Further Withaphysalin Derivatives from Acnistus arborescens

Two new epimeric chlorinated withaphysalins, rel‐(4β,5β,6α,18S,22R)‐ and rel‐(4β,5β,6α,18R,22R)‐6‐chloro‐18,20‐epoxy‐18‐ethoxy‐4,5‐dihydroxy‐1‐oxowitha‐2,24‐diene‐26,22‐lactone ( 1 and 2 resp.), together with the new rel‐(4β,5β,6α,18R,22R)‐6‐chloro‐18,20‐epoxy‐4,5‐dihydroxy‐18‐methoxy‐1‐oxowitha‐2,24‐diene‐26,22‐lactone ( 3 ) and rel‐(3β,4β,5β,6β,18R,22R)‐5,6:18,20‐diepoxy‐3,18‐diethoxy‐4‐hydroxy‐1‐oxowith‐24‐ene‐26,22‐lactone ( 4 ) were isolated from the leaves of Acnistus arborescens and named withaphysalins T–W, respectively. The final structures and the complete ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR assignments of the three chlorowithaphysalins 1 – 3 were performed by means of HR‐ESI‐MS and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, including COSY, HSQC, and HMBC, beside comparison with spectral data of analogous compounds from the literature. The structure of 4 was also confirmed by means of a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Four New Lanostane Triterpenoids from Euphorbia humifusa

Four new lanostane triterpenoids, namely (3β)‐3‐hydroxy‐24‐methylenelanost‐8‐ene‐7,11‐dione ( 1 ), (3β)‐3‐hydroxylanosta‐8,24‐diene‐7,11‐dione ( 2 ), (3β,7α)‐3,7‐dihydroxylanosta‐8,24‐dien‐11‐one ( 3 ), and (3β,11β)‐3,11‐dihydroxylanosta‐8,24‐dien‐7‐one ( 4 ) were isolated from Euphorbia humifusa, together with 2 known compounds. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the related known compounds.     

Curcumaromins A,B, and C,Three Novel Curcuminoids from Curcuma aromatica

Three novel curcuminoids, curcumaromins A–C ( 1 – 3 , resp.), along with a known compound, longiferone B ( 4 ) were isolated from Curcuma aromatica Salisb . The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (1E,4Z,6E)‐5‐hydroxy‐7‐{4‐hydroxy‐3‐[(1R*,6R*)‐3‐methyl‐6‐(propan‐2‐yl)cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl}‐1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)hepta‐1,4,6‐trien‐3‐one ( 1 ), 2,3‐dihydro‐2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐6‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]‐5‐[(1R*,6R*)‐3‐methyl‐6‐(propan‐2‐yl)cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐yl]‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one ( 2 ), and (1E,6E)‐1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐[(1R*,6R*)‐3‐methyl‐6‐(propan‐2‐yl)cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐yl]hepta‐1,6‐diene‐3,5‐dione ( 3 ) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Curcumaromins A–C ( 1 – 3 ) represented the first examples of menthane monoterpene‐coupled curcuminoids. The known compound, longiferone B ( 4 ), was the first daucane sesquiterpene isolated from the genus Curcuma.     

Nine New Sesquiterpenes from Dendrobium nobile

Nine new sesquiterpenes, i.e., dendronobilins A–I ( 1 – 9 ), with copacamphane‐type ( 1 ), picrotoxane‐type ( 2 – 6 ), muurolene‐type ( 7 ), alloaromadendrane‐type ( 8 ), and cyclocopacamphane‐type ( 9 ) skeletons, were isolated from the 60% EtOH extract of the stems of Dendrobium nobile. Their structures were established as (1R,2R,4S,5S,6S,8S,9R)‐2,8‐dihydroxycopacamphan‐15‐one ( 1 ), (2β,3β,4β,5β)‐2,4,11‐trihydroxypicrotoxano‐3(15)‐lactone ( 2 ), (2β,3β,5β,9α,11β)‐2,11‐epoxy‐9,11,13‐trihydroxypicrotoxano‐3(15)‐lactone ( 3 ), (2β,3β,5β,12R*)‐2,11,13‐trihydroxypicrotoxano‐3(15)‐lactone ( 4 ), (2β,3β,5β,12S*)‐2,11,13‐trihydroxypicrotoxano‐3(15)‐lactone ( 5 ), (2β,3β,5β,9α)‐9,10‐cyclo‐2,11,13‐trihydroxypicrotoxano‐3(15)‐lactone ( 6 ), (9β,10α)‐muurol‐4‐ene‐9,10,11‐triol ( 7 ), (10α)‐alloaromadendrane‐10,12,14‐triol ( 8 ), and (5β)‐cyclocopacamphane‐5,12,15‐triol ( 9 ) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was tentatively assigned as (1R,2R,4S,5S,6S,8S,9R) according to its CD spectrum and the octant rule. Compounds 1 and 4 – 9 were inactive in our preliminary in vitro immunomodulatory bioassay.     

