Antiplasmodial Securinega alkaloids from Phyllanthus fraternus: Discovery of natural (+)-allonorsecurinine

The chemical investigation of the antimalarial plant Phyllanthus fraternus G. L. Webster (Phyllanthaceae) resulted in the discovery of the Securinega alkaloid (+)-allonorsecurinine (1), previously reported as a synthetic compound, together with the known ent-norsecurinine (2), nirurine (3), bubbialine (4), epibubbialine (5) and the lignan phyllanthin (6). The structure and absolute configuration of the new compound were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, optical rotation, and GIAO NMR shift calculation followed by CP3 analysis. The antiplasmodial activity of these compounds was evaluated against chloroquine-resistant (W2) and -sensitive (3D7) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Among them, ent-norsecurinine (2) and (+)-allonorsecurinine (1) showed the strongest activity (IC₅₀: 1.14 ± 0.32 and 2.57 ± 0.53 µM) respectively, against W2 but one of the weakest against 3D7.     

α-Glucosidase inhibitors from the stem of Mangifera reba

Two new neolignans, named rebaneolignan A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the stem of Mangifera reba (Anacardiaceae), together with six known compounds (3–8). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic analysis and the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by NOESY and CD data. All isolated compounds were found to possess more potent inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 28.5 to 162.8 µM, than the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀, 214.5 µM). Plausible biosynthetic pathways for the formation of 1 and 2 were proposed based on the oxidative β-5′ coupling reactions.     

Cytotoxic arylbenzofuran and stilbene derivatives from the twigs of Artocarpus heterophyllus

Four new natural products, including three arylbenzofurans named heterophyllenes A-C (1–3), and one stilbene named heterophyllene D (4), together with twenty-one known compounds were isolated from the twigs of Artocarpus heterophyllus and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxic activity of selected compounds against KB, MCF-7 and NCI-H187 cell lines was evaluated. Heterophyllene C (3) exhibited cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 12.56 μM. Additionally, the known compounds norartocarpin and artocarpin showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and KB cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 10.04 and 13.57 μM, respectively. Both compounds also displayed cytotoxicity against the NCI-H187 cell line with values of 14.78 and 14.21 μM, respectively.     

Visconata: A rare flavonol having long chain fatty acid from Dodonaea viscosa which inhibits Human neutrophil elastase (HNE)

A series of flavonoids were isolated from Dodonaea Viscosa and tested for inhibition of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), enzyme involved in inflammatory disorders. Isolated compounds were identified as a novel flavonol (1) along with eight known flavonoids (2–9). Novel flavonol, visconata (1) has a very rare skeleton having odd numbered long chain (C19) fatty acid, which was completely identified by mass fragmentation and 2D NMR analysis. All compounds (1–9) inhibited HNE in dose dependent manner with IC₅₀s ranging between 2.4 and 150 μM. Visconata (1) emerged to be the most potent compound with 2.4 μM of IC₅₀. In kinetic studies, compound (1) was observed to be reversible, noncompetitive inhibitor having K_i = 1.8 μM, whereas other flavonoids (2–9) displayed mixed type inhibition.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological evaluation of purine nucleoside analogues

We present a convenient route for the synthesis of C6-amino-C5′-N-cyclopropyl carboxamido-C2-alkynylated purine nucleoside analogues 11a–g via Sonogashira coupling reaction. The nine step synthesis is easy to perform, employing commercially available reagents. Compound 9 is used as key intermediate for the synthesis of analogues 11a–g. Synthetic intermediates and final products are appropriately characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and Mass. The modified nucleoside analogues 11a–g is evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231 and Caco-2 cell lines. Screening data reveals that compounds 11b and 11e displayed potent IC₅₀ value of 7.9, 6.8 µg/mL respectively against MDA-MB-231 and of 7.5, 8.3 µg/mL respectively against Caco-2 than the standard drug doxorubicin, thus establishing the potential anti-cancer properties of these newer derivatives.     

Two acridones and two coumarins from the roots of Paramignya trimera

Two acridones, paratrimerins C (1) and D (2), and two coumarins, paratrimerins E (3) and F (4), were isolated from the CHCl₃ and EtOAc extracts of Paramignya trimera (Rutaceae), together with twelve known compounds (5–16). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. All isolated compounds possessed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in a concentration-dependent manner, and showed more potent inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 14.6 to 112.2 μM, than the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀, 214.5 μM). The biosynthesis of the isolated coumarins and acridones was proposed.     

