Immunosuppressive sesquiterpenes from Tripterygium wilfordii

Five new sesquiterpenes, 1beta-furanoyl-2beta,3alpha,7alpha,8beta,11-pentaacetoxy-4alpha,5alpha-dihydroxy-dihydroagarofuran (1), 1beta,2beta,3alpha,5alpha,7beta,8beta,11-heptaacetoxy-dihydroagarofuran (2), 1beta-furanoyl-2beta,3alpha,7alpha,8beta,11-pentaacetoxy-5alpha-hydroxy-dihydroagarofuran (3), 1beta,7beta,8alpha-triacetoxy-2beta-furanoyl-4alpha-hydroxy-11-isobutyryloxy-dihydroagarofuran (4), and 1beta-nicotinoyl-2beta,5alpha,7beta-triacetoxy-4alpha-hydroxy-11-isobutyryloxy-8alpha-furanoyl-dihydroagarofuran (5), were isolated from the xylem of Tripterygium wilfordii, together with a known compound (6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies. Compounds 2-5 showed significant immunosuppressive activities.     

Cholinesterase inhibiting withanolides from Withania somnifera

A total of two new (1, 2) and four known (3-6) withanolides were isolated from the whole plant of Withania somnifera. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and were characterized as 6alpha,7alpha-epoxy-3beta,5alpha,20beta-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-24-enolide (1), 5beta,6beta-epoxy-4beta,17alpha,27-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (2), withaferin-A (3), 2,3-dihydrowithaferin-A (4), 6alpha,7alpha-epoxy-5alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (5), and 5beta,6beta-epoxy-4beta-hydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,14,24-trienolide (6), respectively. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 displayed inhibitory potential against butyrylcholinesterase, but only compounds 3, 4, and 6 were found to be active against acetylcholinesterase.     

Two new sesquiterpene lactones from Ixeris chinensis

Phytochemical investigation of Ixeris chinensis NAKAI (Asteraceae) has resulted in the isolation of a new guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactone, ixerochinolide (1) as well as the related glucoside, ixerochinoside (2). In addition, the known guaianolides, 8beta-hydroxy-3-oxo-guaia-4(15),10(14),11(13)-trien-1alpha,5alpha,6beta,7alphaH-12,6-olide (8beta-hydroxydehydrozaluzanin), 8beta,15-dihydroxy-2-oxo-guaia-1(10),3,11(13)-trien-5alpha,6beta,7alphaH-12,6-olide (lactucin), 3beta,8alpha,10alpha-trihydroxy-guaia-4(15),11(13)-dien-1alpha,5alpha,6beta,7alphaH-12,6-olide (10alpha-hydroxy-10,14-dihydro-desacylcynaropicrin) and 3beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-8beta-(p-hydroxyphenylacetyloxy)-guaia-4(15),10(14),11(13)-trien-1alpha,5alpha,6beta,7alphaH-12,6-olide (8-epicrepioside) were identified. The structures were determined on the basis of spectral analyses, especially 1- and 2D NMR. Compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human PC-3 tumor cells.     

Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments of three new polyhydroxylated sterols from the South China Sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa

Three new polyhydroxylated sterols, 3beta,6alpha,11,20beta,24-pentahydroxy- 9,11-seco-5alpha-24-ethylcholest-7,28-diene-9-one (1), 3-(1',2'-ethandiol)-24- methylcholest-8(9),22E-diene-3beta,5alpha,6alpha,7alpha,11alpha-pentaol (2), 24-methylcholest-7,22 E-diene-3beta,5alpha,6beta,25-tetraol (3) together with five known sterols, were isolated from the EtOH/CH2Cl2 extract of the South China Sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa. The complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts for these new compounds were achieved by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including HSQC, HMBC, 1H--1H COSY, and NOESY spectra.     

Cytotoxic sterols from marine-derived fungus Pennicillium sp

A new sterol, ergosta-8(14), 22-diene-3,5,6,7-tetraol(3beta, 5alpha, 6beta, 7alpha, 22E) (1), together with four known sterols ergosta-8(9), 22-diene-3,5,6,7-tetraol (3beta, 5alpha, 6beta, 7alpha, 22E) (2), 5alpha,8alpha-epidioxy-24(S)-methylcholesta-6,22-diene-3beta-ol (3), 5alpha,8alpha-epidioxy-24(S)-methylcholesta-6,9(11), 22-triene-3beta-ol (4), 3beta,5alpha,9alpha-trihydroxyergosta-7,22-diene-6-one (5) was isolated from marine fungus Pennicillium sp. Their structures were determined based on chemical analysis and spectral methods (IR, 1D and 2D NMR, HR-FAB-MS). Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human liver cancer cell (Hep G), and most of them exhibited potent activity. Compound 1 display the highest potency with IC50 values 10.4 microg mL-1.     