Three New Abietane‐type Diterpenes from the Bark of Cryptomeria japonica

Three new abietane‐type diterpenoids, 7β‐acetoxy‐12‐methoxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene‐6α,11‐diol ( 1 ), 7α‐acetoxy‐12‐methoxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene‐6α,11‐diol ( 2 ), and 6α‐acetoxy‐12‐methoxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene‐7α,11‐diol ( 3 ), as well as two known abietane‐type diterpenoids, 12‐methoxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene‐6α,7β,11‐triol ( 4 ) and 6α‐acetoxy‐12‐methoxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene‐7β,11‐diol ( 5 ), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the bark of Cryptomeria japonica. Their structures were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison of NMR data with those of related metabolites.     

Withanolide Compounds from the Flower of Datura metel L.

Three new withanolide compounds named baimantuoluoline A ( 1 ), B ( 2 ), and C ( 3 ) and the two known withanolides withafastuosin E ( 4 ) and withametelin C ( 5 ) were isolated from the fraction exhibiting activity for psoriasis in the flower of Datura metel L. The three new structures were determined as (5α,6α,7α,12β,15β,22R)‐6,7‐epoxy‐5,12,15‐trihydroxy‐1‐oxowitha‐2,24‐dienolide ( 1 ), (5α,6β,15β,22R)‐ 5,6,15,21‐tetrahydroxy‐1‐oxowith‐24‐enolide ( 2 ), and (5α,6β,12β,22R)‐5,6,12,21‐tetrahydroxy‐27‐methoxy‐1‐oxowitha‐2,24‐dienolide ( 3 ) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data (HR‐ESI‐MS, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) (withanolide=22‐hydroxyergostan‐26‐oic acid δ‐lactone).     

Tirucallane Triterpenoid Saponins from Munronia delavayi Franch

Four new tirucallane triterpenoid saponins, named munronosides I–IV ( 2 – 5 ), along with three known triterpenoids, sapelin B ( 1 ), melianodiol, and (3β)‐22,23‐epoxytirucall‐7‐ene‐3,24,25‐triol, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the whole plants of Munronia delavayi Franch by chromatographic methods. On the basis of spectroscopic evidences, the structures of 2 – 5 were elucidated as (20S,23R,24S)‐21,25‐epoxy‐29‐{{O‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[α‐l‐ rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl}oxy}‐23,24‐dihydroxytirucall‐7‐ene‐3,21‐dione ( 2 ), (3β,20S,23R,24S)‐21,25‐epoxy‐29‐{{O‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[α‐l‐ rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl}oxy}‐3,23,24‐trihydroxytirucall‐7‐en‐21‐one ( 3 ), (20S,23R,24S)‐24‐(acetyloxy)‐21,25‐epoxy‐29‐{{O‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[α‐l‐ rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl}oxy}‐23‐hydroxytirucall‐7‐ene‐3,21‐dione ( 4 ), and (3β,20S,23R,24S)‐24‐(acetyloxy)‐21,25‐epoxy‐29‐{{O‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[α‐l‐ rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐d‐ glucopyranosyl}oxy}‐3,23‐dihydroxytirucall‐7‐en‐21‐one ( 5 ).     

Five New Tetranortriterpenoids from the Seeds of Toona ciliata

Five new tetranortriterpenoids, toonaciliatones B–F ( 1 – 5 , resp.), together with four known compounds, dihydrocedrelone ( 6 ), cedrelone ( 7 ), 6α‐acetoxyazadirone ( 8 ), and 6α‐acetoxy‐14β,15β‐epoxyazadirone ( 9 ), were isolated from the seeds of Toona ciliata. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy.     

