, the new compounds, 1 and 2 , were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the P‐388, HL‐60, and A549 cell lines.     

A New Isofuranonaphthalenone and Benzopyrans from the Endophytic Fungus Nodulisporium sp. A4 from Aquilaria sinensis

A new isofuranonaphthalenone, (7R*,8S*)‐3,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4,7,8‐trihydroxynaphtho[2,3‐c]furan‐5(1H)‐one ( 1 ), and a new benzopyran, (2R*,4R*)‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐5‐ol ( 2 ), together with four known related analogs, 3 – 6 , were isolated from the culture of Nodulisporium sp. A4, an endophytic fungus from the stem of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg . The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data as well as by comparison with literature reports. The isolated compounds 1 – 6 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against the NCI‐H460 and SF‐268 tumor cell lines.     

Structure elucidation of new fusarielins from Fusarium sp. and their antimicrobial activity

Three new fusarielins, 3‐epi‐fusarielin H ( 1 ), 3‐O‐methyl‐fusarielin H ( 2 ), and 3‐O‐methyl‐epi‐fusarielin H ( 3 ), were isolated from the fungus Fusarium sp. together with the known analogues, fusarielins F ( 4 ) and G ( 5 ). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analysis of their ESI‐HRTOFMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The new compounds exhibited weak antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus.     

Four New Diterpenoids from Ballota limbata

Six diterpenoids ( 1 – 6 ) belonging to the clerodane and tetracyclic diterpene types were isolated from the CHCl₃ extract of Ballota limbata. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 4 – 6 (named ballatenolide A and limbatenolides A–C, resp.) were established by their spectral data, and their relative configuration was determined by 2D NMR. Compounds 2 and 3 were identified as known clerodanes. Compound 1 had a unique feature, i.e., an α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactone moiety at C(4)/C(6), whereas limbatenolides A–C ( 4 – 6 ) belonged to the rare class of tetracyclic diterpenoids, which are known to occur only in the genus Ballota. All of the isolated compounds showed inhibitory potential in a cholinesterase‐inhibition assay.     

Two new benzolactones from the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum and their anti-tobacco mosaic virus activities

Two new benzolactones, 5-methyl-6-prenyl-isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (1), 5-hydroxymethyl-6-prenyl-isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (2), together with four known phenolic compounds (3–6), were isolated from the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compounds 1–6 were evaluated for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) activities. The results showed that compounds 1–6 exhibited high anti-TMV activities with inhibition rates in the range of 16.9–26.2%, respectively.     

Epunctanone,a New Benzophenone,and Further Secondary Metabolites from Garcinia epunctata Stapf (Guttiferae)

A new polyprenylated benzophenone, named epunctanone ( 1 ), was isolated from the stem bark of Garcinia epunctata Stapf , together with eight known compounds, 7‐epiisogarcinol ( 2 ), 2,6‐dimethoxy‐p‐benzoquinone ( 3 ), friedelin ( 4 ), lupeol ( 5 ), 16β‐hydroxylupeol ( 6 ), betulin ( 7 ), stigmasterol ( 8 ), and rheediaxanthone A ( 9 ). The structure of epunctanone ( 1 ) was established by detailed analysis of its spectroscopic data, especially 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐MS data. All these compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial and anti‐protozoan activities. They were also assayed to determine if any of the compounds were nonpeptide agonist ligands for nematodal G‐protein‐coupled receptors, which would be an indication of potential antinematodal activity. Among the isolated compounds, 7‐epiisogarcinol ( 2 ) was the most active against Candida albicans.     

Polyprenylated Xanthones and Benzophenones from the Bark of Garcinia oblongifolia

A new polyprenylated xanthone (=9H‐xanthen‐9‐one) and a new polyprenylated benzophenone, namely oblongifolixanthone A ( 1 ) and garciniagifolone A ( 2 ), were isolated from the bark of Garcinia oblongifolia, together with five known compounds including the four xanthones 3 – 5 and 7 and a benzophenone 6 . The structures of 1 and 2 were established by detailed analysis of their spectroscopic data, especially 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectra and HR‐ESI‐MS data. All these compounds were assayed for their cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, SGC7901, and HepG2). The 1,3,6,7‐tetrahydroxy‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one ( 3 ) was inactive, and the other compounds showed weak to moderate activity.     

