Identification and distribution of malonated anthocyanins in plants of the compositae

A survey of 31 species from 28 genera in the Compositae showed the presence of zwitterionic anthocyanins in petals or stems of 27 species. Detailed investigations, including the use of FAB-MS, showed that mono- and dimalonated esters of pelargonin and cyanin occurred in Dahlia variabilis cultivars. The corresponding delphin mono- and dimalonates occur in blue flowers Cichorium intybus. A cyanidin 3-dimalonylglucoside was identified in stems of Coleostephus myconis while pelargonidin 3-(6″-malonylg]ucoside) was found in Callistephus petals. A further malonated cyanidin derivative in flowers of Helenium cv. Bruno was found to be the 3-glucuronosylglucoside; this is the first report of an anthocyanin with glucuronic acid. Overall, the results confirm that malonated anthocyanins are widespread in the family and that many pigments previously reported in the Compositae as being unacylated probably contain these labile organic acid attachments.     

Dimeric cinnamoylamide analogues for regulation of tyrosinase activity in melanoma cells: A role of diamide-link chain length

Dimeric cynnamoyl analogues (DCAs) with depigmenting activity have been developed. In this study, a role of diamide linkage chain length of DCAs as a tyrosinase inhibitor was investigated on tyrosinase inhibitory activity, antioxidative activity, hydrophobicity and anti-melanogenesis as well as structural characteristics and dipole moments based on density functional theory. DCAs with different diamide-link chain lengths (n?=?2, 3, and 4) and various functional groups (m-coumaroyl, p-coumaroyl, isoferuloyl and feruloyl groups) were synthesized. DCAs with a diamide-link chain length of three indicated high inhibitory effect of melanin production on α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) stimulated B16F1 cells. Approach of p-hydroxyl group of DCAs to active site of tyrosinase, an important melanogenic enzyme, is interfered by addition of m-methoxy group. In structural modeling based on density functional theory, DCAs with a diamide-link chain length of three showed folded shapes, and they had lower dipole moment than with a diamide-link chain length of two or four. Thus, for the enhancement of the depigmenting activities of dimeric compounds, the diamide-link chain length is important. Our results provide an important index for the design of dimeric compounds with physiological activities.     

Three iridoid glycosides from Viburnum furcatum

Three new bitter iridoid glycosides having an 8,10,11-oxygen substituted iridoid skeleton with an isovaleryl moiety at C-1, have been isolated from the ether and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of the leaves of Viburnum furcatum. Two of them had a glucose moiety at C-11 of the iridoid skeleton and a p-coumaroyl group linked to C-6 of the sugar, and they were found to be geometrical isomers about the double bond of the p-coumaroyl2 moiety. The third one was characterized as a alloside of the same aglycone.     

Accumulation and enzymatic synthesis of 2-O-acetyl-3-O-(p-coumaroyl)-meso-tartaric acid in spinach cotyledons

2-O-Acetyl-3-O-[(E)-p-coumaroyl]-meso-tartaric acid was isolated from cotyledons of Spinacia oleracea and its structure elucidated and characterized with the aid of TLC, HPLC, FAB MS and ¹H NMR. Accumulation and enzymatic synthesis of the diester are described, proceeding first via 1-O-(p-coumaroyl)-β-glucose in the formation of p-coumaroyltartaric acid and second via acetyl-CoA in the formation of 2-O-acetyl-3-O-[(E)-p-coumaroyl]-meso-tartaric acid. Some properties of the CoA-thioester-dependent acyltransferase activity were studied.     

Structural characterization and radical scavenging activity of monomeric and dimeric cinnamoyl glucose esters from Petrorhagia velutina leaves

From the aerial parts of Petrorhagia velutina, a new dimeric p-coumaroyl glucose and two monomeric cis p-coumaroyl and feruloyl derivatives have been isolated along with three known related compounds. The structural characterization of these compounds has been elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR techniques. CAD mass spectra have allowed to confirm the spectroscopic structural analysis and to disclose the fragmentation pattern of the dimeric p-coumaroyl derivative. Radical scavenging efficacy of all the isolated metabolites was assessed by measuring their ability to scavenge DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation. The dimeric metabolite and the monomeric trans isomers showed an effective reducing power the oxidant probes.     

