Triterpene Saponins from <i>Pleurospermum kamtschaticum</i> and Their Biological Activity

Eleven new triterpene saponins (1-11), together with fourteen known triterpene and triterpene saponins (12-25) were isolated from a MeOH extract of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum HOFFMANN (Umbelliferae). The chemical structures of the new compounds (1-11) were determined by means of MS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, correlated spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), total correlated spectroscopy (TOCSY) and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) to be pleurosaponin A (1)-K (11). The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, HCT15) in vitro using the sulforhodamine B bioassay (SRB) assay. All compounds showed little cytotoxicity against tested cell lines (IC50 >30?μM).     

Three New Resin Glycosides and a New Tetrahydropyran Derivative from the Seeds of <i>Quamoclit pennata</i>

Three new resin glycosides, quamoclins V (1), VI (2), and VII (3) and a new tetrahydropyran derivative, quamopyran (4), were isolated from the seeds of Quamoclit pennata BOJER (Convolvulaceae). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined primarily on the basis of spectroscopic data. The carboxyl group of the aglycone, 11S-convolvulinolic acid, of 1 and 2 was linked intermoleculary with a hydroxy group of the sugar moiety to form a macrocyclic ester structure, as in already known jalapins, and 3 was an acylated glycosidic acid methyl ester. All of the sugar moieties of 1-3 were acylated by one 2S-methylbutyric acid. Compound 4 was a diketone having a tetrahydropyran ring.     

A New Sphingolipid and Furanocoumarins with Antimicrobial Activity from <i>Ficus exasperata</i>

From the methanol extract of the stem bark of Ficus exasperata, a new sphingolipid named Ficusamide, (2S,3S,4R,11E)-2-[(2',3'-dihydroxyhexacosanoylamino)]-11-octadecene-1,3,4-triol (1), along with three known furanocoumarins, (S)-(－) oxypeucedanin hydrate (2), (R)-(+) oxypeucedanin hydrate (3), bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) and six other known compounds, were isolated. Their structures were characterized basing on spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. Compounds (1-3) were analyzed for their antimicrobial activity. Ficusamide (1) showed wick activity (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)=312.5?μg/mL) against Escherichia coli, while the furanocoumarins (2) and (3) showed significant activity (MIC=9.76?μg/mL) against Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans and Microsporum audouinii.     

Cytotoxic Terpenes from the Stems of <i>Dipterocarpus obtusifolius</i> Collected in Cambodia

From the stems of Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, five new triterpenes, 3-oxo-20-hydroxy-30α-methyl,17(29)α-epoxy-28-norlupane (1), 3-oxo-20-hydroxy-30β-methyl-17(29)α-epoxy-28-norlupane (2), 3,20-dioxo-28,29-norlupan-17α-ol (3), 27-demethyl-20(S)-dammar-23-ene-20-ol-3,25-dione (4), and 3-epi-cecropic acid (5) together with 13 known compounds including diterpene, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes were isolated and characterized. All isolates were tested for their cytotoxicities against a small panel of human cancer cell lines. Of the tested compounds, compounds 4-11 were found to be cytotoxic against one or more human cancer cell lines.     

Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Activities of Diaryl Urea Derivatives Bearing <i>N</i>-Acylhydrazone Moiety

A new series of diaryl urea derivatives bearing N-acylhydrazone moiety were designed and synthesized. All the target compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities in vitro against human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and human leukemia cell line (HL-60) by standard 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Several compounds (1a, 1f and 1h) were further evaluated against human embryonic fibroblast, lung-derived cell line (WI38). The pharmacological results indicated that some compounds exhibited promising anticancer activities. In particular, compound 1f showed the most potent cytotoxicity against the tested three cell lines with IC50 values of 0.41?μM, 0.24?μM and 0.23?μM, respectively.     

Alkylphenols from the Roots of <i>Ardisia brevicaulis</i> Induce G1 Arrest and Apoptosis through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Human Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Cells

From the roots of Ardisia brevicaulis DIELS, two new alkylphenol derivatives, named ardisiphenol E (2) and F (3), have been isolated together with a known alkylphenol, ardisiphenol D (1). The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited strong cytotoxicities on two human non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines (H1299 and A549). We found that compounds 1 and 2 upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers including C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), binding immunoglobulin protein (Bip) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) indicating 1 and 2 are novel natural ER stress inducers. Treatments with 1 and 5?μM of 1 or 2 triggered G1 arrest in H1299 and A549 cells with concomitant downregulation of ubiquitin fusion degradation protein 1 (Ufd1) and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) proteins and the accumulation of p27, the key axes of ER stress-mediated G1 arrest. Compounds 1 and 2 also induced apoptosis at high concentrations (10, 20?μM) which was shown to be coupled with the upregulation of CHOP and Bim, the activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These results indicate that compounds 1 and 2 induce ER stress that subsequently causes G1 arrest and apoptosis in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells and they may have potential anticancer effects.     

