Noralashinol A,a new norlignan from stem barks of Syringa pinnatifolia

One new norlignan, namely noralashinol A (1), one known analogue (2), together with seven known lignans (3–9) were isolated from the stem barks of Syringa pinnatifolia. Their structures were elucidated extensively by spectroscopic methods, including mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies. Compound 8 significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-induced BV-2 murine microglia cells with its IC₅₀ value of 20.7 μM, compared to a positive control quercetin with its IC₅₀ value of 15.3 μM.     

Asymmetric synthesis and biological activities of natural product (+)-balasubramide and its derivatives

The natural product (+)-balasubramide (3j) and its derivatives (3a–3i) were synthesized using a two-step asymmetric synthesis, and the biological activities of 3a–3j were determined in vitro. Methyl (2S,3R)-(+)-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylate (1h), the asymmetric synthesis of which was described in a previous paper, was selected as the starting material. Compounds 3a–3j were evaluated for their neuroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. (+)-Balasubramide and its derivatives with different electronegative groups in the 6-phenyl ring produced little neuroprotection and antioxidation, but induced potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects in BV-2 microglial cells (with the exception of 3g). Compound 3c, with a trifluoromethyl group in its 6-phenyl ring, was a particularly potent anti-neuroinflammatory agent. These results demonstrated that the electronegativity of the 6-phenyl ring of (+)-balasubramide is an important determinant of its inhibitory effect on neuroinflammation. More electronegative substituents result in more potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays indicated no significant effects of the tested compounds.     

Birhodomolleins D and E,two new dimeric grayanane diterpenes with a 3-O-2′ linkage from the fruits of Rhododendron pumilum

Two dimeric grayanane diterpenes with a novel 3-O-2 linkage, birhodomolleins D (1) and E (2), were isolated and structurally elucidated from the fruits of Rhododendron pumilum. Their structures were fully determined by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data.     

Microbial transformation of laxogenin by the fungus Syncephalastrum racemosum

Biotransformation of laxogenin (LG, 1) was performed by the fungus Syncephalastrum racemosum (AS 3.264). Thirteen previously undescribed metabolites were obtained and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. S. racemosum catalyzes mainly oxygenation reactions of the B, C, and D rings of the sapogenin to afford metabolites 2–12. Conversion of the spirostanol skeleton to cholestane-type was also encountered in metabolite 13. Rearrangement of F-ring afforded F-ring ‘furanose’ sapogenin was observed in metabolite 14. The substrate and its derivatives were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activities. LG and metabolites 2, 3, 5, 8–10 and 13–14 exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO (nitric oxide) production in BV-2?cells. Moreover, 1, 2 and 5 dose-dependently reduced the LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expressions.     

Isolation of a new natural kingiside aglucone derivative and other anti-inflammatory constituents from Syringa reticulata

Abstract

A new secoiridoid, (1R,5S,8S,9R)-1-methyl-kingiside aglucone (1), along with nine known compounds (2–10), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the stem bark of Syringa reticulata (Bl.) Hara. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated using HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1–10 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against NO, TNF-α and IL-6 production. Compounds 1, 3, 5 and 7–10 significantly inhibited the levels of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells from concentrations of 3 to 30?μM.     

Three new cassane diterpenes from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance

Four fractions were prepared from the crude extract of Caesalpinia minax Hance and the inhibitory activity of nitric oxide (NO) production release of RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was evaluated. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed obvious inhibitory effect. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of three new cassane diterpenes, caesalmin X (1), caesalmin Y (2) and caesalmin Z (3), together with 19 known cassane diterpenoids (4–22). Their structures were mainly characterised on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with reported data. Moreover, three compounds (20–22) which possessed furanditerpenoid 7,17-lactone structures, displayed moderate activities, with IC₅₀ value of 29.85, 27.38 and 25.40 μM, respectively.     

