Diarylnonanoids and their glucosides from Erica cinerea

The reinvestigation of Erica cinerea fresh aerial parts led to the isolation of two new diarylnonanoid aglycones along with their glucosides. From spectroscopic data, their structures were elucidated as rel-(3R,7R)-1,9-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dihydroxynonan-5-one named ericanone, ericanone 3-β-d-glucoside, (3S)-3,7-anhydro-6,7-dehydroericanone and (3S)-3,7-anhydro-6,7-dehydroericanone 4′-β-d-glucoside. Contrary to the numerous diarylheptanoids more frequently distributed in the plant kingdom, the rare diarylnonanoids were previously restricted to the genus Myristica of the Myristicaceae plant family.     

Trypanocidal labdane diterpenoids from the seeds of Aframomum aulacocarpos (Zingiberaceae)

Two novel labdane type diterpenoids, 8β(17)-epoxy-14,15,16-trihydroxylabd-12(E)-ene (aulacocarpin C) and 15,16-epoxy-14ξ,16ξ-dimethoxylabda-8(17),12-(E)-diene (aulacocarpin D) together with the known aulacocarpin A and B; 14,15-epoxy-8(17),12(E)-labdadien-16-al, coronarin E, and 15,16-epoxy-12β-hydroxy-labda-8(17)-13(16),14-triene were isolated from the seeds of Aframomum aulacocarpos. To the best of our knowledge, the last compound was isolated from a natural source for the first time. Acid hydrolysis of aulacocarpin D led to another new labdane type diterpenoid, 15,16-epoxy-12β-methoxylabda-8(17)-13(16),14-triene. The structures of all compounds were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data. These new compounds exhibit moderate trypanocidal activity.     

New constituents from Mikania laevigata Shultz Bip. ex Baker

A new phenylpropanoid and two new diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of the plant Mikania laevigata Shultz Bip. ex Baker. The structures of these compounds were established by 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry data. Taraxerol, lupeol, coumarin, syringaldehyde, trans-melilotoside, cis-melilotoside, adenosine, patuletin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, methyl 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate, and 3,3′,5-trihydroxy-4′,6,7-trimethoxyflavone were isolated too. In addition, the compounds dihydrocoumarin, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, kaurenoic acid, beyerenoic acid, and lupeol acetate were identified by GC-MS.     

Two additional 1,9-diarylnonanoid 3-glucosides from Erica cinerea among which an unusual α-dione in conformational equilibrium

Continuation of the phytochemical analysis of Erica cinerea fresh aerial parts resulted in the isolation of two new compounds with a very close chromatographic behavior. On the basis of spectroscopic evidence (UV, MS and NMR), the structures were established as (−)-(3S,6E)-1,9-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxynon-6-en-5-one 3-O-β-d-glucoside named 6,7-anhydroericaone 3-O-β-d-glucoside and (−)-(3S)-1,9-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxynonan-5,6-dione 3-O-β-d-glucoside named α-ericadione 3-O-β-d-glucoside. Unanticipated by its α-alkadione type structure —a very unusual feature in the plant kingdom— the latter metabolite was found as a mixture of the minor s-cis and the major s-trans conformers. Moreover, the GC-MS analysis of the aglycone moieties of such glucosides, pointed out the permanent absence of the molecular ion and the constant hydroxybenzylium base peak, as well as the conversion of the α-dione into the major α-keto-enol tautomer.     

