New Compounds from the Roots and Stems of Trigonostemon lii and Their Cytotoxic Activities

A new carboline alkaloid, Trifiline D ( 1 ) and a new degraded diterpenoid, Trigoxyphin X ( 4 ) were isolated from the roots and stems of Trigonostemon lii. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. Compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against MCF‐7, A‐549, MGC‐803, and COLO‐205 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 27.4 to 35.4 μm .     

Pseudonocardides A – G,New γ‐Butyrolactones from Marine‐derived Pseudonocardia sp. YIM M13669

Seven new γ‐butyrolactones, named pseudonocardides A – G ( 1  –  7 ), were isolated from the marine‐derived actinomycete strain Pseudonocardia sp. YIM M13669. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 1a (4‐bromobenzoate derivative of 1 ). The antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis MC²155 and cytotoxicities of compounds 1  –  7 were evaluated in this study.     

Three New Dimeric Orcinol Glucosides from Curculigo orchioides

Three new phenolic glucosides named orcinosides A, B, and C ( 1, 2 , and 3 , resp.) were isolated in low yields (4.0×10⁻⁶, 11.5×10⁻⁶, 4.5×10⁻⁶%, resp.) from the rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses including FAB‐MS, HR‐ESI‐MS, IR, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR (HSQC, HMBC) data. Compounds 1 – 3 contained two orcinol‐glucoside moieties linked through a CH₂ group.     

Floccosic Acid,a New Triterpenic Acid from Nepeta floccosa

The isolation and structure elucidation of a new triterpenic acid named floccosic acid ( 1 ) is reported on the basis of the 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR assignments. This secondary metabolite was isolated as a new constituent, along with the known triterpenoids, betulinic acid and β‐amyrin. All these compounds were purified by repeated column chromatography of the MeOH extract of Nepeta floccosa. The structure elucidation of the new compound was accomplished by the combined mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy, one‐ (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐) and two‐dimensional (H? C correlations; HMBC and HSQC) NMR techniques. The known compounds were identified by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.     

Two New Withanolides from Physalis peruviana

Two new perulactone‐type withanolides, named perulactone C ( 1 ) and perulactone D ( 2 ), together with four known compounds, perulactone ( 3 ), perulactone B ( 4 ), blumenol A, and (+)‐(S)‐dehydrovomifoliol, were isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis peruviana. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, including HMBC, HSQC, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, and ROESY, as well as HR‐MS.     

Two New 3,4‐seco‐Cycloartane Triterpenes from Gardenia sootepensis

Two new 3,4‐seco‐cycloartane triterpenes, named sootepin F ( 1 ) and sootepin G ( 2 ), together with two known compounds, coronalolide methyl ester ( 3 ) and sootepin D ( 4 ), were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Gardenia sootepensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, including HMBC, HSQC, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, and ROESY, as well as HR‐MS.     

Two New Indole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana hystrix Steud. (Apocynaceae)

Two new monoterpene indole alkaloids named ibogamine‐7,8‐dione ( 1 ) and 12‐methoxyvoachalotine ( 2 ), and eight known ones, coronaridine ( 3 ), coronaridine hydroxyindolenine ( 4 ), 5‐oxocoronaridine ( 5 ), 3‐oxocoronaridine hydroxyindolenine ( 6 ), 3‐oxocoronaridine ( 7 ), vobasine ( 8 ), ibogamine ( 9 ), and olivacine ( 10 ), were isolated from a CH₂Cl₂ extract of the root bark from Tabernaemontana hystrix. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses, mainly ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, including 2D experiments (¹H,¹H‐COSY, HMBC, and HMQC).     

A New Dimeric Secoiridoid Glycoside from the Leaves of Olea ferruginea Royle

A new dimeric secoiridoid glycoside, trivially named oleferrugine B ( 1 ), has been isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble part of the MeOH extract of leaves of Olea ferruginea Royle . The structure of the isolated compound was established on the basis of ESI‐MS fragmentation patterns, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques, including ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, HSQC, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, HMBC, and NOESY experiments, and by comparison with literature data.     

Three New C19‐Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum forrestii

A further study of the alkaloid constituents of Aconitum forrestii led to the isolation of three new C₁₉‐diterpenoid alkaloids, named 14‐acetoxy‐8‐O‐methylsachaconitine ( 1 ), 14‐acetoxyscaconine ( 2 ), and 8‐O‐ethylcammaconine ( 3 ). Their structures were determined by UV, IR, and MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses.     

