Multiflorane Triterpene Esters from the Seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii

Two new multiflorane triterpene esters, (3α,7β)‐3,7,29‐trihydroxymultiflor‐8‐ene‐3,29‐diyl dibenzoate ( 2 ) and (3α)‐3,29‐dihydroxy‐7‐oxomultiflor‐8‐ene‐3,29‐diyl dibenzoate ( 3 ) have been isolated from the CHCl₃ extract of the seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii, together with two known compounds, (3α,5α,22E)‐24‐ethylcholesta‐7,22,25(27)‐trien‐3‐ol and darutigenol. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR experiments, and by means of an X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 2 . A preliminary cytotoxicity assay showed that 2 and 3 are basically inactive against the K562 cell line.     

Three New Triterpenoids from Lycopodium japonicum Thunb

Three new triterpenoids, (3β,8β,14α,21α)‐26,27‐dinoronocerane‐3,8,14,21‐tetrol ( 1 ), (3β,8β,14α,21β)‐26,27‐dinoronocerane‐3,8,14,21‐tetrol ( 2 ), and lycopodiin A ( 3 ), together with four known compounds, lycoclavanol ( 4 ), lycoclaninol ( 5 ), α‐onocerin ( 6 ), and 3‐epilycoclavanol ( 7 ), were isolated from Lycopodium japonicum Thunb (Lycopodiaceae). Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 3 and 7 showed moderate antitumor activity. Compounds 4 and 6 exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity.     

Two New Spirostanol Saponins from Reineckia carnea

Two new spirostanol saponins, (1β,3β,5β,25S)‐spirostan‐1,3‐diol 1‐(β‐D ‐xylopyranoside) ( 1 ) and (1β,3β,5β,25S)‐spirostan‐1,3‐diol 1‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐fucopyranoside] ( 2 ), along with two known compounds, (1β,3β,5β,25S)‐spirostan‐1,3‐diol 1‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐xylopyranoside] ( 3 ) and (1β,3β,4β,5β,25S)‐spirostan‐1,3,4,5‐tetrol 5‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranoside) ( 4 ) were isolated from the whole plant of Reineckia carnea. The structures of the new steroids were determined by detailed analysis of their 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectra and chemical methods, and by comparison with spectral data of known compounds. Compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from the genus Reineckia for the first time.     

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 ).     

Triumfettosterol Id and Triumfettosaponin,a New (Fatty Acyl)‐Substituted Steroid and a Triterpenoid ‘Dimer’ Bis(β‐D‐glucopyranosyl) Ester from the Leaves of Wild Triumfetta cordifolia A. Rich. (Tiliaceae)

Two new triterpenoid derivatives were isolated from the leaves of wild Triumfetta cordifolia A. Rich . and identified to be a (fatty acyl)‐substituted steroid 1 and a triterpenoid saponin ‘dimer’ 2 , named (3β)‐stigmasta‐5,22‐diene‐3,29‐diol 3‐propanoate 29‐triacontanoate and (2α,3β,19α)‐2,3,19‐trimethoxyurs‐12‐ene‐24,28‐dioic acid 24‐[(2α,3β)‐24,28‐bis(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐2‐hydroxy‐24,28‐dioxours‐12‐en‐3‐yl] ester, respectively. These compounds were obtained together with a mixture of known sterols (stigmasterol/β‐sitosterol=(3β,22E)‐stigmasta‐5,22‐dien‐3‐ol/(3β)‐stigmast‐5‐en‐3‐ol) and trans‐tiliroside ( 3 ). The structures 1 and 2 were determined on the basis of NMR data (¹H‐, ¹³C‐, and 2D‐NMR analyses) and mass spectrometry and confirmed by chemical transformations. The antimicrobial activities of trans‐tiliroside ( 3 ) against eight bacterial and two fungal strains were evaluated. This compound showed weak activities on some bacterial strains.     

