Pinelloside, an antimicrobial cerebroside from Pinellia ternata

An antimicrobial cerebroside, pinelloside, was isolated from the air-dried tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Its structure was determined as 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3R,4E,11E)-2-(2'R-hydroxyhexadecenoylamino)-4,11-octadecadiene-1,3-diol by chemical transformation and extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR, DEPT as well as 2D NMR techniques HMBC, HMQC, 1H-1H COSY and NOESY). The antimicrobial assay showed that this compound was inhibitory to the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20, 50, 30 and 10 microg/ml, respectively. The MICs of penicillin G against bacteria B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. fluorescens and H. pylori were 0.80, 0.34, 0.56, 1.34 and 0.92, and those of ketoconazole against fungi A. niger, C. albicans and T. rubrum 0.90, 0.65 and 1.0 microg/ml, respectively.     

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.     

A lipoxygenase-divinyl ether synthase pathway in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) leaves

Incubation of linoleic acid with an enzyme preparation from leaves of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) led to the formation of a divinyl ether fatty acid, i.e. (9Z,11E,1'Z)-12-(1'-hexenyloxy)-9,11-dodecadienoic [(omega5Z)-etheroleic] acid, as well as smaller amounts of 13-hydroxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid. The 13-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid afforded the same set of products, whereas incubations of alpha-linolenic acid and its 13-hydroperoxide afforded the divinyl ether (9Z,11E,1'Z,3'Z)-12-(1',3'-hexadienyloxy)-9,11-dodecadienoic [(omega5Z)-etherolenic] as the main product. Identification of both divinyl ethers was substantiated by their UV, mass-, (1)H NMR and COSY spectral data. In addition to the 13-lipoxygenase and divinyl ether synthase activities demonstrated by these results, flax leaves also contained allene oxide synthase activity as judged by the presence of endogenously formed (15Z)-cis-12-oxo-10,15-phytodienoic acid in all incubations.     

Hygrophorones A-G: fungicidal cyclopentenones from Hygrophorus species (Basidiomycetes)

Twenty new 5-(hydroxyalkyl)-2-cyclopentenone derivatives (hygrophorones) could be isolated from Hygrophorus latitabundus, H. olivaceoalbus, H. persoonii, and H. pustulatus. Their fungicidal activity was exemplarily tested. The hygrophorones have structural similarities to the antibiotic pentenomycin. Chemically, hygrophorones are 2-cyclopentenones with hydroxy or acetoxy substituents at C-4 and/or C-5. An odd-numbered 1' oxidized alkyl chain (C(11), C(13), C(15), or C(17)) is attached at C-5. In addition, from H. persoonii the new gamma-butyrolactone derivative [5-(E)-2-hydroxytetradexylidene-5H-furan-2-one] could be isolated. Some hygrophorones are responsible for the color reaction of the stipes of these fungi upon treatment with potassium hydroxide solution. Structural elucidations are based on 1D ((1)H, (13)C) and 2D (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) NMR spectroscopic analyses as well as HR-FT-ICR-MS investigations.     

An acetylated monoterpene and a sesquiterpene alcohol from Psiadia anchusifolia

Two compounds identified as 7,7-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptan-6-ol acetate and 6,6,8,9-tetramethyltricyclo[3.3.3.0]undec-7-en-2-ol were isolated from the essential oil of the fresh leaves of Psiadia anchusifolia. Their structures were determined by extensive NMR studies (1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC) as well as by X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Cladocalol, a pentacyclic 28-nor-triterpene from Eucalyptus cladocalyx with cytotoxic activity

A formylated triterpene named cladocalol has been isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus cladocalyx, together with ursulolactone acetate, ursolic acid, 3 beta-acetate-12,20(29)-lupadien-28-oic acid, beta-sitosterol and the known flavonoid eucalyptine. Their structures were mainly established by extensive NMR studies (1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC) and mass spectroscopy as well as by X-ray crystallographic analysis. In this paper, we report on the cytotoxic effect induced by cladocalol and its derivatives on the myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60.     

Diterpenoid quinones from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

Two new abietane-type diterpenoid o-quinones, 7beta-methoxyabieta-8,13-diene-11,12-dione-(20,6beta)-olide (rosmaquinone A) (1) and 7alpha-methoxyabieta-8,13-diene-11,12-dione-(20,6beta)-olide (rosmaquinone B) (2), together with six known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. The structures of the new compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including IR, UV, HR-EIMS, 1D and 2D 400 MHz NMR data (1H, 13C NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOEs).     