Microbial reduction of coumarin, psoralen, and xanthyletin by Glomerella cingulata

Microbial transformation of coumarin, psoralen, and xanthyletin was performed with the fungus Glomerella cingulata. The main reaction pathways involved reduction at α,β-unsaturated δ-lactone ring on coumarin analogue. Coumarin was metabolized by G. cingulata to give the corresponding reduced acid, hydrocoumaric acid. In the biotransformation of psoralen, two reduced metabolites, 6,7-furano-hydrocoumaric acid, and 6,7-furano-o-hydrocoumaryl alcohol were isolated from the incubation of psoralen. Xanthyletin was converted to reduced products 9,9-dimethyl-6,7-pyrano-hydrocoumaric acid and 9,9-dimethyl-6,7-pyrano-o-hydrocoumaryl alcohol by G. cingulata. The structures of the new compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques. In addition, all of compounds including methyl ester derivatives of the metabolites were tested for the β-secretase (BACE1) inhibitory activity in vitro. 6,7-Furano-hydrocoumaric acid methyl ester was shown to possess BACE1 inhibitory activity, and an IC₅₀ value was 0.84 ± 0.06 mM.     

Agariblazeispirols A and B, an unprecedented skeleton from the cultured mycelia of the fungus, Agaricus blazei

Agariblazeispirols A and B, which have a unique steroidal skeleton, have been isolated from the cultured mycelia of Agaricus blazei (Agaricaceae). The absolute structure of Agariblazeispirol A was established to be (20S,22R,23R,24S)-13β,22:22,25-diepoxy-5-methoxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11-tetraen-23-ol by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, and X-ray analysis. The structure of Agariblazeispirol B was elucidated to be a stereoisomer of agariblazeispirol A at its carbon 22, (20S,22S,23R,24S)-13β,22:22,25-diepoxy-5-methoxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11-tetraen-23-ol by comparison of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data with those of agariblazeispirol A. Both compounds showed a moderate circumvention of drug resistance on mouse leukemia P388/VCR cells.     

Two new diterpenoids from Isodon serra

From the aerial part of Isodon serra,two new ent-6,7-seco-kaurane-type diterpenoids,15α,20β-dihydroxy-6β-methoxy-6,7- seco-6,20-epoxy-1,7-olide-ent-kaur-16-ene (1) and 6α,15α-dilaydroxy-20-aldehyde-6,7-seco-6,11α-epoxy-1,7-olide-ent-kaur-16- ene (2) were isolated.Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means.     

Thyonosides A and B, two new saponins isolated from the holothurian Thyone aurea

The structures of two saponins, thyonosides A and B, isolated from the holothurian Thyone aurea collected in Namibia, were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹H-¹H COSY, ¹H-¹H J-resolved, TOCSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY). The two compounds have the same aglycon but different oligosaccharidic chains. Thyonoside A has a 3-O-methyl-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-6-O-sodium sulphate-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)-4-O-sodium sulphate-β-d-xylopyranosyl chain, and thyonoside B a 3-O-methyl-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)-4-O-sodium sulphate-β-d-xylopyranosyl chain. The holostane-type aglycon features an endocyclic double bond at position 7-8, a double bond at position 25-26 and a β-acetoxy group at C16.     

Stereoselective synthesis of dihydrothiadiazinoazines and dihydrothiadiazinoazoles and their pyrolytic desulfurization ring contraction

Intramolecular base catalyzed C-C bond formation led to exclusive stereoselective syntheses of trans-6,7-dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines, trans-7,8-dihydro-6H-[1,2,4]triazino[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazin-4-ones, and trans-3,4-dihydro-2H-[1,3,4]thiadiazino[2,3-b]quinazolin-10-one. trans-6,7-Dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines isomerize slowly in CDCl₃ and more rapidly in DMSO-d₆ into the corresponding cis-stereoisomers. The other trans-6,7-dihydro-[1,3,4]thiadiazines isomerize also in DMSO-d₆ into the corresponding cis-stereoisomers. Pyrolytic conversion of these heterocyclic condensed dihydrothiadiazines into their corresponding pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,2,4]triazoles, pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-4-ones and pyrazolo[4,3-b]quinazolin-9-ones via desulfurization ring contraction is described.     

