Design of potent fluoro-substituted chalcones as antimicrobial agents

Owing to ever-increasing bacterial and fungal drug resistance, we attempted to develop novel antitubercular and antimicrobial agents. For this purpose, we developed some new fluorine-substituted chalcone analogs (3, 4, 9–15, and 20–23) using a structure–activity relationship approach. Target compounds were evaluated for their antitubercular efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and antimicrobial activity against five common pathogenic bacterial and three common fungal strains. Three derivatives (3, 9, and 10) displayed significant antitubercular activity with IC₅₀ values of ≤16,760. Compounds derived from trimethoxy substituent scaffolds with monofluoro substitution on the B ring of the chalcone structure exhibited superior inhibition activity compared to corresponding hydroxy analogs. In terms of antimicrobial activity, most compounds (3, 9, 12–14, and 23) exhibited moderate to potent activity against the bacteria, and the antifungal activities of compounds 3, 13, 15, 20, and 22 were comparable to those of reference drugs ampicillin and fluconazole.     

Acylphloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum laricifolium Juss

A new dimeric acylphloroglucinol derivative, hyperlaricifolin (1), and two new monomeric acylphloroglucinols, laricifolin A (2) and laricifolin B (3), were isolated from an extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum laricifolium Juss., along with the four known dimeric acylphloroglucinols uliginosin B, isouliginosin B, hyperbrasilol B, and isohyperbrasilol B. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of their 1D-, 2D-NMR and mass spectra.     

Two new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum curvisepalum N. Robson

Phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Hypericum curvisepalum led to the isolation of nine polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (1–9). Among them, curvisepalumiones A (1) and B (2) are two new compounds and their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis combined with Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄-induced electronic circular dichroism experiment. Cytotoxic assay showed that all the tested compounds except for 1 was moderately cytotoxic against human hepatocarcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 cell line, while compounds 3 and 4 also exhibited cytotoxicity toward MGC-803 cells. In addition, compound 2 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis.     

Bioactive Compounds of Fruit Parts of Three Eugenia uniflora Biotypes in Four Ripening Stages

Variability of secondary metabolites in edible (peel and pulp) and inedible (seeds) parts of three pitanga varieties, red, red-orange and purple, was investigated during the maturation process. Hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids were quantified by HPLC/DAD and carotenoids by absorbance. Peel/pulp showed greater complexity of constituents (carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins), while only tannins were identified in seeds, but in quantities of 10 to 100 times greater. The red-orange variety showed the highest levels of phenolic compounds in seeds and peel/pulp, except anthocyanins. The analysis of the principal response curves showed that the pitanga biotype has greater influence on metabolite variation than ripening stages. During peel/pulp maturation, a reduction in the levels of flavonoids and tannins contrasted with an increase in carotenoids and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in all varieties, whereas in the seeds oenothein B, the major tannin, increased up to 1.32 g/100 g fresh weight. Such marked differences between fruit parts demonstrate that the seeds in stages E3 and E4 are a source of hydrolysable tannins, compounds known for their antitumor activity, while peel/pulp of all varieties in the ripe stage provide natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Lastly, the purple biotype can be a rich source of the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside pigment a potent bioactive compound.     

Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel chroman-4-one, chroman, and 2H-chromene derivatives as human rhinovirus capsid-binding inhibitors

As part of an effort to generate broad-spectrum inhibitors of rhinovirus replication, novel series of (E)-3-[(E)-3-phenylallylidene]chroman-4-ones 1a–e, (E)-3-(3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-ylidene)chroman-4-ones 2a and 2b, (Z)-3-[(E)-3-phenylallylidene]chromans 3a–e, and (E)-3-(3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl)-2H-chromenes 4a–d were designed and synthesized. All the compounds were tested in vitro for their efficacy against infection by human rhinovirus (HRV) 1B and 14, two representative serotypes for rhinovirus group B and A, respectively. Most of the analogues were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of both HRVs, although HRV 1B was generally more susceptible than HRV 14. Mechanism of action studies of (E)-6-chloro-3-(3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl)-2H-chromene 4b, the most potent compound on HRV 1B infection, suggested that 4b behaves as a capsid-binder probably acting at the uncoating level.     

