Efficient synthesis of isoplagiochin D, a macrocyclic bis(bibenzyls), by utilizing an intramolecular Suzuki-Miyaura reaction

Isoplagiochin D, a highly strained macrocyclic bis(bibenzyls) with two biaryl units isolated from the liverwort Pladiochila fruticosa, was prepared in 10.6% overall yield for the 11 steps by an efficient synthetic approach involving the construction of two bibenzyl and one biaryl units using Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons and Suzuki-Miyaura protocols.     

New bibenzyl cannabinoid from the New Zealand liverwort Radula marginata

The ether extract of the New Zealand liverwort Radula marginata afforded a new cannabinoid type bibenzyl compound named perrottetinenic acid, and two new bibenzyls, together with a known cannabinoid, perrottetinene. Their structures were established by two dimensional (2D) NMR spectral data. The structure of perrottetinenic acid was a similar to that of Delta(1)-tetrahydrocannabinol, a known hallucinogen. Cannabinoid type bibenzyls have been isolated from liverwort Radula perrottetii, though have not previously been reported from the liverwort R. marginata.     

Retusone A,a Guaiane-Type Sesquiterpene Dimer from Wikstroemia retusa and Its Inhibitory Effects on Histone Acetyltransferase HBO1 Expression

Retusone A (1), a new sesquiterpene dimer consisting of two guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, and oleodaphnal (2) were isolated from heartwood of Wikstroemia retusa (Thymelaeaceae). The planar structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data, and the relative stereochemistry was established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by electronic circular dichroism. Compound 1 suppressed luciferase reporter gene expression driven by the HBO1 (histone acetyltransferase binding to ORC1) gene promoter in human breast cancer MCF7 cells. Compound 1 also decreased the expression of endogenous HBO1 mRNA and protein, and inhibited proliferation of the cells. These results suggest that retusone A (1), which has a unique dimeric sesquiterpenoid structure with inhibitory activity against HBO1 expression, may contribute to the development of a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.     

Sesquiterpenoids from Vernonia cinerea

A new sesquiterpenoid, vernocinolide A (1), as well as ten known ones (2-11), were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Vernonia cinerea. The structure of vernocinolide A (1) was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among the known sesquiterpenoids, nine of them were isolated from this plant for the first time.     

Rapid Identification of Bibenzyls of Stemona sessilifolia using Hyphenated LC-UV-NMR and LC-MS Methods

IntroductionThe genusStemonacontains about 25 species,among whichS. sessilifolia,S. japonica,andS. tu-berosahave long been prescribed in traditional Chinesemedicine as insecticides and antitussive agents[1—4].The extracts of the roots of these three spec…     

Sesquiterpenoids and flavonoids from the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia and their cytotoxic activity

Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of the 80% EtOH extract of Tithonia diversifolia has resulted in the isolation of twelve sesquiterpenoids (1-12), including three new ones (4, 10, 12), and three known flavonoids (13-15). The structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds showed cytotoxic activity against HL-60 leukemia cells with IC(50) values ranging from 0.13 to 13.0 microM, when etoposide used as a positive control gave an IC(50) value of 0.43 microM. The cancer growth inhibitory property of 9, the main cytotoxic compound in T. diversifolia, was examined using a disease-oriented panel composed of 39 human cancer cell lines in the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research.     

The dihydro-beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids

Dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids are a structurally diverse class of natural products based on tricyclic 5,11-epoxy-5Beta,10alpha-eudesman-4-(14)-ene skeleton. Between January 1990 and June 2006, 462 new dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids of 74 structural types have been isolated from about 64 species of Celastraceae, 3 species of Hippocrateaceae and one species of Lamiaceae. The present review covers the chemical and biological activity research of dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids in the past 16 years. The chemical research includes structural classification into sesquiterpene polyesters and macrolide sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, synthesis of dihydro-Beta-agarofuran as well as extraction, isolation and purification methods. The biological activity research includes activities such as multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity, HIV inhibition, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity, antifeedant activity and insecticidal activity with some insights to their modes of actions.     

