Cytotoxic constituents from the leaves of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and their structure–activity relationships

Bioassay-directed phytochemical study of the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) leaves led to the isolation of a new sesquiterpene lactone of 3-Hydroxy-8β-tigloyloxy-1,10-dehydroariglovin (1), ten known sesquiterpene lactones (2–11) and two known flavones (12–13). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxic activities of those compounds were subsequently tested against the MCF-7, A549 and HeLa cancer cells lines. The results indicated that sesquiterpene lactones 1–11 exhibited consistent cytotoxicity against all three cancer cell lines, while flavones 12 and 13 showed selective inhibitory activity against HeLa cell lines. Among them, compound 3 exhibited significant growth inhibitory activity against all three cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of compound 3 against MCF-7, A549 and HeLa were 1.97 ± 0.04, 7.79 ± 0.44, 9.87 ± 0.20 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, some structure–activity relationships of these sesquiterpene lactones for cytotoxicity were explored and summarized in this study.     

Cytotoxic abietane-derivative diterpenoids of Salvia lachnostachys

A bioassay-guided fractionation of Salvia lachnostachys Benth leaf extract led to the isolation of three known diterpenes, namely fruticuline A (1), fruticuline B (2) and 7,20-dihydrofruticuline A (3), together with two new compounds, 4 and 5. The structures were mainly elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS. The cytotoxic activity of the crude ethanol extract, the semi-purified fractions (A-E) and compounds 1, 2 and 4 were evaluated against seven human cancer cell lines and the normal cell line HaCat. The ethanol extract showed activity against all tested cell lines (GI₅₀ 25.0⿿44.0 μg/mL). Among the fractions, the greatest activity was exhibited by fraction A (eluted with hexane), which inhibited the growth of all tested cell lines with GI₅₀ of 3.9⿿19.5 μg/mL. Compounds 1 and 4 were the most active, inhibiting the growth of U251, MCF-7, NCI-ADR/RES, 786.0, NCI-H460, PC-3, OVCAR-03 and HaCat cell lines with GI₅₀ < 10 μM. Compound 2 showed moderate activity against MCF-7, NCI-H460, OVCAR-03, K562 and HaCat, with GI₅₀ varying 19.9⿿29.3 μM.     

Curvularin derivatives from the soil-derived fungus Aspergillus polyporicola PSU-RSPG187

Two new curvularin derivatives, curvulopyran (1) and ent-curvulone A (2), along with ten known compounds including five cytochalasins and five curvularins, were isolated from a culture broth of the soil-derived fungus Aspergillus polyporicola PSU-RSPG187. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Known aspochalasin D displayed moderate antifungal activity against flucytosine–resistant Cryptococcus neoformans with an MIC value of 32 μg/mL and showed no cytotoxic activity against noncancerous cell lines. In addition, known α,β–dehydrocurvularin exhibited potential cytotoxic activity against both KB and MCF-7 cell lines with the IC₅₀ values of 11.26 and 19.50 μM. Unfortunately, it was strongly active against Vero cell lines.     

In vitro growth inhibitory effects of 13,28-epoxyoleanane triterpene saponins in cancer cells

Two new 13,28-epoxyoleanane triterpene saponins, magnosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the 95% ethanolic extract of Cybianthus magnus (Mez) Pipoly roots. Their structures were deduced by a combination of spectral analyses and chemical evidences as compared to data reported in the literature. The hemolytic activity of both compounds was measured. Compound 1 was shown to exhibit the strongest hemolytic activity with a HD₅₀ of 3.8 μM followed by 2 with a HD₅₀ of 33.5 μM. The bioactivity of compounds 1 and 2 was also evaluated in vitro against different cellular models including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Leishmania amazonensis axenic amastigotes, mouse peritoneal macrophages and eight cancer cell lines. While neither of the tested compounds displayed any activity against M. tuberculosis, both exhibited anti-leishmanial activity against axenic amastigotes as well as in vitro growth inhibitory activity against all tested cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ growth inhibitory concentrations ranging between 4 μM and 33 μM. The compounds displayed similar growth inhibitory activity in cancer cell lines sensitive to pro-apoptotic stimuli versus those displaying various levels of resistance to such stimuli. Quantitative videomicroscopy analyses revealed that compounds 1 and 2 are cytotoxic.     

