Antioxidant secondary metabolites from Geranium lasiopus Boiss. & Heldr

Chromatographic studies on the EtOAc soluble portion of the MeOH extract of Geranium lasiopus led to the isolation of eight flavonoids (kaempferol (1), quercetin (2), quercetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-β-galactopyranoside (4), kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?6)-β-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?6)-β-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?2)-β-glucopyranoside (7) and quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?2)-β-glucopyranoside (8)), two simple phenolic compounds (gallic acid (9) and its methyl ester (10)) and a hydrolysable tannin (pusilagin (11)). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by 1- and 2-dimensional NMR techniques ((1)H, (13)C, COSY, HMBC, HMQC) and ESI-TOF-MS spectrometry. Inhibitory effects on H(2)O(2)-induced lipid peroxidation in human red blood cells of the different extracts of G. lasiopus, as well as isolated compounds, were investigated. All tested compounds showed comparable or higher activity than that of ascorbic acid and trolox.     

Study on the phenolic constituents of the flowers and leaves of Trifolium repens L

The flowers and leaves of Trifolium repens L. (Fabaceae) were subjected to phytochemical investigation in order to identify their major chemical constituents and to evaluate in?vitro antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds against DPPH˙. A total of 12 flavonoids, pterocarpan and methyl caffeate were isolated, then characterised by UV, MS, NMR spectroscopy and identified as quercetin and kaempferol 3-O-(6″-α-rhamnopyranosyl-2″-β-xylopyranosyl)-β-galactopyranosides (1, 2), kaempferol 3-O-(2″,6″-α-dirhamnopyranosyl)-β-galactopyranoside, mauritianin (3), quercetin and kaempferol 3-O-(2″-β-xylopyranosyl)-β-galactopyranosides (4, 5), kaempferol and quercetin 3-O-β-(6″-O-acetyl)-galactopyranosides (6, 7), trifolin (8), hyperoside (9), myricetin 3-O-β-galactopyranoside (10), quercetin (11), ononin (12), medicarpin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (13) and methyl caffeate (14). Mauritianin, ononin, pterocarpan and methyl caffeate have been reported in this plant for the first time. The compounds 4, 7, 9, 10, and 11 were tested for their antioxidant effect against DPPH˙. All studied compounds were found to have potent activity, but the most effective in the test were compounds 9, 10 and 11 (EC(50) values in the range 7.51-9.52?μM).     

Activity-guided isolation and identification of free radical-scavenging components from various leaf extracts of Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz

Nine phenolics were obtained from the leaves of Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz by activity-directed isolation: isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), astragalin (2), isoquercitrin (3), hyperoside (4), kaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (5), quercetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (6), rutin (7), chlorogenic acid (8) and neochlorogenic acid (9). The isolates were identified by spectral methods (UV, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR, COSY, HMQC and HMBC), and their free radical-scavenging activity was tested using the l,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The antioxidant potential of the different extracts obtained in the fractionation process was evaluated using the DPPH test in relation to the HPLC contents of the isolates 1-9, total phenolics and total proanthocyanidins. Among the analytes tested, superior activity was expressed by isoquercitrin (3, EC(50)?= 2.76 mg L(-1)) and the ethyl acetate extract (EC(50)?= 2.99 mg L(-1)). Five strongly active isolates 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were found to be major components and to be principally responsible for the radical-scavenging activity of S. aria extracts.     

Identification of the antioxidant principles of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula using TEAC assay

Activity-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of the Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula led to the identification of quercetin (1), quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-galactopyranoside (3), kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-glucopyranoside (4), rutin (5) and allantoin (6) as the active constituents from the butanol fraction. Compounds 2-4 are reported for the first time from this natural source. Structures of the compounds were confirmed on the basis of their 1D and 2D NMR coupled with other spectroscopic methods. All the isolated compounds and the fractions were evaluated for their antioxidant potential using the TEAC assays and it was found that the activity of the active fraction was due to quercetin (1) and its glycosides (2 and 5), with TEAC values of 4.10, 1.91 and 2.38 mM, respectively, while the kaempferol glycosides were found to be inactive. This is the first study on the antioxidant activity of this plant species.     

