Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Metabolites from Marine Sponges

The marine-sponge metabolitesilimaquinone (1), isospongiaquinone(2),puupenone(3), 15-methoxypuupenol (4), 2-methyl-2-pentaprenyl-6-hydroxychromene (5), (+)-curcuphenol (6), (+)-curcudiol (7), and semisynthetic sesquiterpenequinones (8-11) were investigated for ability to trap the free radical 1,1,-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), to inhibit Fe²⁺ /ascorbate-induced oxidation of lipidsfromrat-brain homogenate, and to inhibit oxidation of linseed oil. It was shown that metabolites 3-5 were the most active antioxidants.     

Species Diversity and Secondary Metabolites of Sarcophyton-Associated Marine Fungi

Soft corals are widely distributed across the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, with Sarcophyton being one of the most abundant genera. To date, there have been 50 species of identified Sarcophyton. These soft corals host a diverse range of marine fungi, which produce chemically diverse, bioactive secondary metabolites as part of their symbiotic nature with the soft coral hosts. The most prolific groups of compounds are terpenoids and indole alkaloids. Annually, there are more bio-active compounds being isolated and characterised. Thus, the importance of the metabolite compilation is very much important for future reference. This paper compiles the diversity of Sarcophyton species and metabolites produced by their associated marine fungi, as well as the bioactivity of these identified compounds. A total of 88 metabolites of structural diversity are highlighted, indicating the huge potential these symbiotic relationships hold for future research.     

Terpenoids from Marine Soft Coral of the Genus Xenia in 1977 to 2019

Members of the marine soft coral genus Xenia are rich in a diversity of diterpenes. A total of 199 terpenes consisting of 14 sesquiterpenes, 180 diterpenes, and 5 steroids have been reported to date. Xenicane diterpenes were reported to be the most common chemical skeleton biosynthesized by members of this genus. Most of the literature reported the chemical diversity of Xenia collected from the coral reefs in the South China Sea and the coastal waters of Taiwan. Although there was a brief review on the terpenoids of Xenia in 2015, the present review is a comprehensive overview of the structural diversity of secondary metabolites isolated from soft coral genus Xenia and their potent biological activity as reported between 1977 to 2019.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Studies on a Cyclooligopeptide from Marine Bacteria

A natural proline‐rich tetrapeptide cyclo‐prolyl‐leucyl‐prolyl‐phenylalanyl was prepared employing solution‐phase method of peptide synthesis through coupling of dipeptide fragments Boc‐l‐Pro‐l‐Leu‐OH and l‐Pro‐l‐Phe‐OMe which utilizes diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIPC) as coupling agent and N‐methylmorpholine (NMM) as the base. Deprotection of linear tetrapeptide unit followed by its cyclization provided a cyclopeptide, identical in all aspects to the natural molecule. Pharmacological evaluation showed cytotoxic, antifungal and antihelmintic potential of synthesized peptide against Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell lines, pathogenic dermatophytes and earthworms.     

Biodiversity of Secondary Metabolites Compounds Isolated from Phylum Actinobacteria and Its Therapeutic Applications

The current review aims to summarise the biodiversity and biosynthesis of novel secondary metabolites compounds, of the phylum Actinobacteria and the diverse range of secondary metabolites produced that vary depending on its ecological environments they inhabit. Actinobacteria creates a wide range of bioactive substances that can be of great value to public health and the pharmaceutical industry. The literature analysis process for this review was conducted using the VOSviewer software tool to visualise the bibliometric networks of the most relevant databases from the Scopus database in the period between 2010 and 22 March 2021. Screening and exploring the available literature relating to the extreme environments and ecosystems that Actinobacteria inhabit aims to identify new strains of this major microorganism class, producing unique novel bioactive compounds. The knowledge gained from these studies is intended to encourage scientists in the natural product discovery field to identify and characterise novel strains containing various bioactive gene clusters with potential clinical applications. It is evident that Actinobacteria adapted to survive in extreme environments represent an important source of a wide range of bioactive compounds. Actinobacteria have a large number of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. They can synthesise thousands of subordinate metabolites with different biological actions such as anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-virus, anti-cancer and growth-promoting compounds. These are highly significant economically due to their potential applications in the food, nutrition and health industries and thus support our communities’ well-being.     