Steroidal saponins from the aerial parts of Tribulus pentandrus Forssk

Seven new steroidal glycosides named pentandrosides A(1)-G(7) were isolated from the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Tribulus pentandrus. Pentandrosides A(1)-E(5) possess cholestane aglycones, pentandroside F(6) a furostan-type aglycone and pentandroside G(7) an unusual acyloxypregnane aglycone probably derived from the degradation of a furostan skeleton. Structure elucidation of 1-7 was accomplished through the extensive use of 1D- and 2D NMR experiments including 1H-1H (DQF-COSY, 1D-TOCSY) and 1H-13C (HSQC, HMBC) spectroscopy along with ESIMS and HRESIMS.     

Secondary metabolites from the aerial parts of Salvia palaestina Bentham

Three sesterterpenes (1-3), one triterpene (4) and five diterpenes (5-9) were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia palaestina Bentham (Lamiaceae), together with two sesquiterpenes, 10 known diterpenes, three triterpenes, and rosmarinic acid. Their structural elucidation was accomplished by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D ((1)H, (13)C, (13)C DEPT, TOCSY, NOESY) and 2D NMR experiments (DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY) as well as ESIMS analysis and chemical analysis.     

Structural analysis of the alpha-D-glucan (EPS35-5) produced by the Lactobacillus reuteri strain 35-5 glucansucrase GTFA enzyme

The neutral exopolysaccharide EPS35-5 (reuteran) produced from sucrose by the glucansucrase GTFA enzyme from Lactobacillus reuteri 35-5 was found to be a (1-->4,1-->6)-alpha-D-glucan, with no repeating units present. Based on linkage analysis and 1D/2D 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy of intact EPS35-5, as well as MS and NMR analysis of oligosaccharides obtained by partial acid hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis, using pullulanase M1 (Klebsiella planticola), of EPS35-5, a composite model, that includes all identified structural elements, was formulated as follows: [Formula: see text].     

Chemical structure of aeromonas gum--extracellular polysaccharide from Aeromonas nichidenii 5797

Aeromonas (A) gum, an extracellular heteropolysaccharide produced by the bacterium Aeromonas nichidenii strain 5797, was studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy including 2D COSY, TOCSY, 1H, 13C HMQC, HMBC and ROESY experiments after O-deacetylation and Smith degradation. These investigations revealed the presence of an O-acetylated pentasaccharide repeating unit composed of mannose, glucose, xylose and glucuronic acid, and it has the following structure: [Image: see text]     

Acylated pregnane glycosides from Caralluma russeliana

The chloroform extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma russeliana yielded four acylated pregnane glycosides, namely russeliosides E-H, three were found now. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, NOESY and HMBC experiments.     

Structure of the O-polysaccharide from the lipopolysaccharide of Providencia stuartii O43 containing an amide of D-galacturonic acid with L-serine

The O-polysaccharide was obtained by mild acid degradation of the lipopolysaccharide of Providencia stuartii O43:H28 and studied by sugar and methylation analyses, Smith degradation and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including 2D ROESY, and H-detected 1H, 13C HSQC and HMBC experiments, as well as a NOESY experiment in a 9:1 H2O/D2O mixture to reveal correlations for NH protons. It was found that the polysaccharide is built up of linear tetrasaccharide repeating units containing an amide of D-galacturonic acid with L-serine [D-GalA6(L-Ser)] and has the following structure:[3)-beta-D-GalpA6(L-Ser)-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Rhap4NAc-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->]n.     

Dendrocyin: an isocucurbitacin with novel cyclic side chain from Dendrosicyos socotrana

Dendrosicyos socotrana Balf.f. is a unique species (Cucurbitaceae) native to Socotra island in the horn of Africa. From the chloroform extract of the stems, A new isocucurbitacin (Dendrocyin) with unusual cyclization in the side chain; 24beta-ethoxy-20-25-epoxy-3alpha,16alpha-dihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanost-5(6) ene-2,11,22-trione has been isolated alongside isocucurbitacin R. Their structural configuration were established by usual spectroscopic (1H NMR, 13C NMR and DEPT) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (1H-1H Cosy, HMBC and HMQC).     