Structural determination of two new triterpenoid saponins acylated with monoterpenic acid from Gymnocladus chinensis Baill

Two new triterpenoid saponins acylated with monoterpenic acid, 2β,23-dihydroxy-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-21-O-{(6S)-2-trans-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-[3-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-4-O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-β-L-arabinopyranosyl]-2,7-octadienoyl)-acacic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1?→?3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1?→?4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?→?3)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester and 2β,23-dihydroxy-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-21-O-{(6S)-2-trans-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-[4-O-((6S)-2-trans-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(β-L-arabinopyranosyl)-2,7-octadienoyl)]-β-L-arabinopyranosyl]-2,7-octadienoyl}-acacic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1?→?3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1?→?4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?→?3)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?→?6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester were isolated from the fruit of Gymnocladus chinensis Baill. and the structural elucidation of both the compounds was accomplished by extensive studies of their spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR, TOF-MS, QFT-MS) and chemical methods.     

Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory, molluscicidal and free-radical scavenging activities of the leaves of Ficus radicans 'Variegata' (Moraceae)

The methanol crude extract of the leaves of Ficus radicans Roxb. 'Variegata' (Moraceae) and the n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol fractions resulting from its fractionation were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, molluscicidal and free-radical scavenging activities. The crude extract and fractions exhibited significant inhibition of inflammation in both croton oil (CO)-induced ear oedema in mice (p<0.001) and carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema models (p<0.01). The molluscicidal assay against Biomphalaria glabrata showed a weak activity for the n-hexane fraction (DL(50)=?400 μg mL(-1)). A moderated 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity was observed for the ethyl acetate fraction (IC(50)=?66.2 μg mL(-1)). Fractionation of the extracts through chromatographic methods afforded the coumarins 7-methoxycoumarin, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin and methoxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin, the steroids β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside, as well as a cinnamic acid derivative and a flavonoid identified as trans-4-methoxy-2-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy cinnamic acid and quercetin 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1?→?2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, respectively. The compounds were identified on the basis of their NMR spectral data and comparison with those previously reported in the literature.     

A new flavonol glycoside from the seeds of Nigella glandulifera

A new flavonol glycoside, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1?→?6)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1?→?2)-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)]-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with a known compound, kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1?→?2)-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1?→?2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) was isolated from the seeds of Nigella glandulifera. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis, including ESI-MS, ESI-MS/MS, HR-ESI-MS, DQF-COSY, TOCSY, HSQC and HMBC techniques.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of extracts from Apocyni Veneti Folium

An expeditious and effective HPLC-UV method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of seven major flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium (AVF) extract. The chemical profile of seven flavonoids, including quercetin-3-O-β-D-glc(2?→?1)-β-D-glucoside, rutin, isoquercetin, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucoside, quercetin and kaempferol was acquired by HPLC-UV. The analysis was performed on a Diamosil C18 analytical column with a gradient solvent system of acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous acetic acid. Full validation of the method was carried out (linearity, reproducibility, repeatability, accuracy and limit of detection). The results indicated that the contents of investigated flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium varied significantly from habitat to habitat, with contents ranging from 0.01 to 5.57 mg g?1. The antioxidant activity results demonstrate that the seven flavonoids showed great efficiency in scavenging DPPH radicals. The high content of flavonoid components of AVF could be responsible for its high antioxidant activity. This study provides powerful evidence for the relationship between the chemical ingredients of and bioactivity in AVF.     

Chemical fingerprint analysis of phenolics of Albizia chinensis based on ultra-performance LC-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and antioxidant activity

Albizia species have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. However, efficient analytical methods for identification of their active constituents are still lacking. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used to study the phenolic composition of the ethanolic extracts of different parts (flowers, leaves, pods and bark) of A. chinensis. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging methods. Four compounds were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the flowers and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy as quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside. Separation and quantification of the phenolics was accomplished using a reversed-phase BEH C18 column with the mobile phase of methanol-water (0.05% formic acid), and detection wavelengths of 360 and 254 nm.     

Chemical constituents and antibacterial activity of Melastoma malabathricum L

The aqueous methanolic extracts of Melastoma malabathricum L. exhibited antibacterial activity when assayed against seven microorganisms by the agar diffusion method. Solvent fractionation afforded active chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions from the leaves and the flowers, respectively. A phytochemical study resulted in the identification of ursolic acid (1), 2α-hydroxyursolic acid (2), asiatic acid (3), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) and the glycolipid glycerol 1,2-dilinolenyl-3-O-β-D-galactopyanoside (5) from the chloroform fraction. Kaempferol (6), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (9), kaempferol 3-O-(2″,6″-di-O-E-p-coumaryl)-β-D-galactopyranoside (10), quercetin (11) and ellagic acid (12) were found in the ethyl acetate fraction. The structures of these compounds were determined by chemical and spectral analyses. Compounds 1-4, the flavonols (6 and 11) and ellagic acid (12) were found to be active against some of the tested microorganisms, while the kaempferol 3-O-glycosides (7-9) did not show any activity, indicating the role of the free 3-OH for antibacterial activity. Addition of p-coumaryl groups results in mild activity for 10 against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Compounds 2-5, 7 and 9-12 are reported for the first time from M. malabathricum. Compound 10 is rare, being reported only once before from a plant, without assignment of the double bond geometry in the p-coumaryl moiety.     

