Cycloartane glycosides from Astragalus gombo

Six new cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides named 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-3β,16β,23(R),24(R),25-pentahydroxycycloartane (1), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-3β,16β,23(R),24(R)-tetrahydroxy-25-dehydrocycloartane (2), 3-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl]-6α-acetoxy-23α-methoxy-16β,23(R)-epoxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorcycloartane (3), 3-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl]-6α-acetoxy-23α-butoxy-16β,23(R)-epoxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorcycloartane (4), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)]-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-6α-acetoxy-23α-methoxy-16β,23(R)-epoxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorcycloartane (5), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)]-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-23α-methoxy-16β,23(R)-epoxy-4,25,26,27-tetranorcycloartane (6), in addition to three known secondary metabolites consisting of another cycloartane triterpene glycoside and two flavonol glycosides, were isolated from the aerial parts of Astragalus gombo Coss. & Dur. (Fabaceae). The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D-NMR, mass spectrometry and comparison with literature data.     

Cycloartane-type glycosides from Astragalus amblolepis

Five cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of Astragalus amblolepis Fischer along with one known saponin, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-16-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane. Structures of the compounds were established as 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-25-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-25-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-24,25-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16,24-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16,25-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane by using 1D and 2D-NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. To the best of our knowledge, the glucuronic acid moiety in cycloartanes is reported for the first time.     

Cycloartane glycosides from Astragalus campylosema Boiss. ssp. campylosema

Four cycloartane glycosides, 3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-3β,6α,16β,23α,25-pentahydroxy-20(R),24(S)-epoxycycloartane (1), 3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-16-O-hydroxyacetoxy-23-O-acetoxy-3β,6α,25-trihydroxy-20(R),24(S)-epoxycycloartane (2), 3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-3β,6α,23α,25-tetrahydroxy-20(R),24(R)-16β,24;20,24-diepoxycycloartane (3), 3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-25-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,25-tetrahydroxy-20(R),24(S)-epoxycycloartane (4), along with three known cycloartane glycosides were isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Astragalus campylosema ssp. campylosema. Their structures were established by the extensive use of 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments along with ESIMS and HRMS analysis. The occurrence of the hydroxyl function at position 23 (1-2) and of the ketalic function at C-24 (3) are very unusual findings in the cycloartane class.     

Kahiricosides II-V, cycloartane glycosides from an Egyptian collection of Astragalus kahiricus

Four cycloartane-type saponins, kahiricosides II-V (1-4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Astragalus kahiricus of Egyptian origin. Their structures were established as 9beta,19-cyclolanost-24E-ene-3beta,6alpha,16beta,27-tetraol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 9beta,19-cyclolanost-24E-ene-3beta,6alpha,16beta,27-tetraol-3-O-(2'-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 9beta,19-cyclolanost-24E-ene-3beta,6alpha,16beta,27-tetraol-3-O-(6'-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 9beta,19-cyclolanost-24E-ene-3beta,6alpha,16beta,27-tetraol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-27-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside based on chemical and spectral evidences. All compounds exhibited very weak cytotoxicity against the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line.     

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.     

Cycloartane triterpenoids from Guarea macrophylla

Nine cycloartane triterpenoids, including two new derivatives 22,25-dihydroxy-cycloart-23E-en-3-one and 24-methylenecycloartane-3 beta,22-diol have been isolated from leaves of Guarea macrophylla. The structures were elucidated by interpretation of spectral data, mainly 1H and 13C NMR, including bidimensional analysis (HOMOCOSY, HMQC and HMBC).     

