Triterpenoids from the Stems of Momordica charantia

Two new cucurbitane triterpenes, (23E)‐7β‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23,25‐trien‐3β‐ol ( 1 ) and 23,25‐dihydroxy‐5β,19‐epoxycucurbit‐6‐ene‐3,24‐dione ( 2 ), and a new D : C‐friedooleanane triterpene, 3α‐[(E)‐feruloyloxy]‐D : C‐friedooleana‐7,9(11)‐dien‐29‐oic acid ( 3 ), together with two known D : C‐friedooleanane triterpenes, 3β‐[(E)‐feruloyloxy]‐D : C‐friedooleana‐7,9(11)‐dien‐29‐oic acid ( 4 ) and 3‐oxo‐D : C‐friedooleana‐7,9(11)‐dien‐29‐oic acid ( 5 ), were isolated from the stems of Momordica charantia. The structures of the new compounds 1 – 3 were determined by spectroscopic methods.     

Cucurbitane‐Type Triterpenoids from Momordica charantia

The six new cucurbitane‐type triterpenoids 1 – 6 , along with the ten known triterpenoids 7 – 16 , were isolated from the vines and leaves of Momordica charantia. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (3β,7β,15β,23E)‐3,7,15,25‐tetrahydroxycucurbita‐5,23‐dien‐19‐al ( 1 ), (3β,7β)‐3,7,22,23‐tetrahydroxycucurbita‐5,24‐dien‐19‐al ( 2 ), (3β,7β)‐3,7,23,24‐tetrahydroxycucurbita‐5,25‐dien‐19‐al ( 3 ), (3β,7β,23S)‐3,7,23‐trihydroxycucurbita‐5,24‐dien‐19‐al 7‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 4 ), (3β,7β,23E)‐cucurbita‐5,23‐diene‐3,7,19,25‐tetrol 7‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 5 ), and (3β,7β,23E)‐3,7‐dihydroxy‐25‐methoxy‐cucurbita‐5,23‐dien‐19‐al 3‐β‐D ‐allopyranoside ( 6 ), by extensive analyses of their spectral data, as well as by chemical methods.     

Verticillane and Norverticillane Diterpenoids from the Formosan Soft Coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata

Five new diterpenes, cespihypotins W–Z ( 1 – 4 , resp.) and cespihypotone ( 5 ) have been isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble fraction of the Formosan soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata. Two of them having the norverticillane skeleton, i.e., 1 and 2 , and the other three, 3 – 5 , possessing a verticillane skeleton. The structures were established as (+)‐(1βH,7E)‐6β,11β‐dihydroxynorverticilla‐4(18),7‐diene‐10,12‐dione ( 1 ), (+)‐(1βH,7E)‐6β‐acetoxy‐11β‐hydroxynorverticilla‐4(18),7‐diene‐10,12‐dione ( 2 ), (?)‐(1βH,7E)‐6β‐acetoxyverticilla‐4(18),7,11‐triene‐10,12‐γ‐lactone ( 3 ), (+)‐(1βH,7E)‐6β‐acetoxy‐10‐hydroxyverticilla‐4(18),7,11‐triene‐10,12‐γ‐lactone ( 4 ), and (+)‐(1βH,3Z)‐10β‐hydroxy‐6‐oxoverticilla‐3,11‐diene‐10,12‐γ‐lactone ( 5 ), respectively, on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analyses.     

Three New Sesquiterpenes from Laggera pterodonta

A new eremophilane sesquiterpene, (2β)‐2‐deoxo‐2‐methoxytessaric acid ( 1 ), and two new eudesmane sesquiterpenes, (3β,10α)‐3‐methoxyleudesma‐4,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid ( 2 ) and (3α,4β,8α)‐4‐(acetyloxy)‐3‐(2,3‐dihydroxy)‐2‐methyl‐1‐oxobutoxy‐8‐hydroxyeudesm‐7(11)‐eno‐12,8‐lactone ( 3 ), along with the ten known compounds 4 – 13 were isolated from the aerial parts of Laggera pterodonta. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 2D‐NMR data.     