Profiling of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of dry extracts from the selected Sorbus species

The antioxidant efficiency of dry extracts from inflorescences and/or leaves of seven Sorbus species was studied using four in vitro tests of SET (single electron transfer) and HAT-type (hydrogen atom transfer) mechanisms. The 70% methanol extracts and its diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions were tested in parallel with the phenolic standards, e.g., caffeic acid, quercetin, BHA, BHT, and Trolox. The SET-type activity of the extracts depended primarily on the extraction solvent. The most valuable extracts were n-butanol and ethyl acetate ones, which activity was high in the DPPH (EC(50) = 3.2-5.2 μg/mL), TEAC (2.8-4.0 mmol Trolox/g), and FRAP (9.8-13.7 mmol Fe2+/g) tests, and strongly correlated with the total phenolic levels (39.6-58.2% of gallic acid equivalents). The HPLC-PDA analysis of the extracts led to the identification of chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, quercetin 3-O-sophoroside, and sexangularetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside as the main components. Apart from flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, proanthocyanidins have also a significant impact on the SET-type activity. The HAT-reactivity of the extracts in the linoleic acid peroxidation test (IC(50) = 36.9-228.3 μg/mL) depended more strongly on the plant tissue than on the extraction solvent, and its correlation with the phenolic content was weak. Both SET and HAT-type activity of the most potent Sorbus extracts was comparable with the activity of the standards, indicating their great potential as effective sources for health products.     

Two antifungal active triterpenoid saponins from the seeds of Lathyrus plants

Two novel triterpenoid glycosides have been isolated from butanolic seeds extract of two varieties of Lathyrus plants, i.e. Lathyrus ratan and Lathyrus aphaca. Their structures were elucidated as 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1?→?4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1?→?2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-olean-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid (1) and 3-O-{β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glcopyranosyl-(1?→?4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?→?2)]-β-D-xylopyranosyl}-2,16α-dihydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl urs-12-en-28-oic acid (2) on the basis of spectral evidences, i.e. FTIR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, ESI-MS and FAB-MS data. The isolated saponins were tested for their antifungal activity. Compound 1 showed maximum inhibition against Colletotrichum dematium (77.8%), whereas compound 2 showed maximum inhibition against Alternaria alternata (53.9%).     

Molluscicidal Saponins from Talinum tenuissimum DINTER

Two new saponins, β-D -glucopyranosyl 3-O[O-βD -xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-(β-D -glucopyranosyluronic acid)]oleanolate ( 1 ) and 3-O-[O-β-D -xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid)]oleanolic acid ( 2 ), have been isolated from the tubers of Talinum tenuissimum. The structures have been established mainly by ¹³C-NMR and FAB-MS. The monodesmosidic saponin 2 exhibits very strong molluscicidal activity against the schistosomiasis-transmitting snail Biomphalaria glabrata.     

Two new 3-oxo-α-ionol glucosides from Urtica laetevirens Maxim

Two new 3-oxo-α-ionol glucoside isomers, (6R,9R)-3-oxo-α-ionol-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1?→?2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and (6S,9R)-3-oxo-α-ionol-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1?→?2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Urtica laetevirens Maxim. Their structures, including stereochemistry, were established by spectral analyses (HR-ESI-MS, NMR and CD). Also, 3-oxo-α-ionol glucosides were isolated from Urtica species for the first time.     

Chemical constituents of Asplenium ruta-muraria L

A phytochemical study of Asplenium ruta-muraria L. (Aspleniaceae) led to the isolation of a new caffeic acid glycoside, 2-O-caffeoyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2?→?1)-α-D-glucopyranoside and an (α, β)-isomeric pair of 2E-caffeoyl-D-glucopyranoside, together with kaempferol-3-O-β-D-[6-E-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?→?2)glucopyranoside]-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-caffeoyl glycoside, sucrose, diploptene and β-sitosterol. Their structures were established by means of MS and capillary NMR techniques. Additionally, aromatase inhibitory activity of the extracts and phenolic compounds was evaluated.     