Efficient,collective synthesis and nitric oxide inhibitory activity of rubrolides E,F, R,S and their derivatives

An efficient first synthesis of biologically significant natural butenolides, rubrolides F (1f), R (1r), S (1s) & its 7″,8″-didehydro derivative (1sa), and 3″-bromo rubrolide (1fa) along with the synthesis of rubrolide E (1e) and its di-O-methyl derivative (1ea) is accomplished in a collective fashion from commercially available and inexpensive precursors in overall yields of 14–48.5%. Key features are Wittig-Horner reaction, SeO₂-induced tandem allylic hydroxylation/intramolecular cyclization and Knoevenagel condensation. Next, in their inhibitory activity towards nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages as an indicator of anti-inflammatory activity, all compounds displayed good inhibitory activity in a concentration-dependent manner. None of the compound exhibited notable cytotoxicity at the highest concentration (10 μM) and IC₅₀ values are found in the range from 8.53 to 17.85 μM.     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of quinazolin-4(3H)-one Schiff base conjugates as potential antiamoebic agents

In an effort to develop novel antiamoebic scaffolds having better efficacy than the standard drug metronidazole (IC₅₀ = 1.80 μM) used against Entamoeba histolytica, quinazolin-4(3H)-one Schiff base conjugates were synthesized and evaluated against HM1: IMSS strain of E. histolytica. Out of the thirteen compounds (S2-S14), six compounds (S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S11) were found to be better inhibitors than metronidazole and showed low cytotoxicity on HeLa cells, a cervical cancer cell line. The structure of intermediate compound S1 was confirmed by crystal structure studies.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of novel quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives containing a 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole moiety

A series of novel quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives (6a–6y) containing a 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole moiety were designed and synthesized, and their structures were fully characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, HRMS and IR spectra. Among them, the structure of compound 6u was unambiguously confirmed via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The obtained bioassay results showed that compounds 6h, 6k, 6l and 6y had the EC₅₀ (half-maximal effective concentration) values of 34.8, 28.2, 41.5 and 42.5 μg/mL against the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), respectively, which were significantly better than commercial bactericide Bismerthiazol (EC₅₀ = 95.8 μg/mL). Additionally, compounds 6a and 6b exhibited the strong inhibition activity against the pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac).     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,theoretical, antimicrobial,DNA interaction and in vitro anticancer studies of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with pyrimidine-morpholine based Schiff base ligand

Novel Cu(II) (1) and Zn(II) (2) complexes with 4-(1-(4-morpholinophenyl)ethylideneamino)pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile) (L) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. DFT (density functional theory) studies result confirms that, LMCT mechanism have been done between L and M(II) ions. The antimicrobial studies indicate that the ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 exhibit higher activity against the E. coli bacteria and C. albicans fungi. The groove binding mode of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 with CT-DNA have been confirmed by electronic absorption, competitive binding, viscometric and cyclic voltammetric studies. The electronic absorption titration of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 with DNA have been carried out in different buffer solutions (pH 4.0, 7.0 & 10.0). The K_b values of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 are higher in acidic buffer at pH 4.0 (K_b = 2.42 × 10⁵, L; 2.8 × 10⁵, 1; 2.65 × 10⁵, 2) and the results revealed that, the interaction of synthesized compounds with DNA were higher in the acidic medium than basic and neutral medium. Furthermore, CT-DNA cleavage studies of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 have been studied. The in vitro anticancer activities results show that complexes 1 & 2 have moderate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and low toxicity on normal cell line than ligand L.     