Baeckeins J and K,Two Novel C‐Methylated Biflavonoids from the Roots of Baeckea frutescens and Their Cytoprotective Activities

Baeckea frutescens is an aromatic shrub used as ornamentals and as food flavor spices in the southern part of P. R. China. Two novel C‐methylated biflavonoids named baeckeins J ( 1 ) and K ( 2 ) were isolated from the roots of B. frutescens, which possessed the unique carbon skeleton conjugated of a flavonol and one isoflavanonol molecule via the linkages of C(2)–C(8*) and C(3)–O–C(7*). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by analysis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS spectral data, and the absolute configuration for chiral C‐atoms C(2) and C(3) were assigned by CD spectrometry combined with quantum chemical calculations. In the bioassay, baeckeins J and K exhibited strong cytoprotective effects on H₂O₂‐induced oxidative cell death in PC12 cells.     

Phlomisamide and Phlomisteriod: A New Ceramide and a New Stigmasterol Derivative from Phlomis cashmeriana

Phlomisamide ( 1 ), a new ceramide, and a new stigmasterol derivative, phlomisteriod ( 2 ), have been isolated from Phlomis cashmeriana. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their 1D‐ (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR) and 2D‐NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC), and HR‐EI‐MS data.     

Myrothecoside,a Novel Glycosylated Polyketide from the Terrestrial Fungus Myrothecium sp. GS‐17

Based on the chemical analysis and targeted bioactivity screening, a new polyketide glycoside, myrothecoside, was isolated from a terrestrial halotolerant fungus, Myrothecium sp. GS‐17. The structure of myrothecoside was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR (¹H,¹H‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) experiments, combined with mass spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties. This compound exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human leukemia (HL‐60) cancer cell with an IG₅₀ value of 63.61 μm , and also antifungal activities against plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum using standard agar diffusion tests at 20 μg/disk.     

Five New C19‐Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum hemsleyanum

Five new C₁₉‐diterpenoid alkaloids, named hemsleyaconitines A–E ( 1 – 5 , resp.), were isolated from Aconitum hemsleyanum Pritz. By UV, IR, MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses, their structures were elucidated as 18‐dehydroxygeniculatine D ( 1 ), 6‐hydroxy‐14‐O‐veratroylneoline ( 2 ), 14‐O‐acetyl‐8‐ethoxysachaconitine ( 3 ), 18‐veratroylkaracoline ( 4 ) and 8‐O‐ethylaustroconitine B ( 5 ).     

A New Irregular Trihydroxy Sesquiterpene from Teucrium mascatense

A new trihydroxy sesquiterpene, rel‐(1R,4aR,5S,6S,7S,8aR)‐decahydro‐6,8a‐dimethyl‐5‐(propan‐2‐yl)naphthalene‐1,6,7‐triol ( 1 ), has been isolated as a result of the phytochemical investigation on the CH₂Cl₂ extract of Teucrium mascatense. The structure elucidation of the new constituent was carried out by the combined use of 1D‐ (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR) and 2D‐NMR (HMBC and HSQC) spectroscopic analysis, along with mass spectrometric techniques. In addition to the new constituent 1 , the known metabolite 2 , previously isolated from Crataegus pinnatifida, was also identified.     

Two New C20‐Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum carmichaelii

Two new C₂₀‐diterpenoid alkaloids, named aconicarchamines A and B ( 1 and 2 , resp.), were isolated from Aconitum carmichaelii. By UV, IR, MS, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses, their structures were elucidated as 14,17‐dihydro‐14,17‐dihydroxyajabicine and 15‐O‐acetyllassiocarpine. Compound 1 is the third C₂₀‐diterpenoid alkaloid with the lycoctine skeleton bearing an exocyclic C‐atom at C(14).     

Aloeverasides A and B: Two Bioactive C‐Glucosyl Chromones from Aloe vera Resin

Two new C‐glucosyl chromones named aloeverasides A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) were isolated from the resin of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f . The structures of the two new natural products were elucidated based on 1D‐ (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR) and 2D‐NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Aloeverasides A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) were evaluated for their anticancer activity, and both induced a 76.4 and 70.5% growth inhibition of the breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) at a concentration of 100 μm . Both compounds were also evaluated for their 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl antioxidant, urease enzyme, and α‐glucosidase enzyme inhibition activities. Aloeverasides A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) displayed good urease enzyme inhibition activities (62 and 55%, resp.), as well as antioxidant activity in which aloeveraside A ( 1 ) had a value of 60% inhibition, while aloeveraside B ( 2 ) demonstrated a more potent antioxidant activity with 80% inhibition.     

Three New Caged Prenylxanthones from Garcinia bracteata

Three new caged prenylxanthones (xanthone=9H‐xanthen‐9‐one), named neobractatin ( 1 ), 3‐O‐methylneobractatin ( 2 ), and 3‐O‐methylbractatin ( 3 ), along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the twig of Garcinia bracteata. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, including HMBC, HSQC, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, and ROESY, as well as HR‐MS analysis.     

