β-Carboline-type indole alkaloid glycosides from Ophiorrhiza trichocarpon

Six new β-carboline-type indole alkaloid glycosides, ophiorrhisides A–F (1–6), were isolated from Ophiorrhiza trichocarpon (Rubiaceae) collected in Thailand. Ophiorrhisides A (1) and B (2) possess a lactam function in the C ring and a unique biose residue in the molecule. Ophiorrhiside F (6) has a highly oxidized C ring with a 1,2-dicarbonyl function at C-5 and C-6 positions as well as a double bond between C-3 and C-14.     

Vincamajorines A and B,monoterpenoid indole alkaloids with new carbon skeletons from Vinca major

Two new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, vincamajorines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Vinca major. Their structures were elucidated by means of 1D and 2D NMR, and HREIMS spectroscopic data. The relative and absolute configurations were deduced by comparing the experimental ¹³C NMR, ECD spectra, and OR data with those theoretically calculated. Vincamajorine A (1) represents a new C₂₀ carbon skeleton arranged compactly in seven rings, and vincamajorine B (2) is an alkaloid with an unprecedented 6/5/7/5/6 pentacyclic ring system. A possible biosynthetic pathway was also proposed for the formation of 1 and 2.     

New norditerpenoids from Cespitularia hypotentaculata

Four new norditerpenoids, designated as cespihypotins A (1), B (2), C (3) and D (4), were isolated from Cespitularia hypotentaculata Roxas (Xeniidae) that was collected in Taiwan. Compounds 1 and 2 are unprecedented structures having 13- and 14-membered lactone ring, respectively. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. A plausible biogenetic pathway for compounds 1-4 was also proposed.     

Atomarianones A and B: two cytotoxic meroditerpenes from the brown alga Taonia atomaria

Two novel cyclized meroditerpenoids atomarianones A, and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the organic extract of the brown alga Taonia atomaria collected at Serifos island in the Central Aegean Sea. This is only the second report on metabolites having a functionalized indane moiety instead of a benzofurano- or a benzopyrano-ring connecting their aromatic and diterpenoid parts. Atomarianone A contains an unprecedented cis B-C ring fusion while atomarianone B is the epimer of A at C-7. Both metabolites were found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against two lung cancer cell lines.     

Zamamidine C, 3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-10,11-epoxymanzamine A, and 3,4-dihydromanzamine J N-oxide, new manzamine alkaloids from sponge Amphimedon sp.

New manzamine alkaloids, zamamidine C (1), 3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-10,11-epoxymanzamine A (2), and 3,4-dihydromanzamine J N-oxide (3), have been isolated from an Okinawan marine sponge Amphimedon species. The structures and stereochemistries of 1-3 were elucidated from the spectroscopic data and chemical derivatization. Zamamidine C (1) is a new manzamine alkaloid possessing a second β-carboline ring via an ethylene unit at N-2 of manzamine D, while 3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-10,11-epoxymanzamine A (2) is the first manzamine alkaloid possessing an epoxide ring at C-10 and C-11. Zamamidine C (1) showed significant antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, the parasite associated with sleeping sickness, and antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria in vitro.     

Cespitulactams A, B, and C, three new nitrogen-containing diterpenes from Cespitularia taeniata May

Three new nitrogen-containing diterpenoids, designated cespitulactams A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from Cespitularia taeniata May. Compounds 1-3 are novel structures having a phenylethyl amino side at C-10 and with an amide function at C-20. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical correlation. The cytotoxicity of 1 and its monoacetate (6) were also evaluated against human cancer cell lines.     

Briaexcavatins A and B, novel briaranes from the octocoral Briareum excavatum

Two novel briaranoidal derivatives, designated as briaexcavatins A (1) and B (2), along with two known metabolites, excavatolides B and C (3 and 4), were isolated from the octocoral Briareum excavatum. Both compounds 1 and 2 possess unprecedented 5,6-epoxy moiety in the 10-membered ring. Diterpenoid 1 possesses a novel pentacyclic skeleton with a ε-lactone. The structures of diterpenoids 1 and 2 were elucidated by interpretation of spectral data and the absolute stereochemistry was established by application of modified Mosher’s method on 3.     

Gelegamines A-E: five new oxindole alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans

Five new oxindole alkaloids, gelegamines A-E (1-5), were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. Their structures were extensively elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Among them, the epoxy ring (C-19/C-20) of gelegamine A (1) was assigned as α-orientation by ROESY experiment and DFT method at B3LYP/6-31g(d) level, and gelegamine B (2) is the first humantenine-type alkaloid with 19-(E) ethylidene configuration. The absolute configurations of gelegamines A-E (1-5) were established on biosynthetic consideration coupled with CD experiments.     