Cytotoxic diterpenes from the radix of Curcuma wenyujin

Two new diterpenes, including one with an unprecedented 6/6/8 carbon ring skeleton (curcuminol D, 1) and another with 19 carbons (curcuminol E, 2), were isolated from the radix of Curcuma wenyujin. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, mainly NMR and MS. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines HL-60 and K562. Compound 1 exhibited medium cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 11.2 and 3.2 μg/mL, respectively, and compound 2 showed better activity against the above cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 4.2 and 2.7 μg/mL, respectively.     

Two tirucallane derivatives from Paramignya scandens and their cytotoxic activity

Various chromatographic separations of the methanolic extract of Paramignya scandens stem and leaves resulted in the isolation of two new tirucallane derivatives, paramignyols A and B (1 and 2). Their structures were established by HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as, comparison with literature data. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀s ∼ 3.55–10.50 μM) on four tested human cancer cell lines: KB (epidermoid carcinoma), SK-Mel-2 (melanoma), LU-1 (lung adenocarcinoma), and MCF7 (breast cancer). This is the first report on chemical constituents and biological activities of P. scandens.     

Terpenoids with cytotoxic activity from the branches and leaves of Pyrus pashia

Twenty terpenoids, including a new triterpenoid (1) and a new monoterpenoid (20), were isolated from the branches and leaves of Pyrus pashia. The structures of two new compounds were determined to be 2α, 3β, 27-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (1) and (4α)-3-(5,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuranyl)-1-buten-3-ol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (20) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis (IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical method. Some of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines by MTT assay, using cisplatin as a positive control. Compound 14 exhibited cytotoxic activities against A549 (IC₅₀ = 19.18 ± 4.26 μM), Hela (IC₅₀ = 12.56 ± 3.89 μM), SGC7901 (IC₅₀ = 10.48 ± 1.95 μM) and NHI-1975 (IC₅₀ = 7.38 ± 2.31 μM) cell lines as well as compound 12 displayed cytotoxic activities against A549 (IC₅₀ = 14.71 ± 1.47 μM) and Hela (IC₅₀ = 12.22 ± 1.88 μM) cell lines.     

Steroidal saponins with cytotoxic activity from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Two previously unreported spirostanol saponins, dianchonglouosides A and B (1 and 2), along with 7 known steroidal saponins (3–9) were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis (MS, 1D, and 2D NMR), and chemical methods. The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds 1–9 were also evaluated against two human cancer cell lines (HEK293 and HepG2). The results showed that compound 7 had the strongest cytotoxic activity against the two cancer cell lines with the IC₅₀ values of 0.6 and 0.9 μM, respectively.     

New antiproliferative 7-(4-(N-substituted carbamoylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl) derivatives of ciprofloxacin induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase

New N-4-piperazinyl derivatives of ciprofloxacin 2a–g were prepared and tested for their cytotoxic activity. The primary in vitro one dose anticancer assay experienced promising cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines especially non-small cell lung cancer. Independently, compounds 2b, 2d, 2f and 2g showed anticancer activity against human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells (IC₅₀ = 14.8, 24.8, 23.6 and 20.7 μM, respectively) compared to the parent ciprofloxacin (IC₅₀ >100 μM) and doxorubicin as a positive control (IC₅₀ = 1 μM). The flow cytometric analysis for 2b showed dose dependent G₂/M arrest in A549 cells. Also, 2b increased the expression of p53 and p21 and decreased the expression of cyclin B1 and Cdc2 proteins in A549 cells without any effect on the same proteins expression in WI-38 cells. Specific inhibition of p53 by pifithrin-α reversed the G₂/M phase arrest induced by the 2b compound, suggesting contribution of p53 to increase. Taken together, 2b induced G₂/M phase arrest via p53/p21 dependent pathway. The results indicate that 2b can be used as a lead compound for further development of new derivatives against non-small cell lung cancer.     

