Chemical constituents from the pericarps of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and their chemotaxonomic significance

The phytochemical study of the pericarps of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim under the guidance of bioactivity led to the isolation of 18 compounds, including a new isobutylhydroxyamide (1) and 17 known compounds, i.e. six alkylamides (2–7), five coumarins (8–12), one benzene derivative (13), three flavonoids (14–16), and two sterols (17–18). Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments) and by comparison with literature data. New compound (1) and known compound (2) are cis-trans isomeric isobutylhydroxyamides. Among them, compounds 9, 10, and 12 were isolated for the first time from Z. bungeanum, compound 11 was firstly recovered from the genus Zanthoxylum, and compound 14 was reported for the first time from the Rutaceae family. The chemotaxonomic significance of isolated compounds from Z. bungeanum is discussed.     

A new C21 steroidal compound from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis Sieb. et Zucc

A new C21 steroidal compound (1), along with 12 known compounds (2–13) were isolated from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis Sieb. et Zucc. Their structures were determined by extensive analysis using various spectroscopic techniques. Notably, compound 6 was reported for the first time from P. terminalis, and compounds 3–5, 7 and 9 were isolated from the family Buxaceae for the first time.     

Bioactive secondary metabolites from the marine-associated fungus Aspergillus terreus

Three new compounds, including a prenylated tryptophan derivative, luteoride E (1), a butenolide derivative, versicolactone G (2), and a linear aliphatic alcohol, (3E,7E)-4,8-dimethyl-undecane-3,7-diene-1,11-diol (3), together with nine known compounds (4–12), were isolated and identified from a coral-associated fungus Aspergillus terreus. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, one- and two-dimensional NMR analysis, and the absolute configuration of 2 was determined by comparison of its electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum with the literature. Structurally, compound 1 featured an unusual (E)-oxime group, which occurred rarely in natural products. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and compound 2 showed potent inhibitory potency with IC₅₀ value of 104.8 ± 9.5 μM, which was lower than the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ = 154.7 ± 8.1 µM). Additionally, all the isolated compounds were evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity against NO production, and compounds 1–3, 5–7, and 10 showed significant inhibitory potency with IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.48 to 29.34 μM.     

New amides from the roots of Anisodus tanguticus

Two new amides (1 and 2) and four known analogues (3–6) were isolated from the roots of Anisodus tanguticus (Maxim.) Pascher. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by comparison of the calculated optical rotation (OR) value with the experimental OR value. All known amides were isolated from the genus Anisodus for the first time, of which compounds 3, 5, and 6 were first reported from the family Solanaceae. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of these secondary metabolites is discussed.     

Phenolic compounds from Dalbergia odorifera

Six new phenolic compounds (1–6), along with five known phenolics (7–11) were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen. (Leguminosae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques including MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR. Bioassay results showed that compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicity against SGC-7901 and BEL-7402 tumor cell lines, while compounds 3, 5 and 10 showed antibacterial activities against Ralstonia solanacearum.     

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of compounds from the flower of Mammea siamensis (Miq.) T. Anders. on human cancer cell lines

On the search for anti-cancer compounds from Thai traditional herb medicines, a bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical investigation of the methanol extract of Mammea siamensis flower resulted in the isolation and identification of eight compounds (1–8) including a novel geranylated coumarin, namely mammeanoyl (2), and seven known compounds (1 and 3–8). The structure of new compound 2 was elucidated based on the extensive spectroscopic and chemical methods. Among the isolated compounds, three structurally related coumarins 3, 4, and 5 showed significant antiproliferative activities against human leukemia and stomach cancer cell lines. However, these compounds did not affect the cell viabilities of colon cancer, hepatoma, and normal skin fibroblast cell lines. Further analysis demonstrated that the morphological features of apoptosis including DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation were observed in human leukemia HL-60 cells treated with compounds 3, 4, and 5. In addition, compound 3 led to caspase-3 activation and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and compound 3-induced DNA fragmentation was inhibited by caspase-specific inhibitors. These results suggest that compound 3, 4, and 5 exert antiproliferative actions through apoptotic cell death in leukemia cells and these compounds may have the potential to be developed into new anti-cancer drug candidates.     