Chemical constituents from the bark of bauhinia purpurea and their NO inhibitory activities

Abstract

Phytochemical studies led to the isolation of a new phenylpropanoid glucoside, named purpuroside (1), along with eight known compounds (2–9) from the bark of Bauhinia purpurea. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of its spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of compound 2 was verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 inhibited NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages with IC₅₀ values from 35.5 to 63.0?μM.     

A new labdane diterpene from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum

A new labdane diterpene, (Z)-12,14-labdadien-15(16)-olide-17-oic acid (1), and a new natural cadinane sesquiterpene, 4-isopropyl-6-methyl-1-naphthalenemethanol (2), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum, together with three other products, galangin (3), kaempferol (4) and quercetin (5). Their structures were elucidated by using extensive spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 showed no remarkable cytotoxic activity against HeLa and HepG2 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀>50 μg mL^? 1.     

A new malyngamide from the marine cyanobacterium Moorea producens

A new malyngamide (1) was isolated along with seven known compounds (2–8) from the marine cyanobacterium Moorea producens collected in Hawaii. Compound 1 represented the first reported malyngamide with a hydroxy moiety at C-7 of the characteristic fatty acid portion of the compound. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against L1210 cell line at an IC₅₀ value of 2.9 mM and lethal toxicity against the shrimp Palaemon paucidens at a LD₁₀₀ value of 33.3 mg/kg. The bioactivity of compound 1 was approximately 10–100 times weaker than those of isomalyngamides A and B (3, 4). These results indicated that the methoxy group at C-7 of the fatty acid section confers a degree of bioactivity in malyngamides.     

Penicindopene A,a new indole diterpene from the deep-sea fungus Penicillium sp. YPCMAC1

A new indole diterpene, named penicindopene A (1), together with seven known compounds (2?–?8), was isolated from the deep-sea fungus Penicillium sp. YPCMAC1. The structure of penicindopene A was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1?D and 2?D NMR, and HRESIMS data), in addition to the ECD calculations for the assignments of its absolute configuration. Penicindopene A represented the first example of indole diterpenes possessing a 3-hydroxyl-2-indolone moiety, and it exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against A549 and HeLa cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 15.2 and 20.5?µM, respectively.     

Corroborating study on the absolute configurations of trigochinins A–C

Trigochinins A–C (1–3) are three highly oxygenated daphnane-type diterpenes isolated from Trigonostemon chinensis. Their structures with the absolute configurations were initially assigned by a combination of spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography (Mo Kα radiation) study and CD analysis. In the current study, the absolute configurations of trigochinins A–C were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (Cu Kα radiation) study, CD spectral analogy, and theoretical ECD study by using quantum chemical TDDFT calculations.     

Biflavanones, diterpenes, and coumarins from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L

A new biflavanone (1) with a C-3/C-3" linkage, a new daphnane-type diterpene (2) acylated by an unsaturated fatty acid, and a new coumarin glycoside (3), along with six lignans, two phenylpropanoids, five flavonoids, two diterpenes, and three coumarins were isolated from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. (Thymelaeaceae). Elucidation of these secondary metabolites of S. chamaejasme L. supplied strong chemical verification of the close taxonomic relationships among the genera Stellera, Daphne, and Wikstroemia, all of which belong to the family Thymelaeaceae.     

A new anti-inflammatory β-carboline alkaloid from the hairy-root cultures of Eurycoma longifolia

One new β-carboline alkaloid 7-methoxy-(9H-β-carbolin-1-il)-(E)-1-propenoic acid (1) together with 9-methoxycanthin-6-one (2) and 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one (3) were isolated from the hairy-root cultures of Eurycoma longifolia. The effects of these compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells were investigated. Compound 1 strongly inhibited the production of NO while 2 and 3 having weak or inactive effect. Consistently, compound 1 decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase.     

A new highly oxygenated daphnane diterpene esters from the flower buds of Daphne genkwa

The phytochemical investigation of the flower buds of Daphne genkwa yielded eight highly oxygenated daphnane-type diterpene esters, including a new one, genkwanine N 20-palmitate (1) and seven known ones (2–8). The molecular structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including UV, IR, NMR, and MS, and comparison with literature data. Furthermore, compound 1 showed potential cytotoxic activity in vitro, against A549 and Hep G2 tumour cell lines.     