Isolation of Antibabesial Compounds from Brucea javanica,Curcuma xanthorrhiza,and Excoecaria cochinchinensis

One new curcuminoid, 3′-demethoxycyclocurcumin (1), was isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza as an antibabesial compound, together with p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2) and cleomiscosin A (3) from Brucea javanica and (+)-epiloliolide (4) from Excoecaria cochinchinensis. The antibabesial activities were examined in vitro, and compounds 1–4, and diminazene aceturate were studied with IC₅₀ values of 16.6, 7.6, 15.6, 10.0, and 0.6 μg/ml, respectively.     

A constituent of Alpinia katsumadai suppresses allergic airway inflammation

Two new compounds, named as (3R)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-isopropyl-3-methylisochroman-1-one (1), and (1R,3R,4S)-1-(4′-methyl-phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-3,4-dimethyl-1H-2-benzopyran-5,6,8-triol (2), were isolated from seeds of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata. Structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated and determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Additionally, compound 1 significantly suppressed allergic airway inflammation induced by OVA through reducing airway hyperresponsiveness. Moreover, the inflammation suppression was associated with a marked decrease in the Th2 cytokines and IgE production.     

Bis(monoterpenoid) indole alkaloid glucosides from Uncaria hirsuta

One novel bis(monoterpenoid) indole alkaloid glucoside, hirsutaside D (1), along with three known compounds, bahienoside A (2), bahienoside B (3) and neonaucleoside B (4), were isolated from the leaves of U. hirsuta. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis and chemical means. Characterization of compounds 2–4 was based on spectral analysis and comparison with the literature. Their cytotoxic effects on four human tumor cell lines were examined.     

Ganoderiol A and B,New Triterpenoids from the Fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)

Two new lanostane-type triterpenoids, ganoderiol A (1) and ganoderiol B (2) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum, together with known ganodermanontriol (3) and ganodermatriol (4). The compounds were identified as 5α-lanosta-7,9(11)-dien-3β,24,25,26-tetraol (1), 15α,26,27-trihydroxy-5α-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3-one (2), 24,25,26-trihydroxy-5α-lanosta-7,9(11)-dien-3-one (3) and 5α-lanosta-7,9(ll),24-trien-3β,26,27-triol (4), respectively.     

Antifoulant diterpenes produced by the brown seaweed Canistrocarpus cervicornis

This paper reports the antifouling properties of the dichloromethane crude extract (DC) and 3 pure compounds isolated from the Brazilian brown seaweed Canistrocarpus cervicornis against establishment of the mussel Perna perna. DC extract showed a strong inhibition activity against byssal threads. Two natural dolastanes and one seco-dolastane diterpene, namely (4R, 9S, 14S)-4α-acetoxy-9β,14α-dihydroxydolast-1(15),7-diene (1), (4R,7R,14S)-4α,7α-diacetoxy-14-hydroxydolast-1(15),8-diene (2) and isolinearol (3), were isolated from DC extract. Dolastane (1) inhibited 60% of byssal fixation, while compound 2 and the seco-dolastane (3) strongly inhibited (82%) the establishment of P. perna. This is the first report of this type of chemical skeleton in three powerful compounds that could be further explored for the development of antifouling technology.     

Synthesis,antitumor and antimicrobial activity of some new 6-methyl-3-phenyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone analogues: in silico studies

Some new derivatives of substituted-4(3H)-quinazolinones were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antitumor and antimicrobial activities. The results of this study demonstrated that compound 5 yielded selective activities toward NSC Lung Cancer EKVX cell line, Colon Cancer HCT-15 cell line and Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231/ATCC cell line, while NSC Lung Cancer EKVX cell line and CNS Cancer SF-295 cell line were sensitive to compound 8. Additionally, compounds 12 and 13 showed moderate effectiveness toward numerous cell lines belonging to different tumor subpanels. On the other hand, the results of antimicrobial screening revealed that compounds 1, 9 and 14 are the most active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16, 32 and 32?μg/mL respectively, while compound 14 possessed antimicrobial activities against all tested strains with the lowest MIC compared with other tested compounds. In silico study, ADME-Tox prediction and molecular docking methodology were used to study the antitumor activity and to identify the structural features required for antitumor activity.     