Pharmacological and Clinical Efficacy of Picrorhiza kurroa and Its Secondary Metabolites: A Comprehensive Review

Traditional remedies for the treatment of various ailments are gaining popularity. Traditionally, one of the most valuable therapeutic herbs has been Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. Traditional and folk uses of P. kurroa include chronic constipation, skin-related problems, burning sensation, chronic reoccurring fever, jaundice, heart problems, breathing, digestion, allergy, tuberculosis, blood-related problems, prediabetes and obesity, laxative, cholagogue, and liver stimulatory. Phytoconstituents such as glycosides, alkaloids, cucurbitacins, iridoids, phenolics, and terpenes in P. kurroa have shown promising pharmacological potential. In order to uncover novel compounds that may cure chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, respiratory, and hepatoprotective diseases, the screening of P. kurroa is essential. This study comprehensively evaluated the ethnopharmacological efficacy, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, dose, and toxicity of P. kurroa. This review provides comprehensive insights into this traditional medication for future research and therapeutic application. The purpose of this review article was to determine the pharmacological effects of P. kurroa on a variety of disorders. P. kurroa may be a natural alternative to the standard treatment for eradicating newly evolving diseases. This study is intended as a resource for future fundamental and clinical investigations.     

Secondary Metabolites from Marine Sources with Potential Use as Leads for Anticancer Applications

The development of novel anticancer agents is essential to finding new ways to treat this disease, one of the deadliest diseases. Some marine organisms have proved to be important producers of chemically active compounds with valuable bioactive properties, including anticancer. Thus, the ocean has proved to be a huge source of bioactive compounds, making the discovery and study of these compounds a growing area. In the last few years, several compounds of marine origin, which include algae, corals, and sea urchins, have been isolated, studied, and demonstrated to possess anticancer properties. These compounds, mainly from securamines and sterols families, have been tested for cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity in different cell lines. Bioactive compounds isolated from marine organisms in the past 5 years that have shown anticancer activity, emphasizing the ones that showed the highest cytotoxic activity, such as securamines H and I, cholest-3β,5α,6β-triol, (E)-24-methylcholest-22-ene-3β,5α,6β-triol, 24-methylenecholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, and 24-methylcholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, will be discussed in this review. These studies reveal the possibility of new compounds of marine origin being used as new therapeutic agents or as a source of inspiration to develop new therapeutic agents.     

Diversity in Chemical Structures and Biological Properties of Plant Alkaloids

Phytochemicals belonging to the group of alkaloids are signature specialized metabolites endowed with countless biological activities. Plants are armored with these naturally produced nitrogenous compounds to combat numerous challenging environmental stress conditions. Traditional and modern healthcare systems have harnessed the potential of these organic compounds for the treatment of many ailments. Various chemical entities (functional groups) attached to the central moiety are responsible for their diverse range of biological properties. The development of the characterization of these plant metabolites and the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis is of an utmost priority to deliver enhanced advantages in terms of biological properties and productivity. Further, the incorporation of whole/partial metabolic pathways in the heterologous system and/or the overexpression of biosynthetic steps in homologous systems have both become alternative and lucrative methods over chemical synthesis in recent times. Moreover, in-depth research on alkaloid biosynthetic pathways has revealed numerous chemical modifications that occur during alkaloidal conversions. These chemical reactions involve glycosylation, acylation, reduction, oxidation, and methylation steps, and they are usually responsible for conferring the biological activities possessed by alkaloids. In this review, we aim to discuss the alkaloidal group of plant specialized metabolites and their brief classification covering major categories. We also emphasize the diversity in the basic structures of plant alkaloids arising through enzymatically catalyzed structural modifications in certain plant species, as well as their emerging diverse biological activities. The role of alkaloids in plant defense and their mechanisms of action are also briefly discussed. Moreover, the commercial utilization of plant alkaloids in the marketplace displaying various applications has been enumerated.     