Antimicrobial phenolic metabolites from the aerial parts of Orthosiphon aristatus

Two new compounds oraristatin A (1) and oraristatinoside A (2), one new natural compound (2 S)-methyl-6,7-dihydroxytropate (3), and 11 known phenolic metabolites were isolated from the aerial parts of Orthosiphon aristatus. Their chemical structures were identified by 1D- and ²D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were determined by TD-DFT ECD spectroscopic analyses. Of the isolates, compound 2 weakly inhibited both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria (MIC = 150–300 μM), while 6 and 7 suppressed the growth of three Gram-positive bacteria and a yeast (MIC = 75–150 μM). This is the first report of the isolation of 6 − 9, 12, and 14 from the genus Orthosiphon and the antimicrobial effects of compounds 3, 7, 9, 12, and 14.     

Chemical constituents from Alnus mandshurica (Callier) Hand.-Mazz. and their chemotaxonomic significance

A new phenol compound, (9S)-9-hydroxy-9-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methoxy]-nonanoic acid methyl ester (1) was isolated from the stem bark of Alnus mandshurica (Callier) Hand.-Mazz., along with eight known compounds (2–9). The structure of compound 1 was determined by spectral analyses, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC and HMBC) experiments. All the isolated compounds were reported for first time from A. mandshurica. Furthermore, compounds 3–9 were found in the family Betulaceae for the first time.     

Nardonaphthalenones A and B from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal.

Nardonaphthalenones A and B (1–2), one new apo-α-carotenone (3) and four new monoterpenoids (4, 8–9 and 11), along with six known compounds (5–7, 10, 12–13) were isolated from the dried roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of the spectroscopic data including NMR, HRESIMS and circular dichroism data. Furthermore, the serotonin transporter (SERT)-regulating activities of these isolates were evaluated, among them compound 3 showed the strongest enhancement activity while compound 12 showed a moderate inhibition activity on SERT.     

Chemical constituents from Cistanche sinensis (Orobanchaceae)

Phytochemical investigation of 70% aqueous EtOH extract of Cistanche sinensis led to the isolation of fifteen compounds (1–15), including nine phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs, 1–9), five iridoid glycosides (10–14), and one lignan glycoside (15). Their structures were determined on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and by comparison with physical data of known compounds. Among the isolated compounds, 1 was identified as a new compound, three compounds (9, 14, and 15) were firstly reported from the genus Cistanche, and seven compounds (2–6, 11, and 12) were isolated from C. sinensis for the first time. PhGs with a 6′-O-rhamnosyl moiety such as cistansinenside B (1), poliumoside (7), and 2′-O-acetylpoliumoside (9) could serve as chemotaxonomic markers to differentiate C. sinensis from other species of Cistanche.     

Polyketides from the marine mangrove-derived fungus Aspergillus ochraceus MA-15 and their activity against aquatic pathogenic bacteria

Three new polyketides, namely, asperochrins A–C (1–3), along with 12 known related derivatives (4–15), were isolated from Aspergillus ochraceus MA-15, a fungus obtained from the rhizospheric soil of marine mangrove plant Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and the absolute configurations of the new compounds were determined by CD experiments and modified Mosher's method. The X-ray crystallographic experiment of compound 4 disclosed its racemic nature as (±)-botryoisocoumarin A for the first time. The brine shrimp lethality and antibacterial activity of compounds 1–15 were evaluated. Compounds 1, 5, 6, 9, 11, and 15 showed inhibitory activity against aquatic pathogenic bacterial Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio anguillarum, and Vibrio harveyi.     

Promotion effect of constituents from the root of Polygonum multiflorum on hair growth

Two new compounds, gallic acid ester of torachrysone-8-O-β-d-glucoside (1) and (E)-2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-xyloside (4), along with eight known compounds (2, 3, 5–10) were isolated from a 70% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum roots. The structures were determined by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, HMQC, and HMBC spectrometry. Extracts of P. multiflorum have been reported to promote hair growth in vivo. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of isolated compounds from P. multiflorum on promoting hair growth using dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which play an important role in hair growth. When DPCs were treated with compounds (1–10) from P. multiflorum, compounds 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 increased the proliferation of DPCs compared with the control. Specifically, compound 2 (10 and 20 μM) induced a greater increase in the proliferation of DPCs than minoxidil (10 μM). Additionally, treatment of vibrissa follicles with compound 2 for 21 days increased hair-fiber length significantly. On the basis of this result, further investigation and optimization of these derivatives might help in the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of alopecia.     

