Xylogranatins A-D: novel tetranortriterpenoids with an unusual 9,10-seco scaffold from marine mangrove Xylocarpus granatum

[reaction: see text] Four novel tetranortriterpenoids, xylogranatins A-D (1-4), with an unusual 9,10-seco skeleton were isolated from the seeds of a Chinese marine mangrove Xylocarpus granatum. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical means. Xylogranatin A (1) featured by a unique 1,9-oxygen bridge was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and xylogranatin D (4) with an unprecedented skeleton of C-30-C-9 linkage was postulated biogenetically from 3 via an alpha-hydroxyl ketone rearrangement and was chemically mimicked.     

Four novel insecticidal sesquiterpene esters from Celastrus angulatus

Four new insecticidal sesquiterpene polyol esters with a beta-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene skeleton, celangulatin C (1), celangulatin D (2), celangulatin E (3), and celangulatin F (4), and five known compounds 5-9 were isolated from the low-polar toluene extracts of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus by bioassay-guided fractionation. Their chemical structures were elucidated mainly by analyses of MS and NMR spectral data. Celangulatin C, E and F showed LD(50) against Mythimna separata were 280.4, 1656.4 and 210.5 microg mL(-1), respectively.     

Fusaroside, a unique glycolipid from Fusarium sp., an endophytic fungus isolated from Melia azedarach

Fusaroside (1), a unique trehalose-containing glycolipid composed of the 4-hydroxyl group of a trehalose unit attached to the carboxylic carbon of a long-chain fatty acid, was isolated from the organic extract of fermentation broths of an endophytic fungus, Fusarium sp. LN-11 isolated from the leaves of Melia azedarach. Six known compounds, phalluside (2), (9R*,10R*,7E)-6, 9,10-trihydroxyoctadec-7-enoic acid (3), porrigenic acid (4), (9Z)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadeca-9-enoate (5), cerevisterol (6) and ergokonin B (7), were also isolated from this fungus. The glycolipid contains a rare branched long-chain fatty acid (C(20:4)) with a conjugated diene moiety and a conjugated ketone moiety. The structure of the new compound 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR experiments, MS) and chemical degradations. The metabolites 1-5 were shown to have moderate to weak active against the brine shrimp larvae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of the first representative of a new family of glycolipids from natural sources.     

Kv1.2 potassium channel inhibitors from Chukrasia tabularis

Eighteen new limonoids, chubularisins A-R (1-18), along with eleven known analogues, were isolated from the stem bark of Chukrasia tabularis. The structures of 1-18 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. Compound 1 represented the first example of 8,9,12-orthoester of phragmalin limonoids. Interestingly, compounds 4, 8, and 22 exhibited potent and selective inhibition against the delayed rectifier (I(K)) K(+) current with IC(50) values of 0.61, 2.03, and 2.15 μM, respectively.     

Structures of novel epipolythiodioxopiperazines, emethallicins B, C, and D, potent inhibitors of histamine release, from Emericella heterothallica

Novel compounds designated emethallicins B (1), C (2), and D (3), along with emethallicin A (4), were isolated from the mycelium of the heterothallic fungus, Emericella heterothallica (mating type a). The structures of emethallicins B (1), C (2), and D (3) were determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical investigations. Emethallicins B (1) and C (2) are epitetrathiodioxopiperazines, which have the same basic carbon skeleton as apoaranotin (19) and acetylaranotin (17), respectively, whereas emethallicin D (3) is an epitrithiodioxopiperazine derivative, which has the same carbon skeleton as apoaranotin (19). It is very interesting that a large amount of the disulfide, emethallicin A (4), was isolated from the strain of mating type A and that the corresponding tetrasulfide, emethallicin B (1), and trisulfide, emethallicin D (3), were isolated from the other mating type strain, along with a small amount of the disulfide (4). Emethallicins B (1), C (2), and D (3) have potent inhibitory activity against compound 48/80-induced histamine release from mast cells, like emethallicin A (4).     

Chuktabrins A and B, two novel limonoids from the twigs and leaves of Chukrasia tabularis

Two novel limonoids, chuktabrin A (1), featuring the unique motifs of a 1,3-dioxolan-2-one and a 3,4-dihydro-2 H-pyran, and chuktabrin B (2), possessing an unprecedented polycyclic skeleton, were isolated from Chukrasia tabularis. The structures of 1 and 2 bearing a biosynthetically extended C3 and C2 unit at C-15, respectively, were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, and that of 1 was confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Aphanamolide A, a new limonoid from Aphanamixis polystachya

Two new limonoids, namely aphanamolides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the seeds of Aphanamixis polystachya . Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. Aphanamolide A (1) featured an unprecedented carbon skeleton via the formation of a C-3-C-6 bond. Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxic activity against two tumor cell lines.     

