New thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione derivatives combined with organometallic ferrocene: Synthesis,structure and antiparasitic activity

Favourable physicochemical properties of an organometallic ferrocene and antiplasmodial potency of compounds containing the thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione framework (TZD‐4) prompted us to explore compounds containing both the thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione core and the ferrocenyl unit with the primary aim of identifying compounds with promising antiprotozoal activities. Thus, a new series of rationally designed ferrocene‐based thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione derivatives, containing a selection of secondary cyclic amines, was synthesised and fully characterised using standard spectroscopic techniques. The resulting compounds were screened for their antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activities against both the chloroquine‐resistant (Dd2) strain of Plasmodium falciparum and the Nagana Trypanosoma brucei brucei 427. The general trend that emerged indicated that the target compounds were more selective towards T. b. brucei compared to the P. falciparum parasite. Moreover, the analogues bearing methylpiperazine ( 8a ) and piperidine ( 8b ) rings were more active against T. b. brucei compared to hit compound TZD‐4. Except compound 8b , which appeared promising, none of the synthesised compounds showed better activity than TZD‐4 against the P. falciparum parasite. All the synthesised compounds were non‐toxic and often showed >90% viability of the HeLa cell line screened.     

Antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities of three algae from the northwest coast of Algeria

The objective of this study was to investigate the biological activities of Algerian algae, Sargassum vulgare, Cladostephus hirsutus and Rissoella verruculosa. Antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts and their fractions was assessed using the disc diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration. Antiparasitic activity was studied in vitro against the blood stream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Ethyl acetate (EA) fractions of the three tested algae showed more potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (7–14.5 mm) and B. cereus (7–10.75 mm), MIC values ranged from 0.9375 to 7.5 mg mL^?1 and MBC values > 15 mg mL^?1. Concerning the antiparasitic activity, EA factions of S. vulgare (IC₅₀ = 9.3 μg mL^?1) and R. verruculosa (IC₅₀ = 11.0 μg mL^?1) were found to be more effective against T. brucei brucei, whereas the three EA fractions were little active against P. falciparum.     

Antimalarial and cytotoxic activities of pregnene-type steroidal alkaloids from Holarrhena pubescens roots

The phytochemical investigation of an alkaloidal extract of Holarrhena pubescens roots led to the isolation and identification of a new pregnene-type alkaloid, mokluangin D (1), together with nine known steroidal alkaloids (2–10). The structure of the new metabolite was determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Compounds 3 and 4 showed potent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum K1 stain with IC₅₀ values of 1.2 and 2.0 μM, respectively, and showed weak cytotoxic activity against the NCI-H187 cell line with IC₅₀ values of 27.7 and 30.6 μM, respectively. The substituent groups at C-3 and the carbonyl group at C-18 are important for the activity against the P. falciparum K1 stain.     

Chemical and biological studies on Bridelia ferruginea grown in Nigeria

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of dried leaves of Bridelia ferruginea led to the isolation and identification of fourteen compounds (1–14): compound 1 [mixture of palmitic, stearic and oleic acids], stearyl monoester of 2-O-β-?-glucosylglycerol (2), 6β-hydroxy-(20R)-24-ethylcholest-4-en-3-one (3a), 6β-hydroxy-(20R)-24-ethylcholest-4,22-dien-3-one (3b), lutein (4), vomifoliol (5), corilagin (6), kaempferide-3-O-β-?-glucoside (7), myricetin (8), isomericitrin (9), isoquercetin (10), myricitrin (11), quercitrin (12), rutin (13), and β-sitosterol glucoside (14). The total extract exhibited moderate activity towards CB2 receptor and 90% inhibition against leishmanial pathogen Trypanosoma brucei. Compound 4 exhibited 73% displacement in CB2 receptor with IC₅₀ 56.47 μM, and 93% inhibition towards T. brucei with IC₅₀ 4.16 μM. Compound 11 showed 99% inhibition towards Escherichia coli with IC₅₀ 1.123 μM.     

HPLC-DAD-SPE-NMR isolation of tetracyclic spiro-alkaloids with antiplasmodial activity from the seeds of Erythrina latissima

Abstract

Seven tetracyclic spiro-alkaloids, i.e. glucoerysodine (1), erysodine (2), epi-erythratidine (3), erysovine (4), erythratidine (5), erysotrine (6) and erythraline (7) were isolated from the seeds of Erythrina latissima by means of conventional separation methods and HPLC-DAD-SPE-NMR. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means. This is the first report on the isolation of compounds 3, 5 and 6 from this plant. Antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant strain Plasmodium falciparum K1 and cytotoxicity against MRC-5 cells (human fetal lung fibroblast cells) was assessed in vitro. Erysodine (2) and erysovine (4) showed moderate activity (IC₅₀ 6.53?µM and 4.05?µM, respectively), compared with the standard chloroquine (IC₅₀ = 0.14?µM). No cytotoxicity was observed in a concentration up to 64.0?µM.     