Anti-Inflammatory Dysidazirine Carboxylic Acid from the Marine Cyanobacterium Caldora sp. Collected from the Reefs of Fort Lauderdale,Florida

Dysidazirine carboxylic acid (1) was isolated from the lipophilic extract of a collection of the benthic marine cyanobacterium Caldora sp. from reefs near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The planar structure of this new compound was determined by spectroscopic methods and comparisons between HRMS and NMR data with its reported methyl ester. The absolute configuration of the single chiral center was determined by the conversion of 1 to the methyl ester and the comparison of its specific rotation data with the two known methyl ester isomers, 2 and 3. Molecular sequencing with 16S rDNA indicated that this cyanobacterium differs from Caldora penicillata (Oscillatoriales) and represents a previously undocumented and novel Caldora species. Dysidazirine (2) showed weak cytotoxicity against HCT116 colorectal cancer cells (IC₅₀ 9.1 µM), while dysidazirine carboxylic acid (1) was non-cytotoxic. Similar cell viability patterns were observed in RAW264.7 cells with dysidazirine only (2), displaying cytotoxicity at the highest concentration tested (50 µM). The non-cytotoxic dysidazirine carboxylic acid (1) demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. After 24 h, 1 inhibited the production of NO by almost 50% at 50 µM, without inducing cytotoxicity. Compound 1 rapidly decreased gene expression of the pro-inflammatory gene iNOS after 3 h post-LPS treatment and in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ ~1 µM); the downregulation of iNOS persisted at least until 12 h.     

Xenimanadins A-D, a family of xenicane diterpenoids from the Indonesian soft coral Xenia sp.

Four novel xenicane diterpenoids, xenimanadins A-D (1-4), characterized by the unusual 2,6-dimethoxytetrahydropyran functionality, have been isolated from the Indonesian soft coral Xenia sp., together with three known xeniolides. The stereostructure of these metabolites has been established through extensive interpretation of NMR data and application of the modified Mosher method. Xenimanadins were tested against tumor cell lines, revealing details about the cytotoxic potential of xenicane diterpenoids.     

Chemical Structure and Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from Salicornia europaea L.

Salicornia europaea L. is a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and muddy seashores, which is widely used both as traditional medicine and as an edible vegetable. This salt-tolerant plant is a source of diverse secondary metabolites with several therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the chemical structure and biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from Salicornia europaea L.     

海洋生物中具有生物活性的多羟基甾醇及甾体皂苷

综述了近几年来对海洋生物中具有生物活性的多羟基甾醇及其皂苷研究的新进 展，报道了以新化合物为主的80个具有生理活性化合物的结构，并部分地阐述了其 构效关系。     

Flavanols from Nature: A Phytochemistry and Biological Activity Review

Flavanols, a common class of secondary plant metabolites, exhibit several beneficial health properties by acting as antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardioprotective, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and neuroprotective agents. Furthermore, some flavanols are considered functional ingredients in dairy products. Based on their structural features and health-promoting functions, flavanols have gained the attention of pharmacologists and botanists worldwide. This review collects and summarizes 121 flavanols comprising four categories: flavan-3-ols, flavan-4-ols, isoflavan-4-ols, and flavan-3,4-ols. The research of the various structural features and pharmacological activities of flavanols and their derivatives aims to lay the groundwork for subsequent research and expect to provide mentality and inspiration for the research. The current study provides a starting point for further research and development.     