New ent‐Pimarane Diterpenes from the Roots of Aralia dumetorum

Four new ent‐pimarane diterpenes were isolated from the EtOH extract of Aralia dumetorum, together with three known compounds involving ent‐pimar‐8(14),15‐dien‐19‐oic acid ( 5 ), ent‐pimar‐8(14),15‐dien‐19‐ol ( 6 ), and ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid ( 7 ). By detailed analyses of the MS, IR, and NMR data, the structures of four new diterpenes were characterized as (5β,9β,10α,13α)‐pimara‐6,8(14),15‐trien‐18‐oic acid ( 1 ), (5β,7β,9β,10α,13α)‐7‐methoxypimara‐8(14),15‐dien‐18‐oic acid ( 2 ), (5β,9β,10α,13α,14β)‐14‐methoxypimara‐7,15‐dien‐18‐oic acid ( 3 ), and (5β,10α,13α,14α)‐14‐hydroxypimara‐7,9(11),15‐trien‐18‐oic acid ( 4 ). The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1  –  7 were assayed in vitro through MTT method.     

Five New Sesquiterpenoids from Parasenecio petasitoides

From the whole plants of Parasenecio petasitoides, five new sesquiterpenoids were isolated, (E,E)‐3α,9β‐dihydroxy‐6βH,11βH‐13‐norgermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐11,6‐carbolactone ( 2 ), (E,E)‐2α,9β‐dihydroxy‐6βH,11βH‐13‐norgermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐11,6‐carbolactone ( 3 ), (E,E)‐2α,9β‐dihydroxy‐6βH,11αH‐13‐norgermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐11,6‐carbolactone ( 4 ), (E)‐15‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐6βH,11αH‐13‐norguaia‐3‐ene‐11,6‐carbolactone ( 7 ), and (E)‐11β,15‐dihydroxy‐2‐oxo‐6βH‐13‐norguaia‐3‐ene‐11,6‐carbolactone ( 8 ), together with three known compounds, deacetyl herbolide A ( 1 ), jacquilenin ( 5 ), and (E)‐15‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐6βH,11βH‐13‐norguaia‐3‐ene‐11,6‐carbolactone ( 6 ). The structures of these natural products were elucidated spectroscopically, especially by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques, in combination with high‐resolution mass spectroscopy.     

Five New Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from Ligularia przewalskii

Five new eremophilane‐type sesquiterpenes, 3β‐(acetyloxy)‐7‐hydroxynoreremophila‐6,9‐dien‐8‐one ( 1 ), 8β‐hydroxy‐2‐dehydroxyliguhodgsonal ( 2 ), 3β‐(acetyloxy)‐11‐methoxy‐8‐oxoeremophila‐6,9‐dien‐12‐oic acid ( 3 ), 3β‐(acetyloxy)‐11‐(2′‐methylbutanoyloxy)‐8‐oxoeremophila‐6,9‐dien‐12‐oic acid ( 4 ), and 3β‐(acetyloxy)‐6α‐hydroxyligularenolide ( 5 ), along with the three known compounds 6 – 8 , were isolated from the roots of Ligularia przewalskii. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated through spectral studies including HR‐EI‐MS, IR, and NMR data.     

