Amarantholidols and amarantholidosides: new nerolidol derivatives from the weed Amaranthus retroflexus

Seven new sesquiterpenes, with nerolidol skeleton, have been isolated and characterized from the plant Amaranthus retroflexus, one of the major weeds of the world. The structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The compounds have been characterized by the presence of hydroxyl groups or a glucopyranosyl moiety in the molecules. The configurations have been determined using Mosher's method. The compounds have been tested for their phytotoxicity on the test species Lactuca sativa. The bioassays showed an inhibitory effect on seed germination for all of compounds at the lowest concentrations.     

Phyllostictines A-D, oxazatricycloalkenones produced by Phyllosticta cirsii, a potential mycoherbicide for Cirsium arvense biocontrol

Phyllosticta cirsii, a fungal pathogen isolated from Cirsium arvense and proposed as biocontrol agent of this noxious perennial weed, produces in liquid cultures different phytotoxic metabolites with potential herbicidal activity. Four new oxazatricycloalkenones, named phyllostictines A-D, were isolated and characterized using essentially spectroscopic and chemical methods. Tested by leaf-puncture assay on the fungal host plant phyllostictine A proved to be highly toxic. The phytotoxicity decreases when both the dimension and the conformational freedom of the macrocyclic ring change, as in phyllostictines B and D, and it is totally lost when also the functionalization of the same ring is modified, as in phyllostictine C. Beside its phytotoxic properties, phyllostictine A has no antifungal activity, an interesting antibiotic activity only against Gram+ bacteria, and a noticeable zootoxic activity when tested at high concentrations. The integrity of the oxazatricycloalkenone system appears to be an important feature to preserve these activities.     

Three new Lycopodium alkaloids from Huperzia carinata and Huperzia squarrosa

Eleven Lycopodium alkaloids with lycodine-type, lycopodine-type, and fawcettimine-related skeletons were isolated from the whole plants of Huperzia carinata (Desv. Ex. Poir.) Trevis and Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst) Trevis (Huperziaceae). Among them, 8,15-dihydrohuperzine A (2), lycocarinatine A (3), and lycoposerramine U N-oxide (11) are new compounds. The structures of these new alkaloids were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations. Some of these isolated alkaloids were assayed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity.     

New constituents from Mikania laevigata Shultz Bip. ex Baker

A new phenylpropanoid and two new diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of the plant Mikania laevigata Shultz Bip. ex Baker. The structures of these compounds were established by 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry data. Taraxerol, lupeol, coumarin, syringaldehyde, trans-melilotoside, cis-melilotoside, adenosine, patuletin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, methyl 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate, and 3,3′,5-trihydroxy-4′,6,7-trimethoxyflavone were isolated too. In addition, the compounds dihydrocoumarin, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, kaurenoic acid, beyerenoic acid, and lupeol acetate were identified by GC-MS.     

A xanthone and a polyketide derivative from the leaves of Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae)

A new xanthone, 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylxantone and a new polyketide derivative, (4R^∗,5S^∗,6E,8Z)-ethyl-4-((E)-but-1-enyl)-5-hydroxypentdeca-6,8-dienoate, together with 20 known secondary metabolites, including 2 steroids, 4 xanthones, 10 anthraquinones, 2 triterpenoids, 1 fatty ester, and (E)-eicos-14-enoic acid, were isolated from the leaves of Cassia obtusifolia. To the best of our knowledge, the last compound was isolated from a natural source for the first time. The structures of all the compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Some of the compounds were tested against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans ATCC 9002, and Candida tropicalis, they did not show any activity.     

Overlapping chemical and genetic diversity in Ligularia lamarum and Ligularia subspicata. Isolation of ten new eremophilanes and a new seco-bakkane compound

Root chemicals and DNA sequences were analyzed for Ligularialamarum samples collected in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces of China and the relationship between the plant and Ligulariasubspicata, its taxonomically closest species, was examined. Both species produce furanoeremophilanes and eremophilan-8-one derivatives as the major components. Eleven new compounds, including a new seco-bakkane compound, were isolated. The two species were found to harbor overlapping intra-specific diversities with respect to the chemicals and the DNA sequences.     

New premyrsinane-type diterpene polyesters from Euphorbia falcata

Four new premyrsinane-type diterpenes (1-4) were isolated from the methanol extract of the whole, undried plant of Euphorbia falcata. Their structures were determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMBC, HSQC and NOESY) techniques and mass spectral data as di-, tetra-, penta- and hexaesters of diterpene polyols, esterified with acetic, benzoic, propanoic, isobutanoic and n-hexanoic acids. One of the compounds contains a rare hemiacetal moiety. This type of diterpenes was previously detected only in four Euphorbia species (Euphorbia aleppica, Euphorbia decipiens, Euphorbia macroclada and Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. cupani).     