New triterpenoid saponins from Stelmatocrypton khasianum

Four new triterpenoid saponins, designated as stelmatotriterpenosides E-H (1-4), together with three known compounds, asterbatanoside B (5), 2alpha,3beta,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (6) and 2alpha,3beta,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (7), were isolated from the stems of Stelmatocrypton khasianum. On the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, the structures of 1-4 were established as 2alpha,3beta,23-trihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 2alpha,3beta,23-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 2alpha,3beta,19alpha-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), and 2beta,3beta,19alpha-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-24,28-dioic acid-24-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl diester (4).     

Two new guaianolide-type sesquiterpenoids from Kadsura interior

Two new guaianolide-type sesquiterpenoids,4β,9β-dihydroxy-1α,5α-H-guaia-6,10(14)-dien(1) and 4β,9β,10α-trihydroxy-1α,5α-H-guaia-6-en(2),along with four known sesquiterpenoids(3a,3b,4 and 5),were isolated from Kadsura interior.Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR and HR-MS techniques.Compounds 3a and 3b were obtained as a pair of enantiomers,and their structure and absolute configuration were established from their extensive NMR spectra and by single-crystal X-ray analysis.     

A novel agarofuran sesquiterpene, celahin D from Celastrus hindsii Benth

A novel agarofuran sesquiterpene polyol ester, 1beta,2beta,6alpha,15beta-tetracetoxy-8 beta,9alpha-dibenzoyloxy-beta- dihydroagarofuran (celahin D) (1), two known analogues of 1,1beta-acetoxy-8beta,9alpha-dibenzoyloxy-4al pha6alpha-dihydroxy-2beta(alphamethylbutanoyloxy)-beta-++ +dihydroagarofuran (2) and beta-acetoxy-8beta,9alpha-dibenzoyloxy-6alpha-hy droxy-2beta(alpha -methylbutanoyloxy)-beta-dihydroagarofuran (3), and a known cytotoxic sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloid, emarginatine E (4) were isolated from the stems of Celastrus hindsii Benth. Three known triterpenes, loranthol (5), lupenone (6) and friedelinol (7) were also obtained from the titled plant. Structural elucidation of compound 1 was established by 2D NMR spectra.     

Six new dammarane-type triterpene saponins from the leaves of Panax ginseng

Six new minor saponins, together with known ginsenosides, were isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng. The new saponins were named as ginsenoside-Rh5, -Rh6, -Rh7 -Rh8, -Rh9 and -Rg7, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence to be as follows: ginsenoside-Rh5: 3beta,6alpha,12beta,24zeta-tetrahydroxy-dammar-20(22),25-diene 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), -Rh6: 3beta,6alpha12beta,20(S)-tetrahydroxy-25-hydroperoxy-dammar-23-ene 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), -Rh7: 3beta,7beta,12beta,20(S)-tetrahydroxy-dammar-5,24-diene 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), -Rh8: 3beta,6alpha,20(S)-trihydroxy-dammar-24-ene-12-one 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), -Rh9: 3beta,6alpha,20(S)-trihydroxy-12beta,23-epoxy-dammar-24-ene 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) and -Rg7: 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta,12beta,20(S),24(R)-tetrahydroxy-dammar-25-ene 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6).     

A new geranylated aromatic compound from the mushroom Hericium erinaceum

A new geranylated aromatic compound, 5-[(2'E)-3',7'-dimethyl-2',6'-octadienyl]-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-1-isoindolinone (1), was isolated from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Hericium erinaceum (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Hericiaceae) together with three known sterols, 5alpha,6alpha-epoxy-(22E)-ergosta-8(14),22-diene-3beta,7alpha-diol (2), (22E)-ergosta-7,9(11),22-triene-3beta,5alpha,6beta-triol (3) and (22E)-ergosta-7,22-diene-3beta,5alpha,6alpha,9alpha-tetrol (4). The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectral data.     