Xylaropyrones B and C,new γ-pyrones from the endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. SC1440

Two new γ-pyrones, xylaropyrones B (1) and C (2), together with three known compounds, xylaropyrone (3), annularin A (4) and annularin C (5), were isolated from solid cultures of the endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. SC1440. The structures of these compounds were determined mainly by analysis of their NMR spectroscopic data. The relative configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned on the basis of J-based configurational analysis, and the absolute configurations were established by experimental and TDDFT calculated ECD spectra. The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic and tyrosinase inhibitory activity.     

Two new phenolic compounds from the leaves of Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz.

Two new phenolic compounds, 4-O-glucopyranosyl-5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid (1) and 2,3-digalloyl oregonin (2), were isolated along with eight known phenolic compounds (3–10) from an 80% acetone extract of Alnus sibirica leaves. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated using 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance and high resolution-MS. The anti-oxidative activities of these compounds were determined by assaying their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and nitroblue tetrazolium superoxide anion scavenging activity. All of the isolated phenolic compounds (1–10) exhibited potent anti-oxidative activities. In particular, 2 and 4, which are diarylheptanoids, and 10 which is ellagitannin exhibited excellent anti-oxidative activities with almost the same potency as that of the positive controls L-ascorbic acid and allopurinol.     

Tupisteroide A–C,three new polyhydroxylated steroidal constituents from the roots of Tupistra chinensis

Three new steroidal compounds with polyhydroxy groups, tupisteroide A–C (1–3), were obtained from the roots of Tupistra chinensis, together with one known compound (4) that was isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of tupisteroide A–C were determined on the basis of one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy, including ¹H–¹H Correlation Spectroscopy, Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation, and Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence experiments. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against A549, HepG2, and CaSki cancer cell lines in vitro. Among them, compounds 1, 2, and 4 did not show significant inhibitory activity, but compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against A549 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 25.0 μM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel cyclohexene and benzamide derivatives from marine-associated Streptomyces sp. ZZ502

Three new compounds and the known benzamides of 2-acetamido-3-hydroxybenzamide, 2-amino-3-hydroxybenzamide, and 2-aminobenzamide were isolated from the culture of a marine actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZZ502. Structures of the new compounds were determined as 3-amino-2-carboxamine-6(R)-chloro-4(R),5(S)-dihydroxy-cyclohex-2-en-1-one, 3-amino-2-carboxamine-4(S),6(S)-dihydroxy-cyclohex-2-en-1-one, and 3-hydroxy-2-propionamidobenzamide based on extensive NMR spectroscopical analysis, HRESIMS data, ECD calculation, and X-ray diffraction analysis. None of these isolated compounds showed activity in inhibiting the proliferation of glioma cells nor the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.     

Steroidal Alkaloids from the Roots and Rhizomes of Vertrum nigrum L.

Two new steroidal alkaloids, neoverapatuline ( 1 ) and (1β,3α,5β)‐1,3‐dihydroxyjervanin‐12‐en‐11‐one ( 2 ), together with the four known compounds, veratramine ( 3 ), rubijervine ( 4 ), veratrosine ( 5 ), and veratroylzygadenine ( 6 ), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Veratrum nigrum L. Their structures were established through combined analyses of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic evidence. All compounds 1 – 6 were tested for their cytotoxicities in vitro against the human glioma cell line SF188.     

Three New Diterpenoids from Isodon nervosus

Three new ent‐kaurane diterpenoids, rabdonervosins D–F ( 1 – 3 ), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Isodon nervosus. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses. Compounds 1 – 3 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HepG2, CNE2, PC‐9/ZD, HeLa, MCF‐7, and HCT116 cell lines. No compounds exhibited potent cytotoxicity.     

Four New Alkaloids from the Fermentation Broth of Armillaria mellea

Four compounds with similar structures and UV spectra were isolated from the fermentation broth of Armillaria mellea by means of preparative HPLC. Their structures were established as methyl (2S)‐1‐[2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxoethyl]‐5‐oxopyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylate ( 1 ), (2S)‐1‐[2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxoethyl]‐5‐oxopyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid ( 2 ), 1‐[2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxoethyl]pyrrolidin‐2‐one ( 3 ) and 1‐[2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxoethyl]piperidin‐2‐one ( 4 ) on the basis of their 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐MS data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Additionally, four known compounds, 5 – 8 , were also isolated.