Antileishmanial diterpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum spicatum (Bruhl) Stapf

The crude extracts of tubers of Aconitum spicatum (Bruhl) Stapf were investigated for in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major. The dichloromethane extract at pH 2.5 showed antileishmanial activity with IC₅₀ value of 27.10 ± 0.0 μg/mL. Chromatographic purification of the dichloromethane extract led to isolation of three C-19 norditerpenoid alkaloids indaconitine (1), chasmaconitine (2) and ludaconitine (3). Compounds 3 and 2 showed antileishmanial activity with IC₅₀ = 36.10 ± 3.4 and 56.30 ± 2.1 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 1 was less effective (IC₅₀ > 100 μg/mL). The cytotoxicity of compounds 1, 2 and 3 studied against MCF7, HeLa and PC3 cancer cell lines and 3T3 normal fibroblast cell line did not show cytotoxicity at 30 μM.     

Isolation,structural elucidation and antiplasmodial activity of fucosterol compound from brown seaweed,Sargassum linearifolium against malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum

The brown seaweed, Sargassum linearifolium (Turner) C. Agardh, 1820 is commonly available along the south-east coast of India. Its compound fucosterol was isolated and confirmed through spectral characterisation and chemical transformation methods. The antiplasmodial effect of the isolated fucosterol was investigated against the 3D7 chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain, parasitaemia percentage was determined at 48 h and morphological change was studied through microscopic examination after Giemsa staining. A perceptible antiplasmodial effect was produced by fucosterol compound against the P. falciparum and positive control, chloroquine with the IC₅₀ values (μg/mL) of 7.48 and 12.81, respectively. Fucosterol showed higher antiplasmodial activity as compared to chloroquine. It is inferred that both the fucosterol and chloroquine could have inhibited the schizont stage of the parasite during the intra-erythrocyte asexual development. The findings underline the usefulness of the seaweed-based fucosterol and further studies are warranted.     

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic secondary metabolites from fruits of Leplaea mayombensis

Two new seco-lanostane-type triterpenes, named mayomlactones A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the fruits of Leplaea mayombensis together with 10 known compounds (3–12). Structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic studies. Except compounds 11 and 12, all the other chemical compounds are newly reported from Leplaea genus. From the results of this investigation, compounds 1–10 were examined for antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells as well as cytotoxicity against 3T3 cell line. Compounds 3 and 4 showed moderate antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ values of 10.4 ± 0.1 and 18.6 ± 0.2 μM, respectively. On the other hand, compounds 1, 4 and 9 showed weak cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values 44.1 ± 0.5, 55.8 ± 0.7 and 55.1 ± 0.5 μM. Overall, none of the tested compounds showed good selectivity (SI ranging from 0.51 to 3.06) but high toxicity against the 3T3 cell line.     

LC-ESI-MS/MS and cytotoxic activity of three Pistacia species

LC-ESI-MS/MS was used for a comprehensive characterisation of ethanol extract from the leaves of three Pistacia species. After optimisation of the method and the use of the negative ionisation mode, a total of 42 different compounds were identified, of which 22 were tentatively characterised in P. chinensis Bunge, 33 in P. khinjuk stocks and 25 in P. lentiscus L. leaves. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives were the most abundant identified compounds. LC-ESI-MS/MS revealed identification of 15, 18 and 6 not previously detected compounds in P. chinensis Bunge, P. khinjuk Stocks and P. lentiscus L., respectively. The three extracts were also tested for their cytotoxic activities against human PC3 prostate cancer, A549 lung cancer, MCF7 breast cancer and HepG2 liver cancer. Generally, all the extracts have a moderate cytotoxic activity against lung, breast and prostate cancer, with different IC₅₀. However, only P. lentiscus L. showed moderate activity against liver cancer.     

New dammarane and ursane-type triterpenoids from the flower of Ixora coccinea Linn.

Two new esters of dammarane triterpenoids ixorene isovalerate (1), ixorene 3′,8′-dimethyloctanoate (2) and a new ursane-type triterpenoids Ixoroid acid (3) were isolated from the methanolic extract of flowers of Ixora coccinea Linn., along with the three known constituents. The structures of compounds 1 and 3 were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D,2D NMR studies and mass spectrometry as 17β-dammara-12,20-diene-3β-isovelarate and 3β-hydroxy-18β-urs-12ene-29β-oic acid, respectively, whereas 2 was identified as 17β-dammara-12,20-diene-3β-3′,8′-dimethyloctanoate through ¹H NMR and mass spectral data. Compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity, which exhibited weak activity against the 3T3, PC3 and HeLa cell lines with the IC₅₀ value >30 μM. Antioxidant results of 1 – 5 revealed that only compound 5 showed antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging inhibition with the IC₅₀ 1.31 × 10^? 6 ± 0.005 μm mL^? 1. Both activities are the first records of these isolated compounds from the flowers of Ixora coccinea Linn.     

