Bafoudiosbulbins A, and B, two anti-salmonellal clerodane diterpenoids from Dioscorea bulbifera L. var sativa

Two clerodane diterpenoids, Bafoudiosbulbins A 1, and B 2, together with five known compounds: tetracosanoic acid, 1-(tetracosanoyl)-glycerol, trans-tetracosanylferulate, beta-sitosterol and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-sitosterol were isolated from the tubers of Dioscorea bulbifera L. var sativa. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D-NMR, MS) and X-ray crystallographic diffraction analysis of compound 1. The CH2Cl2-soluble portion of the crude extract and the two clerodanes were screened for anti-bacterial activity using both agar diffusion and broth dilution techniques against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A and Salmonella paratyphi B. They both showed significant activities against P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. paratyphi A and S. paratyphi B.     

Alpha-pinene-type monoterpenes and other constituents from Artemisia suksdorfii

Two alpha-pinene-type monoterpenes, 7-hydroxymyrtenol (1) and 7-hydroxymyrtenal (2), a inositol derivative, (+)-quebrachitol (3) and two p-menthene triols (4 and 5), in addition to two known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia suksdorfii. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by analysis of spectroscopic data (IR, HR-MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR), including high-field 2D NMR techniques ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOE) and in case of 3 was confirmed by X-ray analysis.     

Chemistry and weak antimicrobial activities of phomopsins produced by mangrove endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. ZSU-H76

Three metabolites named phomopsin A (1), B (2) and C (3), together with two known compounds cytosporone B (4) and C (5), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus, Phomopsis sp. ZSU-H76 obtained from the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. The medium-sized cyclic phenol ether based on 1 or 2 is rare in natural products. In bioassays, compounds 1, 2, and 3 had no significant antibiotic activities, but compounds 4 and 5 inhibited two fungi Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum with an MIC ranging from 32 to 64 microg/ml.     

Unusual naphthoquinones, catechin and triterpene from Byrsonima microphylla

The new triterpene Delta1-lupenone (1), together with lupeol, beta-amyrin and betulin were isolated from the wood of Byrsonima microphylla (Malpighiaceae). The new compounds 3-hydroxy-2-methoxy-8,8,10-trimethyl-8H-antracen-1,4,5-trione (2), 3,7-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-8,8,10-trimethyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-antracen-1,4,5-trione (3), (2S*,10aR*)-2,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-1,1,7-trimethyl-2,3,10, 10a-tetrahydro-1H-fenantren-9-one (4) and (2S,3S)-3'-hydroxy-4',5,7-trimethoxy-flavan-3-ol (5) were also isolated through monitored TLC using the antioxidant beta-carotene reagent. The antioxidant potential of the compounds 2-5 was measured and none of them showed activity. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic analysis based on NMR techniques (1H, 13C NMR, COSY, nOe difference, HMQC and HMBC), UV and MS.     

Flavonoid glycosides from Salvia moorcroftiana wall

Phytochemical analysis of the whole plant of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. (Lamiaceae) resulted in the isolation of two new flavonoid glycosides, together with three known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were established as genkwanin 4'-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1) and genkwanin 4'-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside] (2). The structures of all compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR techniques.     

Hopane-type saponins from Glinus lotoides Linn

Seven hopane-type saponins were isolated from the methanol extract of Glinus lotoides. Six of them were identified as novel compounds and designated as lotoideside A [3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-6 alpha-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-22-beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-16 beta-hydroxy hopane (1)], lotoideside B [3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-22-beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-6 alpha,16 beta-dihydroxyhopane (2)], lotoideside C [3-OD-xylopyranosyl-6 alpha-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16 beta-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-22 beta-hydroxyhopane (3)], lotoideside D [3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16 beta-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-6 alpha,22-beta-dihydroxyhopane (4)], lotoideside E [3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6 alpha-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16 beta,22-beta-dihydroxyhopane (5)], and lotoideside F [3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-22-beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-16 beta-hydroxyhopan-6-one (6)]. The known compound succulentoside B (7) was also encountered. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of one-and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic techniques, ESIMS and chemical evidences.     