Huangqiyenins G – J,Four New 9,10‐Secocycloartane (=9,19‐Cyclo‐9,10‐secolanostane) Triterpenoidal Saponins from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge Leaves

Four new 9,10‐secocycloartane (=9,19‐cyclo‐9,10‐secolanostane) triterpenoidal saponins, named huangqiyenins G–J ( 1 – 4 , resp.), were isolated from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge leaves. The acid hydrolysis of 1 – 4 with 1M aqueous HCl yielded D ‐glucose, which was identified by GC analysis after treatment with L ‐cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride. The structures of 1 – 4 were established by detailed spectroscopic analysis as (3β,6α,10α,16β,24E)‐3,6‐bis(acetyloxy)‐10,16‐dihydroxy‐12‐oxo‐9,19‐cyclo‐9,10‐secolanosta‐9(11),24‐dien‐26‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 1 ), (3β,6a,10α,24E)‐3,6‐bis(acetyloxy)‐10‐hydroxy‐12,16‐dioxo‐9,19‐cyclo‐9,10‐secolanosta‐9(11),24‐dien‐26‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 2 ), (3β,6α,9α,10α,16β,24E)‐3,6‐bis(acetyloxy)‐9,10,16‐trihydroxy‐9,19‐cyclo‐9,10‐secolanosta‐11,24‐dien‐26‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ), and (3β,6α,10α,24E)‐3,6‐bis(acetyloxy)‐10‐hydroxy‐16‐oxo‐9,19‐cyclo‐9,10‐secolanosta‐9(11),24‐dien‐26‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 4 ).     

Sterols from the Stems of Momordica charantia

A new sterol, 5α,6α‐epoxy‐3β‐hydroxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8,22‐dien‐7‐one ( 1 ), together with eight known sterols, 5α,6α‐epoxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8,22‐diene‐3β,7α‐diol ( 2 ), 5α,6α‐epoxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8,22‐diene‐3β,7β‐diol ( 3 ), 5α,6α‐epoxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8(14),22‐diene‐3β,7α‐diol ( 4 ), 3β‐hydroxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐5,8,22‐trien‐7‐one ( 5 ), ergosterol peroxide ( 6 ), clerosterol ( 7 ), decortinol ( 8 ), and decortinone ( 9 ), were isolated from the stems of Momordica charantia. Their structures were elucidated by mean of extensive spectroscopic methods, including ¹H, ¹³C, 2D‐NMR and HR‐EI‐MS, as well as comparison with the literature data. Compounds 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 , and 91 were not cytotoxic against the SK‐Hep 1 cell line.     

Three New Lanostane Triterpenoids,Inonotsutriols A,B, and C,from Inonotus obliquus

Three new lanostane‐type triterpenoids, inonotsutriols A ( 1 ), B ( 2 ), and C ( 3 ) were isolated from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus (Pers .: Fr.) (Japanese name: kabanoanatake; Russian name: chaga). Their structures were determined to be (3β,21R,24S)‐21,24‐cyclolanost‐8‐ene‐3,21,25‐triol ( 1 ), (3β,21R,24R)‐21,24‐cyclolanost‐8‐ene‐3,21,25‐triol ( 2 ), and (3β,21R,24S)‐21,24‐cyclolanosta‐7,9(11)‐diene‐3,21,25‐triol ( 3 ) on the basis of NMR spectroscopy including 1D and 2D experiments (¹H,¹H‐COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC) and EI‐MS.     

Tri‐ and Bicyclic Taxoids from the Taiwanese Yew Taxus sumatrana

Five new taxoids, including a new 2(3→20)‐abeo‐taxane with a 6/10/6‐membered ring system and four 3,8‐seco‐taxanes having a 6/12‐membered ring system, were isolated from an acetone extract of the leaves and twigs of the Taiwanese yew (Taxus sumatrana, Taxaceae). The structures were established as 2α,7β,10α‐triacetoxy‐5α‐hydroxy‐2(3→20)‐abeo‐taxa‐4(20),11‐dien‐9,13‐dione ( 1 ), (3E,8E)‐2α,9,10β, 13α,20‐pentaacetoxy‐7β‐hydroxy‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐trien‐5‐one ( 2 ), (3E,8E)‐2α,9,10β,13α,20‐pentaacetoxy‐5α,7β‐dihydroxy‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐triene ( 3 ), (3E,8E)‐9,10β,13α‐triacetoxy‐2α,7β,20‐trihydroxy‐5α‐[(2E)‐cinnamoyloxy]‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐triene ( 4 ), and (3E,8E)‐2α,5α,7β,9,10β,13α‐hexaacetoxy‐20‐hydroxy‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐triene ( 5 ), respectively, on the basis 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 – 5 against four human tumor cell lines, including HeLa (cervical epitheloid), WiDr (colon), Daoy (medulloblastoma), and Hep2 (liver carcinoma) tumor cells was evaluated. Whereas compounds 1 – 3 were inactive, the novel taxanes 4 and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity.     

