New Triterpenoid Fatty Acid Esters from the Small Twigs of Viburnum Odoratissimum

α‐Amyrin margarate ( 1 ), moretenyl margarate ( 2 ) and moretenyl palmitate ( 3 ), three triterpenoid fatty acid esters, have been isolated from the acetone extract of the small twigs of Viburnum odoratissimum in addition to the three known compounds, α‐amyrin palmitate ( 4 ), ursolic acid ( 7 ) and vibsanin‐K ( 8 ). The structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis and alkaline hydrolysis. Preliminary pharmacological studies revealed that vibsanin‐K and ursolic acid exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human gastric (NUGC) and oral epidermoid (HONE‐1) tumor cells at a concentration of 50 μg/mL while compounds 1–3 were inactive.     

Total Synthesis of Three New Dihydrostilbenes from Bulbophllum odoratissimum

Natural stilbenoids are presently well known by their various kinds of bioactivity, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory and platelet antiaggregation1. In our previous studies of naturally-occurring cytotoxic agents present in traditional Chinese medicine…     

Insecticidal and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of chemical constituents from Viburnum fordiae Hance

The ethanolic extract of the stems of Viburnum fordiae Hance showed insecticidal and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and then was fractionated by bioactivity-guided fractionation to obtain a rare C₁₃-norisoprenoid (1), together with a new phenolic glycoside (2), and seven known compounds, alangionoside C (3), pisumionoside (4), koaburaside (5), 3,5-dimethoxy-benzyl alcohol 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), arbutin (8), and salidroside (9). The previously undescribed compounds were elucidated as (3R,9R)-3-hydroxy-7,8-didehydro-β-ionyl 9-O-α-d-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and 2-(4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl)syringylpropane-1,3-diol (2) by spectroscopic data (¹H and ¹³C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, ¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC-TOCSY, HRESIMS, IR and ORD) and chemical methods. Compound 1 showed potent insecticidal effect against Mythimna separata with LD₅₀ value of 140 μg g^?1. Compounds 2, 5, 6, 8 and 9 showed varying α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 148.2 to 230.9 μM.     

Chemical constituents and biological activities of Viburnum macrocephalum f. keteleeri

Three new compounds (1–3) and seven known compounds (4–10) have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of Viburnum macrocephalum f. keteleeri using bioactivity-guided fractionation and identified as methyl (2-α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)acetate (1), methyl (2R-3-α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)glycerate (2), methyl (3R-4-α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy-3-hydroxy)butanoate (3), bridelionoside B (4), (6S,7E,9R)-roseoside (5), linarionoside A (6), 3,7,11-trimethyl-1,6-dodecadien-3,10,11-triol (7), (+)-8-hydroxylinalool (8), β-sitosterol (9) and daucosterol (10). The structures of 1–3, including absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic data (¹H and ¹³C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and ORD) and chemical methods. In addition, compounds 1–8 were assayed for their insecticidal and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 7 and 8 exhibited moderately insecticidal effects against Mythimna separata with LD₅₀ values of 180 and 230 μg g^?1, respectively. Compounds 2, 3, 7 and 8 showed varying antimicrobial activities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 125 to 529 μM.     

Iridoids from Viburnum cylindricum

Two new iridoids, methyl (+)‐rel‐(1R,3S,4R,5R,8R,9R)‐1,3,4,5,8,9‐hexahydro‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐2H‐1a,2‐dioxacyclopent[cd]indene‐4‐carboxylate ( 1 ) and methyl (+)‐rel‐(1R,3S,4S,5R,8R,9R)‐1,3,4,5,8,9‐hexahydro‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐2H‐1a,2‐dioxacyclopent[cd]indene‐4‐carboxylate ( 2 ), were isolated from Viburnum cylindricum along with 14 known compounds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses. This type of iridoids bearing a MeO group at C(3) was discovered for the first time.     

Seven New Phenolic Glucosides from Viburnum cylindricum

Seven new phenolic glucosides, 2′‐O‐acetylhenryoside ( 1 ), 2′,3′‐di‐O‐acetylhenryoside ( 2 ), 2′,6′‐di‐O‐acetylhenryoside ( 3 ), 2′,3′,6′‐tri‐O‐acetylhenryoside ( 4 ), 2′,3′,4′,6′‐tetra‐O‐acetylhenryoside ( 5 ), 2‐[(2,3‐di‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)oxy]‐6‐hydroxybenzoic acid ( 6 ), and 6‐hydroxy‐2‐[(2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)oxy]benzoic acid ( 7 ), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Viburnum cylindricum, along with 26 known compounds (henryoside=2‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐6‐hydroxybenzoic acid [2‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyloxy)phenyl]methyl ester). The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidences.     