Oxyphyllones A and B,novel sesquiterpenes with an unusual 4,5-secoeudesmane skeleton from Alpinia oxyphylla

Two novel 4,5-secoeudesmane sesquiterpenoids,oxyphyllones A(1) and B(2) were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla.Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR spectra.These two compounds are the first example of naturally occurring sesquiterpenoids with a 4,5-secoeudesmane skeleton in the family of Zingiberaceae and oxyphyllone A(1) is the first 4,5-secoeudesmane type of 13-norsesquiterpenoid.Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited no cytotoxicities against three cancer...     

Antioxidant bibenzyl derivatives from Notholaena nivea Desv

Four new bibenzyl derivatives were isolated, together with other known bibenzyls, by bioassay-guided fractionation of a CHCl?-MeOH extract of Notholaena nivea Desv. (Pteridaceae) aerial parts. The structures were elucidated by NMR, ESIMS and other spectral analyses. Their antioxidative effects towards superoxide, lipidic peroxidation and the 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethilbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical were assayed. Results showed that the compound 3,12-dihydroxy-5-methoxybibenzyl (6) is the most active compound in the ABTS free-radical scavenging test, while in the coupled oxidation of β-carotene and linoleic acid assay the compound 5,12-dihydroxy-3-methoxydibenzyl-6-carboxylic acid (1) exerted the highest activity after 1h. A superoxide anion enzymatic test was also carried out and the results were confirmed by an inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity assay. The putative protective role played by compounds 1 and 6 on the injurious effects of reactive oxygen metabolites on the intestinal epithelium, using a Caco-2 human cell line, was investigated. H?O?-induced alterations were prevented by preincubating the cells with compounds 1 and 6.     

Diterpenoids and aromatic compounds from the three New Zealand liverworts Jamesoniella kirkii, Balantiopsis rosea, and Radula species

Three new aromatics were isolated from the New Zealand liverwort Balantiopsis rosea. A new bibenzyl was isolated from an unidentified Radula species, together with known bibenzyls. Jamesoniella kirkii yielded three known ent-isopimarane and two ent-kaurane diterpenoids. Their structures were confirmed by NMR techniques, chemical reaction, and X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Britanlins A-D, four novel sesquiterpenoids from Inula britannica

A phytochemical investigation on the flowers of Inula britannica has led to the isolation of four novel sesquiterpenoids, britanlins A-D. Britanlins A-C feature the rare presilphiperfolane-type frameworks, which play an important role in biogenesis of triquinane sesquiterpenoids. Britanlin D possessed a rearranged pseudoguaiane skeleton, which was first isolated from nature. The structures of britanlins A to D were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. The structures of britanlins A and D were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Antifungal Sesquiterpenoids from Michelia formosana Leaf Essential Oil against Wood-Rotting Fungi

Michelia formosana (Kanehira) Masamune is a broad-leaved species widespread in East Asia; the wood extract and its constituents possess antifungal activity against wood-decay fungi. Antifungal activities of leaf essential oil and its constituents from M. formosana were investigated in the present study. Bioassay-guided isolation was applied to isolate the phytochemicals from leaf essential oil. 1D and 2D NMR, FTIR, and MS spectroscopic analyses were applied to elucidate the chemical structures of isolated compounds. Leaf essential oil displayed antifungal activity against wood decay fungi and was further separated into 11 fractions by column chromatography. Four sesquiterpenoids were isolated and identified from the active fractions of leaf essential oil through bioassay-guided isolation. Among these sesquiterpenoids, guaiol, bulnesol, and β-elemol have higher antifungal activity against brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and white-rot fungus Lenzites betulina. Leaf essential oil and active compounds showed better antifungal activity against L. sulphureus than against L. betulina. The molecular structure of active sesquiterpenoids all contain the hydroxyisopropyl group. Antifungal sesquiterpenoids from M. formosana leaf essential oil show potential as natural fungicides for decay control of lignocellulosic materials.     