Petiolins J–M,prenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum pseudopetiolatum var. kiusianum

Four new prenylated acylphloroglucinols, petiolins J?M (1?4), were isolated from aerial parts of Hypericum pseudopetiolatum var. kiusianum, and the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Petiolin J (1) exhibited antimicrobial activity.     

Chemical constituents of Hericium erinaceum associated with the inhibitory activity against cellular senescence in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells

Abstract

Hericium erinaceum is an edible and medicinal mushroom widely used in Korea, Japan, and China. On the search for biologically active compounds supporting the medicinal usage, the MeOH extract of the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceum was investigated for its chemical constituents. Six compounds were isolated and identified as hericenone D (1), (22E,24R)-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (2), erinacerin B (3), hericenone E (4), hericenone F (5) and isohericerin (6) by comparing their spectroscopic data with previously reported values. The inhibitory effects on adriamycin-induced cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) of the isolates (1–6) were studied. Among the isolated compounds, ergosterol peroxide (2) reduced senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity increased in HUVECs treated with adriamycin. According to experimental data obtained, the active compound may inspire the development of a new pharmacologically useful substance to be used in the treatment and prevention of age-related diseases.     

Synthesis of novel sulfonamide analogs containing sulfamerazine/sulfaguanidine and their biological activities

Sulfamerazine and sulfaguanidine are clenched with p-nitrobenzoyl chloride and the products obtained are reduced to Na_xS in ethanol–water. Novel sulfonamides (6a–g and 9a–g) were synthesized by the reaction of these reduced products (4 and 8) with various sulfonyl chlorides (5a–g). The structures of these compounds were characterized using spectroscopic analysis (IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and HRMS) technique. Antimicrobial activity of sulfonamides (3, 4, 7, 8, 6a–g and 9a–g) was evaluated by the agar diffusion method. These compounds showed antimicrobial activity against tested microorganism strains (Gram-positive bacteria, clinic isolate and yeast and mold). Compounds 9d, 9e, 9a, 6d and 6e showed particularly antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (Enterobacter aerogenes) bacteria.     

Chaetominine, (+)-alantrypinone,questin, isorhodoptilometrin,and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde produced by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. YL-6 inhibit wheat (Triticum aestivum) and radish (Raphanus sativus) germination

Five phytotoxic substances with allelopathic activity were isolated from endophytic fungi Aspergillus sp. YL-6 habited in Pleioblastus amarus. The chemical structures of these substances were determined as chaetominine (1), (+)-alantrypinone (2), questin (3), isorhodoptilometrin (4), and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5) by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. The potential allelopathic effects of compounds 1–5 were evaluated on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and radish (Raphanus sativus). Under lab condition, at concentrations of 10 and 20 ppm, compounds 1–5 inhibit the germination and growth of the two tested seeds completely. An idole-3-acetic acid (IAA) derivative, (+)-alantrypinone (2) displayed the best inhibitory effects on radish seeds among these tested compounds with the similar activity as the positive control glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide. In the further evaluation of compounds 1–5, Questin (3), an anthraquinone derivative, can inhibit shoot and root elongation of wheat, the inhibitory effects assessed were similar to the positive control glyphosate.     

Identification of flavonolignans from Silybum marianum seeds as allosteric protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an attractive molecular target for anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer drug development. From the seeds of Silybum marianum, nine flavonolignans, namely, silybins A, B (1, 2), isosilybins A, B (3, 4), silychristins A, B (5, 6), isosilychristin A (7), dehydrosilychristin A (8), and silydianin (11) were identified as a novel class of natural PTP1B inhibitors (IC₅₀ 1.3 7–23.87?µM). Analysis of structure–activity relationship suggested that the absolute configurations at C-7" and C-8" greatly affected the PTP1B inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–5 were demonstrated to be non-competitive inhibitors of PTP1B based on kinetic analyses. Molecular docking simulations resulted that 1–5 docked into the allosteric site, including α3, α6, and α7 helix of PTP1B. At a concentration inhibiting PTP1B completely, compounds 1–5 moderately inhibited VHR and SHP-2, and weakly inhibited TCPTP and SHP-1. These results suggested the potentiality of these PTP1B inhibitors as lead compounds for further drug developments.     

