Phytochemical,cytotoxic and chemotaxonomic study on Ajuga forrestii Diels (Labiatae)

A phytochemical investigation of Ajuga forrestii Diels led to the isolation of 14 compounds, including eight neo-clerodane diterpenes (1–8), two phytoecdysteroids (9, 11), one stigmastane sterol (10) and three iridoid glycosides (12–14). The structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and a comparison of their data with those reported in the literature. This is the first report of compounds 1–14 from A. forrestii. The cytotoxic activities of the aqueous extract of A. forrestii and several compounds have been studied and the chemotaxonomic significance of isolated compounds has also been summarised.     

Chemical constituents from rhizomes of Cautleya spicata (Sm.) Baker (Zingiberaceae)

The chemical investigation of ethanolic extract from rhizomes of Cautleya spicata (Sm.) Baker (Zingiberaceae) has resulted in the isolation of eight compounds which were characterised as β-sitosterol (1), β-sitosterol β-D-glucoside (2), bergapten (3), zerumin A (4), (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial (5), kaempferol (6), quercetin (7) and astragalin (8). All compounds were identified by spectroscopic and chemical methods. This paper describes the first phytochemical work on C. spicata.     

Unusual molecular pattern in Ajugoideae subfamily: the case of Ajuga genevensis L. from Dolomites

We analysed the ethanolic extract from Ajuga genevensis L. (Lamiaceae) growing in Dolomites, part of Italian Alps. Three new compounds for this species were identified: rosmarinic acid (1), oleanolic acid (2) and maslinic acid (3), representative of two different classes of chemical compounds (phenylpropanoids and pentacyclic triterpenes). A. genevensis resulted to be a valuable source of these compounds endowed with interesting biological activities (i.e. antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative). The recognition of compounds (1), (2) and (3) may also confirm the ethnomedicinal uses of this plant. From a chemotaxonomical point of view, it is worth noting that iridoids were not evidenced in this accession. Iridoids are considered chemotaxonomic marker in Lamiales, and, in contrast with a previous study on this species, the presence of aucubin was not confirmed. In addition, the presence of large amounts of rosmarinic acid (1) was unexpected for a species that does not belong to subfamily Nepetoideae.     

Iridoids and phenylethanoid from Pedicularis kerneri Dalla Torre growing in Dolomites,Italy

In this study, we report the first phytochemical analysis of polar fraction of Pedicularis kerneri Dalla Torre growing in Dolomites, Italy. Several iridoid glucosides were isolated, namely aucubin (1), monomelittoside (2), plantarenaloside (3), euphroside (4), mussaenosidic acid (5) and 8-epiloganic acid (6), showing a composition in accordance with previous study on this genus. The studied samples, collected from Dolomites, presented a chemotype already recognised in species from North America, characterised by euphroside (4) and aucubin (1) as main components, but the main character was the presence of monomelittoside (2) never reported in this genus. The identification of verbascoside (7), leucosceptoside A (9) and echinacoside (10) complete the systematic framing of this species since is ascertained the co-occurrence of phenylethanoid glycosides with iridoids in Lamiales species.     

Chemical composition of the endocarps of fruits of Styrax officinalis L.

Endocarps of fruits of Styrax officinalis L. have been subjected to a phytochemical investigation. Five compounds, americanin A (1), egonololeat (2), egonol-2?-metil butanoat (3), egonolgentiobiside (4) and homoegonolgentiobiside (5) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic methods and comparison with the literature data. This is the first report of the presence of compound 1 and compound 2 in the genus Styrax (Styracaceae family) and S. officinalis L. species, respectively.     