Study of bis(bibenzyls) in bryophytes using electron ionization time-of-flight and electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry

A detailed analysis of mass spectra generated from bis(bibenzyl) compounds in bryophytes under electron ionization time-of-flight (EI-TOF) and electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole (ESI-TQ) mass spectrometry conditions is reported. Proposed structures of the fragment ions were obtained by tracking the functional groups of 15 bis(bibenzyls), the structures of which are similar except for some alkoxyl substituents and linkage sites of biphenyl ether bonds. The elucidation was aided by the use of accurate mass measurements. Attempts have been made to provide rational pathways for the formation of these fragment ions, and a generalized fragmentation mechanism is proposed. The bis(bibenzyls) mentioned in this study include three types according to their structure characteristics, i.e. one biphenyl ether bond (A-type), two biphenyl ether bonds (B-type), one biphenyl ether and one biphenyl bond (C-type). The three types display different EI-MS and ESI-MS/MS product profiles, by which the bis(bibenzyl) type and the number of alkoxyl substituents can be identified. Isomers of bis(bibenzyls) can be differentiated to some extent, while the linkage sites of biphenyl ether bonds are difficult to identify. The structure-fragmentation relationships will facilitate the characterization of other bis(bibenzyls) and this will be of value for the high-throughput screening of novel bis(bibenzyls) in bryophytes.     

Sesquiterpenoids from Vernonia cinerea

A new sesquiterpenoid, namely vernocinolide A, as well as ten known ones, were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the Vernoniacinerea. The structure of vernocinolide A was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among the known sesquiterpenoids, nine of them were isolated from this plant for the first time.     

An overview of the total synthesis of africane-type sesquiterpenoids

Africane-type sesquiterpenoids consist of a bicyclo[5.3.0]decane structure and have been isolated from various natural environments. Their characteristic CC bond motifs, including a seven-membered ring core, fascinate many synthetic organic chemists. Thirteen total syntheses have been reported over the past four decades. The purpose of this digest is to provide an overview of these total syntheses of africane-type sesquiterpenoids, with an emphasis on methods for constructing the seven-membered ring structure.     

Terpenoids and bibenzyls from three Argentine liverworts

A new rosane diterpenoid, 3a-hydroxy-5,15-rosadien-11-one (3), was isolated, together with a known rosane diterpenoid, 5,15-rosadiene-3,11-dione (4), and an aromadendrane sesquiterpenoid, ent-cyclocolorenone (5), from the Et(2)O extract of an unidentified Argentine liverwort Anastrophyllum species. Moreover, four known sesquiterpene lactones 6-9 and two known bibenzyls 10, 11 were isolated from the Et(2)O extracts of Argentine Frullania brasiliensis and Radula voluta, respectively. The structures of compounds 3-11 were determined by the use of NMR techniques.     

Myrrhanolide D and Myrrhasin A,New Germacrane‐Type Sesquiterpenoids from the Resin of Commiphora opobalsamum

Two new germacrane‐type sesquiterpenoids bearing an epoxy ring, myrrhanolide D ( 1 ) and myrrhasin A ( 2 ), together with eight known compounds, 3 – 10 , were isolated from the resinous exudates of Commiphora opobalsamum. Their structures were elucidated based on the analyses of their spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds 1, 2, 6 , and 8 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human prostate cancer DU145 and PC3 cells.     

Illudalane sesquiterpenoids from the soft coral Alcyonium paessleri: the first natural nitrate esters

Fifteen illudalane sesquiterpenoids, alcyopterosins A-O (1-15) have been isolated from the subAntarctic soft coral Alcyonium paessleri which was collected at a depth of 200 m near the South Georgia Islands, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Eight of these compounds (2, 3, 5-8, 10, and 13) are the first natural nitrate esters, while the other four (1, 4, 11, and 12) are chlorinated. These compounds are as well the first illudalane sesquiterpenoids to be isolated from the marine environment. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 8 showed mild cytotoxicity toward human tumor cell lines.     

Zizaane-Type Sesquiterpenoids and Their Rearranged Derivatives from Agarwood of an Aquilaria Plant

Nine new sesquiterpenoids (1–9) were isolated from ethyl ether extract of agarwood originated from Aquilaria sp., including three novel sesquiterpenoids (1–3) derived from zizaane, together with six zizaane-type sesquiterpenoids (4–9). All structures were unambiguously elucidated based on 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as by HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of sesquiterpenoids was determined by comparison of the experimental and computed ECD spectra. In vitro anti-inflammatory assessment showed that compound 9 exhibited inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 62.22 ± 1.27 μM.     

A new norsesquiterpenoid from Russula delica Fr

Russulanorol (1), a new norsesquiterpenoid with a novel carbon skeleton, was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Russula delica FR. (Russulaceae) together with three known sesquiterpenoids. The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical transformation. Compound 1 is an equilibrium mixture of two stereoisomers (1a, b) on the C-11 acetal carbon.