Synthesis of Novel Tetrahydro-1<i>H</i>-pyrazolo[4,3-<i>c</i>]pyridines <i>via</i> Intramolecular Nitrilimine Cycloaddition

The preparation of novel tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines is reported. Pivotal to the synthesis of these compounds was the development of mild reaction conditions to generate a highly functionalized nitrilimine capable of undergoing an intramolecular cycloaddition with a tethered alkyne. The desired cycloadduct was formed as an equal mixture of diastereomers.     

β‐Carboline alkaloids from the stems of Picrasma quassioides

Five new β‐carboline alkaloids, 6,12‐dimethoxy‐3‐(2‐hydroxylethyl)‐β‐carboline (1), 3,10‐dihydroxy‐β‐carboline (2), 6,12‐dimethoxy‐3‐(1‐hydroxylethyl)‐β‐carboline (3), 6,12‐dimethoxy‐3‐(1,2‐dihydroxylethyl)‐β‐carboline (4), and 6‐methoxy‐3‐(2‐hydroxyl‐1‐ethoxylethyl)‐β‐carboline (5), and two new natural products, 6‐methoxy‐12‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycarbonyl‐β‐carboline (6) and 3‐hydroxy‐β‐carboline (7) were isolated from the stems of Picrasma quassioides along with 16 known β‐carboline alkaloids (8–23). The structures of new compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the 1D and 2D NMR data of compounds 6, 7 and 10 were reported for the first time. The bioassays showed that only compounds 14 and 16 could enhance the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadiocytes accompanied by secretion of adiponectin proteins among these 23 compounds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carboxylic Acids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllanthus urinaria</Emphasis>

Five compounds, terephthalic acid mono-[2-(4-carboxy-phenoxycarbonyl)-vinyl] ester (1), (E)-3-(5′-hydroperoxy-2,2′-dihydroxy[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-2-propenoic acid (2), 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (3), succinic acid (or butanedioic acid) (4), and 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxybenzoic acid (5), were isolated from Phyllanthus urinaria. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of spectral techniques including IR, MS, and 1D/2D NMR. 1 and 2 are new compounds.__________Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 1, pp. 14–17, January–February, 2005.     

A new triterpenoid acid from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Schisandra henryi</Emphasis>

A new lanostane triterpenoid acid, nigranoic acid 3-ethyl ester (1), together with two known lanostane triterpenoid acids, isoschizandronic acid (2) and anwuweizic acid (3), was isolated from the stems of Schisandra henryi Clarke. The new compound was identified based on extensive spectroscopic studies including HR-ESI-MS and 2D NMR spectra, and the known compounds were identified by their spectroscopic data analysis and comparison with reports in the literature. Compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from the plant for the first time.     

Two New, 1‐Oxygenated ent‐Kaurane‐Type Diterpenes from Croton kongensis

One new ent‐8,9‐secokaurane diterpene, kongensin D ( 1 ), and one new ent‐kaurane diterpene, kongensin E ( 2 ), along with one known compound, (7α)‐7,18‐dihydroxy‐ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐15‐one 18‐acetate ( 3 ), were isolated from the aerial parts of Croton kongensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by means of HR‐MS and in‐depth NMR experiments, and by comparison with literature data. Compounds 1 and 2 showed an unusual oxygenation pattern with an OH or AcO group at C(1).     

A New 18(13 → 12β)‐abeo‐Lanostadiene Triterpenoid from Ganoderma fornicatum

A new triterpenoid, fornicatin C (= (3β)‐3‐hydroxy‐18(13 → 12β)‐abeo‐lanosta‐13(17),24‐dien‐18‐oic acid; 1 ), was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma fornicatum, together with the known compounds fornicatin A ( 2 ) and fornicatin B ( 3 ), among other constituents. The structure of 1 was elucidated by means of spectroscopic techniques, and those of 2 and 3 were identified by comparing their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the New Heterocycle 5‐(4‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐on‐5′‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazole and Some Ionic Nitrogen‐Rich Derivatives

A new heterocycle consisting of a tetrazole ring attached to an amino‐triazolone ring, namely 5‐(4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐on‐5′‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazole ( 3 ) as well as its ammonium ( 2 ), hydroxylammonium ( 3 ), and sodium salt ( 4 ), is introduced. Its ammonium salt ( 2 ) is formed starting from tetrazole‐5‐carboxamide oxime ( 1 ), which is reacted with diaminourea (carbonyldihydrazide) in aqueous media. All compounds 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal behavior was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, and the sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were determined. Furthermore, several detonation parameters were calculated with the program EXPLO5 to determine the potential use of these compounds as highly energetic materials.     

Caragisides A – C,New Isoflavone Glucosides from Caragana conferta with Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation

Caragisides A–C ( 1 – 3 , resp.), three new isoflavone glucosides, were isolated from the BuOH sub‐fraction of the EtOH extract of the whole plant of Caragana conferta, along with ononoside ( 4 ), reported for the first time from this species. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including MS and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1 – 3 showed significant inhibition of platelet aggregation.     