Secoiridoids and other chemotaxonomically relevant compounds in Pedicularis: phytochemical analysis and comparison of Pedicularis rostratocapitata Crantz and Pedicularis verticillata L. from Dolomites

We compared the respective metabolite patterns of two Pedicularis species from Dolomites. Seven phenylethanoid glycosides, i.e., verbascoside (1), echinacoside (2), angoroside A (3), cistantubuloside B1 (4), wiedemannioside C (5), campneoside II (11) and cistantubuloside C1 (12), together with several iridoid glucosides as aucubin (6), euphroside (7), monomelittoside (8), mussaenosidic acid (9) and 8-epiloganic acid (13) were identified. Pedicularis verticillata showed also the presence of greatly unexpected secoiridoids, ligustroside (14) and excelside B (15), very rare compounds in Lamiales. Both PhGs and iridoids are considered of taxonomical relevance in the Asteridae and their occurrence in Pedicularis was discussed. In particular, the exclusive presence of several compounds such as 8-epiloganic acid (13), campneoside II (11), cistantubuloside C1 (12), ligustroside (14) and excelside B (15) in Pedicularis rostratocapitata, and angoroside A (3), cistantubuloside B1 (4) and wiedemannioside C (5) in P. verticillata could be considered specific markers for the two botanical entities.     

Terpenoids of Linaria alpina (L.) Mill. from Dolomites,Italy

This paper reports the first phytochemical analysis of Linaria alpina (L.) Mill., collected in Dolomites (Italy), a species characteristic of mountain environment. Besides aucubin (4), which is rare in the subgenus Antirrhineae of Plantaginaceae, mainly acidic compounds were found, i.e. oleanolic acid (1), ursolic acid (2) maslinic acid (3) and shikimic acid (5). The pentacyclic triterpenes of L. alpina resulted in relatively high content, whereas flavonoids resulted in low content.     

Bioactive isoquinoline alkaloids from Cissampelos pareira†

The phytochemical and biological investigation of Cissampelos pareira leads to the isolation of one new isoquinoline alkaloid (7) along with six known isoquinoline alkaloids, namely, magnoflorine (1), magnocurarine (2), cissamine (3), curine (4), hayatinine (5) and cycleanine (6). Magnoflorine (1) and magnocurarine (2) were isolated for the first time from C. pareira. A new, rapid, simple and sensitive UPLC method was developed for simultaneous quantification of five pure compounds (1–5). Seasonal variation study revealed higher content of these compounds during the rainy season. The chloroform (CPCF) and n-butanol (CPBF) fractions showed cytotoxic efficacy against KB cells. Among pure compounds, hayatinine (5) was found to be most active against KB and A549, while, cycleanine (6) against KB cells.     

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory active metabolites from the endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. YMF432

An endophytic fungus, Chaetomium sp. YMF432, was isolated from Huperzia serrata (Thunb. ex Murray) Trev. and subjected to phytochemical investigation based on its special environment. From the extracts of fermentation solid of strain YMF 432, eight compounds including 1-O-methylemodin (1), 5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-tricosyl-1,4-benzoquinone (2), 4,8-dihydroxy-1-tetralone (3), (3β,5α,6α, 22E)-3-hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-7-one-8(14),22-dien-ergosta (4), ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (5), β-sitostenone (6), β-sitosterol (7) and (22E,24R)-ergosta-5,7,22 -trien-3β-ol (8) were obtained. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data. These compounds were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities in vitro. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ from 37.7 ± 1.5 to 370.0 ± 2.9 μM).     

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Pinus dalatensis Ferré

A phytochemical study of n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Pinus dalatensis Ferré leaves led to the isolation of 11 compounds, including one caryolane sesquiterpenoid (1), five labdane diterpenoids (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), one serratane triterpenoid (7), one diacylated flavonoid glucoside (8), one stilbenoid (9) and two sterols (10, 11). The structural characterisation of the isolated compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic data and comparison with the literature report on the chemical constituents from Pinus dalatensis Ferré. Futhermore, three compounds 1, 4 and 6 were obtained for the first time from the genus Pinus. Besides, compounds (2, 3, 5, 8, 9) were also subjected to cytotoxicity effect on SK-LU-1, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cell lines, but only compound 9 expressed activities with IC₅₀ values of 141.22, 127.81 and 166.84 μM, respectively.     