A new pair of enantiomeric lignans from the fruits of Morinda citrifolia and their absolute configuration

A new pair of sesamin-type lignan enantiomers (±)-morifolia A (1a/1b) together with eight known analogues (2–9) were isolated from the fruits of Morinda citrifolia. Their structures were established by spectroscopic data and the absolute configurations of 1a/1b were determined by ECD calculation. All compounds were examined for their inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 1a, 1b, 2–4 and 7–9 exhibited pronounced inhibition with IC₅₀ values in the range of 1.97–8.01 (μM, being more active than the positive control, quercetin (IC₅₀ = 15.32 (M).     

Five new ent-kaurane diterpenes from Annona squamosa L. pericarps

Abstract

In the present study, five new ent-kaurane diterpenes including 4α-hydroxy-17,19-dinor-ent-kaurane-16-one (1), 4β-hydroxy-16β-H-18-nor-ent-kaurane-17-oic acid (2), 4β,17-dihydroxy-16α-acetoxy-18-nor-ent-kaurane (3), Annosquamosin Z (4) and 16α-H-ent-kaurane-17,18-dioic acid, 17-methy ester (5) were isolated from Annona squamosa L. pericarp. The compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell lines, among which compound 3 exhibited potent cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ value of less than 20?μM.     

A new ent-kaurane diterpene derivative from the stems of Eurya chinensis R.Br

One new ent-kaurane diterpene derivative (1), along with four known diterpenes, was isolated from the stems of Eurya chinensis R.Br. The structure of the new compound was established by extensive analysis of mass spectrometric and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Compound 1 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activities with IC₅₀ value of 8.12 μM. This is the first example of diterpenoids with 4-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-hydroxyl-cyclohexanoyl substituent.     

Alkaloids of NIRAM,natural dye from Polygonum tinctorium,and their anti-inflammatory activities

Phytochemical investigation of EtOH extract of NIRAM, natural dye from Polygonum tinctorium, resulted in the purification of nine alkaloid compounds (1–9) including four new compounds (1–4). Structures of these new compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR (¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, ¹H–¹³C HSQC, ¹H–¹³C HMBC), IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, and ECD spectra. Isolated compounds (1–9) were tested for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 cells. Compounds 1–3, 5, and 7 showed potent NO production inhibitory activities, with IC₅₀ values of 3.88–22.87 μM.     

Antifungal,anti-inflamatory and neuritogenic activity of newly-isolated compounds from Disporopsis aspersa

Abstract

A new ester (1) and a terpenoid (2) were isolated from the dried whole plant of Disporopsis aspersa (H_UA) E_NGL. ex D_IELS for the first time and their structures were elucidated, as well as their biological activities are described. The two compounds all showed good antifungal activities, especially furanone (2) exhibited better antifungal activity against Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Phytophthora infestans with EC₅₀ value of 22.82, 18.90?μg/mL, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited a significant promotion on the neurite outgrowth in NGF-induced PC-12 cells, and moderate inhibition on the NO production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV-2 microglial cells.     

Six new metabolites produced by Colletotrichum aotearoa 09F0161, an endophytic fungus isolated from Bredia oldhamii

Six new compounds, colletobredins A–D (1–4) and colletomelleins A and B (5 and 6), along with 12 previously identified compounds, were isolated from the culture broth of Colletotrichum aotearoa BCRC 09F0161, a fungal endophyte residing in the leaves of an endemic Formosan plant Bredia oldhamii Hook. f. (Melastomataceae). The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR-ESIMS and extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The effects of some isolates on the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells were evaluated. All these compounds inhibited NO production in activated macrophages without any cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 μM. Of these isolates, 1 showed weak NO inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 182.2 μM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on isochroman glycoside metabolites (1–4) from the genus Colletotrichum.