Characterization of cross-linked hydroxycinnamic acid amides isolated from potato common scab lesions

Four feruloyl amides, N-trans-feruloyloctopamine (1), N-cis-feruloyloctopamine (2), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (3), N-cis-feruloyltyramine (4), a cross-linked N-trans-feruloyltyramine dimer (5), and a cross-linked N-cis-feruloyltyramine dimer (6) were isolated from potato common scab lesions. The compounds were purified by TLC and characterized by a combination of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The presence of an accompanying minor complex of cross-linked dimers containing both feruloyltyramines and feruloyloctopamines was also demonstrated. This is the first characterization of cross-linked hydroxycinnamic acid amides associated with wound healing in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers.     

Structural studies on kappa-carrageenan derived oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides were prepared through mild hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of kappa-carrageenan from Kappaphycus striatum carrageenan. Three oligosaccharides were purified by strong-anion exchange high-performance chromatography. Their structure was elucidated using mass spectral and NMR data. Negative-ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra at different fragmentor voltages provided the molecular weight of the compounds and unraveled the fragmentation pattern of the kappa-carrageenan oligosaccharides. 2D NMR techniques, including 1H-(1)H COSY, 1H-(1)H TOCSY and 13C-(1)H HMQC, were performed to determine the structure of a trisulfated pentasaccharide. 1D NMR and ESIMS were used to determine the structures of a kappa-carrageenan-derived pentasaccharide, heptasaccharide, and an undecasaccharide. All the oligosaccharides characterized have a 4-O-sulfo-D-galactopyranose residue at both the reducing and nonreducing ends.     

Prenylflavonoids from Flourensia fiebrigii

Three compounds: (2S)-8-(3'-methylbut-2'-enyl)-7,3',4'-trihydroxyflavanone, (2S)-8-(3'-methyl-4'-hydroxy-but-2'-enyl)-7,3',4'-trihydroxyflavanone and (2S)-8-(3'-methyl-4'-hydroxy-but-2'-enyl)-5,3',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone, along with five previously known compounds, were isolated from the aerial parts of Flourensia fiebrigii. Their structures were elucidated by application of various spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques.     

Constituents of the stems of Macrococculus pomiferus and their inhibitory activities against cyclooxygenases-1 and -2

As part of our program directed towards the discovery of new cancer chemopreventive agents from plants, the EtOAc-soluble extract of the stems of M. pomiferus was found to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Bioassay-directed fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of two dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans, (8R,8'R)-3'-O-demethyl-5-hydroxymatairesinol (1) and (8R,8'R)-3'-O-demethyl-5-methoxymatairesinol (2), as well as seven known compounds, (-)-5'-methoxyyatein (3), blumenol A, (-)-deoxypodophyllotoxin (anthricin), (-)-deoxypodorhizone, 2,6-dimethoxyhydroquinone, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and beta-sitosterol glucoside. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined using spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, and HREIMS), and the 8R and 8'R absolute stereochemistry was established for both 1 and 2 on the basis of their CD spectra. All isolates obtained in the present study were evaluated for their inhibitory effects with both COX-1 and -2. Of these, only 5'-methoxyyatein (3) showed weak activity against COX-2, while all other compounds isolated were inactive. The COX-2 inhibitory activity of the EtOAc extract was also traced to the presence of several common fatty acids by LC-MS.     

Sesquiterpene constituents from the essential oil of the liverwort Plagiochila asplenioides

The essential oil of the liverwort Plagiochila asplenioides from two different locations in Northern Germany were investigated by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Seven compounds were isolated by preparative gas chromatography (GC) and their structures investigated by mass spectrometry (MS), NMR techniques and chemical correlations in combination with enantioselective GC. In addition to known constituents, aromadendra-1(10),3-diene, two aromatic sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, bisabola-1,3,5,7(14)-tetraene and bisabola-1,3,5,7-tetraene, three sesquiterpene ethers, muurolan-4,7-peroxide, plagiochilines W and X, in addition to ent-4-epi-maaliol, could be identified as natural compounds for the first time.     

