CYP450 biosensors based on screen-printed carbon electrodes for the determination of cocaine

A new electrochemical method has been described and characterized for the determination of cocaine using screen-printed biosensors. The enzyme cytochrome P450 was covalently attached to screen-printed carbon electrodes. Experimental design methodology has been performed to optimize the pH and the applied potential, both variables that have an influence on the chronoamperometric determination of the drug. This method showed a reproducibility of 3.56% (n = 4) related to the slopes of the calibration curves performed in the range from 19 up to 166 nM. It has been probed the used of this kind of biosensors in the determination of cocaine in street samples, with an average capability of detection of 23.05 ± 3.53 nM (n = 3, α = β = 0.05).     

Fluorescence quantification of tetracycline in the presence of quenching matrix effect by means of a four-way model

In this work, a four-way tensor is used to model the quenching effect in fluorescent measurements. By means of the analysis of excitation-emission matrices obtained in the determination of tetracycline in tea, which acts as quencher, it is shown as the impossibility to use a calibration, or an addition standard based on a three-way model. It is analysed the quencher multiplicative effect made on the tetracycline signal by means of an ANOVA. However, by arranging the experimental data in a four-way tensor, it is viable to perform a calibration based on the parallel factor analysis, PARAFAC, decomposition and a four-way partial least squares, 4-PLS, regression to quantify the tetracycline in the presence of the matrix quencher effect. 4-PLS calibration provides better results. In the range from 40 to 220 μg L⁻¹ gives an average of relative errors in absolute value equal to 8.02% in prediction (3.40% in calibration). The repeatability as standard deviation in this range is 5.08 μg L⁻¹ and the method is accurate, slope and intercept being statistically equal to 1 and 0, respectively when a regression calculated versus true concentration is performed. Moreover, it has a decision limit (CCα) of 13.87 μg L⁻¹ for a probability of false positive, α, equal to 0.05 and a capability of detection (CCβ) of 26.63 μg L⁻¹ (for probabilities of false positive, α, false negative, β, equals to 0.05).     

Horseradish peroxidase-screen printed biosensors for determination of Ochratoxin A

This work summarizes the manufacturing procedure of Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) based biosensors for the determination of the mycotoxin Ochratoxin A (OTA). The biosensors have been fabricated using the single technology of screen-printing. That is to say, an HRP containing ink has been directly screen-printed onto carbon electrodes, which offers a higher rapidity and simplicity in the manufacturing process of biosensors for OTA determination. The formal redox potential of the Fe(III/II) moiety of HRP has been used to demonstrate the effective loading of enzyme into the ink. The chronoamperometric oxidation current registered has been successfully related to the concentration of OTA in solution from different samples, including beer ones. Under the optimum conditions of the experimental variables, precision in terms of reproducibility and repeatability has been calculated in the concentration range from 23.85 to 203.28 nM. A relative standard deviation for the slopes of 10% (n = 4) was obtained for reproducibility. In the case of repeatability, the biosensor retained a 30% of the initial sensitivity after the third calibration. The average capability of detection for 0.05% probabilities of false positive and negative was 26.77 ± 3.61 nM (α = 0.05 and β = 0.05, n = 3).     

Multivariate analytical sensitivity in the determination of selenium, copper, lead and cadmium by stripping voltammetry when using soft calibration

A new approach to the multivariate sensitivity concept based on the determination of the capability of discrimination of a method of analysis is shown. Thus the analytical sensitivity is defined in this work by the analyte concentration that a analytical method is able to discriminate, which implies the estimation of the ‘false noncompliance’ and ‘false compliance’. In this approach the estimation of the multivariate analytical sensitivity is independent of scale factors and calibration models, and allows one to study the behavior of a analytical method for several concentrations and matrix. The estimation of this parameter in the simultaneous determination of selenium, copper, lead and cadmium by stripping voltammetry when using soft calibration is carried out, showing that different multivariate analytical sensitivities are obtained for each metal.     