Anti-inflammatory chromone alkaloids and glycoside from Dysoxylum binectariferum

Herein we report isolation of a new chromone alkaloid chrotacumine K (12) from fruits and a chromone glycoside schumaniofioside A (13) from leaves of Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook f. Schumaniofioside A is reported for the first time from Meliaceae family. Other known alkaloids isolated include rohitukine (1) and chrotacumine E (6). The structure of new alkaloid 12 was elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis, synthesis and chemical hydrolysis. Chemically, chrotacumine K (12) is a 3′-O-acetyl rohitukine which on chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis produces rohitukine. The new alkaloid 12 is also present in seeds and stem-barks of this plant. The glycoside schumaniofioside A (13) is present only in leaves, and in abundance (～1% w/w of dried leaves). The isolated compounds and extracts were evaluated for in vitro effect on the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in human monocytic THP-1 cells. The alkaloid 12 displayed potent inhibition (57%) of TNF-α at 0.3 µM, and was non-toxic to THP-1 cells up to 40 µM, indicating its excellent therapeutic window. Furthermore, a nitrobenzoyl ester analog 15e showed better inhibition of IL-6 than parent natural product chrotacumine K.     

Diazenyl schiff bases: Synthesis,spectral analysis,antimicrobial studies and cytotoxic activity on human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116)

A series of diazenyl schiff bases have been synthesized by reaction of salicylaldehyde containing azo dyes with various substituted aniline derivatives in the presence of acetic acid as catalyst. The structures of diazenyl derivatives were determined by FTIR, UV–vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, CHN analysis, fluorimetric and mass spectroscopic studies. The synthesized derivatives were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus), Gram-negative (S. typhi, S. enterica, E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacterial and fungal (C. albicans, A. niger and A. fumigatus) strains, using cefadroxil (antibacterial) and fluconazole (antifungal) as standard drugs. The diazenyl schiff bases were also screened for their cytotoxicity against human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116) using 5-fluorouracil as standard drug by Sulforhodamine-B Stain (SRB) assay. The schiff bases exhibited significant activity toward both Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial and fungal strains. Most of the synthesized derivatives showed high activity against S. enterica. 4-((2,5-Dichlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-((3-bromophenylimino)methyl)phenol (SBN-40) was found to be very active against S. aureus, B. cereus and E. coli, with MIC = 0.69 (µM/ml × 10²). The compound 4-((2-bromophenyl)diazenyl)-2-((4-nitrophenylimino)methyl)phenol (SBN-13) possessed comparable activity (IC₅₀ = 7.5 µg/ml) to the standard drug 5-fluorouracil (IC₅₀ = 3.0 µg/ml) against human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116).     

Synthesis and antiviral bioactivity of novel chalcone derivatives containing purine moiety

A series of novel chalcone derivatives containing purine group was synthesized and evaluated for their antiviral activities against cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus. Compound 3o exhibited remarkable antiviral activities and strong combining capacity to tobacco mosaic virus coat protein.     

trans-Aconitic acid-based hetero-Diels-Alder reaction in the synthesis of thiopyrano[2,3-d][1,3]thiazole derivatives

The hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of 5-arylideneisorhodanines with trans-aconitic acid proceeds as a regio- and diastereoselective process with spontaneous decarboxylation of the [4+2]-adduct to furnish thiopyrano[2,3-d][1,3]thiazole (2) and chromeno[4′,3′:4,5]thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazole (3) derivatives analogously to the use of itaconic acid as a dienophile. Conversely, the one-pot, three-component reaction of 5-arylideneisorhodanines, trans-aconitic acid and anilines proceeded without decarboxylation, leading to novel rel-(5′R,6′R,7′R)-5′-carboxy-7′-aryl-1-aryl-3′,7′-dihydro-2H,2′H,5H-spiro[pyrrolidin-3,6′-thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazol]-2,2′,5-triones 4. Interestingly, the use of trans-aconitic acid trimethyl ester led to the opposite regioselectivity, yielding rel-(5R,6S,7S)-5-methyloxycarbonylmethyl-2-oxo-7-aryl-3,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazol-5,6-dicarboxylates 5. Selected compounds were examined for trypanocide activity against the bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei where compound 4e showed the highest activity (IC₅₀ = 6.74 μM).     

Cytotoxic gephyromycins from the Streptomyces sp. SS13I

Two new gephyromycins (1–2), belonging to angucyclinones, were identified from Streptomyces sp. SS13I. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, and the structure of 1 was further elucidated by X-ray diffraction data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1–2 were evidenced by ECD calculations. To our best knowledge, Compounds 1–2 were the second reported gephyromycin-type angucyclinones. Compound 2 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against PC3 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 1.38 ± 0.47 μM.     

