Chemical constituents from Ligularia purdomii (Turrill) Chittenden

The first phytochemical investigation on the roots of Ligularia purdomii led to the isolation and identification of 18 compounds, including two eremophilane sesquiterpenoids (1 and 2), three benzofuran derivatives (3–5), a triterpenoid (6), two steroids (7 and 8), nine phenolic components (9–17), and a monofatty glyceride (18). The structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was performed by spectroscopic data and comparison with the literature. Compounds (−)-syringaresinol (11), scopoletin (13), 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde (14), and glycerol monolinoleate (18) have not been recorded in Ligularia genus previously. The chemotaxonomic significance of these isolated compounds has been summarized.     

A new flavanone sulfonate and other phenolic compounds from Fumana montana

The phytochemical study of ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of Fumana montana Pomel yielded a new flavanone sulfonate named naringenin-8-sulfonate (1), in addition to nine known compounds including two flavonols; tellimoside (2) and isoquercetrin (3), two flavanols; (−)-gallocatechin (4) and (−)-epigallocatechin (5), one benzophenone glucoside; iriflophenone-2-O-β-glucoside (6), one phenolic glucoside; (−)-rhododendrin (7) and three benzoic acid derivatives; p-hydroxybenzoic acid (8), gallic acid (9) and methyl gallate (10). It should be noted that this is the first report of compounds (2) and (6) in Cistaceae family. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis, mass spectrometry, IR and by comparison with literature data.     

New sesterterpenoids and other constituents from Salvia dominica growing wild in Jordan

A new nor-oleanane triterpene 24-nor-4(23)-12-oleanadien-2α,3α,28-triol (1) and two new sesterterpenes salvidominicolide A (2), salvidominicolide B (3) together with fifteen known compounds were isolated from Salvia dominica L. growing wild in Jordan. The known compounds comprised six flavones, three triterpenes, one diterpene, one sesterterpene, two oxygenated monoterpenes, one sterol glucoside and one flavone glucoside. The isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including NMR (1D and 2D), UV, IR and MS (HRMS).     

Ceramide,cerebroside and triterpenoid saponin from the bark of aerial roots of Ficus elastica (Moraceae)

Three compounds, ficusamide (1), ficusoside (2) and elasticoside (3), were isolated from the bark of aerial roots of Ficus elastica (Moraceae), together with nine known compounds, including four triterpenes, three steroids and two aliphatic linear alcohols. The chemical structures of the three compounds were established by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and by comparison with published data. The growth inhibitory effect of the crude extract and isolated compounds was evaluated against several microorganisms and fungi. The cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines was also assessed. Ficusamide (1) displayed a moderate in vitro growth inhibitory activity against the human A549 lung cancer cell line and a strong activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, while elasticoside (3) showed a potent activity on Enterococcus faecalis.     

Chemical constituents from Cremanthodium brunneo-pilosum S. W. Liu

Fourteen compounds were isolated from Cremanthodium brunneo-pilosum, including two steroids (1 and 14), five sesquiterpenoids (2–6), six flavonoids (7–12) and one isoflavone (13). Graveolide (2) was obtained from a plant for the first time. 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,6,3′,4′-tetramethoxy-flavone (9), centaureidin (10) and tectoridin (13) have not been isolated from the family Compositae. The chemotaxonomic data support the relationship between this species and others in the family Compositae.     

Phytochemical constituents of leaves and twigs of Elaeagnus umbellata

A phytochemical study of the leaves and twigs of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. has led to the isolation and identification of 12 compounds, including two flavonoid coumaroyl glycosides (1 and 2), two simple phenolic compounds (3 and 4), one coniferyl alcohol derivative (5), one monoterpene (6), two pairs of enantiomeric neolignans (7a/7b and 8a/8b), and a pair of enantiomeric sesquineolignans (9a/9b). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through the analysis of their MS, ECD, and 1D/2D NMR spectra as well as comparison with previously reported data. This is the first time that 1 and 2 have been isolated from this species, and the first time that 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b have been identified in the Elaeagnaceae family.     

Phenolic compounds from the leaves and stem bark of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae)

Phytochemical study of the leaves and the stem bark of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. afforded eight phenolic compounds: scopoletin (1), ferulic acid (2), isovitexin (3), rhoifolin (4), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), justicialoside A (6), granduloside A (7) and pithecellobiumol B (8). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic means including 1D and 2D NMR and MS, and by comparison with previously reported data. This is the first report on the isolation of these compounds from the genus Pseudospondias. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds within the family Anacardiaceae is discussed.     