A new phenolic acid from Zanthoxylum nitidum var. tomentosum (Rutaceae) and its chemotaxonomic significance

A new compound, nitomentosin (1), along with sixteen known compounds (2–17), were isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidum var. tomentosum (Rutaceae). The structure of compound 1 including absolute configurations was determined by detailed spectroscopic information (HRESIMS and NMR) and from the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. From the present investigation, compound 3 is a new natural compound although it has been reported previously as a synthetic substance, and compound 15 is found for the first time in a plant. All these compounds except 2, 5–10 and 12 were isolated from Z. nitidum for the first time. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds is discussed.     

New Labdane diterpenes as intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitor from antihyperglycemic extract of Hedychium spicatum (Ham. Ex Smith) rhizomes

Phytochemical investigation of antihyperglycemic extract of rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum led to the isolation of two new labdane type diterpenes 2, 3 along with seven known compounds (1, 4–9). Their structures were established on the basis of NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectroscopic analysis. The new compound 2 displayed strong intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Other compounds also displayed varying degree of intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory potential.     

Characterization of inhibitory constituents of NO production from Catalpa ovata using LC-MS coupled with a cell-based assay

An effective screening method for inhibitors of NO production in natural products using LC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with a cell-based assay was proposed. The ethyl acetate fraction of Catalpa ovata exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia cells. We attempted to identify the active constituents of C. ovata by using LC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with a cell-based assay. Peaks at approximately 14–15 min on the MS chromatogram were estimated to be the bioactive constituents. A new iridoid compound, 6-O-trans-feruloyl-3β-hydroxy-7-deoxyrehamaglutin A (4), and nine known compounds (1–3, 5–10) were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of C. ovata by repeated column chromatography. Compounds 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide-stimulated NO production in BV2 cells. Our results indicate that LC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with a cell-based NO production inhibitory assay successfully predicted active compounds without a time-consuming isolation process.     

Chemical constituents of Pteris wallichiana J.Agardh (Pteridaceae)

Chemical investigation on the whole plants of Pteris wallichiana J. Agardh led to the isolation and identification of a new pterosin glycoside, ptemuloside A (1), along with other seventeen known compounds (2–18) (Fig. 1). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by means of spectroscopic techniques, including HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds 2, 3, and 5–17 are first time reported from the title plant. The pterosins in P. wallichiana could serve as its chemotaxonomic markers.     

Chemical constituents from the stem bark of Acer tegmentosum

A new phenolic glycoside, 4-hydroxyphenylethyl-1-O-β-D-[6′-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)]-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated from the stem bark of Acer tegmentosum, along with seven known phenolic compounds (2–8). The structure of compound 1 was determined by spectral analyses, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC and HMBC) experiments. Compounds 3 and 4 were found in the family Aceraceae for the first time.     

A new bicyclic sesquiterpenoid from Merremia yunnanensis

A new sesquiterpenoid, 1α,4β,8β,9β-eudesmane-tetrol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with nine known compounds (2–10), were isolated from Merremia yunnanensis. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and compared to data in the literature. All these compounds (1–10) were firstly isolated from this plant, and compounds 3, 5, 7, and 10 were reported from the Merremia genus for the first time. The significance of the chemotaxonomy for these compounds is described herein.     

Novel labdane diterpenoids from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus

Three new labdane diterpenoids, leojapones A–C (1–3), along with a new artifactual analogue (4) and four known terpenoids, were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and physicochemical evidences. The effects of new compounds against the abnormal increase in platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate were examined. But instead of inhibiting the abnormal platelet aggregation, compounds 1–3 boosted it significantly.     

Bioactive polyhydroxylated steroids from the Hainan soft coral Sinularia depressa Tixier-Durivault

Two new steroids, (2β,3β,4α,5α,8β)-4-methylergost-24(28)-ene-2,3,8-triol (1) and (3β,7α)-24-methyl-7-hydroperoxycholest-5,24(28)-diene-3-ol (2), together with 13 known analogues (3–15) were isolated from the soft coral Sinularia depressa Tixier-Durivault. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. In the bioassay in vitro, compounds 3a, 4, and 14 exhibited potent PTP1B inhibitory activity, being similar as that of positive control oleanolic acid. Compound 14 also displayed a notable neuroprotective activity against both amyloid-β_25–35- and serum deprivation-induced injuries in SH-SY5Y cells while compound 11 showed a considerable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Preliminary structure–activity relationships of these steroids were discussed.