Two New Homo‐aro‐cholestane Glycosides and a New Cholestane Glycoside from the Roots and Rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. pseudothibetica

Two new homo‐aro‐cholestane glycosides and a new cholestane glycoside, along with three known saponins, were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of the roots and rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. pseudothibetica. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3β‐O‐{α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]}‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosylhomo‐aro‐cholest‐5‐ene‐26‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (parispseudoside A, 1 ), 3β‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosylhomo‐aro‐cholest‐5‐ene‐26‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (parispseudoside B, 2 ), and (25R)‐3β‐O‐{α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]}‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐cholesta‐5,17(20)‐diene‐16,22‐dione‐26‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (parispseudoside C, 3 ) by spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and MS experiments, as well as chemical evidences.     

Four New Cucurbitacins from the Fruit of Momordica charantia

Four new 5β,19‐epoxycucurbitacins, kuguacins T–W ( 1 – 4 , resp.), along with nine known cucurbitane derivatives, 5 – 13 , were obtained from the fresh fruit of Momordica chrantia. Structures of the new metabolites were elucidated as 5β,19‐epoxy‐25‐hydroxycucurbitane‐3,7,23‐trione ( 1 ), 5β,19‐epoxy‐3,7‐dioxo‐23,24,25,26,27‐pentanorcucurbitan‐22‐oic acid ( 2 ), 5β,19‐epoxy‐3β‐hydroxycucurbit‐24‐ene‐7,23‐dione ( 3 ), and 5β,19‐epoxy‐25‐hydroxycucurbit‐23‐ene‐3,7‐dione ( 4 ), by extensive spectroscopic investigations, which were confirmed by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses in the case of compound 4 .     

Novel Sesquiterpenoids from Siegesbeckia orientalis

Five new sesquiterpenoids, namely, 8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐4β,6α,15‐trihydroxy‐14‐oxoguaia‐9,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 1 ), 4β,6α,15‐trihydroxy‐8β‐(isobutyryloxy)‐14‐oxoguaia‐9,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 2 ), 11,12,13‐trinorguai‐6‐ene‐4β,10β‐diol ( 3 ), (1(10)E,4E,8Z)‐8‐(angeloyloxy)‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐(1(10),4,8,11(13)‐tetraen‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 9 ), and (1(10)E,4β)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐6α,14,15‐trihydroxygermacra‐1(10),11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 11 ), and three new artifacts, (1(10)E,4Z)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐9α‐ethoxy‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐1(10),4,11(13)‐trien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 6 ), (1(10)E,4Z)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐9α,13‐diethoxy‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 7 ), and (1(10)E,4Z)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐9α‐ethoxy‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐13‐methoxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 8 ), together with the three known sesquiterpenoids 4, 5 , and 10 , were isolated from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia orientalis L. Their structures were established by spectral methods, especially 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral methods.     

Three New Phthalides from Gnaphalium adnatum

Three new phthalides, gnaphalides A–C ( 1 – 3 , resp.), together with three known phthalides, were isolated from the aerial part of Gnaphalium adnatum. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 6‐(1,1‐dimethylprop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)‐5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one ( 1 ), 5‐hydroxy‐7‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbut‐3‐en‐1‐yl)oxy]‐2‐benzofuran‐1(3H)‐one ( 2 ), and 1,3‐dihydro‐7‐[(3‐methylbut‐2‐en‐1‐yl)oxy]‐1‐oxo‐2‐benzofuran‐5‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ) on the basis of spectral analyses. The structure of 1 was also confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. The three known phthalides, identified as 5,7‐dihydroxyisobenzofuran‐1(3H)‐one ( 4 ), anaphatol ( 5 ), and 7‐O‐(β‐glucopyranosyl)‐5‐hydroxyisobenzofuran‐1(3H)‐one ( 6 ), were isolated from the genus Gnaphalium for the first time.     