Bruceines K and L from the Ripe Fruits of Brucea javanica

Bruceine K ( 1 ), a pentacyclic C₂₀‐quassinoid bearing a unique 12,20‐epoxy moiety, and bruceine L ( 2 ), along with the ten known compounds (6S,7E)‐6,9,10‐trihydroxy‐ and (6S,7E)‐6,9‐dihydroxymegastigma‐4,7‐dien‐3‐one ( 3 and 4 , resp.), cleomiscosins A–C, luteoline, quercetine, bruceantinol, pinoresinol, and thevetiaflavone, were isolated from the ripe fruits of Brucea javanica. Bruceines K ( 1 ) and L ( 2 ) were determined to be (1β,2α,11β,12β,14ξ,15β)‐12,20‐epoxy‐1,2,11,13,14,15‐hexahydroxypicras‐3‐en‐16‐one and (1β,2α,11β,12β,15β)‐13,20‐epoxy‐1,2,11,12‐tetrahydroxy‐16‐oxo‐15‐(senecioyloxy)picras‐3‐en‐21‐oic acid methyl ester (senecioic acid=3‐methylbut‐2‐enoic acid), respectively, on the basis of NMR (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, DEPT, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC) and ESI‐MS data. Among the known compounds, (6S,7E)‐6,9,10‐trihydroxy‐ and (6S,7E)‐6,9‐dihydroxymegastigma‐4,7‐dien‐3‐one ( 3 and 4 , resp.), cleomiscosin C, luteoline, quercetine, and thevetiaflavone were isolated for the first time from the Brucea plants.     

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.     

Cucurbitane Triterpenoids from the Fruit Pulp of Momordica charantia and Their Cytotoxic Activity

Two new cucurbitane‐type triterpenes, 25‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23(E)‐diene‐3β,19‐diol ( 1 ) and 7β‐ethoxy‐3β‐hydroxy‐25‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23(E)‐dien‐19‐al ( 2 ), together with three known cucurbitane‐type triterpenes, 3β,7β,25‐trihydroxycucurbita‐5,23(E)‐dien‐19‐al ( 3 ), (23E)‐3β‐hydroxy‐7β,25‐dimethoxycucurbita‐5,23‐dien‐19‐al ( 4 ), and 3β‐hydroxy‐25‐methoxycucurbita‐6,23(E)‐dien‐19,5β‐olide ( 5 ), were isolated from the fruit pulp of Momordica charantia. The structures of two new compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR, optical rotation. Among these isolates, compounds 1 , 2 , and 5 showed slight cytotoxic activity against the SK‐Hep 1 cell line with IC₅₀ values of 33.1, 24.3, and 38.7 μM, respectively.     

Noroleanane Triterpenoids from the Aerial Parts of Lantana camara

Two novel triterpenoids, lantadienone ( 1 ) and camaradienone ( 2 ), were isolated from the aerial parts of Lantana camara, along with seven known compounds, lantadene A, lantadene B, β‐sitosterol 3‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranoside), camaric acid, lantanilic acid, lantanolic acid, and camangeloyl acid. Their structures were elucidated as (3β,22β)‐3,25‐epoxy‐3‐hydroxy‐22‐{[(2Z)‐2‐methyl‐1‐oxobut‐2‐enyl]oxy}‐28‐noroleana‐12,17‐dien‐11‐one ( 1 ) and (3β)‐3,25‐epoxy‐3‐hydroxy‐28‐noroleana‐12,17‐dien‐11‐one ( 2 ), respectively, by means of spectral studies. The triterpenoids 1 and 2 represent 28‐noroleananes oxidized at C(11) and C(22) or at C(11), reported for the first time.     

Three New Lanostane Triterpenoids from Inonotus obliquus

Three new lanostane‐type triterpenoids, inonotsulides A, B, and C ( 1 – 3 , resp.) were isolated from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus (Pers .: Fr.) (Japanese name: Kabanoanatake; Russian name: Chaga). Their structures were determined to be (20R,24S)‐3β,25‐dihydroxylanost‐8‐en‐20,24‐olide ( 1 ), (20R,24R)‐3β,25‐dihydroxylanost‐8‐en‐20,24‐olide ( 2 ), and (20R,24S)‐3β,25‐dihydroxylanosta‐7,9(11)‐dien‐20,24‐olide ( 3 ) on the basis of chemical transformation, NMR spectroscopy including 1D and 2D (¹H,¹H‐COSY, NOESY, HMQC, HMBC), EI‐MS, and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.     

