Novel abietane diterpenoids and aromatic compounds from Cladonia rangiferina and their antimicrobial activity against antibiotics resistant bacteria

From Cladonia rangiferina were isolated two novel abietane diterpenoids, hanagokenols A (1) and B (2). Also in this investigation, four known abitetane diterpenoids (3-6), four known labdane diterpenoids (7-10), one known isopimarane diterpenoid (11), and six known aromatic compounds were isolated. These structures were elucidated primarily through extensive NMR experiments. Hanagokenol A (1) was a unique abietane diterpene having an ether linkage between C-6 and C-18 of sugiol. Hanagokenol B (2) is also a unique secoabietane diterpene, having gamma-lactone which occurred by cleavage and subsequently oxidation between C-6/C-7 of 12-hydroxydehydroabietinol. Furthermore, all the isolated compounds (1-17) were tested for the antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).     

Ent-kaurane diterpenoids from Isodon rubescens var. rubescens

Five new ent-kaurane diterpenoids xindongnins H-L (1-5), together with five known ones, xindongnins A and B (6, 7), melissoidesins G (8), dawoensin A (9), and glabcensin V (10) were isolated from Isodon rubescens var. rubescens. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 2D NMR techniques.     

ent‐Kaurane Diterpenoids from Isodon phyllostachys

Phytochemical investigation of the medicinal plant Isodon phyllostachys led to the isolation of four new ent‐kaurane diterpenoids, phyllostacins F–I ( 1 – 4 , resp.), together with 11 known compounds, rosthorin A ( 5 ), rabdoternin C ( 6 ), enmenol ( 7 ), oridonin ( 8 ), lasiocarpanin ( 9 ), xerophilusin B ( 10 ), ponicidin ( 11 ), macrocalin B ( 12 ), phyllostachysin A ( 13 ), sculponeatin C ( 14 ), and macrocalyxoformin E ( 15 ). The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses. Compounds 1, 2, 7, 10 , and 13 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against K562 and HepG2 cell lines.     

Novel Diterpenoids from Salvia dugesii

Two novel rearranged clerodane diterpenoids, dugesin A ( 1 ) and dugesin B ( 2 ), were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia dugesii, together with five known clerodane diterpenoids: isosalvipuberulin ( 3 ), salvipuberulin ( 4 ), tilifodiolide ( 5 ), salvifolin ( 6 ), and salvifaricin ( 7 ). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of different spectroscopic techniques. The isolation and identification of these compounds are significant from both biosynthetisis and chemotaxonomy points of view.     

Two New Furanoid Diterpenoids from Tinospora sagittata

Two new clerodane‐based furanoid diterpenoids, tinosagittones A and B ( 1 and 2 , resp.), were isolated from the roots of Tinospora sagittata, together with five known diterpenoids, i.e., columbin ( 3 ), its glucoside palmatoside C ( 4 ), isocolumbin ( 5 ), 6‐hydroxycolumbin ( 6 ), and tinophylloloside ( 7 ). Their structures were established by mass spectrometry and spectroscopic methods, especially 2D‐NMR techniques.     

Two new diterpenoids from Plectranthus nummularius Briq

Two new antioxidative diterpenoids, plectranthol A (3)[19-O-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-11,12-dihydroxy-20(10-->5)-abeo-abieta-1(10),6,8,11,13-tetraene] and plectranthol B (4)[12-O-(3-methyl-2-butenoyl)-19-O-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-11-hydroxyabieta-8,11,13-trienel along with two known diterpenoids, parvifloron E (1) and F (2) were isolated from the leaves of Plectranthus nummularius Briq. Antioxidative activities of the compounds were measured by the alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method.     

Systematic approach to the quantitative voltammetric analysis of the FeIII/FeII component of the [alpha2-Fe(OH2)P2W17O61]7-/8- reduction process in buffered and unbuffered aqueous media