Chemical characterization of constituents from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua and their cytotoxic and antioxidant evaluation

Abstract

Twenty-four compounds were isolated from the roots of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, including a new octopamine dimer, named trans-bis(N-feruloyl)octopamine (1). The structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. All the extracts and compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic and antioxidant activities by using MTT and chemiluminescence assay. The extracts showed activity against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cell lines from IC₅₀ 0.30 to 1.01 mg mL^?1. Compound 3 exhibited activity against HepG-2 cell lines with IC₅₀ 8.99?μM. Compound 7 exhibited activity against Hela cell lines with IC₅₀ 2.53?μM and BGC-823 cell lines with IC₅₀ 7.77?μM. Moreover, compound 7 showed antioxidant with IC₅₀ 12?µM compared to the positive control with IC₅₀ 77?µM. Compound 16 exhibited activity against HepG-2 cell lines with IC₅₀ 1.05?μM and MCF-7 cell lines with IC₅₀ 1.89?μM. These results indicated that this plant might be potential in natural medicine and healthy food.     

Anti-infective assessment of Senecio smithioides (Asteraceae) and isolation of 9-oxoeuryopsin,a furanoeremophilane-type sesquiterpene with antiplasmodial activity

The search for anti-infective activity in the antipyretic plant Senecio smithioides was conducted. Petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and hydroethanolic (96% EtOH) extracts, and compounds 9-oxoeuryopsin (1), epoxydecompostin (2) and senecionine (3) were obtained from the aerial parts. All extracts and 1 were tested against chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum (ref. chloroquine), Trypanosoma cruzi (ref. nifurtimox), Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania donovani (ref. pentamidine), Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (ref. gentamicin) and, Neurospora crassa and Candida albicans (ref. ketoconazole). The PE extract exhibited the strongest in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum IC₅₀ < 1.0 μg/mL. 1 was established as a potent antiplasmodial compound with an IC₅₀ = 1.2 μg/mL, 5.2 μM. Other antiparasitic activities were recorded for all extracts and 1. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was negligible.     

New transformation pathway and cytotoxic derivatives from the acid hydrolysis of timosaponin B III

Timosaponin B III is a major bioactive steroidal saponin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. To potentially discover derivatives with better biological activity, timosaponin B III was structurally modified via acid hydrolysis to yield one new (2, timopregnane A I) C₂₁ steroidal glycoside and seven known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. All eight compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against MCF7, SW480, HepG2, and SGC7901 cell lines in vitro. As a result, compounds 6 and 7 showed significant activity (IC₅₀ 2.94–12.2?μM) against all tested cell lines. Structure–activity relationships of these compounds were investigated and the preliminary conclusions were provided. Moreover, a new transformation pathway was discovered in the acid hydrolysis of timosaponin B III for the first time.     

A new antifungal and antiprotozoal bibenzyl derivative from Gavilea lutea

A new bibenzyl derivative (4), together with two glycosylated flavonoids (1 and 2), batatasin III (3) and the phenanthrene isohircinol (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Gavilea lutea. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies including 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR and HRESIMS. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activity towards Candida albicans. The new compound 4 showed inhibitory activity with a MIQ of 50 μg. In addition, compound 4 exhibited a selective activity (IC₅₀ = 2.3 μg/mL) against Leishmania donovani.     

An ancient remedial repurposing: synthesis of new pinocembrin fatty acid acyl derivatives as potential antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory agents

Five new pinocembrin derivatives (MC1-MC5) were synthesized by Steglich reaction, and investigated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. MC2 (oleoyl derivative) and MC3 (linoleoyl derivative) have shown the highest inhibitory effects on bacterial proliferation, with MIC values of 32 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. The docosahexaenoyl derivative MC5 displayed the highest anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages with an IC₅₀ value of 15.51 μg/mL higher than the positive control diclofenac (IC₅₀ of 39.71 μg/mL). All new synthesized compounds showed no anti-proliferative effects on RAW 264.7 cells. Results demonstrated as the introduction of fatty acid substituents improved the biological profile of pinocembrin. Moreover, the chemical nature of substituents significantly affects the bioactivity. These preliminary results outline the importance to investigate the synthesis of pinocembrin fatty acids derivatives as new and safe anti-microbial/anti-inflammatory agents.     

A new lumazine peptide penilumamide E from the fungus Aspergillus terreus

A new rare lumazine peptide, penilumamide E (1), together with 13 known compounds (2–14) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic techniques. The relative configuration of 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 10 exhibited antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum with IC₅₀ values of 2.83 μg/mL. Compounds 4 and 6 showed weak cytotoxicity against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines. In addition, 4 and 11 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human hepatoma cell line.     