Evaluation of leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities of phenolic compounds from Calea uniflora Less.

The phytochemical study of Calea uniflora led to the isolation of nine phenolic compounds identified as noreugenin (1), ethyl caffeate (2), a mixture of butein (3) + orobol (4), α-hydroxy-butein (5), caffeic acid (6), butein 4′-O-glucopyranosyl (7), quercetin 3-O-glucopyranosyl (8) and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (9). The chemical identity of the isolates was established on the basis of NMR and physical data. The chemical shifts of 5 and 7 have been reassigned and all the isolates were tested against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes. None of the metabolites showed promising leishmanicidal activity. However, 2 and the mixture of 3 and 4 demonstrated interesting trypanocidal effect with IC₅₀ values of 18.27 and 26.53 μM, respectively. Besides, these compounds did not present cytotoxic effect towards THP-1 cells, and compound 2 was 3.5-fold more selective than the mixture of 3+4.     

Biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desert

Abstract

The present work deals with the biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desert of Pakistan. Aerial and floral parts of C. decidua were collected and dried under shade. Powdered materials of each part of C. decidua were extracted with methanol separately, followed by phytochemical studies. Hexane fraction of aerial parts of the C. decidua obtained after solvent-solvent extraction was purified through repeated column chromatography by increasing order of polarity. Four compounds were purified and identified as simiarenol (1), lupeol (2), taraxerol (3) and β-sitosterol (4). Simiarenol and lupeol were isolated for the first time from genus Capparis. The structures of these compounds were established by comparing the spectroscopic data (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR, UV & Mass spectrometry) reported in literature. The structure of 1 was further confirmed by XRD analysis. Anti-bacterial activities of crude methanolic extracts were determined against 13 bacterial strains (MIC 250-1000?μg/mL). α-Glucosidase and urease inhibitory activities of pure compounds were also determined. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 showed α-glucosidase inhibition with IC₅₀ at 96.12?±?0.12, 65.28?±?0.13 and 128.14?±?0.17?μM, respectively.     

Chemical constituents isolated from the fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monascus</Emphasis> sp.

Further study of a 95% EtOH extract of red mold rice fermented with the yellow mutant of the fungus Monascus sp. led to the isolation of one new chroman derivative, namely monascuskaochroman (1), together with nine known compounds. The structure of the new compound was determined as 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl- ethyl)-chroman-4-carboxylic acid amide. The known compounds were identified as monascin (2), ankaflavin (3), (3R,6R,7E)-(+)-3-hydroxy-4,7-megstigmadien-9-one (4), vanillin (5), syringic acid (6), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (7), trans-methyl p-coumarate (8), ferulic acid (9), and methyl N-methyl anthranylate (10).This is the first report of a naturally occurring chroman skeleton isolated from Monascus species. Compounds 4–10 were isolated from this species for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy together with HR-ESI-MS analysis, and comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported for structurally related compounds.     

Lignans and secoiridoid glycosides from the stem barks of Jasminum tortuosum

This paper reports on the first phytochemical analysis ever performed on Jasminum tortuosum Willd. This analysis, mainly carried out by means of column chromatography separation, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, led to the isolation and the identification of four compounds, namely the lignans ginkgool (1) and olivil-4′-O-β-glucopyranoside (2) and the secoiridoids oleoside dimethyl ester (3) and oleoside 11-methyl ester (4). The presence of these compounds is significant from a chemotaxonomic point of view, confirming the correct botanical classification of the species and, from a phytochemical standpoint, may suggest its possible use in the ethno-medicinal field.     

Chemical constituents from Glehnia littoralis and their chemotaxonomic significance

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt. ex Miq. led to the isolation of 16 known compounds, including three β-carboline alkaloids (1–3), four phenylpropanoids (4–7), five phenolic acids (8–12), three polyacetylenes (13–15) and one fatty acid (16). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and comparison with those reported in literatures. To the best of knowledge, the report of the first β-carboline alkaloid in the Umbelliferae family. Additionally, compounds 1–5, 9, 10 and 16 have not been reported from any species in Umbelliferae family, compounds 7, 8 and 12 were isolated from the genus Glehnia for the first time and could be of the chemotaxinomic significance and serve as valuable chemotaxonomic makers for G. littoralis. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was summarised.     

