Claoxylones A–I,prenylbisabolane diterpenoids with anti-Coxsackie B virus activity from the branches and leaves of Claoxylon polot

Nine new prenylbisabolane diterpenoids, claoxylones A–I (1–9), were isolated from the branches and leaves of Claoxylon polot. This is the first example of prenylbisabolane diterpenoids with furan and tetrahydrofuran rings. Their structures and relative configurations were established by spectroscopic and conformational analysis, and the absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. Compounds 1–9 exhibited antiviral activity against Coxsackie B3 virus, with IC₅₀ values of 6.0–33.3 μM.     

Novel polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum sampsonii

Four new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with a tricyclo[4.3.1.1^5,7]undecane skeleton, hypersampsones N–Q (1–4), together with four know compounds (5–8), were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum sampsonii. Compound 1 bearing a rare 20, 25-epoxy group with the losing of C-21–23 in isopentenyl. An unusual 21, 24-epoxy group was found in the structure of 2. All structures were elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by ECD calculation.     

Novel nardosinane type sesquiterpenoids from Nardostachys chinensis Batal

Five new sesquiterpenoids Nardosinanone A–E (1–5), were isolated from the extract of Nardostachys chinensis, and their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 featured a nardosinane sesquiterpenoid with an unusual tricyclic skeleton. Compounds 2–4 were new nardosinane sesquiterpenoids bearing a rare 10,11-epoxy group. The absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD calculation method, the CD analysis of the in situ formed [Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄] complex, and the CD data analysis based on the octane rule of cyclohexanone.     

New alkaloids sinomacutines A–E,and cephalonine-2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside from rhizomes of Sinomenium acutum

Phytochemical investigation on the rhizomes of Sinomenium acutum led to the isolation of new alkaloids sinomacutines A–E (1–5), and cephalonine-2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), along with known tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids (7–9). Among them, sinomacutines A–C were new bistetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids with morphinane–proaporphine and morphinane–benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline types, and coupled with unique C–CH₂–N unit. Their structures with absolute configuration were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD spectra analysis. The new compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities, and sallisonine B (2) showed moderate ability to inhibit NO production of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, as well as sallisonine A (1) showed weak inhibitory effects against five cancer cell lines.     

6,7-Seco-ent-kaurane-type diterpenoids from Isodon eriocalyx var. laxiflora

Twenty nine 6,7-seco-ent-kaurane-type diterpenoids including 18 new ones, laxiflorolides C–T (1–18), along with 21 known ones were obtained from Isodon eriocalyx var. laxiflora. Laxiflorolides E–G (3–5) are the first identified naturally occurring 6,7-seco-ent-kauranoids that feature a 3,6-epoxy unit, and laxiflorolide M (11) is the first identified naturally occurring 6-nor-6,7-seco-ent-kauranoid. The absolute configurations of compounds 1, 3, 6, and 11 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The cytotoxic activity of the isolates was evaluated by an MTT assay.     

Ten new calyxins from Alpinia katsumadai: a systematically studies on the stereochemistry of calyxins

Ten new calyxin natural products, named calyxin N (1), ent-calyxin N (2), calyxin O (3), ent-calyxin O (4), calyxin P (5), 9″-epicalyxin P (6), calyxin Q (7), calyxin R (8), calyxin S (9) and 5-epicalyxin S (10), were isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai. Their planar structures were elucidated by a combination of various spectroscopic methods, primarily NMR and MS, while the absolute configurations of the isolated calyxins were comprehensively studied by the modified Mosher's method, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and theoretical calculations. This is the first systematically study on the absolute configurations of calyxins. Most of the isolated compounds showed moderate to strong antiproliferative activities against NCI-H460, HeLa, SMMC-7721 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines.     

