Kv1.2 potassium channel inhibitors from Chukrasia tabularis

Eighteen new limonoids, chubularisins A-R (1-18), along with eleven known analogues, were isolated from the stem bark of Chukrasia tabularis. The structures of 1-18 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. Compound 1 represented the first example of 8,9,12-orthoester of phragmalin limonoids. Interestingly, compounds 4, 8, and 22 exhibited potent and selective inhibition against the delayed rectifier (I(K)) K(+) current with IC(50) values of 0.61, 2.03, and 2.15 μM, respectively.     

Two new meliacarpinins from the roots of Melia azedarach

Two new azadirachtin-type limonoids, 1-methacrylyl-3-acetyl-11-methoxymeliacarpinin (1) and 1-(2-methylpropanoyl)-3-acetyl-11-methoxymeliacarpinin (2), together with the known compounds, meliacarpinin D (3), melianin B (4) and 2 beta,3 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregn-17(20)-(Z)-en-16-one (5), were isolated from the roots of Melia azedarach. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison of their NMR data with those of 3. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited significant activity in the brine shrimp lethality test (BST).     

Trichilianones A-D,Novel Cyclopropane-Type Limonoids from Trichilia adolfi

The fractionation of an ethanol extract of the bark of Trichilia adolfi yielded four novel limonoids (trichilinones A-D, 1–4), with five fused rings and related to the hortiolide-type limonoids. Starting with an ε-lactone, which is α,β-unsaturated in trichilinones A and D (1 and 4), attached to a tetrahydrofuran ring that is connected to an unusual bicyclo [5.1.0] hexane system, joined with a cyclopentanone with a 3-furanyl substituent [(2-oxo)-furan-(5H)-3-yl in trichilinone D (4)], the four compounds isolated display a new 7/5/3/5/5 limonoid ring system. Their structures were established based on extensive analysis of NMR spectroscopic data. As the crude extract possessed anti-leishmanial properties, the compounds were assayed for cytotoxic and anti-parasitic activities in vitro in murine macrophages cells (Raw 264.7) and leishmania promastigotes (L. amazoniensis and L. braziliensis), respectively. The compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity (approximately 70 μg/mL), but are not responsible for the leishmanicidal effect of the extract.     

Xylogranatins F-R: antifeedants from the Chinese mangrove, Xylocarpus granatum, a new biogenetic pathway to tetranortriterpenoids

Thirteen limonoids with a new carbon skeleton, the xylogranatins F-R (1-13), have been isolated from the seeds of a Chinese mangrove, Xylocarpus granatum; two recently reported compounds, xylogranatins C and D were also isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical methods. The absolute configurations of these compounds were determined by using the modified Mosher MTPA ester method and by quantum chemical circular dichroism (CD) calculations. Xylogranatins F-Q are the first aromatic B-ring limonoids found in nature. They belong to two substructural classes, of which one (1-3) contains a pyridine ring while the other one (4-12) contains a central furan core. Xylogranatins C and R can be considered to be key biosynthetic intermediates, while xylogranatin D, the only limonoid found so far with a carbon skeleton that conatains a C(30)-C(9) linkage, is apparently an artifact. The structures of these compounds suggest a new biogenetic pathway to tetranortriterpenoids. Xylogranatins F, G and R were found to exhibit marked antifeedant activity against the third instar larvae of Mythimna separata (Walker) at a concentration of 1 mg mL(-1). The most potent compound tested was xylogranatin G. Its AFC(50) (concentration for 50 % antifeedant activity) values at the exposure times of 24 and 48 h were 0.31 and 0.30 mg mL(-1), respectively.     

Limonoids and triterpenoids from the seeds of Melia azedarach

Three limonoids (1-3), and two triterpenes (4) and (5), along with twelve known compounds, were isolated from the seeds of Melia azedarach. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 3 showed moderate antimicrobial activity.     

Two new analogues of trijugin-type limonoids from the leaves of Sandoricum koetjape

Two new additional trijugin-type limonoids, sandrapins D (4) and E (5), which are analogues of the previously reported sandrapins A-C (1-3), were isolated as minor components from the leaves of Sandoricum koetjape (Meliaceae), and their structures were elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR spectral data.     