A new pyrrolidine derivative and steroids from an algicolous Gibberella zeae strain

A new pyrrolidine derivative, 3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(4'-hydroxyphenoxy)pyrrolidin-2-one (1), and eight known steroids, (22E,24R)-7beta,8beta-epoxy-3beta,5alpha,9alpha-trihydroxyergosta-22-en-6-one (2, a reassigned structure of (22E,24R)-5alpha,6alpha-epoxy-3beta,8beta,14alpha-trihydroxyergosta-22-en-7-one), (22E,24R)-3beta,5alpha,9alpha-trihydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (3), (22E,24R)-3beta,5alpha-dihydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (4), (22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-3beta/,5alpha,6beta-triol (5), (22E,24R)-ergosta-5,22-dien-3beta-ol (6), (22E,24R)-5alpha,8alpha-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3beta-ol (7), (22E,24R)-5alpha,8alpha-epidioxyergosta-6,9(11),22-trien-3beta-ol (8), and (22E,24R)-1(10 --> 6)-abeo-ergosta-5,7,9,22-tetraen-3alpha-ol (9), were isolated from the cultures of Gibberella zeae, an endophytic fungus isolated from the marine green alga Codium fragile. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against A-549 and BEL-7402 cell lines.     

A novel trinorguaiane-type sesquiterpene from Dictamnus radicis

A novel trinorguaiane-type sesquiterpene named radicol (1), together with a known sesquiterpene dictamnol (2), was isolated from the petroleum ether-EtOAc-MeOH extracts of the root of Dictamnus radicis Cortex. The structure of 1 was elucidated as 1 alpha,5 alpha-dimethyl-4 alpha,10 alpha-bicyclo[3.5.0]dec-8-en-1 beta,5 beta-diol (1) on the basis of IR, HRESIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY.     

Acylated-oxypregnane glycosides from the roots of Araujia sericifera

Twenty-three new acylated-oxypregnane glycosides were obtained from the roots of Araujia sericifera. (Asclepiadaceae). These glycosides were confirmed to be tetraglycosides possessing twelve known compounds, 12-O-benzoyllineolon, 12-O-benzoyldeacylmetaplexigenin, ikemagenin, kidjolanin, cynanchogenin, caudatin, rostratamine, penupogenin, 12-O-benzoylisolineolon, 12-O-tigloyldecylmetaplexigenin (incisagenin), 12-O-benzoyl-20-O-acetylsarcostin, 20-O-benzoyl-12-O-(E)-cinnamoyl-3 beta,5 alpha,8 beta,12 beta,14 beta,17 beta,20-heptahydroxy-(20S)-pregn-6-ene and ten new acylated-oxypregnanes, 12-O-benzoyl-20S-hydroxyisolineolon, 12-O-tigloyllineolon, 12-O-salicyloyllineolon, 12-O-salicyloyldeacylmetplexigenin, 12-O-benzoyl-3 beta,5 alpha,8 beta,12 beta,14 beta,17 beta-hexahydroxypregn-6-en-20-one, 12-O-benzoyl-19-benzoyloxydeacylmetapleligenin, 12-O-benzoyl-19-benzoyloxy-20-O-acetylsarcostin, 12-O-benzoyl-19-salicyloyloxy-20-O-acetylsarcostin, 12-O-benzoyl-5 alpha,6 alpha-epoxydeacylmetaplexigenin, and 12-O-benzoyl-5 alpha,6 alpha-epoxylineolon as their aglycones, using both spectroscopic and chemical methods.     

Medicinal foodstuffs. XVII. Fenugreek seed. (3): structures of new furostanol-type steroid saponins, trigoneosides Xa, Xb, XIb, XIIa, XIIb, and XIIIa, from the seeds of Egyptian Trigonellafoenum-graecum L

Six new furostanol-type steroid saponins called trigoneosides Xa, Xb, XIb, XIIa, XIIb, and XIIIa were isolated from the seeds of Egyptian Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae) together with six known furostanol-type steroid saponins: trigoneosides Ia, Ib, and Va, glycoside D, trigonelloside C, and compound C. The structures of trigoneosides Xa, Xb, Xlb, XIIa, Xllb, and XIIIa were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5alpha-furostane-2alpha+ ++,3beta,22xi,26-tetraol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-,beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5alpha-furostane-2 alpha,beta,22xi,26tetraol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(l -->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5alpha-furostane2alpha++ +,beta,22xi,26-tetraol 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(l -->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-furost-4-ene-3beta,22xi,26- triol 3-O-Ca-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-ene-3beta,22xi+ ++,26-triol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(25S)-furost-5-ene-3beta,22xi,26-t riol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1--4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.     