Tutorial on evaluation of type I and type II errors in chemical analyses: From the analytical detection to authentication of products and process control

Uncertainty is inherent in all experimental determinations. Nevertheless, these measurements are used to make decisions including the performance of the own measurement systems. The link between the decision and the true implicit system that generates the data (measurement system, production process, category of samples, etc.) is a representation of this uncertainty as a probability distribution. This representation leads to the probabilistic formalization of the possibility of making errors. In the context of regulations established by official agencies, it is important to use these statistical decision methods in some cases because the own norm makes them mandatory and, in general, because this is the way of reasonably evaluating whether a working hypothesis is rejected on the basis of the experimental data.The aim of the present tutorial is to introduce some ideas and basic methods for the critical analysis of experimental data. With this goal, the basic elements of the Neyman-Pearson theory of hypothesis testing are formally introduced in connection with the common problems in chemical analysis and, if this is the case, their relation to the norms of regulatory agencies. The notion of decision with ‘enough quality’ is modelled when explicitly considering: (1) the null, H₀, and alternative, H₁, hypotheses. (2) The significance level of the test, which is the probability, α, of rejecting H₀ when it is true, and the power of the test, 1 − β, β being the probability of accepting H₀ when it is false. (3) The difference between H₀ and H₁ that has to be detected with experimental data. (4) The needed sample size. These four concepts should be explicitly defined for each problem and, under the usual assumption of normal distribution of the data, the mathematical relations among these concepts are shown, which allow the analyst to design a decision rule with pre-set values of α and β.To illustrate the unifying character of this inferential methodology, several situations are exposed along the tutorial: the design of a hypothesis test to decide on the performance characteristics of analytical methods, the capability of detection of both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods (including its generalization to the case of multivariate and/or multiway signals), the analytical sensitivity with multivariate signals, the class-modelling and the process control.     

Foetidissimosides C–F,Novel Glycosides from the Roots of Cucurbita foetidissima

Two novel echinocystic acid (=(3β,16α)‐3,16‐dihydroxyolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid) glycosides, foetidissimosides C ( 1 ), and D ( 2 ), along with new cucurbitane glycosides, i.e., foetidissimosides E/F ( 3 / 4 ) as an 1 : 1 mixture of the (24R)/(24S) epimers, were obtained from the roots of Cucurbita foetidissima. Their structures were elucidated by means of a combination of homo‐ and heteronuclear 2D‐NMR techniques (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC), and by FAB‐MS. The new compounds were characterized as (3β,16α)‐28‐{[O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐6‐deoxy‐α‐L ‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl]oxy}‐16‐hydroxy‐28‐oxoolean ‐12‐en‐3‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranosiduronic acid ( 1 ), (3β,16α)‐16‐hydroxy‐28‐oxo‐28‐{{O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)]‐O‐6‐deoxy‐α‐L ‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl}oxy}olean‐12‐en‐3‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranosiduronic acid ( 2 ), and (3β,9β,10α,11α,24R)‐ and (3β,9β,10α,11α,24S)‐25‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐9‐methyl‐19‐norlanost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 2‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 and 4 , resp.).     

Liquid chromatography with diode array detection and multivariate curve resolution for the selective and sensitive quantification of estrogens in natural waters

Following the green analytical chemistry principles, an efficient strategy involving second-order data provided by liquid chromatography (LC) with diode array detection (DAD) was applied for the simultaneous determination of estriol, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethinylestradiol and estrone in natural water samples. After a simple pre-concentration step, LC–DAD matrix data were rapidly obtained (in less than 5 min) with a chromatographic system operating isocratically. Applying a second-order calibration algorithm based on multivariate curve resolution with alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS), successful resolution was achieved in the presence of sample constituents that strongly coelute with the analytes. The flexibility of this multivariate model allowed the quantification of the four estrogens in tap, mineral, underground and river water samples. Limits of detection in the range between 3 and 13 ng L⁻¹, and relative prediction errors from 2 to 11% were achieved.     