The one-electron reduction of [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) at a glassy carbon electrode was investigated using cyclic and rotating-disk-electrode voltammetry in buffered and unbuffered aqueous solutions over the pH range 3.45-7.50 with an ionic strength of approximately 0.6 M maintained. The behavior is well-described by a square-scheme mechanism P + e(-) <--> Q (E(1)(0/) = -0.275 V, k(1)(0/) = 0.008 cm s(-1), and alpha(1) = 1/2), PH(+) + e(-) <--> QH(+) (E(2)(0/) = -0.036 V, k(2)(0/) = 0.014 cm s(-1), and alpha(2) = 1/2), PH(+) <--> P + H(+) (K(P) = 3.02 x 10(-6) M), and QH(+) <--> Q + H(+) (K(Q) = 2.35 x 10(-10) M), where P, Q, PH(+), and QH(+) correspond to [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8-), [alpha(2)-Fe(II)(OH)P(2)W(17)O(61)](9-), [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-), and [alpha(2)-Fe(II)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](8-), respectively; E(1)(0)' and E(2)(0)' are the formal potentials, k(1)(0)' and k(2)(0)' are the formal (standard) rate constants, and K(P) and K(Q) are the acid dissociation constants for the relevant reactions. The analysis for the buffered media is based on the approach of Laviron who demonstrated that a square scheme with fully reversible protonations, reversible or quasi reversible electron transfers with the assumption that alpha(1) = alpha(2), can be well-described by the behavior of a simple redox couple, ox + e(-) <--> red, whose formal potential, E(app)(0)', and standard rate constant, k(app)(0)', are straightforwardly derived functions of pH, as are the values of E(1)(0)', k(1)(0)', E(2)(0)', k(2)(0)', and K(P) (only three of the four thermodynamic parameters in a square scheme can be specified). It was assumed that alpha(app) = 1/2, and the simulation program DigiSim was used to determine the values of E(app)(0)' and k(app)(0)', which are required to describe the cyclic voltammograms obtained in buffered media in the pH range from 3.45 to 7.52 (buffer-related reactions which effect general acid-base catalysis are included in the simulations). DigiSim simulations of cyclic voltammograms obtained in unbuffered media yielded the values of E(1)(0)' and k(1)(0)'; K(Q) was then directly computed from thermodynamic constraints. These simulations included additional reactions between the redox species and H(2)O. The value of the diffusion coefficient of the [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-), 2.92 x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1), was determined using DigiSim simulations of voltammograms at a rotating disk electrode in buffered and unbuffered media at pH 3.45. The diffusion coefficients of all redox species were assumed to be identical. When the pH is greater than 6, instability of P (i.e., [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8-)) led to the loss of the reactant and precluded lengthy experimentation.     

Medicinal foodstuffs. XXXIV. Structures of new prenylchalcones and prenylflavanones with TNF-alpha and aminopeptidase N inhibitory activities from Boesenbergia rotunda

The methanolic extract from the rhizomes of Boesenbergia rotunda (Zingiberaceae) was found to show inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells (IC(50)=6.1 microg/ml). By bioassay-guided separation, four new prenylcalcones, (+)-krachaizin A (1a), (-)-krachaizin A (1b), (+)-krachaizin B (2a), and (-)-krachaizin B (2b), and four new prenylflavanones, rotundaflavones Ia (3a), Ib (3b), IIa (4a), and IIb (4b), were isolated together with 18 known constituents (5a-7b and 8-19). The structures of eight new compounds were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence. Among them, (+)-krachaizin B (2a), (-)-krachaizin B (2b), (+)-4-hydroxypanduratin A (6a), (-)-4-hydroxypanduratin A (6b), (+)-isopanduratin A (7a), (-)-isopanduratin A (7b), alpinetin (10), cardamonin (14), and 2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone (15) significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells at 10 microM. In addition, 2a, 2b, (+)-panduratins A (5a), (-)-panduratin A (5b), 6a, 7b, and geranyl-2,4-dihydroxy-6-phenylbenzoate (17) were found to show strong inhibitory effects on aminopeptidase N activity.     

Lignanoids and Diterpenoids from Callicarpa furfuraceae

The three new lignanoids 1 – 3 and the five new phyllocladane diterpenoids 7 – 11 were isolated from the leaves of Callicarpa furfuraceae, together with two known lignanoids, lariciresinol ( 4 ) and (+)‐sesamin ( 5 ), and five known diterpenoids, 17‐norphyllocladane‐3,16‐dion ( 6 ), calliterpenone ( 12 ), calliterpenone 17‐acetate ( 13 ), (3β,16α)‐phyllocladane‐3,16,17‐triol ( 14 ), and (3β,16α)‐phyllocladane‐3,16,17‐triol 17‐acetate ( 15 ). Their structures were established by spectral‐data interpretation.     