Diterpenes and sesquiterpenes with anti-Coxsackie virus B3 activity from the stems of Illicium jiadifengpi

Seven new diterpenes, jiadifenoic acids J–P (1–7), two new sesquicarane sesquiterpenes, sesquicaranoic acids A and B (8 and 9), and four known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Illicium jiadifengpi. The trans-fused A/B ring junction in diterpenes was deduced from NMR data analysis and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography of 3. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 5 were determined using the Mo₂(OAc)₄-induced circular dichroism (ICD) method. Compounds 8 and 9 are a pair of C-10 epimers, and their absolute configurations were confirmed by analyzing their CD and ICD data. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antiviral activities against Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3). Among the isolated compounds, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 11 exhibited reasonable activity against CVB3, with IC₅₀ values of 7.0–22.2 μmol/mL and selective index values (SI=TC₅₀/IC₅₀) of 49.3, 37.1, 31.3, 45.6 and 40.9, respectively.     

New polyesters from Talaromyces flavus

Six new polyesters, talapolyesters A–F (1–4, 14, and 16), together with 11 known ones 15G256ν (5), 15G256ν-me (6), 15G256π (7), 15G256β-2 (8), 15G256α-2 (9), 15G256α-2-me (10), 15G256ι (11), 15G256β (12), 15G256α (13), 15G256α-1 (15), and 15G256ω (17), were isolated from the wetland soil-derived fungus Talaromyces flavus BYD07-13, and their structures were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Among them, 1–4 and 16 were assembled in a different manner from that of the known 256 polyesters. All the polyesters are composed of (R)-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzoic acid and (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid/(S)-3,4-dihydroxybutyric acid residues. The absolute configurations of the residues were determined by alkaline hydrolysis. The cytotoxicity against five tumor cell lines of these compounds was examined, and a tight structure–activity relationship is proposed.     

Fluevirines A–D,four new securinega-type alkaloids from Flueggea virosa

Four new securinega-type alkaloids, fluevirines A–D (1–4), along with ten known ones, were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Flueggea virosa. The structures of the new ones were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, and their absolute configurations were assigned by CD spectra. Among them, fluevirine A (1) was a novel C,C-linked dimeric indolizidine alkaloid and showed weak antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.     

Three novel nortriterpenoids from Notochaete hamosa Benth. (Labiatae)

Three nortriterpenoids, notohamosin A (1), B (2) and C (3) with novel skeleton, and eight known compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of the whole plants of Notochaete hamosa Benth. (Labiatae). On the basis of spectral evidence including 1D, 2D NMR, IR and MS data, their structures were elucidated. The relative configurations of compounds 1, 2 and 3 were determined according to NOESY experiments.     

A pair of unprecedented cyclohexylethanoid enantiomers containing unusual trioxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane ring from Clerodendrum bungei

A pair of unprecedented enantiomers (1a/1b) of cyclohexylethanoid bearing an unusual trioxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane ring, along with two known structurally related cyclohexylethanoids, (+)-rengyolone (2) and cleroindicin E (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Clerodendrum bungei. The structures and absolute configurations of the enantiomers were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum mechanical calculation of the electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra. The postulated biogenetic pathway of 1a/1b was also discussed.     

Formamidobisabolene-based derivatives from a sponge Axinyssa sp.

Chemical examination of a Chinese sponge Axinyssa sp. resulted in the isolation of 12 new formamidobisabolene-based analogues named axinyssines A–L (1–12), along with a new natural product (13) and three known formamidobisabolenes (14–16). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses in association with ICD data, Mosher reaction and chemical conversion for the assignment of absolute configurations. All compounds were evaluated for antitumor and antimicrobial activities.     

Absolute configuration and antibiotic activity of neosartorin from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatiaffinis

Neosartorin (1) was isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatiaffinis. The absolute configuration of 1, including both axial and central chirality elements, was established as (aR,5S,10R,5′S,6′S,10′R) for the first time on the basis of its electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra aided with TDDFT–ECD calculations. Neosartorin (1) exhibited substantial antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive bacterial species including staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, and Bacillus subtilis with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the range of 4–32 μg/mL. When the toxicity of 1 against eukaryotic cells was measured using a panel of different cancer cell lines such as HELA and BALB/3T3, the average IC₅₀ values exceeded 32 μg/mL.     