Structure of the O-specific polysaccharide of Proteus penneri 103 containing ribitol and 2-aminoethanol phosphates

The O-specific polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide of Proteus penneri strain 103 was studied using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including 2D COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, H-detected 1H,(13)C HMQC, 1H, 31P HMQC, and HMBC experiments. It was found that the polysaccharide is built up of oligosaccharide-ribitol phosphate repeating units and thus resembles ribitol teichoic acids of Gram-positive bacteria. The following structure of the polysaccharide was established:where Etn and Rib-ol are ethanolamine and ribitol, respectively. This structure is unique among the known structures of Proteus O-antigens and, therefore, we propose classification of the strain studied into a new Proteus serogroup, O73. The molecular basis for cross-reactivity between O-antiserum against P. penneri 103 and O-antigens of P. mirabilis O33 and D52 is discussed.     

Steroidal saponins from the aerial parts of Tribulus alatus Del

Six steroidal glycosides (1-6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Tribulus alatus Del. (Zygophyllaceae), together with one known cholestane, one spirostane, and six flavonol glycosides. Among them, 1 and 2 possess a furostane-type aglycone, 3 and 6 a cholestane structure, and 4 and 5 a spirostane skeleton. Their structural elucidation was accomplished by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D ((1)H, (13)C, (13)C DEPT, TOCSY, ROESY) and 2D NMR experiments (DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC) as well as ESI-MS analysis.     

Investigation of Uña De Gato I. 7-Deoxyloganic acid and 15N NMR spectroscopic studies on pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa

The C-8-(S) isomer of deoxyloganic acid (7-deoxyloganic acid), together with beta-sitosteryl glucoside, five known stereoisomeric pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids and the tetracyclic oxindole isorhyncophylline, were isolated from the inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa. Structures of the isolated compounds were based on 1H and 13C NMR data, mainly 2D NMR experiments, including 1H-13C HMBC and 1H-1H NOESY correlation. Furthermore, the hitherto unreported 15N chemical shifts of the isomeric oxindole alkaloids, using 1H-15N HMBC experiments, were utilized to facilitate their characterization. Uncarine D showed weak cytotoxic activity against SK-MEL, KB, BT-549 and SK-OV-3 cell lines with IC(50) values between 30 and 40 microg/ml, while uncarine C exhibited weak cytotoxicity only against ovarian carcinoma (IC(50) at 37 microg/ml).     

Alkaloids from Toddalia aculeata

Two alkaloids N-methyl-4-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2,3-epoxy-3-methylbutyl)-1H-quinolin-2-one (1) and 3-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-4,7-dimethoxy-1-methyl-1H-quinolin-2-one (2a) have been isolated from CH(2)Cl(2):methanol (1:1) and methanol extracts of leaves and stems of Toddalia aculeata. Their structures along with that of 15 other compounds, of which three are isolated for the first time from genus Toddalia, were established by their detailed spectral studies including 2D NMR viz. (1)H-(1)H COSY, (1)H-(13)C COSY, and HMBC.     

Structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopy of a new acetylated saponin from Centratherum anthelminticum

A new glycosylated triterpene has been isolated from the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum, a medicinally important plant. The structural analysis of its acetylated derivative was performed by 1H, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and DEPT spectroscopy. The saponin was shown to contain hederagenin and six sugar residues forming two glycosyl chains. The complete structure of the saponin was established as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin.     

Physicochemical and biological properties of 6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-cyclomaltoheptaose (6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin)

A unique multibranched cyclomaltooligosaccharide (cyclodextrin, CD) of 6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-cyclomaltoheptaose [6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin, (G(2))(3)-betaCD] was prepared. The physicochemical and biological properties of (G(2))(3)-betaCD were determined together with those of monobranched CDs (6-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin (G(1)-alphaCD), 6-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-cyclodextrin (G(1)-betaCD), and 6-O-alpha-maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin (G(2)-betaCD)). NMR spectra of (G(2))(3)-betaCD were measured using various 2D NMR techniques. The solubility of (G(2))(3)-betaCD in water and MeOH-water solutions was extremely high in comparison with nonbranched betaCD and was about the same as that of the other monobranched betaCDs. The formation of an inclusion complex of (G(2))(3)-betaCD with stereoisomers (estradiol, retinoic acid, quinine, citral, and glycyrrhetinic acid) depends on the cis-trans isomers of guest compounds. The cis isomers of estradiol, retinoic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid were included more than their trans isomers, while the trans isomers of citral and quinine fit more tightly than their cis isomers. (G(2))(3)-betaCD was the most effective host compound in the cis-trans resolution of glycyrrhetinic acid. Among the branched betaCDs, (G(2))(3)-betaCD exhibited the weakest hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes and showed negligible cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells up to 200 microM. These results indicate unique characteristics of (G(2))(3)-betaCD in some biological responses of cultured cells.