苯并三氮唑类化合物的合成及生物活性

设计并合成了6种新的苯并三氮唑类化合物,其结构均经^1H NMR和IR确认。初步测定了其生物活性．结果表明6种化合物对小白菜的胚根、根和苗的生长均具有一定的调节作用。     

Biological Activity and Chemical Composition of Propolis from Various Regions of Poland

Propolis is one of the bee products, with multiple biological properties used in numerous applications. The research objective was to determine the chemical composition and biological properties (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity) of propolis extracts collected from various regions of Poland. The results indicated that the total content of phenols (116.16–219.41 mg GAE/g EEP) and flavonoids (29.63–106.07 mg QE/g EEP) in propolis extracts depended on their geographic origin. The high content of epicatechin, catechin, pinobanksin, myricetin, and acids: vanillic and syringic in propolis samples was confirmed by chromatographic analysis. Moreover, the presence of caffeic acid phenethyl ester was confirmed in all samples. The origin of propolis also influenced the biological properties of its extracts. The propolis extracts were characterized by moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity (29.22–35.14%), and relatively low ferrous iron chelating activity (9.33–32.32%). The results indicated also that the propolis extracts showed high activity in the protection of human red blood cells against free radicals generated from 2,2’-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The extracts exhibited diversified activity against the tested pathogenic bacteria and limited activity against fungal strains. The research of selected propolis extracts showed that only 2 of 5 examined samples showed moderate activity against HPV (human papillomaviruses) and the activity depended on its geographical distribution.     

邻苯二甲酰亚胺-多胺缀合物的合成及其生物活性

以邻苯二甲酰亚胺、1,3-丙二胺、1,4-丁二胺为原料,合成了5个邻苯二甲酰亚胺-多胺缀合物．所合成的目标化合物经过^1H NMR、^13C NMR、MS、元素分析确认,并评价了它们对K562（人慢性原白血病细胞）、MB231（乳腺癌细胞）、LnCap（前列腺癌细胞）的生物活性．结果表明：5个目标化合物均不具备抗肿瘤活性,提示多胺衍生化不能提高邻苯二甲酰亚胺的抗肿瘤活性．     

取代嘧啶化合物的合成和生物活性研究

合成了14个新型取代嘧啶类化合物,结构经质谱、红外光谱、氢核磁共振光谱和元素分析确证.杀虫、杀菌和除草活性测定结果表明,部分化合物具有良好的杀菌活性.在嘧啶环的2-位上导入二甲氨基时表现出杀菌活性,但在嘧啶环的5-位上有甲基取代基时,杀菌活性下降.在嘧啶的4-位导入苯氧基时,显示出良好的杀菌活性,如化合物3b,3c和3e,苯环上的最优取代基是2-硝基-4-三氟甲基.     

双酰胺类化合物的合成及生物活性研究

为了寻找高活性农药先导化合物,以甲霜灵为先导,通过活性基团拼接原理,设计合成了一系列未见文献报道的双酰胺类化合物,其结构经1H NMR、13C NMR和HRMS表征.初步的生物活性测试结果表明:在50 mg/L测试浓度下,化合物5j对黄瓜霜霉病显示出85%的抑制率;在500 mg/L剂量下,多数目标化合物对粘虫表现出较好的杀虫活性,其中化合物5b,5f,5g,5h,5i,5l对粘虫的致死率高达100%,在250 mg/L测试浓度下,化合物5f,5h,51对粘虫的致死率为50%.     

新多取代吡啶类化合物的合成及生物活性

为寻找具有农用生物活性的新颖化合物,以2-氰基硫代乙酰胺为起始原料经由三步反应,设计并合成出了一系列新颖的多取代吡啶衍生物2-甲基-5-氰基-6-炔丙硫基-4-(2-呋喃基或噻吩基)吡啶-3-甲酸甲酯或乙酯和6-甲基-5-乙酰基-2-炔丙硫基-4-(2-呋喃或噻吩基)吡啶-3-乙腈.所有新化合物均经过1H NMR和元素分析确证.初步生物活性测定表明:化合物7有一定的除草和杀菌活性.