Vinmajorines C – E,Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Vinca major

Three new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, vinmajorines C–E ( 1 – 3 ), along with 18 known analogues ( 4 – 21 ), were isolated from the whole plants of Vinca major. The new structures were elucidated as (5α,15β,16R,17α,19β,20α,21β)‐10,17‐dimethoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐19‐ol ( 1 ), (5α,15β,16R,17α,20α,21β)‐10‐methoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐17‐ol ( 2 ), and (5α,15β,16R,17α,20α,21β)‐10‐methoxy‐21‐methyl‐18‐oxa‐5,16‐cycloyohimban‐17‐yl acetate ( 3 ), respectively, by extensive NMR and MS analysis and comparison with known compounds. Compounds 1 – 3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines, compounds 1 and 3 showing moderate cytotoxic activities.     

Sterols from the Stems of Momordica charantia

A new sterol, 5α,6α‐epoxy‐3β‐hydroxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8,22‐dien‐7‐one ( 1 ), together with eight known sterols, 5α,6α‐epoxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8,22‐diene‐3β,7α‐diol ( 2 ), 5α,6α‐epoxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8,22‐diene‐3β,7β‐diol ( 3 ), 5α,6α‐epoxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐8(14),22‐diene‐3β,7α‐diol ( 4 ), 3β‐hydroxy‐(22E,24R)‐ergosta‐5,8,22‐trien‐7‐one ( 5 ), ergosterol peroxide ( 6 ), clerosterol ( 7 ), decortinol ( 8 ), and decortinone ( 9 ), were isolated from the stems of Momordica charantia. Their structures were elucidated by mean of extensive spectroscopic methods, including ¹H, ¹³C, 2D‐NMR and HR‐EI‐MS, as well as comparison with the literature data. Compounds 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 , and 91 were not cytotoxic against the SK‐Hep 1 cell line.     

Dioxopiperazine Alkaloids Produced by the Marine Mangrove Derived Endophytic Fungus Eurotium rubrum

Cultivation of the fungal strain Eurotium rubrum, an endophytic fungus that was isolated from the inner tissue of stems of the mangrove plant Hibiscus tiliaceus, resulted in the isolation of two new dioxopiperazine derivatives, namely, dehydrovariecolorin L ( 1 ) and dehydroechinulin ( 2 ), together with eight known dioxopiperazine compounds including variecolorin L ( 3 ), echinulin ( 4 ), isoechinulin A ( 5 ), dihydroxyisoechinulin A ( 6 ), preechinulin ( 7 ), neoechinulin A ( 8 ), neoechinulin E ( 9 ), and cryptoechinuline D ( 10 ). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data as well as by comparison with literature. Compounds 1, 2, 9 , and 10 were investigated for their α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity. In addition, the new compounds, 1 and 2 , were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the P‐388, HL‐60, and A549 cell lines.     

Four New Pregnane Steroids from Aglaia abbreviata and Their Cytotoxic Activities

Four new pregnane steroids, aglaiasterols A–D ( 1 – 4 ), have been isolated from the EtOH extract of stems of Aglaia abbreviata. They were identified as (3α,5α,17Z)‐3‐hydroxypregn‐17‐en‐16‐one ( 1 ), (3β,5α,17E)‐3‐hydroxypregn‐17‐en‐16‐one ( 2 ), (3β,5α,17Z)‐3‐hydroxypregn‐17‐en‐16‐one ( 3 ), and (3α,5α,20S*)‐3‐hydroxy‐16‐oxopregnan‐20‐yl acetate ( 4 ) on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. Compounds 1 – 4 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against K562 (human leukemia), MCF‐7 (human breast cancer), and KB (human oral epithelium cancer) cells, and drug‐resistant cells of K562/A02, MCF‐7/ADM, and KB/VCR. These isolates showed weak to moderate inhibitory effects on the growth of the tested cell lines.     

