Three new 3,4-seco-cycloartane triterpenes from Gardenia sootepensis

The plants in the genus Gardenia (Rubiaceae) have long been used as traditional medicines in China. In this study, two new 3,4-seco-cycloartane triterpenes, sootepin J (1) and sootepin K (2), and a novel nor-3,4-seco-cycloartane triterpenes, sootepin L (3), together with two known compounds (4–5), were isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves and twigs of Gardenia sootepensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by combinations of 1D, 2D NMR experiments and HR-MS data, while the known compounds were identified by comparison of the NMR data with previously published data.     

Morphological,cytological and phytochemical studies in naturally occurring diploid and tetraploid populations of Physochlaina praealta from high altitudes of Trans-Himalaya

Physochlaina praealta samples were studied macromorphologically and cytomorphologically along with their detailed phytochemical investigation. The concentration of phytoconstituents showed a strong positive correlation with the ploidy level and altitudinal gradients. The total phenol content was detected maximum in the methanolic extract of leaves and stem of higher altitudinal plants in both cytotypes (2x, 4x). The maximum content of flavonoids was detected in the methanolic extract of root and leaves. Root organ from higher elevation possessed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with the maximum percentage of inhibition being obtained in methanolic extracts. The plants of both cytotypes from higher elevations accumulate an abundant quantity of secondary metabolites. The two cytotypes differ from each other with respect to various morphometric characters thereby depicting the drastic affect of polyploidy.

     

A new tocotrienol from the roots and branches of Allophylus cobbe (L.) Raeusch (Sapindaceae)

Abstract

A new tocotrienol, 5-hydroxy-8-methyltocotrienol (1) was isolated from the roots and branches of A. cobbe (L.) Raeusch, together with seventeen known compounds (2–18). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and by comparison of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data with previous literature reports. This is the first phytochemical investigation of the roots and branches of Allophylus cobbe (L.) Raeusch.     

A new indole-alkaloid and a new phenolic-glycoside with cytotoxic activity from Strychnos fendleri

A new indole alkaloid strychnosinol (1) and a new phenolic-glycoside (2) were isolated from the bark and leaves of Strychnos fendleri Sprague & Sandwith, together with six known compounds reported for the first time in this species. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data; mainly those obtained by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry. Strychnosinol (1) and the phenolic glycoside (2) together with compounds 3–8 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a panel of five tumour cell lines; IC₅₀ values between 0.090 and 0.227 μM for the human tumour cell lines were observed for compound 2.     

Flavone C-glycosides from Trichuriella monsoniae (L.f.) Bennet

In the first phytochemical investigation of Trichuriella monsoniae, three known flavonoidal C-glycosides, isoswertisin 1, 2″-O-β-d-galactosyl isoswertisin 2 and 2″-O-β-d-xylosyl isoswertisin 3 were isolated from the methanolic extract of the whole plant. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic studies including 2D NMR and HRMS, and the structure of 2 was supported by single crystal X-ray data studies. Further, NMR assignments for 3 are being reported for the first time.     

A new ent-clerodane diterpenoid from Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. (Asteraceae)

A phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. resulted in the isolation of a new clerodane diterpenoid, ent-2β,18,19-trihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olide (1), together with two known flavonoids 3′,5-dihydroxy-4′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (2) and 4′,5-dihydroxy-3′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (3). The compounds were tested against the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Compound 2 showed weak activity (IC₅₀ = 10.1 g/mL) whilst compounds 1 and 3 were inactive. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by using detailed spectral analyses, especially ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, NOESY, HMBC and HR-ESI-MS.     

Cytotoxicity of an unprecedented brominated oleanolide and a new furoceramide from the Cameroonian spice,Echinops giganteus

A preliminary study on Echinops giganteus (Asteraceae) showed that the methanolic extract has interesting cytotoxicities against a panel of cancer cell lines. From this extract, a lignan, a flavonoid and a polyacetylenic thiophene identified were three times less cytotoxic than the extract. In the search of the metabolites responsible for the bioactivity, a new harvested E. giganteus was subjected to a phytochemical study using chromatographic methods. In the course of the work, two new compounds: a brominated oleanolide (1) and a tetrahydrofurano-ceramide (2) were obtained along with β-amyrin acetate (3), 2-(penta-1,3-diynyl)-5-(4-hydroxybut-1-ynyl)-thiophene (4), 2-(penta-1,3-diynyl)-5-(3,4-dihydroxybut-1-ynyl)-thiophene (5) and 4-hydroxy-2,6-di-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo-(3.3.0)octane (6). Their structures were determined on the basis of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry data in conjunction with those reported in the literature. The cytotoxicity of 1, 2 and 5 was evaluated by employing resazurin assay against a panel of cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values in range 6.12 ± 0.46–46.96 ± 3.61 μM.     

Antigonon leptopus: a potent biological source for extermination of fish bacterial pathogens Providencia and Aeromonas

This study pertains to the phytochemical components and the biological properties of the weed, Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn. (AUT/PUS/064). Phytochemical screening of methanolic leaf extract of A. leptopus revealed the presence of saponin, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fixed oils and amino acids. Accordingly, 12 phytochemical components were analysed and characterised by GC–MS. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against fish and clinical pathogens. Fish pathogens, Providencia vermicola (MTCC 5578) and Aeromonas hydrophila (MTCC 646) were more sensitive to the methanolic leaf extract than clinical pathogens. A useful information was obtained from the phytochemistry of A. leptopus leaves, which would pave way to further applications to treat fish diseases and for utility in the pharmaceutical field.     