New pyridoacridine alkaloids from the purple morph of the ascidian Cystodytes dellechiajei

Two new pyridoacridine alkaloids, 13-didemethylaminocycloshermilamine D (1) and demethyldeoxyamphimedine (2), were isolated from the purple chromotype of the Western Mediterranean ascidian Cystodytes dellechiajei. This morph also contained the known shermilamine B (3), kuanoniamine D (4), N-deacetylshermilamine B (5), N-deacetylkuanoniamine D (6), styelsamines C (7), and D (8). The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. A hypothetic biosynthetic pathway from the tetracyclic styelsamine D (8) was proposed for both compounds 1 and 2 and their antimicrobial potential was evaluated.     

Cytosporones O, P and Q from an endophytic Cytospora sp.

Cytosporones O, P and Q, together with the known compounds cytosporones B, C, D, E and dothiorelones A, B, C, and H were isolated from the ascomycete fungus Cytospora sp. during a chemotaxonomic study of fungal endophytes belonging to the related genera Cytospora and Phomopsis from Brazil. The structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. With exception of cytosporones D, E, Q, and dothiorelone B, all compounds were consistently detected in the metabolite profiles of eight Cytospora isolates investigated; and were also produced by a distinct chemotype of Phomopsis.     

Crassiflorone, a new naphthoquinone from Diospyros crassiflora (Hien)

A new naphthoquinone, 11-hydroxy-1,9-dimethyl-6H-naphtho[2′,3′:4,5]furo[3,2-c]chromene-6,7,12-trione, named crassiflorone, was isolated from the stem bark of Diospyros crassiflora together with the known compounds plumbagin, cyclocanaliculatin, gerberinol, lupeol, lupenone and betulinic acid. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, as well as co-TLC with authentic samples. Some of the above compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts.     

Benzocoumarins from the rhizomes of Juncus acutus

Investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of Juncus acutus rhizomes revealed seven benzocoumarins, probably derived from oxidation of phenanthrenes already isolated from the plant. The structures were determined by means of spectroscopic methods. The anti-algal activity of the isolated compounds tested on the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata are reported here.     

Structural elucidation and bioactivity of novel secondary metabolites from Carex distachya

Four new carexanes and a new seco-derivative metabolite have been isolated and characterized from the herbaceous plant Carex distachya Desf. All of the structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. These compounds derive from the cyclization of prenylate stylbenoid precursors. The seco-carexane is formed by a further oxidative cleavage of the C-7-C-8 bond. The absolute configurations have been determined by Mosher's method using appropriate chemical correlations. All of the carexanes A-H have been tested for their phytotoxicity against Lactuca sativa. The bioassays showed an inhibitory effect on seed germination for all compounds described in this report.     

New C21 Δ pregnanes, inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain, from Indopacific octocoral Carijoa sp.

Two new compounds, pregnanes 1 and 2, the known pregnane 3 and a series of known chlorinated prostanoids (4-9) have been isolated from the Indian octocoral Carijoa sp. Their structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly by 1D and 2D NMR. The new compounds were potent inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.     

Trypanocidal labdane diterpenoids from the seeds of Aframomum aulacocarpos (Zingiberaceae)

Two novel labdane type diterpenoids, 8β(17)-epoxy-14,15,16-trihydroxylabd-12(E)-ene (aulacocarpin C) and 15,16-epoxy-14ξ,16ξ-dimethoxylabda-8(17),12-(E)-diene (aulacocarpin D) together with the known aulacocarpin A and B; 14,15-epoxy-8(17),12(E)-labdadien-16-al, coronarin E, and 15,16-epoxy-12β-hydroxy-labda-8(17)-13(16),14-triene were isolated from the seeds of Aframomum aulacocarpos. To the best of our knowledge, the last compound was isolated from a natural source for the first time. Acid hydrolysis of aulacocarpin D led to another new labdane type diterpenoid, 15,16-epoxy-12β-methoxylabda-8(17)-13(16),14-triene. The structures of all compounds were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data. These new compounds exhibit moderate trypanocidal activity.     