Scillapersicene: a new homoisoflavonoid with cytotoxic activity from the bulbs of Scilla persica HAUSSKN

The phytochemical investigation of Scilla persica HAUSSKN bulbs led to the isolation of a novel homoisoflavonoid that named Scillapersicene (1) and identified as 3-(3′,4′-dihydroxybenzylidene)-8-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxychroman-4-one along with five known homoisoflavonoids 2–6, whose structures were elucidated using HRFAB-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The known compounds were identified as 3-(3′,4′-dihydroxybenzyl)-5,8-dihydroxy-7-methoxychroman-4-one (2), 3,9-dihydro-autumnalin (3), autumnalin (4), 3-(3′,4′-dihydroxybenzylidene)-5,8-dihydroxy-7-methoxychroman-4-one (5) and scillapersicone (6). All compounds obtained, expect 2 and 4, showed strong cytotoxic activity against AGS cell line. The toxicity on AGS cell line was measured by 1, 3, 5 and 6 with IC₅₀ values of 8.4, 30.5, 10.7 and 24.2 μM, respectively. In addition, the physico-chemical properties of these natural compounds were optimised using density functional method (B3LYP) with standard 6-311+G* basis set. These natural products have low-energy gaps between the first ionisation potentials and highest occupied molecular orbital. In conclusion, the low-energy gap could cause reason for cytotoxic activity of homoisoflavonoids.     

Phenolics from Castanea sativa leaves and their effects on UVB-induced damage

The phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of the leaves of Castanea sativa Mill., source of the Italian PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product ‘Marrone di Roccadaspide’ (Campania region) afforded as main compounds crenatin (1), chestanin (2), gallic acid (3), cretanin (4), 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid (5), p-methylgallic acid (6) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (7). To quantify the isolated compounds a LC-ESI(QqQ)MS method working with a very sensitive and selective mass tandem experiment called Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) has been developed. Moreover the antioxidant capacity by TEAC assay and the ability of compounds 1–7 to protect HaCaT human keratinocytes from UVB-induced damage has been investigated.     

A new sesquiterpene from Kalimeris integrifolia

A new sesquiterpene kalinturoside A (1), and 17 known compounds friedelan-3-ol (2), 24-ethyl-5a-cholesta-7, 22(E)-dien-3-one (3), friedelin (4), syringaresinol (5), α-spinasterol (6), ciwujiatone (7), syringic acid (8), scopoletin (9), apocynin (10), 1-(3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (11), apigenin (12), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (13), stigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucopy-ranoside (14), bidenoside C (15), citrusin (16), irioresinol A (17) and syringaresinol-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (18) were isolated from the herbs of Kalimeris integrifolia. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and MS. All of the compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time.     

A new phenylpropanoid from the roots of Euphorbia nematocypha

A phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extracts of the dried roots of Euphorbia nematocypha resulted in the isolation of a new phenylpropanoid, 16-O-caffeoyl-16-hydroxylhexadecanoic acid (1), together with 23 known compounds (2–24). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compound 1 was first to be isolated as a caffeic acyl long chain alkyl acid from the family Euphorbiaceae. The new isolated phenylpropanoid showed potent cytotoxic activities against the MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines.     

Studies on the constituents of the green alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva lactuca</Emphasis>

Phytochemical investigations on a marine green alga Ulva lactuca led to the isolation of two new compounds (E)-6-heptacosen-5-one (1) and (E)-6-octadecen-5-ol (2), along with four known compounds, (Z)-10-hexacosene (3), docosanoic acid (4), palmitic acid (5), and isofucosterol (6). Compounds 3 and 4 were isolated for the first time from this species. The structures of the compounds were deduced with the help of modern spectroscopic techniques.