Cytotoxic and Apoptosis‐Inducing Activities,and Anti‐Tumor‐Promoting Effects of Cyanogenated and Oxygenated Triterpenes

Two of each semisynthetic lanostane‐ and cycloartane‐type triterpenes with a cyano‐enone functionality, i.e., 13 and 18 , and 23 and 28 , respectively, sixteen of their synthetic intermediates, 9 – 12, 14 – 17, 19 – 22 , and 24 – 27 , along with seven semisynthetic oxygenated triterpene acetates, 29 – 35 , and eight natural hydroxy triterpenes, 1 – 8 , were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against leukemia (HL60), lung (A549), stomach (AZ521), and breast (SK‐BR‐3) cancer cell lines. One natural triterpene, 8 , and ten semisynthetic triterpenes, 9, 13, 15, 18, 23, 25, 28, 29, 32 , and 33 , exhibited potent cytotoxicities against one or more cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the range of 1.4–9.9 μM . Two lanostane‐type triterpenes with a cyano‐enone functionality, 3‐oxolanosta‐1,8,24‐triene‐2‐carbonitrile ( 13 ) and 3‐oxolanosta‐1,8‐diene‐2‐carbonitrile ( 18 ), induced apoptosis in HL60 cells, as observed by membrane phospholipid exposure in flow cytometry. Western blot analysis showed that 13 and 18 significantly reduced procaspases‐3, ‐8, and ‐9, and increased cleaved caspases‐3, ‐8, and ‐9. These findings indicated that compounds 13 and 18 induced apoptosis in HL60 cells via both the mitochondrial and the death receptor‐mediated pathways. In addition, upon evaluation of the inhibitory effects on Epstein? Barr virus early antigen (EBV‐EA) activation induced with 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) in Raji cells, seven natural triterpenes, 1 – 6 and 8 , and ten semisynthetic triterpenes, 9, 10, 14, 15, 19, 20, 24, 25, 29 , and 30 , exhibited inhibitory effects which were higher than that of β‐carotene, a vitamin A precursor studied widely in cancer‐chemoprevention animal models.     

Two New Furanoeremophilanes from Senecio santelisis

From an Argentine collection of Senecio santelisis Phil ., the new furanoeremophilanoids, (10βH)‐6β‐acetoxy‐1α‐hydroxyfuranoeremophilan‐9‐one ( 1 ) and (10βH)‐1α‐hydroxy‐6β‐(propanoyloxy)furanoeremophilan‐9‐one ( 2 ), together with the known (10αH)‐6β‐acetoxy‐1α‐hydroxyfuranoeremophilan‐9‐one ( 3 ), (10αH)‐1α,6β‐diacetoxyfuranoeremophilan‐9‐one ( 4 ), and (10αH)‐1α‐hydroxy‐6β‐(propanoyloxy)furanoeremophilan‐9‐one ( 5 ) were isolated. Their structures and relative configurations were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. CHCl₃ Extract and pure compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activity. Compound 5 exhibited remarkable mycelial growth inhibition against B. cinerea with an IC₅₀ value of 21.4 μg/ml.     

Cytotoxic (9βH)‐Pimarane and (9βH)‐17‐Norpimarane Diterpenes from the Tuber of Icacina trichantha

Three (9βH)‐pimaranes, 1, 2 , and 3 , and two (9βH)‐17‐norpimaranes, 4 and 5 , belonging to a rare compound class in nature, were obtained from the tubers of Icacina trichantha for the first time. Compound 1 is a new natural product, and 2 – 5 have been previously reported. The structures were elucidated based on NMR and MS data, and optical rotation values. The absolute configurations of (9βH)‐pimaranes were unambiguously established based on X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Full NMR signal assignments for the known compounds 2, 4 , and 5 , which were not available in previous publications, are also reported. All five isolates displayed cytotoxic activities on MDA‐MB‐435 cells (IC₅₀ 0.66–6.44 μM ), while 2, 3 , and 4 also exhibited cytotoxicities on HT‐29 cells (IC₅₀ 3.00–4.94 μM ).     

Triterpenoids and Flavonoids from the Leaves of Astragalus membranaceus and Their Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production

Four new cycloartane triterpenes, named huangqiyegenins V and VI and huangqiyenins K and L ( 1 – 4 , resp.), together with nine known triterpenoids, 5 – 13 , and eight flavonoids, 14 – 21 , were isolated from a 70%‐EtOH extract of Astragalus membranaceus leaves. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, and the compounds were identified as (9β,11α,16β,20R,24S)‐11,16,25‐trihydroxy‐20,24‐epoxy‐9,19‐cyclolanostane‐3,6‐dione ( 1 ), (9β,16β,24S)‐16,24,25‐trihydroxy‐9,19‐cyclolanostane‐3,6‐dione ( 2 ), (3β,6α,9β,16β,20R,24R)‐16,25‐dihydroxy‐3‐(β‐D ‐xylopyranosyloxy)‐20,24‐epoxy‐9,19‐cyclolanostan‐6‐yl acetate ( 3 ), and (3β,6α,9β,16β,24E)‐26‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐16‐hydroxy‐3‐(β‐D ‐xylopyranosyloxy)‐9,19‐cyclolanost‐24‐en‐6‐yl acetate ( 4 ). All isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against LPS‐induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 1 – 3, 14, 15 , and 18 exhibited strong inhibition on LPS‐induced NO release by macrophages with IC₅₀ values of 14.4–27.1 μM .     

Terpenes from Euphorbia antiquorum and Their in Vitro Anti‐HIV Activity

Three new compounds ( 1 – 3 ), including two euphane type triterpenes, 24,24‐dimethoxy‐25,26,27‐trinoreuphan‐3β‐ol ( 1 ) and (24S)‐24‐hydroperoxyeupha‐8,25‐dien‐3β‐ol ( 2 ), and an ent‐atisine diterpene, ent‐atisane‐3α,16α,17‐triol ( 3 ), were isolated from an acetone extract of the stems of Euphorbia antiquorum, together with eight known diterpenes ( 4 – 11 ). The structures of compounds ( 1 – 11 ) were elucidated using NMR and MS spectroscopic methods. Compound 7 showed moderate activity against HIV‐1 replication in vitro (EC₅₀ = 1.38 μm ).     

Secondary Metabolites and Antimycobacterial Activities from the Roots of Ficus nervosa

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the active AcOEt‐soluble layer led to the isolation of two new pyranocoumarins, 3‐hydroxyxanthyletin ( 1 ) and 3‐methoxyxanthyletin ( 2 ), along with 22 known compounds including four simple coumarins, i.e., xanthyletin ( 3 ), umbelliferone ( 4 ), scopoletin ( 5 ), and (+)‐(S)‐marmesin ( 6 ); nine flavonoids, i.e., carpachromene ( 7 ), parvisoflavone B ( 8 ), alpinumisoflavone ( 9 ) genistein ( 10 ), 2′‐hydroxygenistein ( 11 ), prunetin ( 12 ), cajanin ( 13 ), apigenin ( 14 ), and (2S)‐naringenin ( 15 ); three benzenoids, i.e., 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde ( 16 ), vanillin ( 17 ), and (S)‐lasiodiplodin ( 18 ); five steroids, i.e., ergosterol peroxide ( 19 ), a mixture of 6β‐hydroxystigmast‐4‐en‐3‐one ( 20 ) and 6β‐hydroxystigmasta‐4,22‐dien‐3‐one ( 21 ), and a mixture of β‐sitosterol ( 22 ) and stigmasterol ( 23 ); and one triterpenoid, i.e., oleanolic acid ( 24 ) from the roots of Ficus nervosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR as well as MS analyses. Among these isolates, 3‐hydroxyxanthyletin ( 1 ), genistein ( 10 ), prunetin ( 12 ), and (2S)‐naringenin ( 15 ) showed antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇R_V in vitro with MIC values of 16, 35, 30, and ≤2.8 μg/ml, respectively.     

Enantioselective liquid‐liquid extraction of 3‐chloro‐phenylglycine enantiomers using (S,S)‐DIOP as extractant

(S,S)‐DIOP, a common catalyst used in asymmetric reaction, was adopted as chiral extractant to separate 3‐chloro‐phenylglycine enantiomers in liquid‐liquid extraction. The factors affecting extraction efficiency were studied, including metal precursors, organic solvents, extraction temperature, chiral extractant concentration, and pH of aqueous phase. (S,S)‐DIOP‐Pd exhibited good ability to recognize 3‐chloro‐phenylglycine enantiomers, and the operational enantioselectivity (α) is 1.836. The highest performance factor (pf) was obtained under the condition of extraction temperature of 9.1°C, (S,S)‐DIOP‐Pd concentration of 1.7 mmol/L, and pH of aqueous phase of 7.0. In addition, the possible recognition mechanism of (S,S)‐DIOP‐Pd towards 3‐chloro‐phenylglycine enantiomers was discussed.     

Purification of glutathione S‐transferase enzyme from quail liver tissue and inhibition effects of (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)‐2‐(4‐((E)‐3‐(aryl)acryloyl)phenyl)‐3a,4,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐4,7‐methanoisoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dione derivatives on the enzyme activity

The use of quail meat and eggs has made this animal important in recent years, with its low cost and high yields. Glutathione S‐transferases (GST, E.C.2.5.1.18) are an important enzyme family, which play a critical role in detoxification system. In our study, GST was purified from quail liver tissue with 47.88‐fold purification and 12.33% recovery by glutathione agarose affinity chromatography. The purity of enzyme was checked by SDS‐PAGE method and showed a single band. In addition, inhibition effects of (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)‐2‐(4‐((E)‐3‐(aryl)acryloyl)phenyl)‐3a,4,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐4,7methanoisoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dion derivatives ( 1a–g ) were investigated on the enzyme activity. The inhibition parameters (IC₅₀ and K_i values) were calculated for these compounds. IC₅₀ values of these derivatives ( 1a–e ) were found as 23.00, 15.75, 115.50, 10.00, and 28.75 μM, respectively. K_i values of these derivatives ( 1a–e ) were calculated in the range of 3.04 ± 0.50 to 131.50 ± 32.50 μM. However, for f and g compounds, the inhibition effects on the enzyme were not found.     

Four new lanostane-type triterpenoids from Inonotus obliquus

Four new lanostane-type triterpenoids, inonotsuoxodiol B (1), inonotsuoxodiol C (2), epoxyinonotsudiol (3), and methoxyinonotsutriol (4), were isolated from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus. Their structures were determined to be 3β,22R-dihydroxylanosta-9(11),24-dien-7-one (1), 3β,22R-dihydroxylanosta-7,24-dien-11-one (2), 9α,11α-epoxy-lanosta-7,24-diene-3β,22R-diol (3), and 7β-methoxylanosta-8,24-diene-3β,11α,22R-triol (4) on the basis of NMR spectroscopy, including 1D and 2D (¹H–¹H-COSY, NOESY, HMQC, HMBC) NMR spectra, and EIMS.     

Phytochemical Investigation and Cytotoxic Evaluation of the Components of the Medicinal Plant Ligularia atroviolacea

A phytochemical investigation of the roots of Ligularia atroviolacea resulted in the isolation of 24 compounds including seven new eremophilanoids named eremophila‐3,7(11),8‐triene‐12,8;14,6α‐diolide ( 1 ), 3β‐(angeloyloxy)eremophil‐7(11)‐en‐12,8β‐olid‐14‐oic acid ( 2 ), 1α‐chloro‐10β‐hydroxy‐6β‐(2‐methylpropanoyloxy)‐9‐oxo‐7,8‐furoeremophilane ( 3 ), (10βH)‐8‐oxoeremophila‐3(4),6(7)‐diene‐12,14‐dioic acid ( 4 ), (10αH)‐8‐oxoeremophila‐3(4),6(7)‐diene‐12,14‐dioic acid ( 5 ), 8β‐[eremophila‐3′,7′(11′)‐diene‐12′,8′α;14′,6′α‐diolide]eremophila‐3,7(11)‐diene‐12,8α;14,6α‐diolide ( 6 ), and ligulatrovine A ( 7 ), eleven known eremophilanoids, 8 – 18 , four steroids, one glucose derivative, and one fatty acid. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D‐NMR experiments. The structure of 3 was also established by an X‐ray diffraction study. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of selected compounds was performed on seven cultured tumor cell lines, i.e., KB, BEL‐7404, A549, HL‐60, HeLa, CNE, and P‐388D1. The preliminary taxonomy of this species was also discussed, and the possible biogenesis of a dimer possessing a new noreremophilanoid type skeleton, 7 , is presented in a preliminary form.     

Enantioselective Degradation of (2RS, 3RS)‐Paclobutrazol in Rat Liver Microsomes

Paclobutrazol, with two stereogenic centers, but gives only (2R, 3R) and (2S, 3S)‐enantiomers because of steric‐hindrance effects, is an important plant growth regulator in agriculture and horticulture. Enantioselective degradation of paclobutrazol was investigated in rat liver microsomes in vitro. The degradation kinetics and the enantiomer fraction were determined using a Lux Cellulose‐1 chiral column on a reverse‐phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry system. The t_1/2 of (2R, 3R)‐paclobutrazol is 18.60 min, while the t_1/2 of (2S, 3S)‐paclobutrazol is 10.93 min. Such consequences clearly indicated that the degradation of paclobutrazol in rat liver microsomes was stereoselective and the degradation rate of (2S, 3S)‐paclobutrazol was much faster than (2R, 3R)‐paclobutrazol. In addition, significant differences between the two enantiomers were also observed in enzyme kinetic parameters. The V_max of (2S, 3S)‐paclobutrazol was more than 2‐fold of (2R, 3R)‐paclobutrazol and the Cl_int of (2S, 3S)‐paclobutrazol was higher than that of (2R, 3R)‐paclobutrazol after incubation in rat liver microsomes. These results may have potential implications for better environmental and ecological risk assessment for paclobutrazol. Chirality 27:344–348, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Four New Tirucallane Triterpenoids from the Fruits of Melia azedarach and Their Cytotoxic Activities

Four new tirucallane triterpenoids, (21S,23R,24R)‐21,23‐epoxy‐21,24‐dihydroxy‐25‐methoxytirucall‐7‐en‐3‐one ( 2 ), (3S,21S,23R,24S)‐21,23‐epoxy‐21,25‐dimethoxytirucall‐7‐ene‐3,24‐diol ( 8 ), (21S,23R,24R)‐21,23‐epoxy‐24‐hydroxy‐21‐methoxytirucalla‐7,25‐dien‐3‐one ( 11 ), and (21S,23R,24R)‐21,23‐epoxy‐21,24‐dihydroxytirucalla‐7,25‐dien‐3‐one ( 12 ), along with 16 known analogues, 1 , 3  –  7 , 9  –  10 , and 13  –  20 , were isolated from the fruits of Melia azedarach. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. These compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against HepG2 (liver), SGC7901 (stomach), K562 (leukemia), and HL60 (leukemia) cancer cell lines. Compound 20 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 and SGC7901 cancer cells with the IC₅₀ values of 6.9 and 6.9 μm , respectively.     

Stereoselective Formation and Metabolism of 20(S)‐Protopanaxadiol Ocotillol Type Epimers in Vivo and in Vitro

(20S,24S)‐epoxy‐dammarane‐3,12,25‐triol (24S‐epimer) and (20S,24R)‐epoxy‐ dammarane‐3,12,25‐triol (24R‐epimer), a pair of ocotillol type epimers, were identified as the main metabolites of 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol (PPD). The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the formation and metabolism of this pair of epimers in vivo and in vitro and to elucidate the isoforms of cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for the stereoselective metabolism of both epimers. The result showed that 24S‐epimer was a more predominant ingredient in rat plasma after oral administration of PPD with higher area under the curve (AUC) values. Both the enzyme kinetic evaluations of the formation and elimination of 24S‐epimer and 24R‐epimer in rat liver microsomes (RLM) and human liver microsomes (HLM) indicated that 24S‐epimer had a higher formation rate and a lower oxygenation metabolism rate than 24R‐epimer, and the stereoselective differences were more obvious in HLM than in RLM. The chemical inhibition and recombinant human P450 isoforms assay showed that CYP3A4 was the predominant isoform responsible for the further metabolism of 24R‐epimer in HLM. The biliary excretion ratio of the 24S‐epimer glucuronide was more than 28‐fold higher than that of 24R‐epimer glucuronide after intravenous administration to rats, which also indicated 24S‐epimer was more preferential to be metabolized as the glucuronide conjugate than 24R‐epimer. Chirality 27:170–176, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Study of the interaction between sodium salts of (2E)‐3‐(4'‐halophenyl)prop‐2‐enoyl sulfachloropyrazine and bovine serum albumin by fluorescence spectroscopy

Three sodium salts of (2E)‐3‐(4'‐halophenyl)prop‐2‐enoyl sulfachloropyrazine (CCSCP) were synthesized and their structures were determined by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, LC‐MS and IR. The binding properties between CCSCPs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied using fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy. The results indicate that the fluorescence quenching mechanisms between BSA and CCSCPs were static quenching at low concentrations of CCSCPs or combined quenching (static and dynamic) at higher CCSCP concentrations of 298, 303 and 308 K. The binding constants, binding sites and corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, ΔG) were calculated at different temperatures. All ΔG values were negative, which revealed that the binding processes were spontaneous. Although all CCSCPs had negative ΔH and positive ΔS, the contributions of ΔH and ΔS to ΔG values were different. When the 4'‐substituent was fluorine or chlorine, van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main interaction forces. However, when the halogen was bromine, ionic interaction and proton transfer controlled the overall energetics. The binding distances between CCSCPs and BSA were determined using the Förster non‐radiation energy transfer theory and the effects of CCSCPs on the conformation of BSA were analyzed by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sterine in Trichosanthes kirilowii

Four Δ⁵-sterols and six Δ⁷-sterols were isolated from the seed oil of Trichosanthes kirilowii and identified as campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, Δ⁷-campesterol, Δ⁷-stigmasterol, Δ^7,22-stigmastadienol, 24-ethylcholesta-5,25-diene-3β-ol, 24-ethylcholesta-7,24(25)-diene-3β-ol, 24-ethylcholesta-7,25-diene-3β-ol, and 24-ethylcholesta-7,22,25-trine-3β-ol.     

Antiproliferative Evaluation of Some 2‐[2‐(2‐Phenylethenyl)‐cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl]‐1,3‐benzothiazoles: DFT and Molecular Docking Study

The 2‐[2‐(2‐phenylethenyl)cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl]‐1,3‐benzothiazoles were synthesized from the reactions of 7‐benzylidenebicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐en‐6‐ones with 2‐aminobenzenethiol. The antiproliferative activities of 2‐[2‐(2‐phenylethenyl)cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl]‐1,3‐benzothiazoles were determined against C6 (rat brain tumor) and HeLa (human cervical carcinoma cells) cell lines using BrdU cell proliferation ELISA assay. Cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) were used as standards. The most active compound was 2‐{(1S,2S)‐2‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethenyl]cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl}‐1,3‐benzothiazole against C6 cell lines with IC₅₀=5.89 μm value (cisplatin, IC₅₀=14.46 μm and 5‐FU, IC₅₀=76.74 μm ). Furthermore, the most active compound was 2‐{(1S,2S)‐2‐[(E)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl}‐1,3‐benzothiazole against HeLa cell lines with IC₅₀=3.98 μm (cisplatin, IC₅₀=37.95 μm and 5‐FU, IC₅₀=46.32 μm ). Additionally, computational studies of related molecules were performed by using B3LYP/6‐31G+(d,p) level in the gas phase. Experimental IR and NMR data were compared with the calculated results and were found to be compatible with each other. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps of the most active 2‐{(1S,2S)‐2‐[(E)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl}‐1,3‐benzothiazole against HeLa and the most active 2‐{(1S,2S)‐2‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethenyl]cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl}‐1,3‐benzothiazole against C6 were investigated, aiming to determine the region that the molecule is biologically active. Biological activities of mentioned molecules were investigated with molecular docking analyses. The appropriate target protein (PDB codes: 1 M17 for the HeLa cells and 1JQH for the C6 cells) was used for 2‐{(1S,2S)‐2‐[(E)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl}‐1,3‐benzothiazole and 2‐{(1S,2S)‐2‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethenyl]cyclopent‐3‐en‐1‐yl}‐1,3‐benzothiazole molecules exhibiting the highest biological activity against HeLa and C6 cells in the docking studies. As a result, it was determined that these molecules are the best candidates for the anticancer drug.     

Four New Steroidal Glycosides,Protolinckiosides A – D,from the Starfish Protoreaster lincki

Four new steroidal glycosides, protolinckiosides A – D ( 1 – 4 , resp.), were isolated along with four previously known glycosides, 5 – 8 , from the MeOH/EtOH extract of the starfish Protoreaster lincki. The structures of 1 – 4 were elucidated by extensive NMR and ESI‐MS techniques as (3β,4β,5α,6β,7α,15α,16β,25S)‐4,6,7,8,15,16,26‐heptahydroxycholestan‐3‐yl 2‐O‐methyl‐β‐d ‐xylopyranoside ( 1 ), (3β,5α,6β,15α,24S)‐3,5,6,8,15‐pentahydroxycholestan‐24‐yl α‐l ‐arabinofuranoside ( 2 ), sodium (3β,6β,15α,16β,24R)‐29‐(β‐d ‐galactofuranosyloxy)‐6,8,16‐trihydroxy‐3‐[(2‐O‐methyl‐β‐d ‐xylopyranosyl)oxy]stigmast‐4‐en‐15‐yl sulfate ( 3 ), and sodium (3β,6β,15α,16β,22E,24R)‐28‐(β‐d ‐galactofuranosyloxy)‐6,8,16‐trihydroxy‐3‐[(2‐O‐methyl‐β‐d ‐xylopyranosyl)oxy]ergosta‐4,22‐dien‐15‐yl sulfate ( 4 ). The unsubstituted β‐d ‐galactofuranose residue at C(28) or C(29) of the side chains was found in starfish steroidal glycosides for the first time. Compounds 1 – 4 significantly decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages at induction by proinflammatory endotoxic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli.     

Antimycobacterial Metabolites from Plectranthus: Royleanone Derivatives against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains

The antimycobacterial activities of eight diterpenes, 1 – 8 , isolated previously from Plectranthus and eleven esters, 9 – 19 , of 7α‐acetoxy‐6β,12‐dihydroxyabieta‐8,12‐diene‐11,14‐dione ( 5 ) were evaluated against the MTB strains H₃₇Rv and MDR. Only diterpenoids with a quinone framework revealed anti‐MTB activity. Abietane 5 and its 6,12‐dibenzoyl, 12‐methoxybenzoyl, 12‐chlorobenzoyl, and 12‐nitrobenzoyl esters, 9, 11, 12 , and 13 , respectively, showed potent activities against the MDR strain with MIC values between 3.12 and 0.39 μg/ml. Cytotoxic activities towards 3T3 and Vero cells were also evaluated. Compound 11 , with the best selectivity index, may be a suitable lead for further chemical modifications. The complete structural elucidation of the new esters, 9 – 14, 16, 18 , and 19 , as well as the NMR data of known derivatives 15 and 17 are reported.     

5α‐Androst‐16‐en‐3α‐ol β‐D‐Glucuronide,Precursor of 5α‐Androst‐16‐en‐3α‐ol in Human Sweat

5α‐Androst‐16‐en‐3α‐ol (α‐androstenol) is an important contributor to human axilla sweat odor. It is assumed that α‐andostenol is excreted from the apocrine glands via a H₂O‐soluble conjugate, and this precursor was formally characterized in this study for the first time in human sweat. The possible H₂O‐soluble precursors, sulfate and glucuronide derivatives, were synthesized as analytical standards, i.e., α‐androstenol, β‐androstenol sulfates, 5α‐androsta‐5,16‐dien‐3β‐ol (β‐androstadienol) sulfate, α‐androstenol β‐glucuronide, α‐androstenol α‐glucuronide, β‐androstadienol β‐glucuronide, and α‐androstenol β‐glucuronide furanose. The occurrence of α‐androstenol β‐glucuronide was established by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/MS (heated electrospray ionization (HESI)) in negative‐ion mode in pooled human sweat, containing eccrine and apocrine secretions and collected from 25 female and 24 male underarms. Its concentration was of 79 ng/ml in female secretions and 241 ng/ml in male secretions. The release of α‐androstenol was observed after incubation of the sterile human sweat or α‐androstenol β‐glucuronide with a commercial glucuronidase enzyme, the urine‐isolated bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae, and the skin bacteria Staphylococcus warneri DSM 20316, Staphylococcus haemolyticus DSM 20263, and Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 6919, reported to have β‐glucuronidase activities. We demonstrated that if α‐ and β‐androstenols and androstadienol sulfates were present in human sweat, their concentrations would be too low to be considered as potential precursors of malodors; therefore, the H₂O‐soluble precursor of α‐androstenol in apocrine secretion should be a β‐glucuronide.     

Oplopane Sesquiterpenes from Ligularia knorringiana and Their Anti‐Complementary Activity

Three new oplopane sesquiterpenes, knorringianalarins D – F ( 1 – 3 , respectively), and five known analogues ( 4 – 8 , respectively), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Ligularia knorringiana. The structures of three new compounds were identified as 4‐acetoxy‐11α,12‐epoxy‐2β‐hydroxy‐3β‐(2‐methylbutyryloxy)‐9α‐(4‐methylsenecioyloxy)oplop‐10(14)‐ene ( 1 ), 3β,4‐diacetoxy‐9α‐(4‐acetoxy‐4‐methylsenecioyloxy)‐11α,12‐epoxy‐8α‐(2‐methylbutyryloxy)oplop‐10(14)‐ene ( 2 ), and (1R,5R,6R,7R,9R)‐5,9,11‐trihydroxy‐4,15‐dinoroplop‐10(14)‐en‐3‐one ( 3 ) based on spectroscopic methods including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, mass spectrometry, and CD spectroscopy techniques. All compounds were evaluated for their anti‐complementary activity on the classical pathway of the complement system in vitro. Among which, three oplopane sesquiterpenes ( 3 , 7 , and 8 ) exhibited better anti‐complementary effects with CH₅₀ values ranging from 0.33 to 0.89 mm , which are plausible candidates for developing potent anti‐complementary agents.