Synthesis,Olfactory Evaluation,and Determination of the Absolute Configuration of the 3,4‐Didehydroionone Stereoisomers

The synthesis of 3,4‐didehydroionone isomers 4 , (+)‐ 6 , and (?)‐ 6 and of 3,4‐didehydro‐7,8‐dihydroionone isomers 5 , (+)‐ 7 , and (?)‐ 7 was accomplished starting from commercially available racemic α‐ionone ( 1 ). Their preparation of the racemic forms 4 – 7 was first achieved by mean of a number of chemo‐ and regioselective reactions (Schemes 1 and 2). The enantio‐ and diastereoselective lipase‐mediated kinetic acetylation of 4‐hydroxy‐γ‐ionone ( 10a / 10b ) provided 4‐hydroxy‐γ‐ionone (+)‐ 10a /(±)‐ 10b and (+)‐4‐(acetyloxy)‐γ‐ionone ((+) 12b ) (Scheme 3). The latter compounds were used as starting materials to prepare the 3,4‐didehydro‐γ‐ionones (+)‐ and (?)‐ 6 and the 3,4‐didehydro‐7,8‐dihydro‐γ‐ionones (+)‐ and (?)‐ 7 in enantiomer‐enriched form. The absolute configuration of (+)‐ 12b was determine by chemical correlation with (+)‐(6S)‐γ‐ionone ((+)‐ 3 ) and with (?)‐(6S)‐α‐ionone ((?)‐ 1 ) therefore allowing to assign the (S)‐configuration to (+)‐ 6 and (+)‐ 7 . Olfactory evaluation of the above described 3,4‐didehydroionone isomers shows a significant difference between the enantiomers and regioisomers both in fragrance feature and in detection threshold (Table).     

New Terpenoids from Basidiomycetes Russula lepida

Three new triterpenoids and two new aristolane sesquiterpenoids, namely (24E)‐3β‐hydroxycucurbita‐5,24‐diene‐26‐oic acid ( 1 ), (24E)‐3,4‐secocucurbita‐4,24‐diene‐3,26‐dioic acid ( 4 ), (24E)‐3,4‐secocucurbita‐4,24‐diene‐3,26,29‐trioic acid ( 5 ), rulepidadiol ( 6 ), and rulepidatriol ( 7 ), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Basidiomycetes Russula lepida. Their structures were established by spectral methods. Acids 4 , and 5 are the first examples of naturally occurring seco‐ring‐A cucurbitane triterpenoids. Alcohols 6 and 7 , belonging to the aristolane‐type sesquiterpenoids, are of a type rather rare in nature, especially among fungal species.     

Sesquiterpenoids and Phenylpropane Derivatives from Sonchus uliginosus

Six new compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Sonchus uliginosus, including three eudesmane‐type sesquiterpenoids (1β,6α)‐1,6,14‐trihydroxyeudesm‐3‐en‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 1 ), (1β,6α)‐1,6,14‐trihydroxyeudesma‐3,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 2 ), and (1β,6α)‐1,6‐dihydroxy‐14‐O‐[(4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]eudesma‐3,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 3 ), and three phenylpropane derivatives, 4‐hydroxy‐γ,3,5‐trimethoxybenzenepropanol ( 6 ), γ,3,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzenepropanol ( 7 ), and γ,3,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzenepropanol acetate ( 8 ), together with the two known compounds 4 and 5 . The new structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, such as IR, EI‐MS, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported for structurally related compounds.     

Four New Pregnane Steroids from Aglaia abbreviata and Their Cytotoxic Activities

Four new pregnane steroids, aglaiasterols A–D ( 1 – 4 ), have been isolated from the EtOH extract of stems of Aglaia abbreviata. They were identified as (3α,5α,17Z)‐3‐hydroxypregn‐17‐en‐16‐one ( 1 ), (3β,5α,17E)‐3‐hydroxypregn‐17‐en‐16‐one ( 2 ), (3β,5α,17Z)‐3‐hydroxypregn‐17‐en‐16‐one ( 3 ), and (3α,5α,20S*)‐3‐hydroxy‐16‐oxopregnan‐20‐yl acetate ( 4 ) on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. Compounds 1 – 4 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against K562 (human leukemia), MCF‐7 (human breast cancer), and KB (human oral epithelium cancer) cells, and drug‐resistant cells of K562/A02, MCF‐7/ADM, and KB/VCR. These isolates showed weak to moderate inhibitory effects on the growth of the tested cell lines.