Facile Synthesis and Structural Characterization by NMR,ESI–MS/MS and DFT Calculations of New (E)‐6‐[2‐Ferrocenylalkylidenehydrazino]nicotinic Hydrazides and Their (E)‐Ferrocenyl‐pyrazolyl‐pyridine Heterocyclic System

This paper reports a facile and convenient access by a conventional thermal procedure in ethanol as solvent to a new examples of (E)‐6‐[2‐ferrocenylalkylidenehydrazino]nicotinic hydrazides ( 3 ) (53–72%) from the quimioselective reactions of 6‐hydrazinonicotinc hydrazide ( 1 ) with acylferrocenes ( 2 ), where acyl = formyl and acetyl. Subsequently, cyclocondensation reactions of ferrocenylalkylidene hydrazones ( 3 ) with 4‐R¹‐4‐alkoxy‐1,1,1‐trifluoroalk‐3‐en‐2‐ones ( 4 ), where R¹ = Me, Ph, 2‐Furyl, to obtain new six heterocyclic derivatives as (E)‐pyrazolyl‐pyridinohydrazones ( 5 ) (58–63%), are also presented. The structures of these new heterocyclic compounds 5 containing an organometallic unit were characterized and studied by NMR, ESI–MS/MS techniques. DFT calculations were also employed to assign the E configuration for compounds 3 and 5 .     

Three New, 1‐Oxygenated ent‐8,9‐Secokaurane Diterpenes from Croton kongensis

Three new ent‐8,9‐secokaurane diterpenes, kongensins A–C ( 1 – 3 ), were isolated from the aerial parts of Croton kongensis, together with two known compounds, rabdoumbrosanin ( 4 ) and (7α,14β)‐7,14‐dihydroxy‐ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐15‐one ( 5 ). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by HR‐MS as well as in‐depth 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses. Compounds 1 – 3 showed an unusual oxygenation pattern, with an AcO or OH group at C(1), in combination with a Δ⁸⁽¹⁴⁾ unsaturation ( 1 ) or an 8,14‐epoxide function ( 2, 3 ).     

Structure of a new xanthone from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Securidaca inappendiculata</Emphasis>

A new xanthone (1, 1,7-dihydroxy-2-methoxyxanthone), in addition to the known metabolites 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone (2), 24(R)-stigmast-7,22 (E)-dien-3α-ol (3), and 1,7-dimethoxyxanthone (4), was isolated from the roots of Securidaca inappendiculata. Compounds 1–4 were evaluated by anti-HIV assay and 1–3 showed anti-HIV-1inhibitory activity in vitro. Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 3, pp. 348–349, July–August, 2008.     

Coordination‐Driven Self‐Assembly and Anticancer Potency Studies of Ruthenium–Cobalt‐Based Heterometallic Rectangles

Three new cobalt–ruthenium heterometallic molecular rectangles, 1 – 3 , were synthesized through the coordination‐driven self‐assembly of a new cobalt sandwich donor, (η⁵‐Cp)Co[C₄‐trans‐Ph₂(4‐Py)₂] (L ; Cp: cyclopentyl; Py: pyridine), and one of three dinuclear precursors, [(p‐cymene)₂Ru₂(OO∩OO)₂Cl₂] [OO∩OO: oxalato ( A₁ ), 5,8‐dioxido‐1,4‐naphthoquinone ( A₂ ), or 6,11‐dioxido‐5,12‐naphthacenedione ( A₃ )]. All of the self‐assembled architectures were isolated in very good yield (92–94 %) and were fully characterized by spectroscopic analysis; the molecular structures of 2 and 3 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The anticancer activities of bimetallic rectangles 1 – 3 were evaluated with a 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, an autophagy assay, and Western blotting. Rectangles 1 – 3 showed higher cytotoxicity than doxorubicin in AGS human gastric carcinoma cells. In addition, the autophagic activities and apoptotic cell death ratios were increased in AGS cells by treatment with 1 – 3 ; the rectangles induced autophagosome formation by promoting LC3‐I to LC3‐II conversion and apoptotic cell death by increasing caspase‐3/7 activity. Our results suggest that rectangles 1 – 3 induce gastric cancer cell death by modulating autophagy and apoptosis and that they have potential use as agents for the treatment of human gastric cancer.     

Highly Conjugated Ergostane‐Type Steroids and Aranotin‐Type Diketopiperazines from the Fungus Aspergillus terreus BCC 4651

Two new ergostane derivatives, 12β,15α,25,26‐tetrahydroxyergosta‐4,6,8(14),22‐tetraen‐3‐one ( 1 ) and 12β,15α,25,28‐tetrahydroxyergosta‐4,6,8(14),22‐tetraen‐3‐one ( 2 ), and a new aranotin‐type diketopiperazine, bisdethiobis(methylsulfanyl)apoaranotin ( 3 ), were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus BCC 4651. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopic and MS analyses.