Hypervalent iodine(III) catalyzed rapid and efficient access to benzimidazoles,benzothiazoles and quinoxalines: Biological evaluation of some new benzimidazole-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine conjugates

A rapid, simple and highly efficient method for the synthesis of a variety of 2-aryl-benzimidazoles, 2-aryl-benzothiazoles and quinoxalines has been developed using Koser’s reagent [PhI(OH)OTs] as catalyst. The present work highlights the potential of Koser's reagent ([PhI(OH)OTs]) for the synthesis of benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles and quinoxalines, etc. Short reaction time, high yields, importantly low catalyst loading, broad substrate scope and scalability are the salient features of this methodology. Particularly, this method has been employed successfully to synthesize highly structured indole-benzimidazole and quinoxaline-6-carboxamide derivatives as well as biologically important benzimidazole-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine conjugates in moderate to good yields. These remarkable features make the present methodology a valid contribution to the existing precedents for the synthesis of benzimidazoles, etc. In the MTT assay, benzimidazole-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine conjugates 3s, 3t and 3v were found to be active on MCF-7 (IC₅₀ values of 5.10 ± 0.10, 8.23 ± 0.02, and 10.75 ± 0.03 µM, respectively) and MDA-MB-231 cell lines (IC₅₀ values of 10.83 ± 0.13, 7.68 ± 0.05, and 7.87 ± 0.24 µM, respectively). Flow-cytometry analysis revealed that the treatment of MCF-7 cells with compound 3s showed moderate effect on the progression of G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle.     

Novel dual inhibitors against FP-2 and PfDHFR as potential antimalarial agents: Design,synthesis and biological evaluation

A series of novel 2,4-diaminopyrimidine-modified compounds was designed and synthesized. Compound 14 showed micromolar dual inhibitory effect on both FP-2 and PfDHFR, and potential inhibition to the proliferation of P. falciparum 3D7 strain and chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum Dd2 strain.     

Antiviral peptides from marine gorgonian-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501

A new cyclic pentapeptide and three new linear peptides, namely, aspergillipeptides D–G (1–4), were isolated from a culture broth of marine gorgonian-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were confirmed by Marfey’s method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed evident antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with IC₅₀ values of 9.5 and 19.8 µM under their non-cytotoxic concentrations against a Vero cell line, respectively, and 1 also had antiviral activity against acyclovir-resistant clinical isolates of HSV-1.     

Synthesis of bengamide E analogues and their cytotoxic activity

A series of bengamide E analogues were prepared from the corresponding polyketide chain and amino acids via amide coupling reactions. Opening of the polyketide chain lactone ring with α-aminolactams was successfully achieved under microwave irradiation in the presence of sodium 2-ethyl hexanoate. A cytotoxic activity evaluation against a panel of cancer cell lines (KB, HepG-2, Lu-1, MCF-7, HL-60 and Hela) indicated that the 2′R analogues were generally more cytotoxic than the 2′S analogues. Additionally, several analogues exhibited selective inhibition against various cancer cell lines: compounds 32a and 32b selectively inhibited MCF-7 cells, while 33b and 35b were more sensitive toward Lu-1 and HepG-2, respectively. Notably, some of the synthetic analogues possess cytotoxic activities with IC₅₀ values less than 1 µM.     

Highly sensitive fluorescent sensor targeting CuCl2 based on thiophene attached anthracene compound (TA)

A novel thiophene attached anthracene (TA) based fluorescent compound was designed and synthesized. The TA showed a high quantum yield (Qy = 0.34) in regard to fluorescence. We applied this TA compound to detect specific metal compound and found that it could identify CuCl₂ from other metals through dramatic fluorescence change at λ_max = 460 nm. It showed strong quenching fluorescence property with CuCl₂ while with other metal compounds it exhibited strong blue fluorescence emission. UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy clearly demonstrated that the quenching property of TA at λ_max = 460 nm was due to overlapping of the fluorescence peak of TA at λ_max = 460 nm and the absorption band of CuCl₂ (from 190 nm to 525 nm). Binding constant (K′), which was 0.0895 mM^?2, indicated a complexation ratio between TA and CuCl₂ as 1:2 and this interaction induced quenching property.