On the rapid synthesis of highly substituted proline analogues by 5-endo-trig iodocyclisation

Highly substituted α-alkenyl-α-amino esters undergo smooth if rather slow 5-endo-iodocyclisations both in the presence or absence of base to give good to excellent yields of substituted proline derivatives. The stereoselectivities are often only moderate, except when the amino ester residue carries a substituent, which is branched at its α-position.     

Optimization and validation of a gas chromatographic method for analysis of (RS,SR)-diastereoisomeric impurity in formoterol fumarate

The levels of 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AalphaC or 2-amino-alpha-carboline), 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeAalphaC or 2-amino-3-methyl-alpha-carboline), 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (norharman), and 1-methyl-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (harman) have been determined in the mainstream smoke condensate from three reference cigarettes, namely Kentucky reference 1R5F, Kentucky reference 2R4F, and CORESTA CM4. The amino-alpha-carbolines, and norharman and harman (beta-carbolines) can be classified as heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and are listed as biologically active agents in the mainstream smoke of cigarettes. For the analysis, the mainstream smoke condensate from cigarettes was collected on a filter pad, the analytes were isolated using solid-phase extraction (SPE), and quantified without derivatization on a GC-MS. Total amounts of carbolines found in the condensate increased from ultralight 1R5F to full-flavor CM4 cigarettes. The level of harman was about 250 ng/cigarette for the 1R5F cigarette and about 1025 ng/cigarette for the CM4 cigarette. Norharman was typically three times more abundant than harman. The AalphaC was found at about 10 times lower level compared to harman, and MeAalphaC was about 50 times lower than harman. The use of reference cigarettes can provide a common measure for laboratories to assess carboline amounts among cigarette brands.     

Apparent Molar Volume and Viscosity Studies on Some Carbohydrates in Solutions

 The apparent molar volume (φ_v) and viscosity (η) of L(+)-arabinose, D(+)-galactose, D(−)-fructose, D(+)-glucose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose in water and in 0.1% and 0.3% water-Surf Excel solutions were measured as a function of solute concentrations at 308.15, 313.15, and 323.15 K, respectively. The apparent molar volume (φ_v) of the carbohydrates was found to be a linear function of the concentration. From a φ_v versus molality (b) plot, the apparent molar volume at infinite dilution (), which is practically equal to the partial molar volume at infinite dilutions () of these substances was determined. The viscosity coefficients B and D for the carbohydrates were calculated on the basis of the viscosity of the solutions and the solvent using the Jones-Dole equation. The activation free energy for viscous flow (ΔG ^≠) of the solutions was also calculated using the Eyring equation. The carbohydrates showed structure making behaviour both in water and in water-Surf Excel solutions. When water-Surf Excel solutions and pure water solutions containing carbohydrate molecules are compared, the former were found to be more structured. The behaviour of these solutes in water and in water-Surf Excel solution systems is discussed in the light of solute–solvent interactions.     

Synthesis of diaryl ethers based on one-pot [3+3] cyclizations of 1,3-bis(silyl enol ethers)

Functionalized and sterically encumbered diaryl ethers were prepared by [3+3] cyclization of 1,3-bis(silyl enol ethers) with 2-aryloxy-3-(silyloxy)alk-2-en-1-ones.     

Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics of the Pancreastatin Inhibitor PSTi8 Peptide in Rats: Integration of In Vitro and In Vivo Findings

PSTi8 is a pancreastatin inhibitory peptide that is effective in the treatment of diabetic models. This study investigates the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of PSTi8 in Sprague Dawley rats, for the first time. In vitro and in vivo PK studies were performed to evaluate the solubility, stability in plasma and liver microsomes, plasma protein binding, blood–plasma partitioning, bioavailability, dose proportionality, and gender difference in PK. Samples were analyzed using the validated LC-MS/MS method. The solubility of PSTi8 was found to be 9.30 and 25.75 mg/mL in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, respectively. The protein binding of PSTi8 was estimated as >69% in rat plasma. PSTi8 showed high stability in rat plasma and liver microsomes and the blood–plasma partitioning was >2. The bioavailability of PSTi8 after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration was found to be 95.00 ± 12.15 and 78.47 ± 17.72%, respectively, in rats. PSTi8 showed non-linear PK in dose proportionality studies, and has no gender difference in the PK behavior in rats. The high bioavailability of PSTi8 can be due to high water solubility and plasma protein binding, low clearance and volume of distribution. Our in vitro and in vivo findings support the development of PSTi8 as an antidiabetic agent.     