Ergostane Steroids from Dysoxylum lukii

Phytochemical investigation of the 70% EtOH extract from the stem bark of Dysoxylum lukii led to the isolation of three new ergostane steroids, (3β)‐3,20‐dihydroxyergosta‐5,24(28)‐dien‐7‐one ( 1 ), (3β,4β,7α)‐ergosta‐5,24(28)‐diene‐3,4,7‐triol ( 2 ), and (3β,7α)‐3,20‐dihydroxyergosta‐5,24(28)‐dien‐7‐yl acetate ( 3 ), together with the known compound (3β,4β)‐ergosta‐5,24(28)‐diene‐3,4,20‐triol ( 4 ). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) analyses.     

Lanostane Triterpenes from Ceriporia lacerate HS‐ZJUT‐C13A,a Fungal Endophyte of Huperzia serrata

Two new lanostane triterpenes, 3β‐acetoxy‐15α‐hydroxylanosta‐8,24‐dien‐21‐oic acid ( 1 ) and 3β‐acetoxylanosta‐7,9(11),24‐trien‐21‐oic acid ( 2 ), along with the four known analogs, 3 – 6 , were isolated from the culture broth of Ceriporia lacerate HS‐ZJUT‐C13A, a fungal endophyte residing in the stems of the traditional Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, and extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on triterpene metabolites from the genus Ceriporia.     

Tri‐ and Bicyclic Taxoids from the Taiwanese Yew Taxus sumatrana

Five new taxoids, including a new 2(3→20)‐abeo‐taxane with a 6/10/6‐membered ring system and four 3,8‐seco‐taxanes having a 6/12‐membered ring system, were isolated from an acetone extract of the leaves and twigs of the Taiwanese yew (Taxus sumatrana, Taxaceae). The structures were established as 2α,7β,10α‐triacetoxy‐5α‐hydroxy‐2(3→20)‐abeo‐taxa‐4(20),11‐dien‐9,13‐dione ( 1 ), (3E,8E)‐2α,9,10β, 13α,20‐pentaacetoxy‐7β‐hydroxy‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐trien‐5‐one ( 2 ), (3E,8E)‐2α,9,10β,13α,20‐pentaacetoxy‐5α,7β‐dihydroxy‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐triene ( 3 ), (3E,8E)‐9,10β,13α‐triacetoxy‐2α,7β,20‐trihydroxy‐5α‐[(2E)‐cinnamoyloxy]‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐triene ( 4 ), and (3E,8E)‐2α,5α,7β,9,10β,13α‐hexaacetoxy‐20‐hydroxy‐3,8‐secotaxa‐3,8,11‐triene ( 5 ), respectively, on the basis 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 – 5 against four human tumor cell lines, including HeLa (cervical epitheloid), WiDr (colon), Daoy (medulloblastoma), and Hep2 (liver carcinoma) tumor cells was evaluated. Whereas compounds 1 – 3 were inactive, the novel taxanes 4 and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity.     

Four New Podocarpane‐Type Trinorditerpenes from Aleurites moluccana

Four new podocarpane‐type trinorditerpenenes, (5β,10α)‐12,13‐dihydroxypodocarpa‐8,11,13‐trien‐3‐one ( 1 ), (5β,10α)‐12‐hydroxy‐13‐methoxypodocarpa‐8,11,13‐trien‐3‐one ( 2 ), (5β,10α)‐13‐hydroxy‐12‐methoxypodocarpa‐8,11,13‐trien‐3‐one ( 3 ), and (3α,5β,10α)‐13‐methoxypodocarpa‐8,11,13‐triene‐3,12‐diol ( 4 ), together with four known diterpenes, 12‐hydroxy‐13‐methylpodocarpa‐8,11,13‐trien‐3‐one ( 5 ), spruceanol ( 6 ), ent‐3α‐hydroxypimara‐8(14),15‐dien‐12‐one ( 7 ), and ent‐3β,14α‐hydroxypimara‐7,9(11),15‐triene‐12‐one ( 8 ), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Aleurites moluccana. Their structures were elucidated by means of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR and MS. Except 8 , all compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity; compound 4 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Raji cells with an IC₅₀ value of 4.24 μg/ml.     