Twelve novel and diverse 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids from Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina

A series of novel and structurally related C-15-acyl 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids, chuktabrins C-J (1-8) and chuktabularins U-X (9-12), were isolated from the stem bark of Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina. Their structures were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by a single-crystal X-ray study using a mirror CuKα radiation. Compounds 7 and 8 were unprecedent C-15-acyl 16-norphragmalins with ketonic alkyl appendage at C-15, and compounds 4 and 8 were first examples of limonoid with a characteristic carbonate moiety esterified at OH-9/OH-8 or OH-1/OH-8 respectively. A biosynthetic pathway of these limonoids was reasonably presumed based on the novel and diverse structures isolated, which provides a new insight into the plausible biosynthesis of C-15-acyl 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity of major isolates were evaluated for inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage (RAW264.7) cell line, with IC(50) value ranging from 2.40 to 16.90?μM.     

Guianofruits C–I from fruit oil of andiroba (Carapa guianensis,Meliaceae)

Two novel chukrasone-type limonoids, named Guianofruits C and D (1 and 2), a guianolide derivative named Guianofruit E (3), and four novel phragmalin–type limonoids named Guianofruits F–I (4–7), were isolated from the fruit oil of Carapa guianensis AUBLET (Meliaceae), a traditional medicine in Brazil and Latin American countries. Their structures were mainly elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The effects of compounds 1–6 on the production of NO by LPS-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages were investigated. Two new chukrasone-type limonoids, Guianofruits C (1) and D (2), exhibited moderate inhibitory activities.     

Munronoids A–J,ten new limonoids from Munronia unifoliolata Oliv

Ten new limonoids, named munronoids A–J (1–10), were isolated from Munronia unifoliolata Oliv. These limonoids involved in the skeletons of peieurianin, evodulone, euphane, and havanensin-types of limonoids, and their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallographic method. Compounds 1 and 2 were rollout of the conjugated Δ^8,30 and Δ^14,15 double bonds in peieurianin-type, 3–6 featuring a γ-lactone ring instead of the β-substituted furan ring were found in the evodulone-type for the first time. The insecticidal and anti-TMV activities of compounds 1–10 were also evaluated.     

Meliarachins A–K: Eleven Limonoids from the Twigs and Leaves of Melia azedarach

Eleven new limonoids, meliarachins A–K ( 1 – 11 , resp.), together with five known ones, were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Melia azedarach. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 4 and 8 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against Gram‐positive bacteria.     

Phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters from the twigs of Swietenia macrophylla

Eleven new phragmalin-type limonoids, swietenitins N-X (1-11), together with a known one, epoxyfebrinin B (12), were isolated from the twigs of Swietenia macrophylla. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods, and that of compound 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The stereochemistry of epoxyfebrinin B (12) was fully assigned in this study.     

Diverse Ring-seco Limonoids from Munronia unifoliolata and Their Biological Activities

Twenty-two new limonoids,mufolinoids A—V(1—22),including six rings A,B-seco limonoids(1—6),twelve ring A-seco limonoids(7—18),four ring-intact limonoids(19—22),together with thirteen known compounds(23—35)were isolated from Munronia unifoliolata.Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by combination of NMR,HR-MS,single-crystal X-ray diffraction and calculations of ECD and NMR technologies.Compounds 24,25,33,34 could be significantly reversed the multidrug resistance of MCF-7/doxorubicin(DOX)cells,and the reversal fold(RF)was much higher than that of positive drug Verapamil.Compounds 24,28,and 29 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity with the IC50 values in the range of 17.7—39.4μmol/L.Furthermore,compound 29 could markedly inhibit the release of IL-1βby inhibiting the initiation and assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome,which demonstrates the great potential of limonoids as an anti-inflammatory agent.     

Degraded and oxetane-bearing limonoids from the roots of Melia azedarach

Brine shrimp lethality test (BST)-guided fractionation of a methanol extract of the roots of Melia azedarach resulted in the isolation of two new limonoids, 9alpha-hydroxy-12alpha-acetoxyfraxinellone (1) and 7,14-epoxy-azedarachin B (2), together with the known compounds, 12alpha-hydroxyfraxinellone (4), 9alpha-hydroxyfraxinellone (5), azedarachin B (6), and neoazedarachin B (7). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison of their NMR data with those of the known compounds. Compounds 1, 2 and 4-7 exhibited significant activity in the BST, in particular, azedarachin B (6) showed remarkable BST activity with an LC(50) value of 0.0098 microM.     