New Antioxidant Phenolic Glucosides from Viburnum dilatatum

Chemical investigation of the fruits of Viburnum dilatatum Thunb. resulted in the isolation and characterization of four new phenolic glycosides, jiamiziosides A–D ( 1 – 4 ), together with five known compounds. Their structures were established by spectroscopic means and by comparison with the literature values. The antioxidant activities of the new isolates were determined against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (=2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)hydrazinyl; DPPH) and superoxide radicals. Among the compounds tested, jiamizioside C ( 3 ) possesses the most potent inhibitory scavenging effect on DPPH and superoxide radicals with IC₅₀ values of 16.8 and 17.8 μM , respectively.     

Cytotoxic terpenoids from Dasyscyphus niveus

Three novel tetracyclic terpenoids, of which two possess potent cytotoxic activities towards various mammalian cell lines, were isolated from extracts of the fermentation broth of the ascomycete Dasayscyphus niveus. The structures of the compounds, named dasyscyphins A-C, were determined with spectroscopic techniques.     

Neuroprotective Effect of Polyphenol Extracts from Terminalia chebula Retz. against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Current therapies for ischemic stroke are insufficient due to the lack of specific drugs. This study aimed to investigate the protective activity of polyphenol extracts from Terminalia chebula against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced damage. Polyphenols of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were extracted from T. chebula. BV2 microglial cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion were treated by TPE and TPB. Cell viability, cell morphology, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, enzyme activity and signaling pathway related to oxidative stress were observed. We found that TPE and TPB showed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. The protective effects of TPE and TPB on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury were demonstrated by enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated level of the nucleus transportation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and expressions of antioxidant proteins, with a simultaneous reduction in cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level. In conclusion, TPE and TPB exert neuroprotective effects by stimulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting apoptosis.     

Saffron: Chemical Composition and Neuroprotective Activity

Crocus sativus L. belongs to the Iridaceae family and it is commonly known as saffron. The different cultures together with the geoclimatic characteristics of the territory determine a different chemical composition that characterizes the final product. This is why a complete knowledge of this product is fundamental, from which more than 150 chemical compounds have been extracted from, but only about one third of them have been identified. The chemical composition of saffron has been studied in relation to its efficacy in coping with neurodegenerative retinal diseases. Accordingly, experimental results provide evidence of a strict correlation between chemical composition and neuroprotective capacity. We found that saffron’s ability to cope with retinal neurodegeneration is related to: (1) the presence of specific crocins and (2) the contribution of other saffron components. We summarize previous evidence and provide original data showing that results obtained both “in vivo” and “in vitro” lead to the same conclusion.     

Three New Glycosides from Viburnum plicatum Thunb. var. tomentosum Miq.

Three new glycosides, 7‐O‐tigloylsecologanol ( 1 ), 7‐O‐tigloylsecologanolic acid ( 2 ), and 3′‐O‐[(2S)‐2‐methylbutanoyl]henryoside ( 3 ), together with seven known ones, were isolated from the leaves of Viburnum plicatum Thunb . var. tomentosum Miq . Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical data.     

Six New Dammarane Triterpenoids from Viburnum cylindricum

One new dammarane triterpenoid, cylindrictone A ( 1 ), as well as five new nor‐dammarane triterpenoids cylindrictone B–F ( 2 – 6 ) were isolated from the leaves of Viburnum cylindrium, together with three known compounds 3β‐hydroxy‐hexanordammaran‐20‐one ( 7 ), 3α‐hydroxyoctanordammar‐12‐en‐17‐one ( 8 ), and neoalsogenin B ( 9 ). Their structures were identified by extensive NMR‐spectroscopic (especially 2D‐NMR) and mass‐spectrometric experiments, and the structure of 3 was further confirmed by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The compounds exhibited no activity against human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cell.     

Immunosuppressive terpenoids from Tripterygium wilfordii

Two new terpenes,triptobenzene P（1）and wilforone（2）were isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii,as well as 10 known terpenes.Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.Compounds 2-4,8,10,and 11 showed significant immunosuppressive activities.     

Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Enhancing Properties of Selective Equisetum Extracts

The sterile stems belonging to the Equisetum species are often used in traditional medicine of various nations, including Romanians. They are highly efficient in treating urinary tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract infections, and medical skin conditions due to their content of polyphenolic derivatives that have been isolated. In this regard, this study aimed to provide the chemical composition of the extracts obtained from the Equisetum species (E. pratense, E. sylvaticum, E. telmateia) and to investigate the biological action in vitro and in vivo. For the chemical characterization of the analyzed Equisetum species extracts, studies were performed by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-DAD). In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts obtained from these species of Equisetum genus was determined. The neuroprotective activity of these three ethanolic extracts from the Equisetum species using zebrafish tests was determined in vivo. All obtained results were statistically significant. The results indicate that E. sylvaticum extract has a significant antioxidant activity; whereas, E. pratense extract had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects significantly higher than the other two extracts used. All these determinations indicate promising results for the antioxidant in vitro tests and neuroprotective activity of in vivo tests, particularly mediated by their active principles.     