Investigations on Anticancer Potentials by DNA Binding and Cytotoxicity Studies for Newly Synthesized and Characterized Imidazolidine and Thiazolidine-Based Isatin Derivatives

Imidazolidine and thiazolidine-based isatin derivatives (IST-01–04) were synthesized, characterized, and tested for their interactions with ds-DNA. Theoretical and experimental findings showed good compatibility and indicated compound–DNA binding by mixed mode of interactions. The evaluated binding parameters, i.e., binding constant (K_b), free energy change (ΔG), and binding site sizes (n), inferred comparatively greater and more spontaneous binding interactions of IST-02 and then IST-04 with the DNA, among all compounds tested under physiological pH and temperature (7.4, 37 °C). The cytotoxic activity of all compounds was assessed against HeLa (cervical carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), and HuH-7 (liver carcinoma), as well as normal HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney) cell lines. Among all compounds, IST-02 and 04 were found to be cytotoxic against HuH-7 cell lines with percentage cell toxicity of 75% and 66%, respectively, at 500 ng/µL dosage. Moreover, HEK-293 cells exhibit tolerance to the increasing drug concentration, suggesting these two compounds are less cytotoxic against normal cell lines compared to cancer cell lines. Hence, both DNA binding and cytotoxicity studies proved imidazolidine (IST-02) and thiazolidine (IST-04)-based isatin derivatives as potent anticancer drug candidates among which imidazolidine (IST-02) is comparatively the more promising.     

A Comprehensive Review on the Techniques for Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Cannabis

Cannabis is well-known for its numerous therapeutic activities, as demonstrated in pre-clinical and clinical studies primarily due to its bioactive compounds. The Cannabis industry is rapidly growing; therefore, product development and extraction methods have become crucial aspects of Cannabis research. The evaluation of the current extraction methods implemented in the Cannabis industry and scientific literature to produce consistent, reliable, and potent medicinal Cannabis extracts is prudent. Furthermore, these processes must be subjected to higher levels of scientific stringency, as Cannabis has been increasingly used for various ailments, and the Cannabis industry is receiving acceptance in different countries. We comprehensively analysed the current literature and drew a critical summary of the extraction methods implemented thus far to recover bioactive compounds from medicinal Cannabis. Moreover, this review outlines the major bioactive compounds in Cannabis, discusses critical factors affecting extraction yields, and proposes future considerations for the effective extraction of bioactive compounds from Cannabis. Overall, research on medicinal marijuana is limited, with most reports on the industrial hemp variety of Cannabis or pure isolates. We also propose the development of sustainable Cannabis extraction methods through the implementation of mathematical prediction models in future studies.     

A Multitarget Approach to Evaluate the Efficacy of Aquilaria sinensis Flower Extract against Metabolic Syndrome

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng is known for its resinous secretion (agarwood), often secreted in defense against injuries. We investigated the effects of A. sinensis flower extract (AF) on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma (PPARα and PPARγ), liver X receptor (LXR), glucose uptake, and lipid accumulation (adipogenesis). Activation of PPARα, PPARγ and LXR was determined in hepatic (HepG2) cells by reporter gene assays. Glucose uptake was determined in differentiated muscle (C2C12) cells using 2-NBDG (2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-D-glucose). Adipogenesis was determined in adipocytes (3T3-L1 cells) by Oil red O staining. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, AF caused 12.2-fold activation of PPARα and 5.7-fold activation of PPARγ, while the activation of LXR was only 1.7-fold. AF inhibited (28%) the adipogenic effect induced by rosiglitazone in adipocytes and increased glucose uptake (32.8%) in muscle cells at 50 μg/mL. It was concluded that AF acted as a PPARα/γ dual agonist without the undesired effect of adipogenesis and exhibited the property of enhancing glucose uptake. This is the first report to reveal the PPARα/γ dual agonistic action and glucose uptake enhancing property of AF along with its antiadipogenic effect, indicating its potential in ameliorating the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.     

Flavanols from Nature: A Phytochemistry and Biological Activity Review

Flavanols, a common class of secondary plant metabolites, exhibit several beneficial health properties by acting as antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardioprotective, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and neuroprotective agents. Furthermore, some flavanols are considered functional ingredients in dairy products. Based on their structural features and health-promoting functions, flavanols have gained the attention of pharmacologists and botanists worldwide. This review collects and summarizes 121 flavanols comprising four categories: flavan-3-ols, flavan-4-ols, isoflavan-4-ols, and flavan-3,4-ols. The research of the various structural features and pharmacological activities of flavanols and their derivatives aims to lay the groundwork for subsequent research and expect to provide mentality and inspiration for the research. The current study provides a starting point for further research and development.