Andhraxylocarpins A–E: Structurally Intriguing Limonoids from the True Mangroves Xylocarpus granatum and Xylocarpus moluccensis

Five new limonoids, including andhraxylocarpins A and B ( 1 and 2 ) which contain a 9‐oxa‐tricyclo[3.3.2.1^{7, 10}]undecane‐2‐ene motif, andhraxylocarpins C and D ( 3 and 4 ), which contain a (Z)‐bicyclo[5.2.1]dec‐3‐en‐8‐one substructure, and andhraxylocarpin E ( 5 ), which contains a tricyclo[3.3.1.1^{3, 6}]decane‐9‐one scaffold, were isolated from the seeds of two true mangroves, Xylocarpus granatum and Xylocarpus moluccensis, that were collected in the estuaries of Andhra Pradesh, India. The absolute configurations of these compounds were determined by extensive NMR investigations, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and by circular dichroism and optical rotatory dispersion spectroscopy, in combination with quantum‐chemical calculations. The pronounced structural diversity of limonoids from these mangroves might originate from environmental factors.     

Studies on the constituents of edible and medicinal plants. III. Effects of seven limonoids on the sleeping time induced in mice by anesthetics.

Effects of seven limonoids, obakunone (1), 7 alpha-obakunol (2), 7 beta-obakunol (3), limonin (4), 7 alpha-limonol (5), 7 beta-limonol (6) and nomilin (7), on the sleeping time induced in mice by anesthetics were assayed. All the limonoids, except for 2, shortened the sleeping time induced by alpha-chloralose and urethane. 7 gave the highest reduction rate of sleeping time, and the order of the reduction rate of sleeping time was as follows; 7 > 1 and 3 > 4, 5 and 6. As the chemical structures of these compounds are similar to each other, the relationship between the structure and the effects of limonoids on sleeping time was discussed.     

Three New Limonoids from the Leaves of Cipadessa cinerascens

Three new limonoids, cipadesins G–I ( 1 – 3 ), together with four known ones, were isolated from the leaves of Cipadessa cinerascens. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data.     

Limonoids from the aerial parts of Munronia pinnata

Six new limonoids, munropins A?F (1–6), were isolated from the aerial parts of a Chinese medicinal plant, Munronia pinnata (Meliaceae). The structures of 1–6 were assigned by detailed analyses of their spectroscopic data. Munropins A (1) and B (2) are limonoids possessing a prieurianin skeleton with α,β-unsaturated γ-lactam moieties at C-17. Munropins C (3), D (4), and E (5) are also prieurianin type limonoids with an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone moiety, an acetyl group, and an acetoxyacetyl group at C-17, respectively. Munropin F (6) was assigned as a nimbolinin type limonoid with a γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone moiety.     

Xyloccensin X and Y, two new limonoids from xylocarpus molluccensis: NMR investigation in mixture

Two new limonoids, xyloccensin X (1) and xyloccensin Y (2), have been identified in mixture using NMR spectroscopy. Both limonoids were isolated in mixture from the fruit of the plant Xylocarpus molluccensis. The structures of these were proposed after extensive 2D NMR analyses in mixture.     

Two New Nimbolinin‐Type Limonoids from the Fruits of Melia toosendan

Two new nimbolinin‐type limonoids, 12‐ethoxynimbolinins E and F ( 1 and 2 , resp.), together with seven known analogues, 1α‐benzoyloxy‐3α‐acetoxyl‐7α‐hydroxy‐12β‐ethoxynimbolinin ( 3 ), nimbolinin B ( 4 ), meliatoosenin L ( 5 ), 14,15‐deoxy‐11‐oxohavanensin 3,12‐diacetate ( 6 ), 12α‐hydroxymeliatoosenin ( 7 ), toosendansin A ( 8 ), and toosendansin C ( 9 ), were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five tumor cell lines.     

Walsucochinoids A and B: new rearranged limonoids from Walsura cochinchinensis

Walsucochinoids A (1) and B (2), two rearranged limonoids possessing an unprecedented carbon framework, were isolated from Walsura cochinchinensis. Their configurations were assigned as 1S, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R, 7S, 8R, 9R, and 10R on the basis of a detailed examination of spectroscopic data, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and CD experiments.