Two New Steroidal Saponins from the Fresh Leaves of Agave sisalana

A new furostanol saponin, sisalasaponin C ( 1 ), and a new spirostanol saponin, sisalasaponin D ( 2 ), were isolated from the fresh leaves of Agave sisalana, along with three other known steroidal saponins and two stilbenes. Their structures were identified as (3β,5α,6α,22α,25R)‐3,26‐bis[(β‐D ‐glucopyrano‐ syl)oxy]‐22‐hydroxyfurostan‐6‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 1 ), (3β,5α,25R)‐12‐oxospirostan‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L ‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐[β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside ( 2 ), (3β,5α,6α,22α,25R)‐22‐methoxyfurostane‐3,6,26‐triyl tris‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside, cantalasaponin‐1, polianthoside D, (E)‐ and (Z)‐2,3,4′,5‐tetrahydroxystilbene 2‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosides. The last three known compounds were isolated from the fresh leaves of Agavaceae for the first time. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, and chemical techniques.     

Microbial Transformation of Sesquiterpenes, (−)‐Ambrox® and (+)‐Sclareolide

The microbial transformation of (?)‐Ambrox^® ( 1 ), a perfumery sesquiterpene, by a number of fungi, by means of standard two‐stage‐fermentation technique, afforded ambrox‐1α‐ol ( 2 ), ambrox‐1α,11α‐diol ( 3 ), ambrox‐1α,6α‐diol ( 4 ), ambrox‐1α,6α,11α‐triol ( 5 ), ambrox‐3‐one ( 6 ), ambrox‐3β‐ol ( 7 ), ambrox‐3β,6β‐diol ( 8 ), 13,14,15,16‐tetranorlabdane‐3,8,12‐triol ( 9 ), and sclareolide ( 10 ) (Schemes 1 and 2). Further incubation of compound 10 with Cunninghamella elegans afforded 3‐oxosclareolide ( 11 ), 3β‐hydroxysclareolide ( 12 ), 2α‐hydroxysclareolide ( 13 ), 2α,3β‐dihydroxysclareolide ( 14 ), 1α,3β‐dihydroxysclareolide ( 15 ), and 3β‐hydroxy‐8‐episclareolide ( 16 ) (Scheme 3). Metabolites 2 – 5, 12, 13 , and 16 were found to be new compounds. The major transformations include a reaction path involving hydroxylation, ether‐bond cleavage and inversion of configuration. Metabolites 11 – 16 of sclareolide showed significant phytotoxicity (Table 1). The structures of the metabolites were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic techniques.     

Eudesmanolides and Guaianolides from Carpesium triste

A new eudesmanolide, 1‐oxo‐11αH‐eudesma‐2,4(14)‐dien‐12,8β‐olide ( 1 ), and four new guaianolides, 9β,10β‐epoxy‐4α‐hydroxy‐1βH,11αH‐guaian‐12,8α‐olide ( 2 ), 9β,10β‐epoxy‐4α‐hydroxy‐1βH,11βH‐guaian‐12,8α‐olide ( 3 ), 4α,9α‐dihydroxy‐1βH,11αH‐guai‐10(14)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 4 ), and 4α,9α‐dihydroxy‐1βH,11βH‐guai‐10(14)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 5 ), together with one known eudesmanolide and two known germacranolides, were isolated from the whole plants of Carpesium triste. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 2D‐NMR techniques.     