Schilancitrilactones A-C: three unique nortriterpenoids from Schisandra lancifolia

Three unique nortriterpenoids, schilancitrilactones A-C (1-3), were isolated from the stems of Schisandra lancifolia . Compound 1 possesses a 5/5/7/5/5/5-fused hexacyclic ring system with a C(29) backbone, while 2 and 3 feature a C(27) skeleton with a 5/7/5/5/5-fused pentacyclic ring system. Their absolute stereochemistries were established by CD and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Compound 3 showed anti-HIV-1 activity with an EC(50) value of 27.54 μg/mL, and 1 exhibited antifeedant activity at 15.73 μg/cm(2).     

Walsucochinoids A and B: new rearranged limonoids from Walsura cochinchinensis

Walsucochinoids A (1) and B (2), two rearranged limonoids possessing an unprecedented carbon framework, were isolated from Walsura cochinchinensis. Their configurations were assigned as 1S, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R, 7S, 8R, 9R, and 10R on the basis of a detailed examination of spectroscopic data, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and CD experiments.     

Polyoxygenated Klysimplexane- and Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from the Gorgonian Briareum violaceum

Three new polyoxygenated diterpenoids with a rare 4-isopropyl-1,5,8a-trimethylperhydrophenanthrane structure of the klysimplexane skeleton, briarols A‒C (1‒3), and one eunicellin-based diterpenoid, briarol D (4), were isolated from Briareum violaceum, a gorgonian inhabiting Taiwanese waters. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined by employing extensive analyses of NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) data. Metabolites 1‒3 were found to possess the rarely found skeleton of the diterpenoid klysimplexin T. All isolated compounds showed very weak cytotoxic activity against the growth of three cancer cell lines. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for briarols A‒C from the coexisting eunicellin diterpenoid briarol D (4) was postulated.     

13C NMR spectroscopy of D and B, D-ring seco-limonoids of Meliaceae family

The modified limonoids isolated from the Meliaceae are too complex or obtained in too small quantities to determine their structures by chemical and spectroscopic means, including 1H NMR. One method of dealing with such problem is direct crystallographic analysis, without or having a heavy atom, which requires an able crystallographic collaborator. The determination of the structure Utilin is one example. The analysis of the 13C NMR spectral data for different compounds has been very useful for the identification of the various skeletal types of limonoids and also for the determination of the substitution pattern. Owing to the great utilities that these data could help the scientific community, who are working in the area of limonoids, we here describe the application of NMR spectroscopy in the structure elucidation of D and B, D-ring seco-limonoids and a collection of 177 compound's 13C NMR spectral data.     

Electronic Structures and Fluorescent Spectra of 1,4-divinyphenyl-bridged Triphenylenes

A series of derivatives were designed based on the model compound 1,4-divinyphenyl-bridged triphenylene, and the structures were studied using the AM1 method and density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/3-21G level. On the basis of the B3LYP/3-21G optimized geometries, the electronic spectra and ¹³C NMR spectra of the derivatives were calculated using the INDO/CIS and B3LYP/3-21G methods, respectively. The energy gaps, abilities of accepting holes, and thermal stabilities were affected by the number and electron-donating capability as well as steric effect of the substituents. The red shifts of the first and main absorptions in the electronic spectra of the derivatives relative to those of the parent compound were predicted in the presence of the groups -CN and -OH. The chemical shift of the carbon atom on -CN was transferred to the low field under the effect of the nitrogen atom. The chemical shifts of the carbon atoms associated with -CN were transformed into the high field owing to the high electron density. The chemical shifts of the carbon atoms on the conjugation skeleton were almost unchanged.     

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.     

Trichilianones A-D,Novel Cyclopropane-Type Limonoids from Trichilia adolfi

The fractionation of an ethanol extract of the bark of Trichilia adolfi yielded four novel limonoids (trichilinones A-D, 1–4), with five fused rings and related to the hortiolide-type limonoids. Starting with an ε-lactone, which is α,β-unsaturated in trichilinones A and D (1 and 4), attached to a tetrahydrofuran ring that is connected to an unusual bicyclo [5.1.0] hexane system, joined with a cyclopentanone with a 3-furanyl substituent [(2-oxo)-furan-(5H)-3-yl in trichilinone D (4)], the four compounds isolated display a new 7/5/3/5/5 limonoid ring system. Their structures were established based on extensive analysis of NMR spectroscopic data. As the crude extract possessed anti-leishmanial properties, the compounds were assayed for cytotoxic and anti-parasitic activities in vitro in murine macrophages cells (Raw 264.7) and leishmania promastigotes (L. amazoniensis and L. braziliensis), respectively. The compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity (approximately 70 μg/mL), but are not responsible for the leishmanicidal effect of the extract.     

Twelve novel and diverse 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids from Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina

A series of novel and structurally related C-15-acyl 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids, chuktabrins C-J (1-8) and chuktabularins U-X (9-12), were isolated from the stem bark of Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina. Their structures were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by a single-crystal X-ray study using a mirror CuKα radiation. Compounds 7 and 8 were unprecedent C-15-acyl 16-norphragmalins with ketonic alkyl appendage at C-15, and compounds 4 and 8 were first examples of limonoid with a characteristic carbonate moiety esterified at OH-9/OH-8 or OH-1/OH-8 respectively. A biosynthetic pathway of these limonoids was reasonably presumed based on the novel and diverse structures isolated, which provides a new insight into the plausible biosynthesis of C-15-acyl 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity of major isolates were evaluated for inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage (RAW264.7) cell line, with IC(50) value ranging from 2.40 to 16.90?μM.     