Three cytotoxic Annonaceous acetogenins from the seeds of Annona squamosa

Three new Annonaceous acetogenins, squamocin-IV (1), squamocin-V (2) and squamoxinone-E (3), together with seven other known Annonaceous acetogenins (4–10) were isolated from the seeds of Annona squamosa. The structures of all of the isolates were established and characterized through spectral and chemical methods. The new Annonaceous acetogenins 1–3 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the Hep-G2, SMMC-7721, BEL-7402, BGC-803 and H460 human cancer cell lines. Compound 3 exhibited the best cytotoxic activity, with IC₅₀ values of 0.103, 0.687, 4.19, 0.43 and 6.56 μg/mL, respectively for the cell lines above; meanwhile, Compound 1 showed selective cytotoxic activity against H460, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.049 μg/mL. The first mono-ACG (2) composed of 38 carbons was discovered.     

Two novel neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata

Two novel neo-clerodane diterpenoids, barbatellarines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the whole plants of Scutellaria barbata, along with the known compound scutebarbatine F (3). The chemical structures and relative stereochemistry of the isolated compounds were established by NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 2 and 3 were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against the HL-60 (human leukemia), MCF7 (human breast cancer), and LLC (Lewis lung carcinoma) cancer cell lines. Compound 2 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 41.4 μΜ.     

New phenolic glycosides with cyclooxygenase inhibition from the roots of Tecoma mollis

Three new phenolic glycosides (1–3) together with nine known ones were isolated from the roots of Tecoma mollis using DPPH radical scavenging bioassay-guided chromatographic separation. The structures of the new compounds were established using extensive spectroscopic data and HR-MS. The antioxidant, COX-2 inhibition, and cytotoxic activities were evaluated for the isolated compounds. Compound 4 displayed the strongest radical scavenging activity relative to ascorbic acid with IC₅₀ 8.7 μM. Compounds 5, 6, and 10 showed promising COX-2 inhibitory action, IC₅₀ values of 11.3 μM, 9.4 μM, and 13.4 μM, respectively. All compounds exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against Hela and A549 cancer cell lines.     

New prenylated isoflavonoids as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors from Erythrina addisoniae

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract of the root of Erythrina addisoniae (Leguminosae) resulted in the isolation of four new (1–4), along with 2 known prenylated isoflavonoids (5–6). The structures of the isolates were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, focusing on interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR, and MS data. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), as well as their growth inhibition on MCF7, adriamycin-resistant MCF7 (MCF7/ADR), and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Compounds which exhibited PTP1B inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.6 ± 0.3 to 24.2 ± 2.1 μM) showed potential cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.97 ± 0.17 to 11.4 ± 1.9 μM). Taken together, our data suggest that prenylated isoflavonoids, especially the isoflavone-type skeleton could be considered as new lead compounds against breast cancer via PTP1B inhibition.     

Triterpenoids in Gypsophila trichotoma Wend.

A new triterpeniod saponin 3-O-β-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin (1), together with the known saponin 3-O-β-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin (2), and three known triterpenes gypsogenic acid (3), quillaic acid (4) and gypsogenin (5) were isolated from the roots of Gypsophila trichotoma Wend. (Caryophyllaceae). Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral methods. Cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 and 2 were tested against seven human cancer cell lines. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic activity against all of them, while compound 2 only against two cell lines.     