Facile synthesis of highly functionalized novel pyrazolopyridones using oxoketene dithioacetal and their anti-HIV activity

A series of novel 3-amino-4,5-dihydro-6-methyl-4-oxo-N-aryl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-7-carboxamide have been synthesized starting from various oxoketene dithioacetals. The cyclocondensation reaction of 2-(bis(methylthio)methylene)-3-oxo-N-arylbutanamide 2a–w with cyanoacetamide using NaOiPr as base under reflux condition afforded novel highly functionalized pyridone 3a–w derivatives. Further, [3?+?2] cyclocondensation reaction of pyridones with hydrazine in the presence of alcohol was yielded pyrazolopyridones (23 nos) 4a–w with excellent yields. All newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro anti-HIV activity using MTT method. Most of these compounds have showed moderate to potent activity against HIV-1 (III_B) and HIV-2 (ROD) strains with an IC₅₀ ranging from >18 IC₅₀[µg/ml] to <100 IC₅₀[µg/ml]. Among them, compounds 4j and 4v were identified as the most promising compound for both types of HIV strains. (IC₅₀?=?18?µg/ml). Three compounds 4l, 4m, and 4p have been found potent anti-HIV 1 and 2 activity against MT-4 cells.     

Coumarin-Annulated Ferrocenyl 1,3-Oxazine Derivatives Possessing In Vitro Antimalarial and Antitrypanosomal Potency

A tailored series of coumarin-based ferrocenyl 1,3-oxazine hybrid compounds was synthesized and investigated for potential antiparasitic activity, drawing inspiration from the established biological efficacy of the constituent chemical motifs. The structural identity of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by common spectroscopic techniques: NMR, HRMS and IR. Biological evaluation studies reveal that the compounds exhibit higher in vitro antiparasitic potency against the chemosensitive malarial strain (3D7 P. falciparum) over the investigated trypanosomiasis causal agent (T. b. brucei 427) with mostly single digit micromolar IC₅₀ values. When read in tandem with the biological performance of previously reported structurally similar non-coumarin, phenyl derivatives (i.e., ferrocenyl 1,3-benzoxazines and α-aminocresols), structure-activity relationship analyses suggest that the presence of the coumarin nucleus is tolerated for biological activity though this may lead to reduced efficacy. Preliminary mechanistic studies with the most promising compound (11b) support hemozoin inhibition and DNA interaction as likely mechanistic modalities by which this class of compounds may act to produce plasmocidal and antitrypanosomal effects.     

1,2-Benzisoxazole-3-acetamide derivatives as dual agents for DPP-IV inhibition and anticancer activity

Abstract

Herein, we have designed various benzisoxazole acetamide derivatives with and without glycine spacer as DPP-IV inhibitors. Compounds 9a–d and 11a–e were synthesized and screened for their in vitro DPP-IV inhibition. Compounds 11a and 11c showed moderate activity for DPP-IV inhibition, whereas other remained inactive at 25–200?µM concentrations. DPP-IV inhibition can be a good strategy for modulating diabetes and cancer; hence, we have screened compounds 9a–d and 11a–e for their anticancer activity using MTT assay against A549 and MCF7 cell lines. Compounds 9a–d without glycine spacer have shown good anticancer activity compared to compounds 11a–e with glycine spacer. Compound 9b has shown moderate activity with IC₅₀ values 4.72?±?0.72 and 4.39?±?0.809?µM against A549 and MCF7 cell lines, respectively. Interestingly, compound 9c with cyano group has shown very good anticancer activity with IC₅₀ 2.36?±?0.34?µM against MCF7 cell line as compared to fluorouracil with IC₅₀ 45.04?±?1.02?µM.     

Design and synthesis of novel 7-[(N-substituted-thioureidopiperazinyl)-methyl]-camptothecin derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents

Abstract

As part of continuing our research on diverse C-7 derivatives of camptothecin (CPT), 16 CPT derivatives bearing piperazinyl-thiourea chemical scaffold and different substituent groups have been designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro for cytotoxicity against five tumor cell lines (A-549, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, KB and KBvin). As a result, all the synthesized compounds showed promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against the five tumor cell lines tested, and were more potent than irinotecan. Importantly, compounds 13?g (IC₅₀ = 0.514?μM) and 13o (IC₅₀ = 0.275?μM) possessed similar or better antiproliferative activity against the multidrug-resistant (MDR) KBvin subline than that of topotecan (IC₅₀ = 0.511?μM) and merit further development as anticancer candidates for clinical trail. With these results in hand, we have a reason to conclude that incorporating piperazinyl-thiourea motifs into position-7 of camptothecin confers well cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines, probably resulting in new anticancer drugs.