Ent-kaurane diterpenoids from Isodon rubescens var. lushanensis

Four new ent-kaurane diterpenoids lushanrubescensins F-I (1-4), together with 11 known ones, lasiodonin (5), oridonin (6), ponicidin (7), isodonoiol (8), isodonal (9), rabdosin B (10), rabdoternins A and B (11 and 12), enmenol (13), epinodosin (14), and inflexusin (15), were isolated from Isodon rubescens var. lushanensis, and the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The inhibitory effect against the K562, Bcap37, BGC823, BIU87, CA, CNE, and Hela cell lines of compounds 3 and 5-10 were evaluated.     

Thiersinines A and B: novel antiinsectan indole diterpenoids from a new fungicolous Penicillium species (NRRL 28147)

[structure: see text] Two novel antiinsectan indole diterpenoids, thiersinines A (1) and B (2), along with seven known paxilline-type compounds, were isolated from organic extracts of a new Penicillium species (P. thiersii NRRL 28147). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by analysis of 2D NMR data. Thiersinines A and B possess a unique spirocyclic subunit that is unprecedented in previously known compounds of this class. Both compounds exhibit potent activity against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).     

滇姜花新二萜成分的研究

从滇姜花中分离并鉴定了５个二萜成分，其中新化合物滇姜花素Ａ，Ｂ的结构经光谱及化学方法推定。     

Water Activity Regulates the Q(A)(-) to Q(B) electron transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

We report on the effects of water activity and surrounding viscosity on electron transfer reactions taking place within a membrane protein: the reaction center (RC) from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. We measured the kinetics of charge recombination between the primary photoxidized donor (P(+)) and the reduced quinone acceptors. Water activity (aW) and viscosity (eta) have been tuned by changing the concentration of cosolutes (trehalose, sucrose, glucose, and glycerol) and the temperature. The temperature dependence of the rate of charge recombination between the reduced primary quinone, Q(A)(-), and P(+) was found to be unaffected by the presence of cosolutes. At variance, the kinetics of charge recombination between the reduced secondary quinone (Q(B)(-)) and P(+) was found to be severely influenced by the presence of cosolutes and by the temperature. Results collected over a wide eta-range (2 orders of magnitude) demonstrate that the rate of P(+)Q(B)(-) recombination is uncorrelated to the solution viscosity. The kinetics of P(+)Q(B)(-) recombination depends on the P(+)Q(A)(-)Q(B) <--> P(+)Q(A)Q(B)(-) equilibrium constant. Accordingly, the dependence of the interquinone electron transfer equilibrium constant on T and aW has been explained by assuming that the transfer of one electron from Q(A)(-) to Q(B) is associated with the release of about three water molecules by the RC. This implies that the interquinone electron transfer involves at least two RC substates differing in the stoichiometry of interacting water molecules.     

Diterpenoids from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii and their biological activities

Seven new diterpenoids, classified as three cembrane-type diterpenoids boscartins I-K (1–3) and four prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids boscartols K-N (4–7), respectively, along with nine known diterpenoids, were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. Their structure elucidations were achieved by spectroscopic examination. All isolates were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production and antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell in vitro. 4 and 5 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on NO production (IC₅₀ of 2.22 and 1.10?μM, respectively), with 11 showing moderate inhibition (IC₅₀ of 8.63?μM), and 12 and 15 demonstrated moderate antiproliferative effects against MCF-7?cell (IC₅₀ of 9.5, and 6.3?μM, respectively).     

Bisyinshanic Acids A and B,Two Novel Diterpene Dimers from the Roots of Euphorbia yinshanica

Two novel diterpene dimers with a bismagdalenic acid skeleton, bisyinshanic acids A and B ( 1 and 2 , resp.), along with eight known diterpenoids ( 3 – 10 ), were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia yinshanica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.     

Lignans and Triterpenes from the Root of Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum

Two new lignans, pseuderesinol (1), pseuderanoside (2) and a new triterpene, pseuderanic acid (3) were isolated from the dried root of Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (SEEM.) GUILL. var. atropurpureum (BULL.) FOSB. (Acanthaceae), together with ten known compounds, including five lignans, (+)-eudesmin (4), (+)-magnolin (5), (+)-syringaresinol (6), (+)-episyringaresinol (7), (+)-1-hydroxysyringaresinol (8) and five triterpenes, squalene (9), oleanolic acid (10), lupeol (11), betulin (12), betulinic acid (13). Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR, computational quantum chemistry, as well as high resolution-electrospray ionization (HR-ESI)-MS spectroscopic analysis. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition and cytotoxic activities against HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines were evaluated on some purified compounds at the concentration of 100?μg/mL. Pseuderesinol (1) and magnolin (5) exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against the MCF-7 cancer cell line.     