Chemical constituents from Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle and chemotaxonomic significance

Sixteen compounds were isolated from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, including thirteen lignans (1–13), two coumarins (14–15), and one chalcone (16). This is the first report on the occurrence of compounds 1–16 in the genus Ailanthus. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data. The plant distribution network of all isolated compounds was described to illustrate the significance of taxonomy. The presence of these congenetic lignans (1–13) and their biosynthetic relationships may be used for identification of Ailanthus genus.     

Ehrenasterol and biemnic acid; new bioactive compounds from the Red Sea sponge Biemna ehrenbergi

In continuation of our efforts to identify bioactive compounds from the Red Sea marine sponges, we have recently investigated the organic extract of the sponge Biemna ehrenbergi. This study resulted in the isolation of eight compounds including a new sterol, ehrenasterol (1), a new C₂₄-acetylenic acid, biemnic acid (2), together with six known compounds including a hopanoid, three steroids and two nucleosides. The isolated compounds were identified as (22E)-ergosta-22-ene-8,14-epoxy-3,7-dione (1), (E)-tetracos-8-en-5-ynoic acid (2), (22E)-ergosta-5,8,22-trien-7-one-3β-ol (3), 32,35-anhydrobacteriohopanetetrol (4), (24R)-ergosta-6,22-diene-5,8-epidioxy-3-ol (5), melithasterol B (6), thymidine (7) and 2′-deoxyuridine (8). The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned by different spectral data including 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Compound 1 displayed inhibition zone of 20 mm at 100 μg/disc against Escherichia coli in the disc diffusion assay. Similarly, compounds 2 and 4 displayed inhibition zones of 20 and 18 mm respectively against Candida albicans at the same concentration. Compounds 1–3 displayed weak cytotoxic activity against human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-116) cancer cell line.     

Phenolic compounds and triterpenes from the roots of Vaccinium dunalianum Wight and their chemotaxonomic significance

Eight phenolic compounds, including two catechins (1 and 2), two proanthocyanidins (3 and 4), three lignans (5–7), and one phenol (8), were isolated from roots of Vaccinium dunalianum Wight (Ericaceae), together with two triterpenes (9 and 10). All of them were isolated from the title plant for the first time. Their chemical structures were established based on the extensive MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 6–10 acquired initially from the genus Vaccinium, showed some significances in chemotaxonomy.     

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of compounds isolated from the leaves of Symphonia globulifera (Clusiaceae) and their chemophenetic significance

The phytochemical study was done on the methanol extract from of the leaves of Symphonia globulifera. This plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat of different ailments such as malaria, diseases of the skin, diabetes, cough, intestinal worms, pre-hepatic jaundice and fever. Chromatographic fractionation and purification of this extract led to the isolation and characterization of twelve compounds (1–12) including pristriol (1), robustaflavone (2), polycarpol (3), 7''-O-methylrobustaflavone (4), amentoflavone (5), stigmasterol glucoside (6), epicatechin (7), apigenin (8), luteolin (9), 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone (10), β-sitosterol 3-β-D-glucopyranoside (11) and a mixture of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol (12). The structures of compounds 1–12 were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometric and the spectroscopic data as well as comparison with the literature. All these compounds were isolated for the first time from Symphonia genus. The NMR spectra and structure elucidation of compound 1 were reported for the first in the literature. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of three of these compounds were evaluated. The chemophenetic significance of these compounds is also discussed.     

Chemical constituents from aerial parts of Thymelaea lythroides

Chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract of the medicinal plant Thymelaea lythroides yielded eight secondary metabolites, including bassiatin (1), daphenone (2), daphnelone (3), daphnoretin (4), δ-sesamin (5), wikstromol (6), trans-tiliroside (7), and rutarensin (8). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. Compounds 1–8 were reported from T. lythroides for the first time and the chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds is summarized.     

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.     

Phytochemical and chemotaxonomic study on the Lichen Lethariella cladonioides

The comprehensive phytochemical research of Lethariella cladonioides (Nyl.) Krog, (Parmeliaceae), a lichen in southwest China, resulted in isolation of eighteen compounds (1–18), including a new phenolic acid 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde (1) and seventeen known compounds, nine phenolic acids (2–10), one dibenzofuran (11), two depsides (12 and 13), one alkane (14), one glucoside (15), two polyols (16 and 17), and one fatty acid (18). The structures of these compounds were assigned by detailed interpretations of spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS) and comparisons with the published data. Among them, 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde (1) is a new one. (−)-hydroxypropan-2′,3′-diol-orsellinate (10) have not been reported from any species in the lichens. Compounds 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16 and 18 were firstly isolated from the genus Lethariella (Motyka) Krog. Compounds 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 were reported from L. cladonioides firstly. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was also discussed.     