Asparinins, asparosides, curillins, curillosides and shavatarins: structural clarification with the isolation of shatavarin V, a new steroidal saponin from the root of Asparagus racemosus

A new steroidal saponin, shatavarin V, (3-O-{[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)][β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→4)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl}-(25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-ol), was isolated from the roots of Asparagus racemosus by RP-HPLC, and its structure determined by 1D and 2D NMR studies. This data permits clarification of the structures reported for several known saponins: asparinins A and B; asparosides A and B; curillin H; curillosides G and H and shavatarins I and IV.     

Synthesis of 2-pyranosyl benzothiazoles, benzimidazoles and benzoxazoles via nucleophilic addition reactions of pyranosyl nitrile oxides

Reaction of per-O-acetylated-β-d-pyranosyl nitrile oxides, generated by dehydrochlorination of the corresponding hydroximoyl chlorides, with 2-aminothiophenol afforded 2-(β-d-pyranosyl)benzothiazoles. 1,2-Diaminobenzene and 2-aminophenol reacted similarly to yield 2-(β-d-pyranosyl)benzimidazoles and 2-(β-d-pyranosyl)benzoxazoles, respectively. The structures of 2-β-d-glucopyranosylbenzimidazole (17), 2-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-β-d-xylopyranosyl)benzimidazole (19) and the xylopyranosyl thiohydroximate 13 were established by X-ray crystallography.     

Efficient total syntheses of louisianins C and D

An efficient synthetic route for the preparation of louisianins C and D was developed starting with the commercially available 4-cyanopyridine. Louisianins C and D were synthesized in seven steps and with overall yields 22% and 20%, respectively, following a novel cyclization-decarboxylation sequence involving 4-bromo-6,7-dihydrocyclopenta[c]pyridin-5-one as the key intermediate.     

Nucleophilic Substitution in the Allylic System of Codeine and Pseudocodeine: Reactions with lithium cyano(methyl)-and (aryl)cyanocuprates. Crystal and molecular structure of 8α-phenyl-6,7-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan and 6α-phenyl-7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan

Nucleophilic substitution of 6β-chloro-7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan ( 1 ) and 8α-bromo-6,7-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan ( 2 ) with lithium cyano(methyl)- and (aryl)cyanocuprates(I) ( 5a–c ) was accompanied by allylic rearrangement with both change and retention of orientation of the substituting group (Scheme 1, Table 1). Nucleophilic substitution in 7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6α-yl methanesulfonate ( 3 ) and 7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6β-yl methanesulfonate ( 4 ) proceeded without allylic rearrangement with both change and retention of the orientation of the substituting group (Scheme 2, Table 1). X-Ray diffraction studies of the products 6,7-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-8α-phenylmorphinan ( 6b ) and 7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-6β-phenylmorphinan ( 7b ) were carried out (Figs. 1 and 2).     

A pair of new atropisomeric cupressuflavone glucosides isolated from Juniperus communis var. depressa

A pair of new atropisomers, (M)- and (P)-cupressuflavone 4′-O-β-d-glucoside, were isolated from Juniperus communis var. depressa, and their absolute structures and axial configurations were determined using 2D NMR and circular dichroism. These are the first reported stable (M)- and (P)-isomers of cupressuflavone glucosides isolated from natural sources.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme inhibitory withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves

Four novel withanolide glycosides and a withanolide have been isolated from the leaves of Withania somnifera. The structures of the novel compounds were elucidated as physagulin D (1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), 27-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl physagulin D (2), 27-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl viscosalactone B (3), 4,16-dihydroxy-5β, 6β-epoxyphysagulin D (4), and 4-(1-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylcyclo-propanone)-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (5) on the basis of 1D-, 2D NMR and MS spectral data. In addition, seven known withanolides withaferin A (6), 2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (7), viscosalactone B (8), 27-desoxy-24,25-dihydrowithaferin A (9), sitoindoside IX (10), physagulin D (11), and withanoside IV (12) were isolated. These withanolides were assayed to determine their ability to inhibit cycloxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes and lipid peroxidation. The withanolides tested, except compound 9, showed selective COX-2 enzyme inhibition ranging from 9 to 40% at 100 μg/ml. Compounds 4, 10 and 11 also inhibited lipid peroxidation by 40, 44 and 55%, respectively. The inhibition of COX-2 enzyme by withanolides is reported here for the first time.     

