Isoflavonoids from Dalbergia olivari

Two isoflavonoids, named olibergin A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the stem bark of Dalbergia oliveri (Leguminosae). Along with three previously known compounds, they are inhibitors of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in Raji cells. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses.     

Prenylated xanthones with NGF-potentiating activity from Garcinia xanthochymus

Two prenylated xanthones, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-7,8-di(3-methylbut-2-enyl)xanthone (1) and 1,2,6-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)xanthone (2), were isolated from the wood of Garcinia xanthochymus along with a known xanthone, 12b-hydroxy-des-D-garcigerrin A (3). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 (10 muM), 2 (10-30 muM) and 3 (10 muM) showed a markedly enchancing activity of nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth on PC12D cells.     

Chemical constituents of Murraya siamensis: three coumarins and their anti-tumor promoting effect

Isolation and structure elucidation of three coumarins, murrayacoumarins A, B, and C, together with eight known coumarins, from the leaves of Murraya siamensis Craib collected in Thailand are described. Results of a primary screening of inhibitory effects of seven of these compounds on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation in Raji cells are also presented.     

Endophytic fungi with anti-microbial,anti-cancer and anti-malarial activities isolated from Thai medicinal plants

A total of 81 Thai medicinal plant species collected from forests in four geographical regions of Thailand were examined for the presence of endophytic fungi with biological activity. Of 582 pure isolates obtained, 360 morphologically distinct fungi were selected for cultivation on malt Czapek broth and yeast extract sucrose broth, from which extracts were tested for biological activity. Extracts of 92 isolates could inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC 0.0625–200 μg ml⁻¹) when tested by the microplate Alamar blue assay, while extracts of six inhibited Plasmodium falciparum (IC₅₀ of 1.2–9.1 μg ml⁻¹) as determined by the [³H]hypoxanthine incorporation method. Strong anti-viral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 was observed in 40 isolates (IC₅₀ of 0.28–50 μg ml⁻¹). The sulphorhodamine B assay for activity against cancer cell lines revealed that 60 were active against human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (EC₅₀ 0.42–20 μg ml⁻¹) and 48 against breast cancer cells (EC₅₀ 0.18–20 μg ml⁻¹). Bioactivity profile was affected by the type of culture medium. Given the high incidence of bioactive extracts and the fact that most of the isolated fungi could not be identified due to lack of spore formation, the results suggested that Thai medicinal plants can provide a wide variety of endophytes that might be a potential source of novel bioactive compounds. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Flavonoids from Ochna integerrima

Two biflavonoids namely, 2",3"-dihydroochnaflavone and 2",3"-dihydroochnaflavone 7"-O-methyl ether, and a flavonoid glycoside, 6-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyltaxifolin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside were isolated from the leaves of Ochna integerrima.