Detection and characterization of prednisolone metabolites in human urine by LC‐MS/MS

Glucocorticosteroids are prohibited in sports when used by systemic administrations (e.g. oral), whereas they are allowed using other administration ways. Strategies to discriminate between administrations routes have to be developed by doping control laboratories. For this reason, the metabolism of prednisolone (PRED) was studied using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. A single oral (10 mg) dose of PRED was administered to two healthy male volunteers. Urine samples were collected up to 6 days after administration. Samples were hydrolyzed with β‐glucuronidase and subjected to liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate in alkaline conditions. The extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Precursor ion scan methods (m/z 77, 91, 105, 121, 147 and 171) in positive ionization and neutral loss scan methods (76 and 94 Da) in negative ionization modes were applied for the open detection of PRED metabolites. Using these methods, PRED parent compound plus 20 metabolites were detected. PRED and 11 metabolites were characterized by comparison with standards of the compounds (PRED, prednisone, 20β‐dihydro‐PRED and 20α‐dihydro‐PRED, 20β‐dihydro‐prednisone and 20α‐dihydro‐prednisone, 6β‐hydroxy‐PRED and 6α‐hydroxy‐PRED, 20β isomers and 20α isomers of 6β,11β,17α,20,21‐pentahydroxypregnan‐1,4‐diene‐3‐one, 6α,11β,17α,20β,21‐pentahydroxypregnan‐1,4‐diene‐3‐one and Δ⁶‐PRED). Using mass spectrometric data, feasible structures were proposed for seven of the remaining nine detected metabolites, including several 6‐hydroxy‐metabolites. Eleven of the characterized metabolites have not been previously described. Maximum excretion rates for PRED metabolites were achieved in first 24 h; however, most of the metabolites were still detectable in the last collected samples (day 6). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vinmajorines C – E,Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Vinca major

Three new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, vinmajorines C–E ( 1 – 3 ), along with 18 known analogues ( 4 – 21 ), were isolated from the whole plants of Vinca major. The new structures were elucidated as (5α,15β,16R,17α,19β,20α,21β)‐10,17‐dimethoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐19‐ol ( 1 ), (5α,15β,16R,17α,20α,21β)‐10‐methoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐17‐ol ( 2 ), and (5α,15β,16R,17α,20α,21β)‐10‐methoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐17‐yl acetate ( 3 ), respectively, by extensive NMR and MS analysis and comparison with known compounds. Compounds 1 – 3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines, compounds 1 and 3 showing moderate cytotoxic activities.     

Capability of detection and three-way data

Due to the possibility of making analytical determinations in the presence of non-modelled interferents and to identify the analyte of interest, calibrations based on scores of PARAFAC decomposition of three-way data are becoming increasingly important in routine analysis.Furthermore, the IUPAC and EU (European Decision 2002/657/EC) have accepted the definition given by the ISO 11843 for the capability of detection as the minimum net quantity detectable with a pre-set probability of false positive and false negative. What is more, recently our research group has generalised this definition of capability of detection, CCβ, to multivariate calibrations. In practice, CCβ is a good measure of the quality of the calibration because in its definition it brings together analytical sensitivity with precision in analytical determinations.This paper studies the effect of the pre-treatment of the sample, the signal/noise ratio and the second-order advantage on CCβ when using second-order signals modelled by PARAFAC. All of them are experimental factors which influence the quality of the calibration. Analytical pre-treatment is habitual in the analysis of real samples. Specifically, we analyse the effect of the extraction phase and the clean-up of milk samples on the determination of chlortetracycline by HPLC-DAD. It is shown that it is more efficient to do the joint PARAFAC decomposition of the pure standards with the milk samples.Secondly, the effect of asymmetry on CCβ, according to the path of the noise of the signals, is studied. Specifically, in the determination of naphthalene by excitation-emission spectroscopy, EEM, it is the emission spectrum which limits the capability of detection. It is shown that by eliminating the spectra with the poorest signal/noise ratio in this path, the capability of detection can be substantially improved.Thirdly, the impact on CCβ when the second-order advantage is used, that is when PARAFAC calibration is used over samples with an unknown interference not modelled in the calibration step. This is important to apply a PARAFAC calibration to routine analysis in the IUPAC and European Decision framework. Specifically, in the determination of enrofloxacine in poultry feeding water through excitation-emission fluorescence CCβ is evaluated when the PARAFAC is built only with calibration samples or with the calibration samples plus the test samples with uncalibrated and unknown interferent.     