Steroidal oligoglycosides from the seeds of Allium tuberosum

Three new spirostanol steroidal oligoglycosides, together with a known oligoglycoside, were obtained from the seeds of Allium tuberosum after enzymatic hydrolysis of furostanol saponin fraction by beta-glucosidase. On the basis of spectroscopic analysis, the structure of new spirostanol oligoglycosides were elucidated as (25S)-spirost-5-ene-2alpha,3beta-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-be ta-D-glucopyranoside, (25S)-spirostane-3beta,5beta,6alpha-triol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and (25S)-5beta-spirostane-3beta,6alpha-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside.     

New triterpene glucosides from the roots of Rosa laevigata Michx

Two new ursane-type triterpene glucosides, 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyurs-12,18-dien-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 2alpha,3alpha,23-trihydroxyurs-12,19(29)-dien-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), were isolated from the roots of Rosa laevigata, together with three known compounds: 2alpha,3beta,19alpha-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-Dglucopyranosyl ester (3), 2alpha,3alpha,19alpha-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4) and 2alpha,3beta,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (5). The structures of new compounds were established on the basis of detailed 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 2 and 5 exhibited modest in vitro antifungal activities against Candida albicans and C. krusei.     

Trypanocidal constituents in plants 6. 1) Minor withanolides from the aerial parts of Physalis angulata

Further study of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Physalis angulata (Solanaceae) resulted in the isolation of new withanolides, designated physagulins L, M and N, together with known withanolide, physagulin D and flavonol glycoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnosyl-(1-->6)-galactoside. The chemical structures of these new withanolides were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses to be (20R,22R)-15alpha-acetoxy-5alpha,6beta,14beta,17beta,27-pentahydroxy-1-oxo-witha-2, 24-dienolide, (20S,22S)-15alpha-acetoxy-5alpha,6beta,14alpha,23beta-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-witha-2,16,24-trienolide and (20S,22R)-15alpha-acetoxy-5beta,6beta-epoxy-14alpha-hydoxy-3beta-methoxy-1-oxo-witha-16,24-dienolide, respectively. All these compounds showed weak trypanocidal activity against trypomastigotes, an infectious form of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent for Chagas' disease. Withanolides obtained in the previous paper showed considerable trypanocidal activity, suggesting the structure-activity relationships.     

Cadinane-type sesquiterpenes from the roots of Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata

Five new cadinane-type sesquiterpenes, 15-acetoxy-T-muurolol (1), isokhusinodiol (2), cadin-10(14)-ene-4beta,5alpha-diol (3), cadinane-4beta,5alpha,10beta-triol (4), and muurolane-4beta,5beta,10beta-triol (5), together with five known compounds, T-cadinol (6), T-muurolol (7), alpha-cadinol (8), delta-cadinol (9), and khusinodiol (10), were isolated from the roots of Taiwania cryptomerioides. The structure of the new constituents were elucidated through chemical and spectral studies.     

Sesquiterpenoid alkaloid from Acroptilon repens

One new sesquiterpenoid alkaloid, namely 3 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-13-pyrrolidine-4(15),10(14)-(1 alpha H,5 alpha H,6 beta H,11 beta H)-guaiadien-12,6-olide (1), together with two known guaiane-type sesquiternoids (2-3) was isolated from the aerial part of Acroptilon repens. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). Cytotoxic activity against tumor cell line was assessed for compounds 2-3, and found to show potent cytotoxic activities against tumor cell line P-388.     

Withanolide derivatives from the roots of Withania somnifera and their neurite outgrowth activities

Five new withanolide derivatives (1, 9-12) were isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera together with fourteen known compounds (2-8, 13-19). On the basis of spectroscopic and physiochemical evidence, compounds 1 and 9-12 were determined to be (20S,22R)-3 alpha,6 alpha-epoxy-4 beta,5 beta,27-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-24-enolide (1), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside VIII, 9), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside IX, 10), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside X, 11), and (20R,22R)-1 alpha,3 beta,20,27-tetrahydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside XI, 12). Of the isolated compounds, 1, withanolide A (2), (20S,22R)-4 beta,5 beta,6 alpha,27-tetrahydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (6), withanoside IV (14), withanoside VI (15) and coagulin Q (16) showed significant neurite outgrowth activity at a concentration of 1 microM on a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.