A new depsidone derivative from the leaves of Garcinia polyantha

One new depsidone, polyanthadepsidone A (1), together with four known compounds were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the leaves of Garcinia polyantha. The structures of all compounds were determined by comprehensive analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR and EI mass spectral data. All the isolates exhibited suppressive effect on phagocytosis response upon activation with serum opsonised zymosan in the IC₅₀ range of 4.5–23.80 μM, tested in vitro for oxidative burst studies of whole blood.     

A new highly oxygenated daphnane diterpene esters from the flower buds of Daphne genkwa

The phytochemical investigation of the flower buds of Daphne genkwa yielded eight highly oxygenated daphnane-type diterpene esters, including a new one, genkwanine N 20-palmitate (1) and seven known ones (2–8). The molecular structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including UV, IR, NMR, and MS, and comparison with literature data. Furthermore, compound 1 showed potential cytotoxic activity in vitro, against A549 and Hep G2 tumour cell lines.     

Anticoccidial constituents from the stem bark of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Turraeanthus africanus</Emphasis>

In order to study some biological active products, phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Turraeanthus africanus have led to the isolation of a novel compound 1, a new benzoic acid derivative, named turraeanthin C, and two known compounds sesamin (2) and stigmasterol. The structures of these compounds were established by spectral analysis, including two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. The extract and the isolated compounds 1 and 2 showed noteworthy activity against Toxoplasma gondii intracellular parasite in mammals. Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 564–566, November–December, 2008.     

A new flavane acid from the fruits of Illicium verum

A new compound, illiciumflavane acid (1), along with 13 known compounds (2–14), were isolated from the fruits of Illicium verum Hook. F. Their structures were elucidated through various spectroscopic methods, including 1D NMR (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR), 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) and HRMS. The stereochemistry at the chiral centres was determined using CD spectrum as well as analyses of coupling constants and optical rotation data. Cytotoxicity evaluation of four compounds showed that illiciumflavane acid and (E)-1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene exhibited potential against A549 activities with IC₅₀ values of 4.63 μM and 9.17 μM, respectively.     

Identification of Iridoids,Flavonoids and Triterpenes from the Methanolic Extract of Melampyrum bihariense A. Kern. and the Antioxidant Activity of the Extract

Melampyrum bihariense A. Kern. (Scrophulariaceae), a plant species used in traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatic disorders and skin infections, was investigated with regard to its antioxidant activity and identification of its bioactive chemical constituents. The crude methanolic extract of the aerial parts of M. bihariense was examined by the spectrophotometric DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods. The free radical scavenging capacity (SC₅₀) of the extract was found by the DPPH method to be 27.10 mg mL⁻¹, and the ferric reducing ability equivalent to ascorbic acid at 50 mg mL⁻¹ was 0.709 μg mL⁻¹. The chemical composition of this highly effective in the methanolic extract was analysed, and the main compounds were isolated through solvent–solvent partition, and multiple chromatographic separations, including column chromatography, vacuum liquid chromatography, centrifugal planar chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography. The structures were established by one- and two-dimensional NMR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The iridoids aucubin (1), 8-epi-loganin (2) and mussaenoside (3), the flavones apigenin and luteolin and the triterpene acids ursolic acid and oleanolic acid were identified; components 2, 3, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid for the first time in this species. The present study reveals that M. bihariense exerts antioxidant activity, and the iridoids, flavonoids and triterpene acids may be the main bioactive constituents of its methanolic extract.

     

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.     

Two new polyacetylene glycosides from the roots of Codonopsis tangshen Oliv.

Two new polyacetylene glycosides, tangshenyne A (1) and tangshenyne B (2), along with six known polyacetylenes were isolated from an 85% MeOH extract of the roots of Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. The chemical structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR (¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC and HMBC) and HR-ESI-MS.     

A Diterpene, a Flavonol Glycoside, and a Phytosterol Glycoside from Securidaca longipedunculata and Entada abyssinica

Summary.  The MeOH extract of the stem bark of Entada abyssinica and of the leaves and stem bark of Securidaca longipedunculata yielded a diterpene, a flavonol glycoside, and a phytosterol glycoside. Their structures were established on basis of NMR spectroscopic analysis; the complete ¹³C and ¹H assignment of the compounds was achieved by means of 2D NMR studies. Received October 13, 1999. Accepted November 3, 1999     

Novel Antifungal Tetracyclic Compounds from Bauhinia rufescens LAM.

As the root bark CH₂Cl₂ extract of Bauhinia rufescens showed antifungal activity in a bioassay with the plant pathogenic fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum, a phytochemical investigation was undertaken on material collected in Niger. Activity-guided fractionation of this extract, using different preparative chromatographic methods, allowed the isolation of the four new antifungal tetracyclic compounds 1 – 4 . Their structures were established by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR data, and single-crystal X-ray analyses were used to confirm the structures of 1 and 3 . The isolated compounds seem to be biogenetically related to a stilbene.     

Phenolic Compounds Isolated from the Bark of Abies sachalinensis

Eight spiro‐biflavonoids named abiesinols A–H, along with three neolignans, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid were isolated from the MeOH extract of the bark of Abies sachalinensis. The structures of these phenolic compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods including NMR and MS. The absolute configurations of the abiesinols were determined by Mosher's method, CD, and NOESY data.     

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 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.