Additional Minor Phytoecdysteroids of Serratula wolffii

Three new and one known ecdysteroids were identified in the MeOH extract of the roots of Serratula wolffii. The new compounds isolated were (11α)‐11‐hydroxyshidasterone ( 1 ), (2β,3α,5β,14β,22R)‐2,3,20,22,25‐pentahydroxycholest‐7‐en‐6‐one ( 2 ), and (2β,3α,5β,22R)‐2,3,20,22,25‐pentahydroxycholest‐7‐en‐6‐one ( 3 ), together with the known ponasterone A ( 4 ). This latter compound was now better characterized than earlier. The structures of compounds 1 – 4 were established by extensive spectroscopic techniques, including one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR methods.     

Chemical and Genetic Study of Ligularia cyathiceps in Yunnan Province of China

Root chemicals and evolutionarily neutral DNA regions in L. cyathiceps samples collected in the Zhongdian (Shangrila) County of Yunnan, P. R. China, were examined. Twenty compounds were isolated, including three new ones, 1β,10β‐epoxy‐6β‐(propionyloxy)furanoeremophilan‐9‐one ( 6 ), 1β,10β‐epoxy‐8α‐ethoxyeremophila‐6,11‐diene ( 14 ), and 11αH‐6β‐isobutyryloxy‐1β,10β,7β,8β‐diepoxyeremophilan‐12,8α‐olide ( 15 ). The chemical diversity was found to be limited, with cacalol ( 1 ) and 6‐(acyloxy)furanoeremophilan‐9‐ones ( 4 and/or 5 ) being major components in all the samples. The nuclear ribosomal RNA gene was also found to harbor little variation, although two distinct sequence types were found for the plastid atpB‐rbcL intergenic region.     

Baimantuoluosides A – C,Three New Withanolide Glucosides from the Flower of Datura metel L.

In search for bioactive compounds from the flower of Datura metel L., three new withanolide glucosides, namely baimantuoluosides A, B, and C ( 1 – 3 , resp.) were isolated. Enzymatic hydrolysis of 1 – 3 afforded the corresponding aglycones 1a, 2a , and 3a , respectively. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (5α,6α,7α,12β,22R)‐5,12‐dihydroxy‐1,26‐dioxo‐6,7 : 22,26‐diepoxyergosta‐2,24‐dien‐27‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 1 ), (5α,6α,7α,12α,22R)‐5,12‐dihydroxy‐1,26‐dioxo‐6,7 : 22,26‐diepoxyergosta‐2,24‐dien‐27‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 2 ), (5α,6α,7α,22R)‐5‐hydroxy‐1,26‐dioxo‐6,7 : 22,26‐diepoxyergosta‐2,24‐dien‐27‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ) on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence, and are further confirmed by the structure determination by X‐ray diffraction of withanolide aglycone 1a .     

Four Novel Eremophilanolides from Ligularia sagitta

Four new eremophilanolides, isolated from Ligularia sagitta, were identified as (1β,3β,6β,8β,10β)‐6‐acetoxy‐3‐(angeloyloxy)‐1,10‐epoxy‐8‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐8,12α‐olide ( 1 ), (1β,3β,6β,8β,10β)‐3‐(angeloyloxy)‐1,10‐epoxy‐6,8‐dihydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐8,12α‐olide ( 2 ), (1β,3β,6β,8β,10β)‐3‐(angeloyloxy)‐1,10‐epoxy‐8‐ethoxy‐6‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐8,12α‐olide ( 3 ), and (1β,3β,8β,10β)‐3‐(angeloyloxy)‐1,10‐epoxy‐8‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐8,12α‐olide ( 4 ). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D‐NMR techniques and chemical transformations.     