Binuclear trans‐Bis(β‐iminoaryloxy)palladium(II) Complexes Doubly Linked with Pentamethylene Spacers: Structure‐Dependent Flapping Motion and Heterochiral Association Behavior of the Clothespin‐Shaped Molecules

The synthesis, structure, and solution‐state behavior of clothespin‐shaped binuclear trans‐bis(β‐iminoaryloxy)palladium(II) complexes doubly linked with pentamethylene spacers are described. Achiral syn and racemic anti isomers of complexes 1 – 3 were prepared by treating Pd(OAc)₂ with the corresponding N,N′‐bis(β‐hydroxyarylmethylene)‐1,5‐pentanediamine and then subjecting the mixture to chromatographic separation. Optically pure (100 % ee) complexes, (+)‐anti‐ 1 , (+)‐anti‐ 2 , and (+)‐anti‐ 3 , were obtained from the racemic mixture by employing a preparative HPLC system with a chiral column. The trans coordination and clothespin‐shaped structures with syn and anti conformations of these complexes have been unequivocally established by X‐ray diffraction studies. ¹H NMR analysis showed that (±)‐anti‐ 1 , (±)‐anti‐ 2 , syn‐ 2 , and (±)‐anti‐ 3 display a flapping motion by consecutive stacking association/dissociation between cofacial coordination planes in [D₈]toluene, whereas syn‐ 1 and syn‐ 3 are static under the same conditions. The activation parameters for the flapping motion (ΔH^≠ and ΔS^≠) were determined from variable‐temperature NMR analyses as 50.4 kJ mol^?1 and 60.1 J mol^?1 K^?1 for (±)‐anti‐ 1 , 31.0 kJ mol^?1 and ?22.7 J mol^?1 K^?1 for (±)‐anti‐ 2 , 29.6 kJ mol^?1 and ?57.7 J mol^?1 K^?1 for syn‐ 2 , and 35.0 kJ mol^?1 and 0.5 J mol^?1 K^?1 for (±)‐anti‐ 3 , respectively. The molecular structure and kinetic parameters demonstrate that all of the anti complexes flap with a twisting motion in [D₈]toluene, although (±)‐anti‐ 1 bearing dilated Z‐shaped blades moves more dynamically than I‐shaped (±)‐anti‐ 2 or the smaller (±)‐anti‐ 3 . Highly symmetrical syn‐ 2 displays a much more static flapping motion, that is, in a see‐saw‐like manner. In CDCl₃, (±)‐anti‐ 1 exhibits an extraordinary upfield shift of the ¹H NMR signals with increasing concentration, whereas solutions of (+)‐anti‐ 1 and the other syn/anti analogues 2 and 3 exhibit negligible or slight changes in the chemical shifts under the same conditions, which indicates that anti‐ 1 undergoes a specific heterochiral association in the solution state. Equilibrium constants for the dimerizations of (±)‐ and (+)‐anti‐ 1 in CDCl₃ at 293 K were estimated by curve‐fitting analysis of the ¹H NMR chemical shift dependences on concentration as 26 M ^?1 [K_D(racemic)] and 3.2 M ^?1 [K_D(homo)], respectively. The heterochiral association constant [K_D(hetero)] was estimated as 98 M ^?1, based on the relationship K_D(racemic)=1/2 K_D(homo)+1/4 K_D(hetero). An inward stacking motif of interpenetrative dimer association is postulated as the mechanistic rationale for this rare case of heterochiral association.     

A New Indole Alkaloid from Cleome droserifolia

The phytochemical investigations on Cleome droserifolia resulted in the isolation and characterization of a new indole alkaloid, 5‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxy‐1‐methyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehyde ( 1 ). The structure elucidation was carried out on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. In addition to 1 , two known aromatic derivatives, veratrol ( 2 ) and 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylacetophenone ( 3 ), were also obtained. All these compounds were purified by repeated column chromatography of the CH₂Cl₂ fraction obtained from MeOH extract of Cleome droserifolia. The structure of the new compound 1 was finally confirmed by the combined 1D (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐) and 2D (H? C correlations; HMBC and HSQC) NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and UV absorption spectroscopy techniques. The comparison of the physical and spectroscopic data with those in the literature provided evidence for the structure confirmation of known compounds. All the purified compounds were subjected to urease and α‐glucosidase enzymes inhibition. The results showed that compound 1 was more potent with an IC₅₀ value 11.97±2.067 μg/ml towards urease inhibition, while the activity of α‐glucosidase enzyme was marginal.     

New Diterpene Alkaloids from Aconitum sungpanense var. leucanthum

Five new C₁₉ diterpene alkaloids, leucanthumsines A ( 1 ), B ( 2 ), C ( 3 ), D ( 4 ), and E ( 5 ), were isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Aconitum sungpanense var. leucanthum, together with the known C₁₉ diterpene alkaloids pseudaconine, neoline, 1‐O‐methyldelphisine, crassicaudine, chasmanine, talatisamine, indaconitine, ezochansmanine, and leueantine D. The structures of these new alkaloids were elucidated by HR‐MS and advanced NMR methods, including ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR (DEPT), ¹H,¹H‐COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments.