Bioactive compounds from Stuhlmannia moavi from the Madagascar dry forest

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the leaf and root extracts of the antiproliferative Madagascar plant Stuhlmannia moavi afforded 6-acetyl-5,8-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (stuhlmoavin, 1) as the most active compound, with an IC₅₀ value of 8.1 μM against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line, as well as the known homoisoflavonoid bonducellin (2) and the stilbenoids 3,4,5′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy-trans-stilbene (3), piceatannol (4), resveratrol (5), rhapontigenin (6), and isorhapontigenin (7). The structure elucidation of all compounds was based on NMR and mass spectroscopic data, and the structure of 1 was confirmed by a single crystal X-ray analysis. Compounds 2?5 showed weak A2780 activities, with IC₅₀ values of 10.6, 54.0, 41.0, and 74.0 μM, respectively. Compounds 1?3 also showed weak antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum with IC₅₀ values of 23, 26, and 27 μM, respectively.     

A DFT method for the study of the antioxidant action mechanism of resveratrol derivatives

Quantum-chemical calculations using DFT, have been performed to explain the molecular structure antioxidant activity relationship of resveratrol (RSV) (1) analogues: 3,4-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (3,4-DHS) (2); 4,4′-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (4,4′-DHS) (3); 4-hydroxy-trans-stilbene (4-HS) (4); 3,5-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (3,5-DHS) (5); 3,3′-dimethoxy-4,4′-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (3,3′-DM-4,4′-DHS) (6); 2,4-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (2,4-DHS) (7) and 2,4,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (2,4,4′-THS) (8). It was found that all compounds studied were effective antioxidants with the exception of 3, 5-DHS. The high antioxidant activity of both 3, 3′-DM-4, 4′-DHS and 3, 4-DHS may be due to the abstraction of the two hydrogen atoms of the para and ortho-position hydroxyls respectively, to form a quinone structure. Our results revealed that the antioxidant pharmacophore of 2,4-DHS and 2,4,4′-THS, exhibiting higher antioxidant activity than resveratrol, is the 2-hydroxystilbene, rather than 4-hydroxystilbene. Experimental observations were satisfactorily explained and commented.     

Synthesis of metabolic intermediates of diethylstilbestrol

This report details the synthesis of 1) 3,4,4′-trihydroxy-α,α′-diethyl-trans-stilbene; 2) 3,4-bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-trans-3-hexenol; 3) 3,4-bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2,4-cis,cis-hexadienol; 4) 3,4-bis-(3′-methoxy-4′-hydroxyphenyl)-trans-3-hexene; 5) 3,4-bis-(3′, 4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-trans-3-hexene. These compounds are suspected metabolites of diethylstilbestrol.     

Lignan glycosides from the Rhizomes of Smilax trinervula and their Biological activities

Phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Smilax trinervula led to isolation and structure elucidation of eight lignan glycosides, including five new lignans, namely, (7S, 8R, 8′R)-4, 4′, 9-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethoxy-7, 9′-epoxylignan-7′-one 4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), (7S, 8R, 8′R)-4, 4′, 9-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethoxy-7, 9′-epoxylignan-7′-one 4-O-β-d- glucopyranoside (2) (7S, 8R)-4, 9, 9′-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5-trimethoxy-4′, 7-epoxy-8, 5′-neolignan 9′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), (7R, 8R)-4, 9, 9′-trihydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxy-7.O.4′, 8.O.3′- neolignan 9′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), and (7S, 8R)-4, 9, 9′-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5-trimethoxy-8, 4′-oxy-neolignan 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), along with three known compounds (6-8). Their structures were established mainly on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, ESI–MS and comparison with the literature. Compounds 1-8 were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against four human tumor cell lines (SH-SY5Y, SGC-7901, HCT-116, Lovo). Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited cytotoxic activity against Lovo cells, with IC₅₀ value of 10.4 μM and 8.5 μM, respectively.     

Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of novel trans-stilbene analogues as potential COX-2 inhibitors

25 new trans-stilbene and trans-stilbazole derivatives were investigated using in vitro and in silico techniques. The selectivity and potency of the compounds were assessed using commercial ELISA test. The obtained results were incorporated into 2D QSAR assay. The most promising compound 4-nitro-3′,4′,5′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (N1) was synthetized and its potency and selectivity were confirmed. N1 was classified as preferential COX-2 inhibitor. Its ability to inhibit COX-2 in MCF-7 cell line was established and its cytotoxicity by MTT test was assessed. The compound was more cytotoxic than celecoxib within studied concentration range. Finally, the investigated trans-stilbene was docked into COX-1 and COX-2 active sites using “CDOCKER” protocol.     

New prenylated isoflavones and a prenylated dihydroflavonol from Millettia pachycarpa

Extraction of Millettia pachycarpa Benth. gave 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone (1a), 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,3′-diprenylisoflavone (2a), 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone (3a) and (2R, 3R)-5,4′-dihydroxy-8-prenyl-6″,6″-dimethylpyrano[2″,3″: 7,6]-dihydroflavonol (4a) whose structures were established by chemical transformations and spectroscopic means. Pectolinarigenin and salvigenin were isolated from Buddleia macrostachya Benth.     

Tubulin-interactive stilbene derivatives as anticancer agents

Microtubules are dynamic polymers that occur in eukaryotic cells and play important roles in cell division, motility, transport and signaling. They form during the process of polymerization of α- and β-tubulin dimers. Tubulin is a significant and heavily researched molecular target for anticancer drugs. Combretastatins are natural cis-stilbenes that exhibit cytotoxic properties in cultured cancer cells in vitro. Combretastatin A-4 (3′-hydroxy-3,4,4′, 5-tetramethoxy-cis-stilbene; CA-4) is a potent cytotoxic cis-stilbene that binds to β-tubulin at the colchicine-binding site and inhibits tubulin polymerization. The prodrug CA-4 phosphate is currently in clinical trials as a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment. Numerous series of stilbene analogs have been studied in search of potent cytotoxic agents with the requisite tubulin-interactive properties. Microtubule-interfering agents include numerous CA-4 and transresveratrol analogs and other synthetic stilbene derivatives. Importantly, these agents are active in both tumor cells and immature endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels, where they inhibit the process of angiogenesis. Recently, computer-aided virtual screening was used to select potent tubulin-interactive compounds. This review covers the role of stilbene derivatives as a class of antitumor agents that act by targeting microtubule assembly dynamics. Additionally, we present the results of molecular modeling of their binding to specific sites on the α- and β-tubulin heterodimer. This has enabled the elucidation of the mechanism of stilbene cytotoxicity and is useful in the design of novel agents with improved anti-mitotic activity. Tubulin-interactive agents are believed to have the potential to play a significant role in the fight against cancer.     

Chemical constituents of the root bark of Erythrina droogmansiana

Two new compounds namely 7,4′-dihydroxy-2′-methoxy-3′-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)isoflavanone (1) and 5,7,3′-trihydroxy-8-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-[6′′,6′′-dimethylpyrano(2′′,3′′:4′,5′)]isoflavone (4) were isolated from the root bark of Erythrina droogmansiana together with eight known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses (1D- and 2D-NMR and ESI-HRMS) and by comparison with literature data. In addition, the correct ¹³C NMR of 5,7,2′,4′-tertahydroxy-8,5′-di-(3-metylbut-2-enyl)isoflavone (6) was assigned. The DPPH free radical scavenging properties of the isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 4–7 showed weak to moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activities.     

8-O-methyl- and the first 3-O-methylflavan-3,4-diols from Acacia saxatilis

The light purple heartwood of Acacia saxatilis contains (+)-2,3-trans-3,4-trans- and (+)-2,3-trans-3,4-cis-diastereoisomers of 8-methoxy-7,j',4'-trihydroxy- and 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavan-3,4-diols as major components. Evidence was also obtained of the first 3-methyl ether of metabolites: of this type, notably of (+)-8-methoxy-7,3′,4′-trihydroxy-2,3-trans-flavan-3,4-cis-diol. Flavonol, dihydroflavonol and flavanone analogies accompany these. The correlation between colour of Acacia heartwoods and structure, phenolic substitution, stereochemistry and composition of their flavonoid components is discussed.     

Substrate specificity in vivo and in vitro in the formation of stilbenes. Biosynthesis of rhaponticin

The biosynthesis of the stilbene glucoside rhaponticin (3,5,3′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene 3-O-β-d-glucoside), a constituent of rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum), was localized in the rhizome. Acetate and various phenylpropane derivatives were tested as precursors in feeding experiments. p-Coumaric acid was more efficiently incorporated than isoferulic acid, resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) was found to be the best precursor of rhaponticin. In vitro, for the stilbene-synthesizing system an even higher selectivity in favor of the p-hydroxy compound was observed. When various cinnamoyl-CoA derivatives were tested, membrane-bound enzyme preparations from rhizome converted at pH 7.5p-coumaroyl-CoA into resveratrol whereas rhapontigenin was not formed from isoferuloyl-CoA. Caffeoyl-CoA was converted to astringenin, but with lower rates and at a more acidic pH. The stilbene skeleton is, therefore, synthesized from a phenylpropane moiety carrying a 4′-hydroxysubstitution, while further derivatization to the 3′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy structure takes place at the level of stilbenes.     

Cytotoxic,tubulin-interfering and proapoptotic activities of 4′-methylthio-<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-stilbene derivatives,analogues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-resveratrol

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a series of seven 4′-methylthio-trans-stilbene derivatives against cancer cells: MCF7 and A431 in comparison with non-tumorigenic MCF12A and HaCaT cells. The mechanism of anti-proliferative activity of the most cytotoxic trans-resveratrol analogs: 3,4,5-trimethoxy-4′-methylthio-trans-stilbene (3,4,5-MTS) and 2,4,5-trimethoxy-4′-methylthio-trans-stilbene (2,4,5-MTS) was analyzed and compared with the effect of trans-resveratrol. All the compounds that were studied exerted a stronger cytotoxic effect than trans-resveratrol did. MCF7 cells were the most sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of trans-resveratrol analogs with IC₅₀ in the range of 2.1–6.0 µM. Comparing the cytotoxicity of 3,4,5-MTS and 2,4,5-MTS, a significantly higher cytotoxic activity of these compounds against MCF7 versus MCF12A was observed, whereas no significant difference was observed in cytotoxicity against A431 and HaCaT. In the series of 4′-methylthio-trans-stilbenes, 3,4,5-MTS and 2,4,5-MTS were the most promising compounds for further mechanistic studies. The proapoptotic activity of 3,4,5-MTS and 2,4,5-MTS, estimated with the use of annexin-V/propidium iodide assay, was comparable to that of trans-resveratrol. An analysis of cell cycle distribution showed a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells and G2/M phase arrest in MCF7 and A431 as a result of treatment with 3,4,5-MTS, whereas trans-resveratrol tended to increase the percentage of cells in S phase, particularly in epithelial breast cells MCF12A and MCF7. Both trans-stilbene derivatives enhanced potently tubulin polymerization in a dose-dependent manner with sulfur atom participating in the interactions with critical residues of the paclitaxel binding site of β-tubulin.     

Secondary metabolites of Sophora mollis subsp. griffithii (Stocks) Ali

Two new compounds, (+)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-3-[3′-hydroxy-2′,4′-dimethoxy-5-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)]-phenyl-(3R)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (1) and (?)-3-hydroxy-8,9-methylenedioxy-(6aR,11aS)-pterocarpan (2), were isolated from the methanolic extract of Sophora mollis subsp. griffithii. Two known compounds, β-sitosterol (3) and 19βH-lupeol-methyl-ether (4), were also obtained for the first time from this plant. The structures of 1–4 were identified through their spectroscopic data. CD Spectroscopy was also utilized for the structure elucidation of compounds 1 and 2. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 were studied for their effects on immune cells and only 1 was found to be substantially active.     

Isoflavonoids and norneolignan from Caragana changduensis

Two new isoflavonoids, named 6,7,2′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone (1), 7,3′-dimethoxy-5′-hydroxyisoflavone (2), one new norneolignan, named (8S)-2,4-dihydroxy-8-hydroxymethyl-4′-methoxydeoxybenzoin (3); together with six known compounds, methyl 4-hydroxylbenzoate (4), ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (5), piceatannol (6), cararosin A (7), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate (8), and 6,7,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (9) were isolated from the red heartwood in the rhizomes of Caragana changduensis by using chromatographic methods Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison of their spectral data with previous reported data.     

DNA damage induced by resveratrol and its synthetic analogues in the presence of Cu (II) ions: Mechanism and structure-activity relationship

The prooxidant effect of resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stibene) and its synthetic analogues (ArOH), that is, 3,4,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stibene (3,4,4′-THS), 3,4,5-trihydroxy-trans-stibene (3,4,5-THS), 3,4-dihydroxy-trans-stibene (3,4-DHS), 4,4′-dihydroxy-trans-stibene (4,4′-DHS), 2,4-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (2,4-DHS), 3,5-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (3,5-DHS) and 3,5,4′-trimethoxy-trans-stibene (3,5,4′-TMS), on supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA strand breakage and calf thymus DNA damage in the presence of Cu (II) ions has been studied. It was found that the compounds bearing ortho-dihydroxyl groups (3,4-DHS, 3,4,4′-THS, and 3,4,5-THS) or bearing 4-hydroxyl groups (2,4-DHS, 4,4′-DHS, and resveratrol) exhibit remarkably higher activity in the DNA damage than the ones bearing no such functionalities. Kinetic analysis by UV-visible spectra demonstrates that the formation of ArOH-Cu (II) complexes, the stabilization of oxidative intermediate derived from ArOH and Cu (II)/Cu (I) redox cycles, might be responsible for the DNA damage. This study also reveals a good correlation between antioxidant and prooxidant activity, as well as cytotoxicity against human leukemia (HL-60 and Jurkat) cell lines. The mechanisms and implications of these observations are discussed.     

Phenolics from Glycyrrhiza glabra roots and their PPAR-γ ligand-binding activity

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra roots), using a GAL-4-PPAR-γ chimera assay method, resulted in the isolation of 39 phenolics, including 10 new compounds (1–10). The structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data. Among the isolated compounds, 5′-formylglabridin (5), (2R,3R)-3,4′,7-trihydroxy-3′-prenylflavane (7), echinatin, (3R)-2′,3′,7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavan, kanzonol X, kanzonol W, shinpterocarpin, licoflavanone A, glabrol, shinflavanone, gancaonin L, and glabrone all exhibited significant PPAR-γ ligand-binding activity. The activity of these compounds at a sample concentration of 10 μg/mL was three times more potent than that of 0.5 μM troglitazone.     

Discovery of stereospecific cytotoxicity of (8R,8′R)-trans-arctigenin against insect cells and structure-activity relationship on aromatic ring

One of the arctigenin stereoisomers, (8R,8′R)-trans-form 1, showed stereospecific cytotoxicity against insect cells, Sf9 and NIAS-AeAl-2 cells. By the comparison with other stereoisomers, the most importance of the 8′R stereochemistry for the higher activities was clarified. On the other hand, the wider range of activity level among stereoisomers against cancer cells, HL-60, was not observed. The structure-activity relationship research using derivatives bearing (8R,8′R)-trans-form was performed to show the same level of activities of 3-iodo, 4-iodo, and 3,4-methylenedioxy derivatives 28, 29, and 36 as (8R,8′R)-trans-arctigenin 1. In the examination of thiono derivatives, 4-iodo thiono and 3,4-methylenedioxy thiono derivatives 66, 67 showed similar level of activities to that of (8R,8′R)-trans-arctigenin 1. The expression of ribosomal 28S rRNA gene of Sf9 cells was increased by (8R,8′R)-trans-arctigenin 1, whereas a degradation of DNA was not observed.     

The withanolides of Withania somnifera chemotypes I and II

Seven steroidal lactones of the withanolide series have been isolated as minor constituents of the leaves of Withania somnifera Dun. (Solanaceae) chemotype I, along with the major component withaferin A. Structures have been assigned to the new compounds: withanolide N (17α,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-20R,22R-witha-2,5,14,24-tetraenolide) (6a) and withanolide O (4β,17α-dihydroxy-1-oxo-20R,22R-witha-2,5,8(14),24-tetraenolide) (7a). Similarly the leaves of W. somnifera chemotype II afforded three new withanolides along with the major component withanolide D (9a) and trace amounts of withanolide G (10). The new compounds are: 27-hydroxywithanolide D(4β,20α,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide) (11a), 14α-hydroxywithanolide D (4β,14α,20α-trihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide) (12a) and 17α-hydroxywithanolide D (4β,17β,20α-trihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20S,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide) (13a). Whereas all the withanolides of chemotype I are unsubstituted at C-20 (20α-H), those of chemotype II possess an OH at this position (20α-OH).     

Novel 4,4′-diether-2,2′-bipyridine cisplatin analogues are more effective than cisplatin at inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines

The synthesis and characterization of dichloro(4,4′-bis[methoxy]-2,2′-bipyridine)platinum (1) and dichloro(4,4′-bis[3-methoxy-n-propyl]-2,2′-bipyridine)platinum (2) are described. As analogues to CDDP, these 4,4′-disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine complexes exhibit decreased EC₅₀ values of 10–100 times in cancer cell lines of the lung, prostate, and melanoma with several combinations of complex and cell line less than 10 μM. Flow cytometry data indicate ‘blocks’ of MDA-MD-435 cycle by 1 (G2/M) and 2 (S). Observed cell survival trends in the presence of 1, 2 under ionizing radiation mimic those of CDDP. Preliminary structure activity relationships are discussed for the 4,4′-substitutions made on the bipyridine ring.     

Phenylpropanoid amides from Alisma orientalis and their protective effects against H2O2-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells

Five new phenylpropanoid amides, including N-trans-feruloyl-N′-cis-feruloyl-cadaverine (1), N,N′-trans-diferuloyl-3-oxo-cadaverine (2), N-trans-feruloyl-N′-cis-feruloyl-3-hydroxy-cadaverine (3), N,N′-cis-diferuloyl-3-hydroxy-cadaverine (4), N-trans-p-coumaroyl-N′-trans-feruloyl-3-hydroxy-cadaverine (5), were isolated from Alisma orientalis together with four known analogues. Their structural elucidations were conducted by using 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. The isolated compounds were assayed for their inhibitory activities against HCE-2, anti-oxidant effects, and their protective effects on H₂O₂-induced damage in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Compounds 3, 6, and 7 displayed moderate anti-oxidant activities with IC₅₀ values in the range of 36.9–40.7 μM. Compound 5 showed significant protective activity, while compounds 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 showed moderate protective activities.     

Monohydroxycarotenoids from diphenylamine-inhibited cultures of Rhodospirillum rubrum

The monohydroxycarotenoids formed by diphenylamine-inhibited cultures of Rhodospirillum rubrum have been investigated. Nine have been isolated and identified as 1-hydroxy-1,2-dihydrophytofluene (1), 1-Hydroxy-1,2,7′,8′,11′,12′-hexahydrolycopene (2), chloroxanthin (3), 1-methoxy-1′-hydroxy-1,2,1′,2′-tetrahydrophytofluene (4a), 1′-hydroxy-3,4,1′,2′,11′,12′-hexahydrospheroidene (5, 1′-hydroxy-3,4,1′,2′-tetrahydrospheroidene (6, 1′-hydroxy 1′,2′-dihydrospheroidene (7), rhodovibrin (8a) and monodeme thylated spirilloxanthin (9). 4a, 5 and 6 are novel carotenoids, and a definite structure has been assigned to 2 for the first time; the structure of 1 has been amended. The possible role of these carotenoids in spirilloxanthin biosynthesis is discussed.