Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors ellagic acid derivatives with immunoinhibitory properties from Terminalia superba

Fractionation of stem barks of Terminalia superba yielded two new ellagic acid derivatives, 3,4'-di-O-methylellagic acid 3'-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (1) and 4'-O-galloy-3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (2) together with known 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid, ellagic acid and 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4'-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside. Compounds (1) and (2) showed significant alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity and possessed significant immunoinhibitory activities with no cytotoxic effects.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with a phthalimide skeleton: structure-activity relationship study

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with a phthalimide skeleton were prepared. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated a critical role for the hydrophobicity of the substituent at the nitrogen atom of the phthalimide skeleton. Introduction of electron-withdrawing groups, including a nitro group and chlorine, influenced the activity. Optimization studies led us to design 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-N-phenylphthalimide (CPOP) and its N-phenylalkyl derivatives. CP0P and 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-N-(4-phenylbutyl)phthalimide (CP4P) proved to be more potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitors than the known inhibitor 1-deoxynojirimycin.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory constituents from Cuscuta reflexa

Two new compounds, 7'-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]propenamide (4), and 7'-(4'-hydroxy,3'-methoxyphenyl)-N-[(4-butylphenyl)ethyl]propenamide (5) have been isolated from Cuscuta reflexa along with five known compounds, 6,7-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (1), 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-ethanoate (2), 6,7,8-trimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (3), 3-(4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-ol (6), 2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-4H-1-benzopyrane-4-one (7), reported for the first time from this species. Structures of these compounds were determined by spectral analysis. These compounds showed strong inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory constituents from Duranta repens

Three C-alkylated flavonoids 7-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-3,5-dihydroxy-3'-(4"-acetoxyl-3"-methylbutyl)-6,4'-dimethoxyflavone (1), 7-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-3,4'-dihydroxy-3'-(4"-acetoxyl-3"-methylbutyl)-5,6-dimethoxyflavone (2), 3,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-(8"-acetoxy-7"-methyloctyl)-5,6-dimethoxyflavone (3) and a trans-clerodane type diterpenoid (-)-6beta-hydroxy-5beta,8beta,9beta,10alpha-cleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olid-18-oic acid (4) are reported from Duranta repens along with (+)-hardwickiic acid (5) and (+)-3,13-clerodadien-16,15-olid-18-oic acid (6), isolated for the first time from this species. Their structures were established on the basis of the spectral methods, especially two dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy.     

Isoprenoids and Flavonoids with Antimicrobial Activity from Ficus conraui Warburg (Moraceae)

A new triterpene, conrauidienol ( 1 ), and a new dihydroflavonol, conrauiflavonol ( 2 ), along with β‐amyrin acetate ( 3 ), betulinic acid ( 4 ), ursolic acid ( 5 ), 6β‐hydroxystigmasta‐4,22‐dien‐3‐one ( 6 ), 8‐prenylapigenin ( 7 ), β‐sitosterol glucoside ( 8 ), and 3,4′,5‐trihydroxy‐6″,6″‐dimethylpyrano[2,3‐g]flavone ( 9 ) were isolated from the stem barks of Ficus conraui Warburg (Moraceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The hexane, AcOEt, and MeOH extracts, as well as the new isolated compounds exhibited selective antimicrobial activities varying from weak to moderate.     

Flavonoids from Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima

From the stems of Millettia nitida var. hirsutissima, three new isoflavone glycosides, formononetin 7-O-beta-D-(6'-ethylmalonyl)-glucopyranoside (1, hirsutissimiside A), 5-O-methyl genistein 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3, hirsutissimiside B), retusin 7,8-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4, hirsutissimiside C) and two known isoflavone glycosides (2) and (5) have been isolated. The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic and chemical means.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with a 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalimide skeleton pendanted with a cycloalkyl or dicarba-closo-dodecaborane group.