Mekongenines A and B, two new alkaloids from Bousigonia mekongensis

Mekongenine A (1) possessing an unprecedented structure constituted from the union of a rare 2,7-seco eburnamine half and an aspidospermine alkaloid, together with a new bisindole alkaloid, mekongenine B (2), consisting of an eburnamine-aspidospermine type skeleton, was isolated from Bousigonia mekongensis. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods and those of 2 were further confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by comparison of quantum chemical TDDFT calculated and experimental ECD spectra. Mekongenines A (1) and B (2) exhibited cell growth inhibitory activities against various human cancer cell lines.     

Holophyllin A,a rearranged abietane-type diterpenoid from the trunk of Abies holophylla

Holophyllin A (1), a novel rearranged abietane-type diterpenoid was isolated, together with a new diterpene glycoside, holophyllin B (2), from the trunk of Abies holophylla. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses and their absolute configurations were determined by ECD calculation. All the isolates were tested for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-activated murine microglial cells.     

Seven new alkaloids from the roots of Stemona tuberosa

Seven new alkaloids, named as 1,9-epoxy-9a-hydroxystenine (1), tuberostemoline A (2), tuberostemoline B (3), tuberostemoninol C (4), oxotuberostemonine A (5), the mixture of bisdehydrotuberostemonine D (6), and bisdehydrotuberostemonine E (7), together with four known alkaloids neotuberostemonine (8), sessilifoline B (9), stemoxazolidinone F (10), and tuberostemoninol A (11), were isolated from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. The structures of 1–7 were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the relative configurations of 1–6 and 8 were further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data. Compounds 8, 9 and the mixture of 6 & 7 exhibited potential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities.     

Novel grayanane diterpenoids from Rhododendron principis

Six new grayanane diterpenoids, principinols A–F (1–6), were isolated from Rhododendron principis. Compounds 1 and 2 possess unprecedented 6,10-epoxy and 5α-OH moieties, and 1 and 3 are the first two examples of 9α-H in grayanoids. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of 1–4 were assigned by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compounds 4 and 5 inhibit PTP1B phosphatase activity in vitro. A preliminary structure–activity relationship discussion is presented.     

Isolation and characterization of miscellaneous terpenoids of Schisandra chinensis

Two new bisnortriterpenoids with 18-norschiartane skeleton, wuweizidilactones G (1) and H (2), four new highly oxygenated nortriterpenoids based on a schisanartane skeleton, schindilactones D-G (3-6), a pre-schisanartane skeleton, pre-schisanartanin B (7), and a novel 3,4-seco-21,26-olide-artane triterpenoid wuweizilactone acid (8), along with 24 known terpenoids with different carbon frameworks, have been isolated from the acetone extract of the stems and leaves of Schisandra chinensis. The terpenoids produced by this plant have chemical diversity. The structures of new compounds 1-8 have been characterized by spectroscopic data interpretation. The cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity of all the Schisandra nortriterpenoids were evaluated.     

Structures of new alkaloids sessilifoliamides A-D from Stemona sessilifolia

Four new Stemona alkaloids, sessilifoliamides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia, along with five known alkaloids, stenine (5), 2-oxostenine (6), stemoninoamide (7), tuberostemonone (8), and neotuberostemonol (9). The structures and absolute configurations of the new alkaloids were determined by the spectral studies (HRMS, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, and 2D NMR), single-crystal X-ray analyses, and chemical correlations. The absolute configuration of 7 was also determined by the modified Mosher's method.     

Bioactive rearranged limonoids from the Chinese mangrove Xylocarpus granatum Koenig

Two new pyridine-containing limonoids, xylogranatopyridines A and B (1 and 2) and their formal precursor, prexylogranatopyridine (3) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of the Chinese mangrove, Xylocarpus granatum. Xylogranatopyridine B (2) possesses an unprecedented rearranged B-ring together with a seco-ring A, supporting the biogenetic connection of 1–2 with 3. The chemical structures were elucidated by means of detailed spectroscopic analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The absolute configurations were assigned using electronic solid-state circular dichroism (ECD) supported by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) ECD calculations and X-ray analysis. Xylogranatopyridine A (1) exhibited a significant inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with an IC₅₀ value of 22.9 μM. This is the first report of PTP1B inhibitory activity of limonoids.