Antitrypanosomal cycloartane glycosides from Astragalus baibutensis

Baibutoside (5), a new cycloartane-type triterpene glycoside, has been isolated from the roots of Astragalus baibutensis along with four known glycosides, acetylastragaloside I (1), and astragalosides I, II, and IV (2-4, resp.). The structure elucidation of the compounds were achieved by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques (DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY), and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), where all the compounds were shown to have cycloastragenol (=(20R,24S)-3beta,6alpha,16beta,25-tetrahydroxy-20,24-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanostane) as aglycone. All compounds were tested for in vitro antiprotozoal activity. Compounds 1-4 displayed notable activity vs. Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, with acetylastragaloside I (1) being the most potent (IC50 9.5 microg/ml). Acetylastragaloside I (1) was also lethal to T. cruzi (IC50 5.0 microg/ml), and it is the first cycloartane-type triterpene with remarkable trypanocidal activity against both T. brucei rhodesiense and T. cruzi. However, it exhibits some cytotoxicity on mammalian cells.     

Cycloartane type triterpenoids from the rhizomes of Polygonum bistorta

Two new compounds, 24(E)-ethylidenecycloartanone (1) and 24(E)-ethylidenecycloartan-3alpha-ol (2) were isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonum bistorta, together with seven known compounds viz., cycloartane-3,24-dione (3), 24-methylenecycloartanone (4), gamma-sitosterol (5), beta-sitosterol (6), beta-sitosterone (7), friedelin (8) and 3beta-friedelinol (9). All the cycloartane type triterpenoids, compounds 7 and 8 are reported for the first time from this plant. A combination of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS were mainly used to elucidate the structures of the new compounds 1 and 2.     

Cycloartane glycosides from Astragalus stereocalyx Bornm

Six cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides were isolated from Astragalus stereocalyx along with six known cycloartane-type glycosides. Their structures were established by the extensive use of 1D and 2D-NMR experiments along with ESIMS and HRMS analysis. Three compounds are based on an aglycon characterized by the occurrence of an unusual hydroxyl group at position 20, whereas three other compounds are based on cycloasgenin C as aglycon, so far reported from Astragalus spp. All the compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity against a number of cancer cell lines. One compound exhibited activity versus human cervical cancer (Hela) with an IC(50) value = 10 μM.     

Five new C21 steroidal glycosides from the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima

Five new C₂₁ steroidal glycosides (1-5) were isolated from the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima. The chemical structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were elucidated by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Cellular assay of these compounds showed that they are weak cytotoxic to various cell lines.     

27-Nor-triterpenoid glycosides from Mitragyna inermis

From the bark of Mitragyna inermis, two 27-nor-triterpenoid glycosides, named inermiside I (1) and II (2), were isolated and their structures determined based on extensive 2D-NMR and MS spectral analysis as 6-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-[3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-pyrocincholate and 6-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-pyrocincholate, respectively. In addition, the known quinovic acid (6), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-quinovoic acid (3),beta-D-glucopyranosyl-[3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)]-quinoviate (4) and cytotoxic 3-O-(beta-D-6-deoxy-glucopyranosyl)-quinovic acid (5) were also isolated.     

Cycloartane-type glycosides from Astragalus brachycalyx FISCHER and their effects on cytokine release and hemolysis

Two new tridesmosidic cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides (1 and 2) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the roots of Astragalus brachycalyx FISCHER (A. brachycalyx) along with ten (3–12) known cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides. Structures of the new compounds were established as 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-16-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S)-25-pentahydroxycycloartane (1), 3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-16-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S)-25-pentahydroxycycloartane (2), by using 1D and 2D-NMR techniques and mass spectrometry.In vitro immunomodulatory effects and hemolytic activities of the new saponins (1 and 2) and acetylated form of 1 (1a) were studied together with the BuOH and MeOH extracts of Astragalus brachycalyx. The results have proven that tridesmosidic Astragalus cycloartanes are noteworthy immunomodulatory compounds via induction of cytokine production, namely IL-2 and IFN-γ. The test compounds also resulted slight hemolysis at very high doses substantiating a safer profile compared to the positive control QS-21.     

Four new steroidal glycosides from Solanum torvum and their cytotoxic activities

Two novel C-22 steroidal lactone saponins, namely solanolactosides A, B (1, 2) and two new spirostanol glycosides, namely torvosides M, N (3, 4) were isolated from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Solanum torvum. Their structures were characterized as solanolide 6-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-quinovopyranoside] (1), solanolide 6-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-quinovopyranoside] (2), yamogenin 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside] (3) and neochlorogenin 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside] (4) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxicities of the saponins (1-4) were evaluated in vitro against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Compounds 3 and 4 showed significant cytotoxic activity with the cell lines.     