Inhibitory effects of constituents from Euphorbia lunulata on differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells

A new flavonol galactopyranoside, myricetin 3-O-(2',3'-digalloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoide (1), and 23 known constituents, including myricetin 3-O-(2'-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoide (2), myricitrin (3), myricetin (4), quercetin 3-O-(2', 3'-digalloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoide (5), quercetin 3-O-(2'-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoide (6), hyperin (7), isoquercetrin (8), quercetin (9), kaempferol (10), apigenin (11), luteolin (12), 3-O-methylquercetin (13), 5,7,2',5'-tetrahydroxyflavone (14), 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (15), 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (16), 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (17), gallic acid (18), protocatechuic acid (19), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (20), 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone (21), 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid (22), ellagic acid (23) and esculetin (24) were isolated from Euphorbia lunulata Bge. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis. Isolated hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, and flavonol galactopyranoside gallates showed significant inhibition of the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and triglyceride accumulation in maturing adipocytes, and nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells.     

Assessment of the content of phenolics and antioxidant action of inflorescences and leaves of selected species from the genus Sorbus sensu stricto

In order to find new sources of natural antioxidants, the antioxidant potential of 70% methanolic extracts from the inflorescences and leaves of 16 species from the genus Sorbus s.s. was evaluated using two complementary in vitro test systems: the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging assay and the AAPH [2,2￠-azobis-(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride]-induced linoleic acid (LA) peroxidation test. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts towards the DPPH radical were in the range of 0.25-0.86 millimolar Trolox? equivalents/g dry weight. They were significantly correlated (r=-0.8089, p<0.001) with the results of the LA-peroxidation test, indicating the Sorbus extracts to be universal antioxidants. Significant linear correlations were also found between the different antioxidant potentials and total phenolic contents as estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and further verified by serial determinations of proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid isomers and flavonoids (?rêin the range of 0.71-0.95, p<0.001). Cluster analysis of the data matrix identified the ten samples (inflorescences of S. aucuparia, S. pohuashanensis, S. decora, S. koehneana, S. commixta, S. gracilis, and S. sitchensis, and the leaves of S. wilfordii, S. pogonopetala, and S. gracilis) exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic levels and therefore the greatest potential as effective sources for natural health products.     

Antioxidant flavonol glycosides from Elaeocarpus serratus and Filicium decipiens

Chemical investigation of the leaves of Elaeocarpus serratus yielded myricitrin (1), mearnsetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), mearnsitrin (3), tamarixetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4) and the fruits of Filicium decipiens yielded three flavonol glycosides, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (5), kaempferol 3-O-robinobioside (6) and trifolin (7). Compound 1 showed strong antioxidant activity against DPPH.     

Antioxidant galloylated flavonol glycosides from Calliandra haematocephala

Three new acylated quercetin rhamnosides have been isolated from the leaves and stem of Calliandra haematocephala Hassk. (Fabaceae) and their structures were established as quercitrin 2'-O-caffeate (1), quercitrin 3'-O-gallate (2) and quercitrin 2',3'-di-O-gallate (3). Also, 17 known compounds were identified as gallic acid (4), methyl gallate (5), caffeic acid (6), myricitrin (7), quercitrin (8), myricetin 3-O-beta-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (9), afzelin (10), isoquercitrin (11), myricetin 3-O-(6'-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (12), myricitrin 2'-O-gallate (13), quercitrin 2'-O-gallate (14), afzelin 2'-O-gallate (15), myricitrin 3'-O-gallate (16), afzelin 3'-O-gallate (17), 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-4C1-glucopyranose (18), myricitrin 2',3'-di-O-gallate (19), quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (20), for the first time from the genus Calliandra except for 6. Compounds 7, 8, 13, 14, 16 and 19 exhibited moderate to strong radical scavenging properties on lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion generation and DPPH radical in comparison with that of quercetin as a positive control in vitro. Compounds 7 and 8 exhibited lethal effect towards brine shrimp Artemia salina.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Ilex mamillata C.Y. Wu ex C.J. Tseng

Two new triterpenoid saponins, ilemaminosides A and B (1 and 2) along with six known saponins (3-8) were isolated from 70% ethanolic extract of the leaves of Ilex mamillata C.Y. Wu ex C.J. Tseng. The new saponins were characterised as 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-ilexgenin B (1) and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?→?3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-ilexgenin B (2). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of the chemical and spectroscopic methods, and the structures of known compounds were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. The compounds showed inhibitory activities in anti-inflammatory assay in?vitro with IC(50) values in the range 25.37-38.33?μg?mL(-1).