Three Antinematodal Diterpenes from Euphorbia kansui

Three compounds, 20-O-acetyl-[3-O-(2′E,4′Z)-decadienoyl]-ingenol (1), 20-O-acetyl-[5-O-(2′E,4′Z)-decadienoyl]-ingenol (2) and 3-O-(2′E,4′Z)-decadienoylingenol (3), were isolated from Euphorbia kansui under the bioassay-guided method. Each compound showed the same antinematodal activity against the nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, at a minimum effective dose (MED) of 5 μg/cotton ball.     

Bioactive metabolites from Alternaria brassicicola ML-P08, an endophytic fungus residing in Malus halliana

A total of 48 strains were isolated from the normal tissues of Malus halliana and the EtOAc extracts of their cultures were subjected to primary antimicrobial screening against four test bacteria and three fungi. As a result, 22 strains exhibited antimicrobial activity against at least one test microbe. Among them, Alternaria brassicicola ML-P08 showing strong activity (MICs: 0.31–2.50 mg/ml) was selected for further investigation on its secondary metabolites. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract of its liquid culture afforded seven compounds, which were identified as alternariol (1), alternariol 9-methyl ether (2), altechromone A (3), herbarin A (4), cerevisterol (5), 3β,5α-dihydroxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (6) and 3β-hydroxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-5,8,22-trien-7-one (7), respectively, by spectral means (MS, IR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR). In vitro antimicrobial assay showed that compound 3 was substantially active against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Candida albicans with the MICs of 3.9, 3.9, 1.8, and 3.9 μg/ml, respectively. Compound 4 also showed pronounced antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum and C. albicans with MICs of both 15.6 μg/ml. In addition, compound 1 exhibited strong xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity with the IC₅₀ of 15.5 μM, comparable to that of positive control, allopurinol (IC₅₀: 10.7 μM).     

薏苡糠壳的化学成分及其种子萌发活性研究

为了解薏苡(Coixlachryma-jobi)糠壳的化学成分,利用多种柱色谱技术对其乙醇提取物乙酸乙酯萃取部位进行分离,经波谱数据分析鉴定了15个化合物,分别为香豆酸(1)、香豆酸甲酯(2)、2-羟乙基-香豆酸酯(3)、咖啡酸甲酯(4)、阿魏酸甲酯(5)、(E)-3-(4-甲氧基苯基)丙烯酸(6)、2,3-二羟基-1-(4-羟基-3-甲氧基苯基)-1-丙酮(7)、2,3-二羟基-1-(4-羟基-3,5-二甲氧基苯基)-1-丙酮(8)、对羟基苯甲酸(9)、3-羟基-4-甲氧基苯甲酸(10)、1,3,5-三甲氧基苯(11)、methyl (3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindol-3-yl)-acetate (12)、尿囊素(13)、2-(2-羟乙基)-3-甲基反丁烯二酸(14)和油酸(15),其中化合物3、7、12、13和14为首次从薏苡中分离得到。活性测试结果表明,化合物1、2、9、10和11对种子萌发具有较强的抑制作用。     

The effects of phenolic glycosides from Betula platyphylla var. japonica on adipocyte differentiation and mature adipocyte metabolism

Betula platyphylla var. japonica (Betulaceae) has been used traditionally in Asian countries for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. A recent study has reported a phenolic compound, platyphylloside from B. platyphylla, that shows inhibition on adipocyte differentiation and induces lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells. Based on this finding, we conducted phytochemical analysis of the EtOH extract of the bark of B. platyphylla var. japonica, which resulted in the isolation of phenolic glycosides (1–4). Treatment of the isolated compounds (1–4) during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of adipogenesis. In mature adipocytes, arylbutanoid glycosides (2–4) induced lipolysis related genes HSL and ATGL, whereas catechin glycoside (1) had no effect. Additionally, arylbutanoid glycosides (2–4) also induced GLUT4 and adiponectin mRNA expression, indicating improvement in insulin signaling. This suggests that the isolates from B. platyphylla var. japonica exert benefial effects in regulation of adipocyte differentiation as well as adipocyte metabolism.