Six new dihydrobenzofuran lignans from the branches and leaves of Illicium wardii and their cytotoxic activities

Six new dihydrobenzofuran lignans, named illiciumlignans A⿿F (compounds 1⿿6), along with 15 known compounds (7⿿21) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Illicium wardii. The structures of 1⿿6 were determined using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI⿿-MS, and CD spectroscopic data. Illiciumlignan D (4) is the first reported dihydrobenzofuran lignan arabinofuranoside that is derivatized with the arabinofuranose moiety on C-9⿲. Compounds 1⿿21 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines. Compounds 8, 12 and 20 exhibited significant activity against human cancer cell lines (A549, SKOV3, HepG2 and HCT116), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.7 to 14.9 μM.     

Three new compounds from the roots of Juglans mandshurica Maxim.

A new biflavone glycoside juglbiflavone A (1) along with two new lupane-type triterpenes (2-3) were identified from the roots of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS and CD. Compound 1 is the first example of biflavone glycoside consisted of a flavanol unit and a flavone unit from this genus, which also exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against SGC-7901 and A549 cell lines in vitro with IC₅₀ values of 10.08 ± 0.52 μM and 12.44 ± 1.21 μM, respectively.     

Cytotoxic glucosydic iridoids from Veronica americana

Fractionation guided by the cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract of Veronica americana led to the isolation of two new iridoids identified as 4β-hydroxy-6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-tetrahydrolinaride (1) and 10-O-protocatechuyl-catalpol (2), together with four known aromatic acids, veratric acid (3) p-methoxybenzoic acid (4), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (5) and protocatechuic acid (6). The structure of these compounds was determined by spectroscopic analysis. Iridoid glycosides 1 and 2 showed selective cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines HF-6 (IC₅₀ = 0.031 and 0.066 μM, respectively) and PC-3 (IC₅₀ = 0.721 and 0.801 μM, respectively), with less sensitivity in normal MRC-5 cells (IC₅₀ = 77.103 and 1451.562 μM, respectively). Compound 1 was 9.9 times more potent than camptothecin against HF-6 cell line, while compound 2 was 4.7 times, more potent, against the same cell line, than camptothecin. The found biological efficacy of 1 and 2 allow us to propose these compounds as candidates for the development of effective anticancer therapeutic agents.     

Two new lignans from Gymnotheca chinensis Decne

Two new lignans, gymnothelignans V (1) and W (2), were isolated from a methanol extraction of Gymnotheca chinensis Decne. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the HCT116, HCT15, A549, MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 45.1 μM, 26.9 μM, 49.6 μM, 30.0 μM and 49.7 μM, respectively. Compound 2 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against the A549 cancer cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 41.3 μM.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-phenol-4-chlorophenyl-6-aryl pyridines as topoisomerase II inhibitors and cytotoxic agents

A new series of 2-phenol-4-chlorophenyl-6-aryl pyridines were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for topoisomerase (topo) I and II inhibitory activities as well as cytotoxic activity against four different human cancer cell lines such as HCT15, T47D, DU145, and Hela. Most of the tested compounds exhibited stronger topo II inhibitory activity at 100 μM as compared to etoposide. All the compounds, except 39, did not show topo I inhibitory activity. Interestingly, compounds that showed better topo II inhibition than etoposide have ortho- or para-chlorophenyl at 4-position of central pyridine, and none of the compounds possess meta-chlorophenyl. SAR study revealed the importance of ortho- or para-chlorophenyl at 4-position of the central pyridine for selective topo II inhibitory activity. Similarly, all compounds possessing meta- or para-hydroxyphenyl moieties showed moderate to significant cytotoxic effects. Particularly, compounds 27–37, and 39 which showed excellent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 0.68–1.25 μM) against T47D breast cancer cells suggest the importance of meta- or para-hydroxyphenyl moiety at 2-position of the central pyridine for the design of anticancer agents with related scaffolds.     

Three new cassane diterpenes from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan

Three new cassane furanoditerpenes, phanginins N–P (1–3), together with four known ones were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Evaluation of all the compounds for cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (HepG-2, MCF-7 and HCT-8) showed insignificant results (IC₅₀ > 10 μM).