New pregnane glycosides from Caralluma dalzielii

Twenty-seven new pregnane glycosides were isolated from the whole plant of Caralluma dalzielii, and their structures elucidated from extensive 2D NMR analysis as well as ESI-MS experiments. All isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity on J774.A1, HEK-293, and WEHI-164 cell lines. Moderate to high potency of cytotoxicities were found in almost all tested compounds, confirming the significant cytotoxic activity of pregnane glycosides.     

Functional and structural characterization of Spl proteases from Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause of nosocomial infections world-wide, with increasing prevalence of community-acquired diseases. The recent dramatic increase in multi-antibiotic resistance, including resistance to the last-resort drug, vancomycin, together with the lack of an effective vaccine highlight the need for better understanding of S.aureus pathogenicity. Comparative analysis of available bacterial genomes allows for the identification of previously uncharacterized S.aureus genes with potential roles in pathogenicity. A good example is a cluster of six serine protease-like (spl) genes encompassed in one operon, which encode for putative proteases with similarity to staphylococcal glutamylendopeptidase (V8 protease). Here, we describe an efficient expression system for the production of recombinant SplB and SplC proteases in Escherichia coli, together with structural and functional characterization of the purified enzymes. A unique mechanism of cytoplasm protection against activity of misdirected SplB was uncovered. Apparently, the co-translated signal peptide maintains protease latency until it is cleaved by the signal peptidase during protein secretion. Furthermore, the crystal structure of the SplC protease revealed a fold resembling that of the V8 protease and epidermolytic toxins. Arrangement of the active site cleft and substrate-binding pocket of SplC explains the mechanism of enzyme latency and suggests that some Spl proteases possess restricted substrate specificity similar to that of the V8 protease and epidermolytic toxins.     

Acylated flavone glycosides from Veronica

A survey of the flavonoid glycosides of selected taxa in the genus Veronica yielded two new acylated 5,6,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone (6-hydroxyluteolin) glycosides and two unusual allose-containing acylated 5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxyflavone (isoscutellarein) glycosides. The new compounds were isolated from V. liwanensis and V. longifolia and identified using NMR spectroscopy as 6-hydroxyluteolin 4'-methyl ether 7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl(1"'-->2")[6"-O-acetyl-beta-glucopyranoside] and 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-O-(6"-O-(E)-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranoside, respectively. Isoscutellarein 7-O-(6"'-O-acetyl)-beta-allopyranosyl(1"'-->2")-beta-glucopyranoside was obtained from both V. intercedens and V. orientalis and its 4'-methyl ether from V. orientalis only. Complete 1H and 13C NMR spectral assignments are presented for both isoscutellarein glycosides. Two iridoid glucosides new to the genus Veronica (melittoside and globularifolin) were also isolated from V. intercedens.     

Chemical constituents of Mallotus macrostachyus growing in Vietnam and cytotoxic activity of some cycloartane derivatives

Two new cycloartane derivatives, macrostachyosides A (1) and B (2), and seventeen known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of Mallotus macrostachyus leaves. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS data. Macrostachyosides A (1) and B (2) showed significant cytotoxic activities on KB (epidermoid carcinoma) and LU-1 (lung adenocarcinoma) human cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.31 ± 0.09 to 7.12 ± 0.07 μg/mL.     

Amurensiosides A-K, 11 new pregnane glycosides from the roots of Adonis amurensis

Five new pregnane tetraglycosides, amurensiosides A-E (1-5), two new pregnane hexaglycosides, amurensiosides F (6) and I (9), two new 18-norpregnane hexaglycosides, amurensiosides G (7) and H (8), and two new pregnane octaglycosides, amurensiosides J (10) and K (11), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Adonis amurensis. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including two-dimensional (2D) NMR data, and the results of hydrolytic cleavage. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HSC-2 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.