Leishmanicidal cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides from Astragalus oleifolius

Two new cycloartane-type glycosides oleifoliosides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the lower stem parts of Astragalus oleifolius. Their structures were identified as 3-O-[beta-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-alpha-arabinopyranosyl]-6-O-beta-xylopyranosyl-3beta,6alpha,16beta,24(S),25-pentahydroxycycloartane and 3-O-[beta-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-alpha-arabinopyranosyl]-6-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-3beta,6alpha,16beta,24(S),25-pentahydroxycycloartane, respectively, by means of spectroscopic methods (IR, 1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS). Three known cycloartane glycosides cyclocanthoside E (3), astragaloside II (4) and astragaloside IV (5) were also isolated and characterized. All five compounds were evaluated for in vitro trypanocidal, leishmanicidal and antiplasmodial activities as well as their cytotoxic potential on primary mammalian (L6) cells. Except for the compound 5, all compounds showed notable growth inhibitory activity against Leishmania donovani with IC50 values ranging from 13.2 to 21.3 microg/ml. Only weak activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense was observed with the known compounds astragaloside II (4, IC50 66.6 microg/ml) and cyclocanthoside E (3, IC50 85.2 microg/ml), while all compounds were inactive against Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum. None of the compounds were toxic to mammalian cells (IC50's > 90 microg/ml). This is the first report of leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activity of cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides.     

Isolation of iridoid and secoiridoid glycosides and comparative study on Radix gentianae and related adulterants by HPLC analysis

HPLC profile guided study led to the isolation of an acylated secoiridoid glycoside, named gentiotrifloroside (1), together with six known compounds, i.e., loganic acid (2), 6-O-beta-d-glucopyranosylgentiopicroside (3), swertiamarin (4), gentiopicroside (5), sweroside (6) and 2 -(o,m-dihydroxybenzyl)-sweroside (7) from Gentiana triflora and Gentiana rigescens. The structure of 1 was deduced from one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic experiments. Compounds 1-7 were used successfully as chemical markers for the comparison of the four species of Gentiana used as Radix gentianae. Additionally, differentiation of Gentiana species mentioned and those used as adulterants was evaluated. The close similarity of chemical composition among the four genuine Gentiana species explain their popular usage as R. gentianae in Chinese medicine. We have also shown that the variation of chemical composition in R. gentianae and related adulterants agree well with their botanical phylogeny.     

Volatile components from European liverworts Marsupella emarginata,M. aquatica and M. alpina

The hydrodistillation products of the liverworts Marsupella emarginata, M. aquatica and M. alpina were investigated by spectroscopic methods. A number of new compounds could be isolated by preparative gas chromatography (GC) and identified by spectroscopic techniques including GC-mass spectrometry, NMR and chemical correlations in conjunction with enantioselective GC. From M. emarginata, in addition to many known compounds, the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (-)-7-epi-eremophila-1(10),8,11-triene (1) and the sesquiterpene derivatives (-)-4-epi-marsupellol (2), (-)-marsupellol acetate (18), (-)-4-epi-marsupellol acetate (4), (+)-5-hydroxymarsupellol acetate (5) and (-)-9-acetoxygymnomitr-8(12)-ene (24) could be identified. In M. aquatica the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (-)-myltayl-8(12)-ene (7), ent-(+)-amorpha-4,11-diene (8), (-)-amorpha-4,7(11)-diene (9), the sesquiterpene alcohol (+)-9-hydroxyselina-4,11-diene (10) and (-)-2-acetoxyamorpha-4,7(11)-diene (11) were identified. In M. alpina (-)-trans-selina-4(15),11-dien-5-ol (12), (+)-8,9-epoxyselina-4,11-diene (13) and (+)-cis-selina-4(15),11-dien-5-ol (14) were found as new natural products.     