Two unprecedented cembrene-type terpenes from an indonesian soft coral sarcophyton sp.

Two unusual cembranoids, sarcofuranocembrenolides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from a soft coral Sarcophyton sp. together with five known cembranoids (3-7). Compound 1 had a unique carbon skeleton of 8,19-bisnorfuranocembrenolide. Compound 2 was a furanocembrenolide, but a C₁ unit (C-20) was attached to C-10 instead of C-12 of the ordinary cembrenolides. These rearrangements are unique in the biosynthesis of cembranoid diterpenes. Lobohedleolide (5), (7Z)-lobohedleolide (6), and denticulatolide (7) inhibited the colony formation of V79 cells at ED₅₀ values of 4.6 (abt. 1.52), 3.7 (1.22), and 3.6 (1.40) μM (μg/mL), respectively, and reduced TNF-α production from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells at 3.0-10.0 μM.     

Lyconadins C and F, new Lycopodium alkaloids from Lycopodium complanatum

New Lycopodium alkaloids, lyconadins C (1) and F (2), were isolated from the club moss Lycopodium complanatum. Lyconadin C (1) is a new C₁₆N₂-type Lycopodium alkaloid possessing unique fused-tetracyclic ring system consisting of a cycloheptene ring fused to a decahydroquinoline and pyridone rings. Lyconadin F (2) possesses a primary amide moiety in its molecular, which is the first example of Lycopodium alkaloids. Biogenetically, lyconadins C (1) and F (2) might be related to lyconadins A (4) and B (5). The structures and relative stereochemistry of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The absolute stereochemistry of 2 was elucidated by chemical correlations with lyconadin B (5) through hemiaminal form of lyconadin F (3).     

Daphniglaucin C, a novel tetracyclic alkaloid from Daphniphyllum glaucescens

A novel Daphniphyllum alkaloid with an unprecedented tetracyclic ring system consisting of an octahydroindole and a hexahydroazulene rings, daphniglaucin C (1), has been isolated from the leaves of Daphniphyllum glaucescens and the structure and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Daphniglaucin C (1) inhibited the polymerization of tubulin.     

Biotransformation of two stemodane diterpenes by Mucor plumbeus

The microbiological transformation of 13α,17-dihydroxy-stemodane (2) by the fungus Mucor plumbeus afforded 13α,17,19-trihydroxy-stemodane (3), 3β,13α,17-trihydroxy-stemodane (5), 3-oxo-13α,17-dihydroxy-stemodane (7), 7α,13α,17,19-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (8), 3β,11α,13α,17-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (10), 3β,7α,13α,17-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (12), 3β,8β,13α,17-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (14), 2α,13α,17-trihydroxy-stemodane (16), 2α,13α,17,19-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (17), 2α,3β,13α,17-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (20) and 3β,11β,13α,17-tetrahydroxy-stemodane (22), whilst the incubation of 13α,14-dihydroxy-stemodane (25) gave 3β,13α,14-trihydroxy-stemodane (28), 2α,13α,14-trihydroxy-stemodane (29) and 13α,14,19-trihydroxy-stemodane (30). Preference for hydroxylations of ring A at C-2(α), C-3(β) and C-19 were observed in both incubations. An interesting rearrangement of 13α,14α-dihydroxy-stemodanes to 14-oxo derivatives with an unusual carbon framework has been observed under acetylation conditions. We have named this skeleton prestemodane, which, as a hydrocarbon ion, had been postulated as a biogenetic precursor of stemodane.     

Two novel 3,4-seco-trinorlanostane triterpenoids isolated from Ganoderma fornicatum

Two novel 3,4-seco-25,26,27-trinorlanostane triterpeniod compounds, fornicatins A and B (1 and 2) have been isolated from the fruiting body of G. fornicatum. The structural elucidation of 1 and 2 were accomplished by extensive NMR analysis. The relative stereochemistry of 2 was established by single crystal X-ray crystallography, which also confirmed the novel carbon skeleton of the new triterpenoid. An ether linkage of C-4 with C-7 in 1 is unprecedented in natural triterpenoids. Both compounds were tested for their inhibitory effects on rabbit platelet aggregation induced by PAF, ADP, or AA.     