苯乙烯桥联的三苯烯的电子结构和荧光光谱

以苯乙烯桥联的三苯烯分子为模型化合物, 自行设计一系列分子, 用半经验AM1方法和密度泛函理论在B3LYP/3-21G水平上对其进行结构优化. 在B3LYP/3-21G优化构型基础上, 用INDO/CIS和B3LYP/3-21G方法计算其电子吸收光谱和碳原子化学位移. 结果表明, 母体化合物中取代基的数目、供电子能力和立体效应将影响其LUMO-HOMO(最低空轨道-最高占据轨道)能隙、空穴注入性能及热稳定性. —CN和—OH的存在将使化合物电子吸收光谱的第一吸收峰及主要吸收峰与母体相比发生红移. —CN上的C原子受N原子影响化学位移出现在低场, 与—CN相连的C原子由于具有较大的电子云密度化学位移向高场移动, 骨架上的C原子化学位移基本保持不变.     

Chemical Compounds and Biologic Activities: A Review of Cedrela Genus

The genus Cedrela P. Browne, which belongs to the Meliaceae family, has eighteen species. Trees of this genus are of economic interest due to wood quality, as well as being the focus of studies because of relevant biologic activities as in other Meliaceae species. These activities are mainly related to limonoids, a characteristic class of compounds in this family. Therefore, the aim of this review is to perform a survey of the citations in the literature on the Cedrela genus species. Articles were found on quantitative and qualitative phytochemical studies of the Cedrela species, revealing the chemical compounds identified, such as aliphatics acid and alcohol, flavonoids, tocopherol, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, cycloartanes, steroids, and limonoids. Although some activities were tested, the majority of studies focused on the insecticidal, antifeedant, or insect growth inhibitor activities of this genus. Nonetheless, the most promising activities were related to their antimalarial and antitripanocidal effects, although further investigations are still needed.     

Chemical constituents from Aphanamixis grandifolia

(23E)-25-Methylcycloart-23-en-3β-ol (1), a cycloartane-type triterpenoid featuring an unusual skeleton of 31 carbon atoms, (17E)-cycloart-17,26-dien-3β-ol (2), a new cycloartane-type triterpenoid, and the other two new compounds 4R-hydroxy-4-(9S-hydroxy-12-methylhexan-6-yl)-3-methylcyclopent-2-enone (6) and 7-hydroxy-5-(2'-hydroxy-4',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methoxy-6-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (7), together with three known cycloart-3β-ol triterpenoids (3-5) were isolated from aerial parts of Aphanamixis grandifolia. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and that of 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The absolute configuration of two carbon stereocenters of compound 6 was determined to be 4R,9S by means of circular dichroism (CD) and auxiliary chiral α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid (MTPA) derivatives, respectively. The compound 3 exhibited significant cytotoxicities against HL-60, Hep G2 and HeLa, and compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 exhibited modest cytotoxicities. No activity of compound 4 could be due to the absence of the hydroxyl group at C-24.     

Enhanced separation of purine and pyrimidine bases using carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotubes as additive in capillary zone electrophoresis

This paper describes the enhanced separation of adenine (A), hypoxanthine (HX), 8-azaadenine (8-AA), thymine (T), cytosine (C), uracil (U) and guanine (G) by CZE dispersing carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c-MWNTs) into the running buffer. The effect of important factors such as c-MWNT nanoparticle concentration, the acidity and concentration of running buffer, and separation voltage were investigated to acquire the optimum conditions. The seven purine and pyrimidine bases could be well separated within 16 min in a 35 cm effective length fused-silica capillary at a separation voltage of +8.0 kV in a 23 mM tetraborate buffer (pH 9.2) containing 8.0 x 10(-5) g/mL c-MWNTs. Under the optimal conditions, the linear ranges were of 2-250 microg/mL for A (R2 = 0.995), 3-200 microg/mL for U (R2 = 0.990) and G (R2 = 0.992), 3-250 microg/mL for T (R2 = 0.998), 2-200 microg/mL for C (R2 = 0.985) and 4-200 microg/mL for HX (R2 = 0.988) and 8-AA (R2 = 0.990). The detection limits were 0.9 microg/mL for A (S/N = 3), 2.4 microg/mL for U, 2.0 microg/mL for T, 1.5 microg/mL for C, 2.5 microg/mL for G and 3.0 microg/mL for HX and 8-AA. The proposed method was successfully applied for determining five purine and pyrimidine bases in yeast RNA.     

Cytotoxic limonoids from Brazilian Melia azedarach

Three new C-seco limonoids (1-3) and one new tetracyclic limonoid (4) were isolated from a methanol extract of the ripe fruits of Melia azedarach collected in Curitiba, Brazil, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and comparison of spectral data with those of the previously known compounds. Among the limonoids isolated in the present study, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against HeLa S3 cancer cells, whereas 1 and 2 showed weak cytotoxicity.