A Guaianolide Sesquiterpene,a Chromenone,and a Flavanone from Ligularia macrophylla

Three new compounds, (5β,9β)‐guaia‐6,10(14)‐dien‐9‐ol (=rel‐(1R,3aS,5R,8aR)‐1,2,3,3a,4,5,6,8a‐octahydro‐1‐methyl‐4‐methylene‐7‐(1‐methylethyl)azulen‐5‐ol; 1 ), 6‐acetyl‐8‐methoxy‐2,3‐dimethylchromen‐4‐one (=6‐acetyl‐8‐methoxy‐2,3‐dimethyl‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one; 2 ), and (2S)‐3′‐hydroxy‐5′,7‐dimethoxyflavanone (=(2S)‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐(3‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxyphenyl)‐7‐methoxy‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one; 3 ) were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Ligularia macrophylla, together with seven known compounds. Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D‐NMR techniques.     

Sesquiterpenoids and Phenylpropane Derivatives from Sonchus uliginosus

Six new compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Sonchus uliginosus, including three eudesmane‐type sesquiterpenoids (1β,6α)‐1,6,14‐trihydroxyeudesm‐3‐en‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 1 ), (1β,6α)‐1,6,14‐trihydroxyeudesma‐3,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 2 ), and (1β,6α)‐1,6‐dihydroxy‐14‐O‐[(4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]eudesma‐3,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 3 ), and three phenylpropane derivatives, 4‐hydroxy‐γ,3,5‐trimethoxybenzenepropanol ( 6 ), γ,3,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzenepropanol ( 7 ), and γ,3,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzenepropanol acetate ( 8 ), together with the two known compounds 4 and 5 . The new structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, such as IR, EI‐MS, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported for structurally related compounds.     

Diterpenoids from the Wood of Cunninghamia konishii

Investigation of the wood of Cunninghamia konishii resulted in the isolation and characterization of one new abietane diterpenoid, (6α,7β)‐7,8‐epoxy‐6‐hydroxyabieta‐9(11),13‐dien‐12‐one ( 1 ), and two new labdane diterpenoids, (12R)‐12‐hydroxylabda‐8(17),13(16),14‐trien‐19‐oic acid ( 2 ) and (12R)‐12‐hydroxylabda‐8(17),13(16),14‐trien‐18‐oic acid ( 3 ). The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data.     

New Eremophilenolides from Senecio dianthus

From the aerial parts of Senecio dianthus, four new eremophilenolides ( 1 – 4 , resp.) and one new eremophilenolide alkaloid ( 5 ), of the relatively uncommon eremophilenoid‐type sesquiterpenoid lactones, were isolated together with three known sesquiterpenoid lactones, 10β‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 6 ), 8β,10β‐dihydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 7 ), and 10α‐hydroxy‐1‐oxoeremophila‐7(11),8(9)‐dien‐12,8‐olide ( 8 ). On the basis of IR, MS, and NMR data, particularly 2D‐NMR analyses, the structures of the new compounds were established as: 2β‐(angeloyloxy)‐10β‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 1 ), 6β‐(angeloyloxy)‐10β‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 2 ), 2β‐(angeloyloxy)‐8β,10β‐dihydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 3 ), 2β‐(angeloyloxy)‐8α‐hydroxyeremophila‐7(11),9(10)‐dien‐12,8β‐olide ( 4 ), and 8β‐amino‐10β‐hydroxyeremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8α‐olide ( 5 ). In addition, the relative configuration of 1 was corroborated by X‐ray diffraction analysis.