Metabolomic analysis of Strychnos nux-vomica, Strychnos icaja and Strychnos ignatii extracts by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and multivariate analysis techniques

1H Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and multivariate analysis techniques were applied for the metabolic profiling of three Strychnos species: Strychnos nux-vomica (seeds, stem bark, root bark), Strychnos ignatii (seeds), and Strychnos icaja (leaves, stem bark, root bark, collar bark). The principal component analysis (PCA) of the 1H NMR spectra showed a clear discrimination between all samples, using the three first components. The key compounds responsible for the discrimination were brucine, loganin, fatty acids, and Strychnos icaja alkaloids such as icajine and sungucine. The method was then applied to the classification of several "false angostura" samples. These samples were, as expected, identified as S. nux-vomica by PCA, but could not be clearly discriminated as root bark or stem bark samples after further statistical analysis.     

Tyrolobibenzyls E and F from Scorzonera humilis and distribution of caffeic acid derivatives,lignans and tyrolobibenzyls in European taxa of the subtribe Scorzonerinae (Lactuceae,Asteraceae)

A chemosystematic study of the subtribe Scorzonerinae, a subtribe of the Lactuceae tribe of the Asteraceae family was performed, using the recently discovered tyrolobibenzyls as well as lignans and caffeic acid derivatives as diagnostic characters. In addition to the known compounds two new tyrolobibenzyls (E and F) were isolated and their structures were established by mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Twenty four samples from rootstocks of seventeen different Scorzonerinae taxa, comprising members of three genera (Podospermum, Scorzonera, and Tragopogon), were analyzed. Tyrolobibenzyls A (1), B (2), C (5), D (3), E (6), and F (4) were identified in crude extracts by means of HPLC retention times, on-line UV spectra and on-line MS/MS spectra. Quantification of these compounds was performed by HPLC, using 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane as an internal standard. Tyrolobibenzyls A-F were only detected in samples from Scorzonera humilis, while chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were detected in all samples investigated. In contrast, caffeoyl tartaric acid and cichoric acid were not detectable in any member of the subtribe Scorzonerinae.     

Isolation and structure elucidation of flavonoid and phenolic acid glycosides from pericarp of hot pepper fruit Capsicum annuum L

Hot pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) var. Bronowicka Ostra have been studied with regard to content of flavonoids and other phenolics. Nine compounds were isolated from pericarp of pepper fruits by preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by chromatographic (analytical HPLC) and spectroscopic (UV, NMR) techniques. Two of the identified compounds, trans-p-ferulylalcohol-4-O-(6-(2-methyl-3-hydroxypropionyl) glucopyranoside and luteolin-7-O-(2-apiofuranosyl-4-glucopyranosyl-6-malonyl)-glucopyranoside were found for the first time in the plant kingdom. Additionally compounds: trans-p-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, trans-p-sinapoyl-beta- D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin 6-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside-8-C-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, apigenin 6-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside-8-C-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and luteolin 7-O-[2-(beta-D-apiofuranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] were found for the first time in pepper fruit Capsicum annuum L.     

Eudesmane derivatives and other constituents from Saussurea parviflora

A survey of the whole plant of Saussurea parviflora afforded three compounds 11,12,13-trihydroxy-4(15),8-eudesmadiene-9-one, eudesman-8beta,12-olide-1-O-beta-D-glucoside and 1beta,3beta-dihydroxyursa-9(11),12-diene-3-octadecanoate, as well as 13 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidence, especially by using NMR spectroscopic techniques. In addition, encelin exhibited effective antitumor activity on L02, SMMC-7721 and HO-8910 cells.     

Ent-3,4-seco-labdane and ent-labdane diterpenoids from Croton stipuliformis (Euphorbiaceae)

From a methanolic extract of the leaves of Croton stipuliformis, three ent-3,4-seco-labdanes (1-3) and an ent-labdane (4) together with the known compounds 6-hydroxynidorellol (5), maravuic acid, and sitosterol were isolated and identified from their spectroscopic data. The absolute stereochemistry of compound 4 was determined by application of Mosher's method in the NMR tube.