Additional Minor Phytoecdysteroids of Serratula wolffii

Three new and one known ecdysteroids were identified in the MeOH extract of the roots of Serratula wolffii. The new compounds isolated were (11α)‐11‐hydroxyshidasterone ( 1 ), (2β,3α,5β,14β,22R)‐2,3,20,22,25‐pentahydroxycholest‐7‐en‐6‐one ( 2 ), and (2β,3α,5β,22R)‐2,3,20,22,25‐pentahydroxycholest‐7‐en‐6‐one ( 3 ), together with the known ponasterone A ( 4 ). This latter compound was now better characterized than earlier. The structures of compounds 1 – 4 were established by extensive spectroscopic techniques, including one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR methods.     

Chemical Constituents of the Flowers of Azadirachta indica

Studies on the chemical constituents of the flowers of Azadirachta indica have led to the isolation of two new flavanones, flowerine (=5‐hydroxy‐7,4′‐dimethoxy‐8‐(3‐methylbut‐2‐enyl)flavan‐4‐one; 1 ) and flowerone (=5,7,8,4′‐tetrahydroxy‐3′‐(3‐methylbut‐3‐enyl)flavan‐4‐one; 2 ), and two new triterpenoids, O‐methylazadironolide (=7α‐(acetoxy)‐23ξ‐methoxy‐21,23‐epoxy‐24,25,26,27‐tetranorapotirucalla‐1,14,20(22)‐trien‐3,21‐dione; 3 ) and diepoxyazadirol (=(20S,23S,24R)‐7‐α‐(acetoxy)‐25‐hydroxy‐21,24 : 23,24‐diepoxyapotirucalla‐1,14‐dien‐3‐one; 4 ) along with the known triterpenoid trichilenone acetate (=7α‐(acetoxy)‐14,15 : 21,23‐diepoxy‐24,25,26,27‐tetranorapotirucalla‐1,20,22‐trien‐3‐one; 5 ), two known flavanones, nimbaflavone (=5,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methoxy‐8,3′‐bis(3‐methylbut‐2‐enyl)‐flavan‐4‐one; 6 ) and 3′‐prenylnaringenin (=5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′‐(3‐methylbut‐2‐enyl) flavan‐4‐one; 7 ), and 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)phenol ( 8 ). Their structures have been elucidated through spectral studies, including 2D‐NMR experiments, and chemical transformation. Compounds 5, 7 and 8 are heretofore unreported from any part of tree, while 6 has been isolated earlier from leaves.     

Two New Steroidal Saponins from the Fresh Leaves of Agave sisalana

A new furostanol saponin, sisalasaponin C ( 1 ), and a new spirostanol saponin, sisalasaponin D ( 2 ), were isolated from the fresh leaves of Agave sisalana, along with three other known steroidal saponins and two stilbenes. Their structures were identified as (3β,5α,6α,22α,25R)‐3,26‐bis[(β‐D ‐glucopyrano‐ syl)oxy]‐22‐hydroxyfurostan‐6‐yl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 1 ), (3β,5α,25R)‐12‐oxospirostan‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L ‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐[β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside ( 2 ), (3β,5α,6α,22α,25R)‐22‐methoxyfurostane‐3,6,26‐triyl tris‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside, cantalasaponin‐1, polianthoside D, (E)‐ and (Z)‐2,3,4′,5‐tetrahydroxystilbene 2‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosides. The last three known compounds were isolated from the fresh leaves of Agavaceae for the first time. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, and chemical techniques.     