Pyranocoumarins from Glehnia littoralis inhibit the LPS-induced NO production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

A new dihydropyranocoumarin, (+)-cis-(3′S,4′S)-diisobutyrylkhellactone (1), together with five known compounds, 3′-senecioyl-4′-acetylkhellactone (2), 3′-isovaleryl-4′-acetylkhellactone (3), 3′,4′-disenecioylkhellactone (4), 3′-isovaleryl-4′-senecioylkhellactone (5), and 3′,4′-diisovalerylkhellactone (6), was isolated from Glehnia littoralis. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on the spectroscopic data interpretation, particularly 1D and 2D NMR data including HMQC and HMBC. All the isolated compounds showed the potential to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 7.4 to 44.3 μM.     

Lignan derivatives from Selaginella tamariscina and their nitric oxide inhibitory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

The chemical characterization of Selaginella tamariscina leaves resulted in the isolation of five lignanoside derivatives (1–4 and 6) and one neolignan (5). These compounds include three new lignanosides, tamariscinosides D–F (1–3), and one liriodendrin (4) that were isolated for the first time from this plant, together with two known compounds, (2R,3S)-dihydro-2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-5-acetyl-benzofuran (5) and moellenoside B (6). The chemical structures of these isolated compounds were determined using 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and CD spectroscopic data, and the results were compared to data previously reported in the literatures. These compounds were also evaluated in terms of their inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated activity in the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Among them, compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 exhibited a significant inhibition with IC₅₀ values ranging from 32.3 to 55.8 μM.     

Chemical constituents from the roots of Caragana grandiflora (M. B.) DC. and their chemotaxonomic importance

A comprehensive phytochemical research on roots of Caragana grandiflora, a native plant to Iran, resulted in isolation of ten compounds including four phenolic compounds (2, 4, 5, 8), two fatty alcohols (1, 6), one fatty acid (9), one triterpene (3), one glyceride derivatives (7) and one fatty acid methyl ester (10), from which eight compounds (1, 2, 4–6 and 8–10) were isolated from the genus Caragana and two compounds (5 and 10) from the family Fabaceae, for the first time. All compounds (1–10) were described from Caragana grandiflora for the first time. Chemical structures of the purified compounds were identified through FT-IR, NMR and MSS, and spectral data comparison with literature reported evidences.Our findings provide valuable information in reporting the rare existence of natural fatty acid methyl ester (10) in the Fabaceae family. Moreover, the chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was discussed.     

Diterpenes and kawalactone from the rhizomes of Amomum uliginosum J.Koenig

Seven compounds, including three labdane diterpenes (1, 4, 6), one bisnorlabdane diterpene (2), one steroid (3), one sesquiterpene (5) and one kawalactone (7) were isolated from the rhizomes of Amomum uliginosum J.Koenig. Compounds 1–4, 6 and 7 were firstly isolated from the genus Amomum. This work represented the first phytochemical study on this plant. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was summarized.     

Secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Juglans mandshurica

A pair of new dibenz[cd,lm]perylene derivatives, juglanperylenone A (1a) and juglanperylenone B (1b), along with ten known compounds, including four anthraquinones (2–5), two coumarins (6–7) and four triterpenoids (8–11), were isolated from the stem bark of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-TOF-MS, and by comparison with literature data. In addition, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolates was also discussed in this paper.     

A pair of new sesquiterpene isomers containing spiro heterocyclic skeleton from plant-derived fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea

A pair of new sesquiterpene isomers containing a spiro heterocyclic skeleton, dothimes A (1) and B (2), together with six known compounds, quindoline (3), (S)-3-(3-indolyl)lactic acid methyl ester (4), dankasterone B (5), dibutyl phthalate (6), (1S,3R,4R,7S)-3,4-dihydroxy-α-bisabolol (7), and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (8), were isolated from the plant-derived fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. The structures of all isolated compounds were determined based on extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) data, as well as by comparison with literature reports. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production with IC₅₀ values of 63.66 and 58.29 μM, respectively.