Cytosporins F–K,new epoxyquinols from the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis theae

Chemical investigation of an endophytic fungus, Pestalotiopsis theae, isolated from the leaves of Turraeanthus longipes (Meliaceae) collected in Cameroon, resulted in the isolation of six new epoxyquinols, cytosporins F–K (2–7), together with the known cytosporin D (1). The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously determined by analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS spectra. Cytosporins G–K (3–7) are the first cytosporins with a hydroxyl substituted C₇ side chain, while cytosporins F–I (2–5) contain a 13-acetoxyl group that was not reported previously. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for the cytosporin derivatives is proposed.     

Isolation and characterization of miscellaneous terpenoids of Schisandra chinensis

Two new bisnortriterpenoids with 18-norschiartane skeleton, wuweizidilactones G (1) and H (2), four new highly oxygenated nortriterpenoids based on a schisanartane skeleton, schindilactones D-G (3-6), a pre-schisanartane skeleton, pre-schisanartanin B (7), and a novel 3,4-seco-21,26-olide-artane triterpenoid wuweizilactone acid (8), along with 24 known terpenoids with different carbon frameworks, have been isolated from the acetone extract of the stems and leaves of Schisandra chinensis. The terpenoids produced by this plant have chemical diversity. The structures of new compounds 1-8 have been characterized by spectroscopic data interpretation. The cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity of all the Schisandra nortriterpenoids were evaluated.     

Hamigeromycins C-G, 14-membered macrolides from the fungus Hamigera avellanea BCC 17816

Five new 14-membered macrolides, hamigeromycins C-G, together with the previously described compounds, hamigeromycin A and 89-250904-F1 (radicicol analog A), were isolated from the fungus Hamigera avellanea BCC 17816. Hamigeromycins A, C, D, and E are stereoisomers differing from one another in the absolute configurations of the 4′,5′-diol moiety. Hamigeromycins F and G are unusual 5′-keto-analogs, and they are 6′-epimers to each other. The structures and the stereochemistry of the new compounds were deduced by analyses of the NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometry data in combination with chemical means.     

Applications of in vivo and in vitro solid-phase microextraction techniques in plant analysis: A review

As a very popular sample preparation technique, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with various analytical instrumentation, has been widely used for the determination of trace levels of different plant compounds, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the different plant organs, and environmental contaminants in plants. In this review, recent applications of in vitro and in vivo SPME in plant analysis are discussed and summarized according to the different organs of plants, including fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, roots and seeds, and the whole plant as well. Future developments and applications of SPME in plant analysis, especially in vivo sampling approaches, are also prospected.     

Carexanes from Carex distachya Desf.: revised stereochemistry and characterization of four novel polyhydroxylated prenylstilbenes

Carexanes are unusual secondary metabolites isolated from the herbaceous plant Carex distachya. Four new carexanes have been isolated and characterized from the methanolic leaf extract of the plant. All of the structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The stereochemistry of all the carexane metabolites isolated from the plant, as well as their ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic assignment, has been revised on the basis of X-ray analysis of carexane D, chemical correlations, and NOESY/ROESY experiments. All the data suggested a cis junction between B and C rings.     

Evaluation of vacuum microwave-assisted extraction technique for the extraction of antioxidants from plant samples

In the present work, vacuum microwave-assisted extraction (VMAE) was to perform microwave-assisted extraction in vacuum. Two well-known antioxidants, vitamin C from guava and green pepper, and vitamin E (α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) from soybean and tea leaves, which were easy to be oxidized, were chosen as representative target compounds for the evaluation of VMAE. The extraction yields of vitamin C, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol in VMAE and those in MAE performed in atmosphere (air-MAE) were compared and the effects of extraction time, extraction temperature and sample matrix were studied. Moreover, the effects of the oxygen and subpressure invacuo were also discussed via performed MAE in N₂ atmosphere (N₂-MAE). The extraction yields of vitamin C, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol in VMAE were higher than that in air-MAE, 35% increments of vitamin C from green pepper, 22% increments of α-tocopherol and 47% increments of γ-tocopherol from tea leaves were obtained, respectively. The comparable increased extraction yields of vitamin C, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol in N₂-MAE to that in air-MAE confirmed that oxygen in system was the crucial factor for the oxidation of vitamin C and vitamin E, VMAE was beneficial for the extraction of these oxygen-sensitive compounds. In addition, the subpressure invacuo in the VMAE system also showed positive affect on the extraction yields. On the basis of preventing oxidation and improving extraction efficiency of target compounds because of less oxygen and subpressure invacuo in the extraction system, VMAE has good potential for the extraction of oxygen-sensitive and thermosensitive compounds from plant samples.