Axiplyns A-E, new sesquiterpene isothiocyanates from the marine sponge Axinyssa aplysinoides

Five new isothiocyanate sesquiterpenes, designated axiplyns A-E (1-5) have been isolated, together with two known isothiocyanate sesquiterpenes (6, 7), from the sponge Axinyssa aplysinoides collected at Misali Island, Tanzania. Axiplyns 4 and 5 embody a new indane sesquiterpene skeleton, and compounds 1, 2, and 5 contain unprecedented ring systems, namely a 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane and a 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane. Axiplyns A, B, and C are potent brine shrimp toxins with LD₅₀ values between 1.5 and 1.8 μg/mL.     

Muchimangins E and F: novel diphenylmethyl-substituted xanthones from Securidaca longepedunculata

Two new highly oxygenated xanthones, named muchimangins E (1) and F (2), have been isolated from the root of Securidaca longepedunculata (Polygalaceae). Their structures were elucidated by the analyses of spectral data to be a novel xanthone with a diphenylmethyl substituent at C-2. Moreover, the structures of muchimangins B (4) and C (5) were revised by careful analysis of the spectral data and by comparing their NMR data with those of 1 and 2, to be xanthones with the diphenylmethyl substituent at C-2, not at C-4 reported previously.     

Velutabularins A-J, phragmalin-type limonoids with novel cyclic moiety from Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina

Velutabularins A-J, ten novel phragmalin-type limonoids, were isolated from the stem bark of Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina. In structures of 1-6, the tetrahydrofuran ring from dehydration of OH-15 and OH-17, ring C and 13/14/18-cyclopropanyl moiety formed an unprecedented 8-oxatricyclo[4,3,1^1,6]decane. Compounds 7-10 are derivates of 1-6 opening the tetrahydrofuran ring. All of these compounds possess a novel C-16/C-30 δ-lactone ring, which were reported in phragmalins rarely. The structures of these novel compounds were elucidated based on extensive 1D and 2D spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 5 and 9 were determined by the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) method. The anti-inflammatory activities of major compounds (2, 4, 5, 9) were evaluated for inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage (RAW264.7) cell line.     

Bisleuconins A-D: a pair of epimeric ent-kauranoid dimers and two new asymmetric analogues isolated from Isodonleucophyllus

A phytochemical investigation of Isodon leucophyllus led to the isolation of four novel ent-kauranoid dimers: bisleuconins A-D (1-4), and one known compound, rabdoloxin A (5). It was interesting that the structures of bisleuconins A (1) and B (2) were elucidated as a pair of epimeric ent-kauranoid dimers with unique linkage pattern C-16→C-17′ to connect two monomers. Bisleuconins C (3) and D (4) were two new asymmetric ent-kauranoid dimers. A possible biogenetic pathway of 1 and 2 was also proposed.     

Sinularianins A and B, novel sesquiterpenoids from the Formosan soft coral Sinularia sp.

Two novel sesquiterpenoids, sinularianins A and B (1 and 2), have been isolated from the Formosan coral Sinularia sp. The skeleton of sinularianins A (1), namely sinulariolane, was found to be unprecedented. Sinularianin B (2), with a novel spiro-butenolide moiety, possesses a valerenane skeleton, which had been reported mostly from the plant. The structures of both metabolites were established by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data.     

Absolute stereostructure of Andirolides A-G from the flower of Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae)

A new gedunin, three new mexicanolides and three new phragmalin-type limonoids named Andirolides A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (6), and G (7) were isolated from oil of the flower of Carapa guianensis Aublet (Meliaceae). Their absolute stereostructures were determined by 2D NMR and CD spectra, and single-crystal X-ray analysis, and all compounds were confirmed to have the C-17βH configuration. Considering the similarity in CD spectra between Andirolide G (7) and the xyloccensins reported by Wu, we concluded that the structures of xyloccensins should be revised so as to have the absolute configuration of 17R.     

Novel biotransformation of pentacyclic triterpenoid acids by Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646

Six pentacyclic triterpene acids, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, 23-hydroxybetulinic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, and senegenin, were metabolized by the microbe Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646 to selectively furnish their corresponding 28-methyl esters. Notably, ursolic acid (1) was converted to oleanolic acid methyl ester (4) via two intermediates, oleanolic acid (2), and ursolic acid methyl ester (3), which are formed by participation of ‘retro-biosynthetic’ methyl migration from C-19 to C-20. Senegenin (11) was selectively converted to a nortriterpene methyl ester, senegenic acid methyl ester (12), via an unprecedented C-C bond cleavage. The stereochemical assignments of compounds 11 and 12 were made unambiguously for the first time using 2D NMR spectroscopy.