Cytotoxic cembranoids from the Red Sea soft coral, Sarcophyton auritum

Chemical investigation of the Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton auritum led to the isolation and structure elucidation of two new diterpene cembranoids; 2-epi-sarcophine (2) and (1R,2E,4S,6E,8R,11R,12R)-2,6-cembradiene-4,8,11,12-tetrol (4), as well as two known diterpene cembranoids, reported for the first time from this species, namely sarcophine (1) and (+)-7α,8β-dihydroxydeepoxysarcophine (3). Structure elucidation was achieved using spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS. The isolated cembranoids were found to display high cytotoxicity against HepG2 (liver cancer cell line) and MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line).     

A novel and facile synthesis of 2-(cyclohexylamino)-6,7-dihydro-3-aryl-1H-indole-4(5H)-ones via a one-pot multi-component reaction

A simple and efficient synthesis of 2-(cyclohexylamino)-6,7-dihydro-3-aryl-1H-indole-4(5H)-ones was achieved via a one-pot multi-component reaction of cyclohexyl isocyanide, an aldehyde, a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound, and ammonium acetate in the presence of a catalytic amount of KHSO₄ in acetonitrile.     

Regioselective synthesis of 2-carbonyl furans in a one pot three component reaction

Regioselective synthesis of 2-benzoyl-6,6-dimethyl-6,7-dihydrobenzofuran-4(5H)-ones have been accomplished through a novel protocol involving β-amino enone, N-chlorosuccinimide and dimedone in a one pot catalyst-free reaction at an ambient temperature. On the other hand, the same reaction when conducted with two equivalents of N-chlorosuccinimide under similar reaction conditions, exclusive formation of 2-benzoyl-3-(dimethylamino)-6,6-dimethyl-6,7-dihydrobenzofuran-4(5H)-ones were observed. Simple and metal-free reaction conditions, selective product formation and excellent yields are the advantages of this protocol.     

A novel synthetic route for the total synthesis of (±)-uleine

In this study, a new synthetic route for the total synthesis of (±)-uleine is described. The important step in the synthesis of this alkaloid consists of an intramolecular cyclization of the D ring of the azocino[4,3-b]indole skeleton. Reduction of (N-methyl){3-β-ethyl-4-oxo-2,3,4,9-tetrahydrospiro[1H-carbazole-1,2′(1,3)dithiolane]-2-yl}-2-acetamide with borane yielded the corresponding (N-methyl){3-β-ethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,4,9-tetrahydrospiro[1H-carbazole-1,2′(1,3)dithiolane]-2-yl}-2-acetamide, which underwent acid-catalyzed ring closure to produce azocino[4,3-b]indole core. Finally, the synthesis of (±)-uleine was completed through several steps from the azocino[4,3-b]indole core.     

Coleone C,D, I,I′ aus einer madegassischen Plectranthus sp. nov. Interkonversion von cis- und trans-A/B-6,7-Diketoditerpenen

Coleons C, D, I, I′, obtained from a Madagascan Plectranthus sp. nov.. Interconversion of cis- and trans-A/B-6,7-Diketoditerpenes. Fairly large amounts of Coleons C and D, as well as Coleons I and I′ (3-O-formyl derivative of Coleon I) can bc isolated from the orange glands of an unclassified North Madagascan Plectranthus sp. A reversible transformation of cis- and trans-A/B-6,7-dioxo-abietane via its diosphenol has been achieved for the first time. CD.-Spectra of these compounds are presented. Hydrogenolysis of Coleon D leads to 6β,16-dihydroxy-royleanone.