Conformational control of the Q(A) to Q(B) electron transfer in bacterial reaction centers: evidence for a frozen conformational landscape below -25 degrees C

The competition between the P(+)Q(A)(-) --> PQ(A) charge recombination (P, bacteriochlorophyll pair acting as primary photochemical electron donor) and the electron transfer to the secondary quinone acceptor Q(A)(-)Q(B) --> Q(A)Q(B)(-) (Q(A) and Q(B), primary and secondary electron accepting quinones) was investigated in chromatophores of Rb. capsulatus, varying the temperature down to -65 degrees C. The analysis of the flash-induced pattern for the formation of P(+)Q(A)Q(B)(-) shows that the diminished yield, when lowering the temperature, is not due to a homogeneous slowing of the rate constant k(AB) of the Q(A)(-)Q(B) --> Q(A)Q(B)(-) electron transfer but to a distribution of conformations that modulate the electron transfer rate over more than 3 orders of magnitude. This distribution appears "frozen", as no dynamic redistribution was observed over time ranges > 10 s (below -25 degrees C). The kinetic pattern was analyzed to estimate the shape of the distribution of k(AB), showing a bell-shaped band on the high rate side and a fraction of "blocked" reaction centers (RCs) with very slow k(AB). When the temperature is lowered, the high rate band moves to slower rate regions and the fraction of blocked RCs increases at the expense of the high rate band. The RCs that recombine from the P(+)Q(A)Q(B)(-) state appear temporarily converted to a state with rapid k(AB), indicating that the stabilized state described by Kleinfeld et al. (Biochemistry 1984, 23, 5780-5786) is still accessible at -60 degrees C.     

Total synthesis of crotophorbolone

As a natural diterpenoid, crotophorbolone possesses a challenging trans,trans-5/7/6 framework decorated with six contiguous stereogenic centers and is structurally and biogenetically related to tigliane-type diterpenoids with intriguing bioactivities such as phorbol and prostratin. Based on the convergent strategy, we completed an eighteen-step total synthesis of crotophorbolone starting from (−)-carvone and (+)-dimethyl-2,3-O-isopropylidene-l-tartrate. The key elements of the synthesis involve expedient installation of the six-membered ring and the five-membered ring with multiple functional groups at an early stage, cyclization of the seven-membered ring through alkenylation of the ketone between the five-membered ring and the six-membered ring, functional group-sensitive ring-closing metathesis and final selective introduction of hydroxyls at C₂₀ and C₄.

Convergent total synthesis of crotophorbolone was accomplished in 18 longest linear steps. Observation of unexpected thermodynamic stability of a cis,trans-5/7/6 tricycle would benefit synthetic design of tigliane- and daphnane-related diterpenoids.     

Neoclerodanes from Teucrium orientale

Two new neoclerodane diterpenoids, 6-deacetyl-teucrolivin A (5) and 8beta-hydroxy-teucrolivin B (6), were isolated from the aerial parts of Teucrium orientale, along with four already known neoclerodane diterpenoids, teucrolivin A (1), teucrolivin B (2), teucrolivin C (3) and teucrolivin H (4), previously isolated from Teucrium oliverianum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and chemical transformations. Compounds 1-3 were assayed for antifeedant activity against Spodoptera littoralis, S. frugiperda and Heliocoverpa armigera. Teucrolivin A was the most potent of the three compounds tested.     

New calamenene sesquiterpenes from Tarenna madagascariensis

Four calamenene sequiterpenes, (+)-(7R,10S)-15-hydroxycalamenene (3), (+)-(7R,10S)-2,15-dihydroxycalamenene (4), (+)-(7R,10S)-2-hydroxy-15-calamenal (5), (+)-(7R,10S)-15-calamenal (6), along with the amorphane sesquiterpene (+)-(1S,6R,7R,10S)-1-hydroxy-3-oxo-amorph-4-ene (16), have been isolated from the Madagascan shrub Tarenna madagascariensis (Rubiaceae) and their structures determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical correlations. Furthermore, five known related sesquiterpenes [(+)-(7R,10S)-2-hydroxycalamenene (1), (+)-(7R,10S)-3-hydroxycalamenene (2), (-)-alpha-cadinol (13), cadinenal (14), 6-epicadinenal (15)], and three known lignans [(-)-hinokinin, (-)-dihydrocubebin, (-)-cubebin] were also isolated from the same plant. This is the first report of compounds 3, 4, 5, 6, and 16 from a natural source.