A multivariate multianalyte screening method for sulfonamides in milk based on front-face fluorescence spectroscopy

Screening methods are used to detect the presence of a substance or class of substances at the level of interest and are specifically designed to avoid false compliant results. They should allow the running of a high number of samples per day at a low cost under routine conditions. In this work, a rapid and simple method for the screening of six sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, SD; sulfamerazine, SMR; sulfamethazine, SMT; sulfachloropyridazine, SCP; sulfathiazole, STZ and sulfamethoxazole, SMO) in milk samples is proposed and assessed according to the criteria required by the European Regulation, Decision 2002/657/EC. The method is based on modelling front-face fluorescence emission spectra by means of partial least squares class modelling (PLS-CM). The milk samples are pre-treated with a single easy step of derivatization with fluorescamine.After confirming that the method has equal analytical sensitivity for all the six sulfonamides, it is established that the multivariate analytical sensitivity at 100 μg L⁻¹ is 37.5 μg L⁻¹ when analysing a mixture of six sulfonamides added to different brands of milk and measured in different days. In addition, the method is applied to samples from 11 commercial brands of milk. For β = 0.05, threshold value established by the Decision 2002/657/EC for this method, the probability of false non-compliance, α, is equal to 0.17, allowing the suitable screening of these six sulfonamides.     

Three New Triterpene Saponins from Hemsleya chinensis

Three new triterpenoid saponins, xuedanglycosides A–C ( 1 – 3 , resp.), along with six known ones, were isolated from the rhizomes of Hemsleya chinensis. By detailed analysis of the NMR spectra, by chemical methods, and by comparison with spectral data of known compounds, the structures of new compounds were determined to be 16α,23α‐epoxy‐2β,3α,20β‐trihydroxy‐10α,23α‐cucurbita‐5,24‐dien‐11‐on‐2‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 1 ), 2β,3α,16α,20β‐tetrahydroxycucurbita‐5,25‐diene‐11,22‐dion‐2‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 2 ), and oleanolic acid 28‐O‐β‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ). In addition, hemslecin A 2‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 6 ), hemsamabilinin B ( 7 ), and hemslonin A ( 9 ) were obtained for the first time from this plant.     

Two New Sesquiterpene Polyol Esters from Celastrus angulatus

Two novel sesquiterpene polyol esters with a dihydro‐β‐agarofuran (=(3R,5aS,9R,9aS)‐octahydro‐2,2,5a,9‐tetramethyl‐2H‐3,9a‐methano‐1‐benzoxepin) skeleton, (1α,2α,4β,8α,9α)‐1,2,8,12‐tetrakis(acetyloxy)‐9‐(furoyloxy)‐4‐hydroxydihydro‐β‐agarofuran ( 1 ) and (1α,2α,6β,8α,9α)‐1,2,6,8,12‐pentakis(acetyloxy)‐9‐(benzoyloxy)dihydro‐β‐agarofuran ( 2 ), and the three known compounds (1α,2α,4β,6β,8α,9β)‐1,2,6‐tris(acetyloxy)‐9‐(benzoyloxy)‐4‐hydroxy‐8,12‐bis(isobutyryloxy)dihydro‐β‐agarofuran ( 3 ), (1α, 2α,4β,6β,8α,9β)‐1,2,6,8‐tetrakis(acetyloxy)‐9‐(furoyloxy)‐4‐hydroxy‐12‐isobutyryloxy)dihydro‐β‐agarofuran ( 4 ), and (1α,2α,4β,6β,8α,9β)‐1,2,6‐tris(acetyloxy)‐9‐(benzoyloxy)‐4‐hydroxy‐8‐(isobutyryloxy)‐12‐[(2‐methylbutanoyl)oxy]dihydro‐β‐agarofuran ( 5 ) were isolated from the root bark of Celastrus angulatus. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of their MS and NMR data.