Guaiane Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from the Fruits of Torilis japonica and Their Cytotoxic Activity

Two new guaiane sesquiterpenoids, 11‐(acetyloxy)‐1,8‐dihydroxyguai‐4‐en‐3‐one ( 5 ) and (1α,6β)‐1,6‐dihydroxytorilin ( 6 ), were isolated from the fruits of Torilis japonica (Umbelliferae), along with four known sesquiterpenes, torilin ( 1 ), torilolone ( 2 ), (1β)‐1‐hydroxytorilin ( 3 ), and (1α)‐1‐hydroxytorilin ( 4 ). During the phytochemical investigation, daucosterol, friedelin, and epifriedelanol were also isolated from the plant for the first time. The structures of the new sesquiterpenoids 5 and 6 were determined by comprehensive analyses of MS and NMR spectroscopic data. These isolates were evaluated against human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Compounds 1, 3 , and 4 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the LLC cells with IC₅₀ values of 31.3, 32.5, and 34.0 μg/ml, respectively. However, no significant cytotoxicity was found against the MCF‐7 cells for any of the compounds tested.     

Terpenoids from the Roots of Ligularia muliensis

Three new eremophilane‐type sesquiterpenes, (6β,8α)‐6‐(acetyloxy)‐8‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8‐olide ( 1 ), (6α,8α)‐6‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8‐olide ( 2 ), and (6α,8α)‐6‐(acetyloxy)eremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8‐olide ( 3 ) ((8α)‐eremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8‐olide = (4aR,5S,8aR,9aS)‐4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a‐octahydro‐3,4a,5‐trimethylnaphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐2(4H)‐one), besides the recently elucidated eremoligularin ( 4 ) and bieremoligularolide ( 5 ), as well as a new highly oxygenated monoterpene, rel‐(1R,2R,3R,4S,5S)‐p‐menthane‐1,2,3,5‐tetrol ( 12 ), together with six known constituents, i.e., the sesquiterpenes 6 and 7 , the norsesquiterpenes 8 – 10 , and the monoterpene 13 , were isolated from the roots of Ligularia muliensis. In addition, an attempt to dimerize 1 to a bieremophilenolide (Scheme) resulted in the generation of the new derivative (6β,8β)‐6‐(acetyloxy)‐8‐chloroeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8‐olide ( 11 ). The new structures were established by means of detailed spectroscopic analysis (IR, FAB‐, EI‐, or HR‐ESI‐MS as well as 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments). Compounds 4 and 5 were evaluated for their antitumor effects in vitro (Table 3).     

Two New Polyhydroxylated Steroids from the Hainan Soft Coral Sinularia sp.

Two new polyhydroxylated steroids, (2β,3β,4α,5α,8β,11β)‐4‐methylergost‐24(28)‐ene‐2,3,8,11‐tetrol‐( 1 ) and (3β,5α,6β)‐ergosta‐22,24(28)‐diene‐3,5,6,19‐tetrol ( 3 ), together with the six known related steroids 2 and 4 – 8 , were isolated from the Hainan soft coral Sinularia sp. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with previously reported data. The structure of the known compound 9 (hyrtiosterol) was revised as 2 by extensive analysis of the ROESY data and by the NOE difference experiment.     

Cyclobutanoid Amides from Piper arborescens

Two new cyclobutanoid amides, piperarborenine A (=1,1′‐{[(1α,2α,3β,4β)‐2,4‐bis(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)cyclobutane‐1,3‐diyl]dicarbonyl}bis[5,6‐dihydropyridin‐2(1H)‐one]; 1 ) and piperarborenine B (=1,1′‐{[(1α,2α,3β,4β)‐2‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐4‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)cyclobutane‐1,3‐diyl]dicarbonyl}bis[5,6‐dihydropyridin‐2(1H)‐one]; 2 ) were isolated from the stem of Piper arborescens, besides two known cyclobutanoid amides, piperarboresine (=1,1′‐{[(1α,2α,3β,4β)‐2‐(7‐methoxy‐1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐yl)‐4‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)cyclobutane‐1,3‐diyl]dicarbonyl}bis[5,6‐dihydropyridin‐2(1H)‐one]; 3 ) and piplartine‐dimer A (=1,1′‐{[(1α,2α,3β,4β)‐2,4‐bis(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)cyclobutane‐1,3‐diyl]dicarbonyl}bis[5,6‐dihydropyridin‐2(1H)‐one]; 4 ). The structures of the two new compounds were determined by spectral analyses.     

Sesquiterpenoids and Lactone Derivatives from Ligularia dentata

Seven new compounds were isolated from the roots of Ligularia dentata, including five bisabolane‐type sesquiterpenoids (bisabolane=1‐(1,5‐dimethylhexyl)‐4‐methylcyclohexane), namely (8β,10α)‐8‐(angeloyloxy)‐5,10‐epoxybisabola‐1,3,5,7(14)‐tetraene‐2,4,11‐triol ( 1 ), (8β,10α)‐8‐(angeloyloxy)‐5,10‐epoxythiazolo[5,4‐a]bisabola‐1,3,5,7(14)‐tetraene‐4,11‐diol ( 2 ), (1α,2α,3β,5α,6β)‐1,5,8‐tris(angeloyloxy)‐10,11‐epoxy‐2,3‐dihydroxybisabol‐7(14)‐en‐4‐one ( 3 ), (1α,2α,3β,5α,6β)‐2,5,8‐tris(angeloyloxy)‐10,11‐epoxy‐1,3‐dihydroxybisabol‐7(14)‐en‐4‐one ( 4 ), and (1α,2β,3β,5α,6β)‐1,8‐bis(angeloyloxy)‐2,3‐epoxy‐5,10‐dihydroxy‐11‐methoxybisabol‐7(14)‐en‐4‐one ( 5 ) (angeloyloxy=[(2Z)‐2‐methyl‐1‐oxobut‐2‐enyl]oxy), and two lactone derivatives, (2α,3β,5α)‐2‐(acetyloxy)‐9‐methoxy‐5‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐2,3‐dimethylheptano‐5‐lactone ( 6 ), and (2β,4β)‐2‐ethyl‐5‐hydroxy‐5‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐4,5‐dimethylpentano‐4‐lactone ( 7 ) (α/β denote relative configurations), together with (2E,4R,5S)‐2‐ethylidene‐5‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐4‐methylhexano‐5‐lactone ( 8 ), a known synthetic compound. Compound 2 is the first sesquiterpenoid derivative containing the uncommon benzothiazole moiety. The structures of 1 – 8 were established by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D‐NMR and MS analyses.     

Two New Sesquiterpenes from the Fungus Stereum sp.

Two new sesquiterpenes, stereumin F ( 1 ) and stereumin G ( 2 ), together with two known compounds (3β,5α,22E,24R)‐5,8‐epidioxyergosta‐6,22‐dien‐3‐ol ( 3 ) and 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)phenol ( 4 ), were isolated from the AcOEt extract of the culture broth and the MeOH extract of the mycelium of the fungal strain Stereum sp. CCTCC AF 207024. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analyses.     

Three Unusual New Sesquiterpenes from Alpinia oxyphylla

Two new norcadinene sesquiterpenes oxyphyllones C and D ( 1 and 2 , resp.), and one new 1,10‐secoguaiane sesquiterpene, (+)‐mandassidion ( 3 ), together with two known compounds, oxyphyllenodiol B ( 4 ) and (1R,2R)‐p‐menth‐3‐ene‐1,2‐diol ( 5 ), were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 2D‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1, 2 , and 3 exhibited no cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines.     

Four New Diterpenoids from Ballota limbata

Six diterpenoids ( 1 – 6 ) belonging to the clerodane and tetracyclic diterpene types were isolated from the CHCl₃ extract of Ballota limbata. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 4 – 6 (named ballatenolide A and limbatenolides A–C, resp.) were established by their spectral data, and their relative configuration was determined by 2D NMR. Compounds 2 and 3 were identified as known clerodanes. Compound 1 had a unique feature, i.e., an α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactone moiety at C(4)/C(6), whereas limbatenolides A–C ( 4 – 6 ) belonged to the rare class of tetracyclic diterpenoids, which are known to occur only in the genus Ballota. All of the isolated compounds showed inhibitory potential in a cholinesterase‐inhibition assay.