Previous studies of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors derived from thalidomide revealed that 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-N-alkylphthalimide derivatives are superior lead compounds. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that a hydrophobic group at the N(2) position is mandatory for potent activity. Accordingly, we have designed and synthesized some 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-N-cycloalkylphthalimide and 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-N-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane derivatives. The prepared compounds exhibited potent alpha-glucosidase-inhibitory activity. Among them, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-N-cycloheptylphthalimide (9) showed the most potent activity, being approximately 30 times more active than the classical inhibitor, 1-deoxynojirimycin (1).     

Isoflavones and rotenoids from the leaves of Millettia brandisiana

A new isoflavone, 4'-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyloxy-5,7,2',5'-tetramethoxyisoflavone, brandisianin A (1), was isolated from the leaves of Millettia brandisiana, along with one synthetically known isoflavone, 7,4'-di-O-prenylgenistein (2) and twelve known compounds. The structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Two isolated compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity; 12a-hydroxy-alpha-toxicarol (11) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.     

Three new phenolic glycosides from the caulis of Millettia speciosa

Three new phenolic glycosides, millettiaspecosides A--C (1-3), were isolated from the caulis of Millettia speciosa along with three known phenolic glycosides, khaephuoside B (4), seguinoside K (5), albibrissinoside B (6). Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. The spectral analysis permitted correct assignments for (1)H and (13)C NMR data of compounds 4 and 5.     

Phenolics with antiviral activity from Millettia erythrocalyx and Artocarpus lakoocha

From the leaves of Millettia erythrocalyx, a new flavone named 3',5'-dimethoxy-[2",3": 7,8]-furanoflavone and three known compounds were isolated. Assays for anti-herpes simplex virus activity (HSV-1 and HSV-2) were performed on 24 phenolic compounds obtained from M. erythrocalyx and Artocarpus lakoocha. It was found that the flavones ovalifolin, pongol methyl ether and millettocalyxin A, and the stilbene oxyresveratrol possessed moderate activity against both types of HSV. In addition, oxyresveratrol was evaluated for potential anti-HIV activity against a wild-type human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1/LAI) isolate and was found to be a modest inhibitor of HIV (EC50 28.2 microM), showing no toxicity in PBM, CEM and Vero cells at 100 microM. The heartwood of A. lakoocha, which contains a large amount of oxyresveratrol, could be considered as a source of starting material for the development of new natural product-based anti-HSV and anti-HIV agents.     

Alpha-glucosidase based bismuth film electrode for inhibitor detection

A biosensing system based on α-glucosidase (AG) activity was developed by using bismuth film modified glassy carbon electrode (BiFE). AG enzyme was immobilized on the BiFE by means of gelatin membrane and the activity was measured by the following of liberated 4-nitrophenol from the 4-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (PNPGP) which is the synthetic substrate of the enzyme at the working potential of −950 mV. The proposed system was used as an AG based biosensing system. Experimental data showed that the response current of 4-nitrophenol obtained at the BiFE was linear in concentration range between 0.033 and 0.33 mM of PNPGP. Before examining the analytical characteristics, pH optimization of the AG-biosensor was also performed. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to analyze two different AG inhibitors (Amaryl and Acorbose) which are important in Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).     

A new isoflavone with anti-inflammatory effect from the seeds of Millettia pachycarpa

Abstract

A new isoflavone, milletenol A (1), along with four known flavonoids (2–5) were isolated from the seeds of Millettia pachycarpa. The structure of 1 was established by extensive spectroscopic methods while known compounds were identified by comparisons with literature data. Compound 1 and 2 showed significant anti-inflammatory activities against nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The state of CuSO₄-stimulated inflammation was effectively alleviated by compound 1 in zebrafish. However, no significant cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells was observed among all isolates.     

In vitro leishmanicidal constituents of Millettia pendula

The in vitro leishmanicidal constituents of Millettia pendula were examined. Two new compounds, 1 (millettilone A) and 2 (millettilone B), were isolated from the methanol extract of M. pendula, together with six known compounds: 3R-claussequinone (3), pendulone (4), secundiflorol I (5), 3,8-dihydroxy-9-methoxypterocarpan (6), 3,10-dihydroxy-7,9-dimethoxypterocarpan (7), and formononetin (8). Among these, pendulone showed the most potent leishmanicidal activity. Compound 2 was found to be a purple pigment in this heartwood. Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectral methods.     

Quantification and Optimization of Ethanolic Extract Containing the Bioactive Flavonoids from Millettia pulchra Radix

Millettia pulchra is traditionally used for treating diseases, including joint pain, fever, anemia, and allergies. It is also a potential resource of natural flavonoid derivatives, which represents major constituents of this plant. This study aimed to isolate the major compounds from M. pulchra radix, develop and validate the HPLC-PDA method to determine their contents, and optimize its extraction. Four major flavonoid derivatives (karanjin, lanceolatin B, 2”,2”-dimethylpyrano-[5″,6″:7,8]-flavone, and pongamol) were isolated using silica gel column chromatography, crystallization techniques in large amounts with high purities (>95%). A simple, accurate high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array (HPLC–PDA) detection method has been developed and validated with significantly statistical impacts according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were employed to predictive performance and optimization of the extraction process. The optimized conditions for the extraction of major flavonoids were: extraction time (twice), solvent/material ratio (9.5), and ethanol concentration (72.5%). Our research suggests an effective method, which will be helpful for quality control in the pharmaceutical development of this species.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of ethanol extract,fractions and purified compounds from the wood of Albizia myriophylla

Albizia myriophylla Benth. is a medicinal herb which is used as a traditional remedy for various ailments including diabetes in Thailand. In our continued investigation of the biological activity of A. myriophylla, the ethanol extract, fractions and the isolated compounds from the wood of this plant were evaluated for in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition using spectrophotometric method. The plant ethanol extract and its different fractions possessed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Dichloromethane fraction of the wood ethanol extract exhibited the highest percent inhibition against α-glucosidase (69.30%) among all fractions. Subsequent α-glucosidase inhibition assay proved that indenoic acid (1), 8-methoxy-7, 3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone (2) and 3,4,7,3′-tetrahydroxyflavan (3) were partially rational for antidiabetic effect of this plant species. Among these compounds, 3 (IC₅₀ 98.59 μg/mL) exhibited potent inhibition of α-glucosidase, compared with a positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ 125 μg/mL). The inhibitory effect towards α-glucosidase of compounds 1–3 was reported herein for the first time.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant acridone alkaloids from the stem bark of Oriciopsis glaberrima ENGL. (Rutaceae)

The CH2Cl2/MeOH extract of the stem bark of Oriciopsis glaberrima ENGL. afforded four new acridone alkaloids namely oriciacridone C, D, E and F along with six known compounds: atalaphyllidine, oleanolic acid, butulinic acid, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, glucoside of stigmasterol and one synthetically known acridone: 1,3,5-trihydroxy-4-prenylacridone. The structures were established on the basis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The acridones 1, 4 and 5 showed potent activity against alpha-glucosidase, while the acridones 1-5 showed moderate free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).     

中药牛大力微量元素含量的测定

用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱仪(ICP)测定了湛江地区产的中药牛大力微量元素的含量,发现其Ca、Mg、Fe、Zn等元素的含量都比较丰富,相对标准偏差为0.32%~7.05%,回收率为93.0%~101%,结果令人满意。     

Rho-kinase inhibitors from adlay seeds

Rho-kinase enzymes are one of the most important targets recently identified in our bodies. Several lines of evidence indicate that these enzymes are involved in many diseases and cellular disorders. ROCK inhibitors may have clinical applications for cancer, hypertension, glaucoma, etc. Our study aims to identify the possible involvement of Rho-kinase inhibition to the multiple biological activities of adlay seeds and provide a rationale for their folkloric medicines. Hence, we evaluated Rho-kinase I and II inhibitory activity of the ethanol extract and 28 compounds derived from the seeds. A molecular docking assay was designed to estimate the binding affinity of the tested compounds with the target enzymes. The results of our study suggest a possible involvement of Rho-kinase inhibition to the multiple biological activities of the seeds. Furthermore, the results obtained with the tested compounds revealed some interesting skeletons as a scaffold for design and development of natural Rho-kinase inhibitors.