Neuroprotective activity of different monosaccharide-modified gastrodin analogs

Gastrodin is a very important and well-known bioactive glycoside compound in Chinese medicine. It is also known as a drug with neuroprotective function. Here, a practical diversified synthesis of a series of gastrodin analogs was reported, which involved four-step procedures consisting of bromination, oxidation, etherification, and reduction. Various gastrodin analogs were obtained in good yields. The compound 4c in this study has a good neuroprotective function: it can significantly downregulate tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein levels. The results of this study can provide a research basis for the development of neuroprotective drugs.     

Determination of terpenoids in wines by solid phase extraction and gas chromatography

A new method for determination of volatile terpenoids in wine is proposed. An off-line solid phase extraction—gas chromatographic method has been used for the determination. The influence of several extraction variables was studied, including the solid phase employed (C-18 versus divinylbenzene-based), eluting solvent (n-pentane, dichloromethane, ethanol and methanol), volume of eluting solvent (1-4 ml) and drying time (0-20 min). Complete recovery of volatile terpenoids from several kinds of wines was obtained under the optimized conditions.     

Terpenoids from the Stems of Drypetes congestiflora

Two new eremophilane‐type sesquiterpenoids, 1α‐hydroxyeremophila‐6,9,11‐trien‐8‐one ( 1 ), 4α‐hydroxyeremophila‐1,9‐diene‐3,8‐dione ( 2 ), and a new friedelane‐type triterpenoid, friedelane‐3α,16β‐diol ( 4 ), along with six known terpenoids, 3 and 5 – 9 , have been isolated from the stems of Drypetes congestiflora. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analyses and by comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature. All of the compounds, 1 – 9 , were isolated for the first time from this species. Compound 3 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against the A549 and B16F10 cell lines.     

Terpenoids from Eupatorium fortunei Turcz

Four new terpenoids, namely, rel‐(1R,2S,3R,4R,6S)‐p‐menthane‐1,2,3,6‐tetrol ( 1 ), rel‐(1R,2R,3R,4S,6S)‐p‐menthane‐1,2,3,6‐tetrol ( 2 ), 9‐hydroxythymol 3‐O‐angelate ( 3 ), and (3β,20R)‐20‐hydroxylanost‐25‐en‐3‐yl palmitate ( 4 ), together with fourteen known compounds, were isolated from the AcOEt part of the MeOH extracts of Eupatorium fortunei. In addition, two other monoterpenoids, ‘acetone thymol‐8,9‐diyl ketal’ ( 19 ) and 8‐methoxy‐9‐hydroxythymol 3‐O‐angelate ( 20 ) were also obtained which were probably artifacts but have never been reported in the literature. The structures of the new compounds, including their relative configurations, were established by an extensive study of their spectral data, especially 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR. The cytotoxic activity of the new compounds against human hepatoma (SMMC‐7721), human leukemia (HL‐60), and human hepatocyte (LO₂) cells was investigated.     

Mucuna pruriens Seed Aqueous Extract Improved Neuroprotective and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effects Compared with Synthetic L-Dopa

L-dopa, a dopaminergic agonist, is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, due to the long-term toxicity and adverse effects of using L-dopa as the first-line therapy for Parkinson’s disease, a search for alternative medications is an important current challenge. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has suggested the use of Mucuna pruriens Linn. (Fabaceae) as an anti-Parkinson’s agent. The present study aimed to quantify the amount of L-dopa in M. pruriens seed extract by HPLC analysis. The cytotoxicity and neuroprotective properties of M. pruriens aqueous extract were investigated by two in vitro models including the serum deprivation method and co-administration of hydrogen peroxide assay. The results showed the significant neuroprotective activities of M. pruriens seed extracts at a concentration of 10 ng/mL. In addition, the effects of L-dopa and M. pruriens seed extract on in vitro acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. M. pruriens seed extract demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, while synthetic L-dopa enhanced the activity of the enzyme. It can be concluded that the administration of M. pruriens seed might be effective in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. M. prurience seed extract containing L-dopa has shown less acetylcholinesterase activity stimulation compared with L-dopa, suggesting that the extract might have a superior benefit for use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.