Anthocyanins with unusual furanose sugar (apiose) from leaves of Synadeniumgrantii (Euphorbiaceae)

Four anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-O-(2″-(5?-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-apiofuranosyl)-β-xylopyranoside)-5-O-β-glucopyranoside, cyanidin 3-O-(2″-(5?-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-apiofuranosyl)-β-xylopyranoside), cyanidin 3-O-(2″-(5?-(E-caffeoyl)-β-apiofuranosyl)-β-xylopyranoside) and cyanidin 3-O-(2″-(5?-(E-feroyl)-β-apiofuranosyl)-β-xylopyranoside) were isolated from leaves of African milk bush, (Synadeniumgrantii Hook, Euphorbiaceae) together with the known cyanidin 3-O-β-xylopyranoside-5-O-β-glucopyranoside and cyanidin 3-O-β-xyloside. The four former pigments are the first reported anthocyanins containing the monosaccharide apiose, and the three 5?-cinnamoyl derivative-2″-(β-apiosyl)-β-xyloside subunits have previously not been reported for any compound.     

Crystal structures and thermal analyses of alkyl 2-deoxy-α-d-arabino-hexopyranosides

The crystal structures of alkyl 2-deoxy-α-d-arabino-hexopyranosides, with the alkyl chain lengths from C₈ to C₁₈, are established by the single crystal X-ray structural determination. The even-alkyl chain length derivatives crystallized orthorhombic, with space group P2₁2₁2₁, whereas the odd-alkyl chain length derivatives crystallized monoclinic, with space group P2₁. The sugar moieties retained a ⁴C₁ chair conformation and the conformation of the alkyl chains was all-trans. The molecules formed a bilayer structure, in which alkyl chains were interdigitated. The hydrogen bonds, originating from the sugar moieties, were observed in adjacent layers and also within the same layer, resulting in the formation of infinite chains. The alkyl chains arranged parallel to each other and formed planar structures. The thermal properties of the alkyl 2-deoxy glucosides were analyzed further. It was observed that none of the derivatives exhibited mesomorphism. This study establishes that the absence of the hydroxyl group at C-2 of the sugar moiety results in a non-mesogenic nature of the alkyl 2-deoxy-α-d-glycosides, as opposed to the profound mesogenic nature of the normal alkyl glycosides.     

Magnesium in the blue pigment complex commelinin

In the in vitro synthesis of commelinin from its component parts, awobanin, flavocommelin and Mg, the yield of commelinin was shown to be proportional to the amount of Mg added and commelinin was not obtained in the absence of Mg. The stabilities of commelinin and other metal complexes (Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn and Co-commelinins) in acidic solutions (pH 2.4–5.2) were different from one another according to the metal present. Of the six blue complex pigments, Ni- and Mg-commelinins were most stable, whereas Cd-commelinin was very unstable. On dialysis commelinin was impermeable and even after dialysis ca 80% of Mg in the pigment still remained. These facts indicate that Mg plays a part in the formation of the stable blue complex commelinin.     

Two further acylated flavone glucosides from Anisomeles ovata

The structures of two new acylated apigenin glucosides are reported from the aerial parts of Anisomeles ovata. They were separated as their acetates and identified as apigenin 7-O-β-d-(2″,6″-di-O-p-coumaroyl)glucoside and apigenin 7-O-β-d-(4″,6′-di-O-p-coumaroyl)glucoside by ¹H NMR study of the acetates and by chemical degradative methods. The allocation of the p-coumaroyl moieties is also supported by a study of the ¹³C NMR spectrum of the inseparable mixture of glucosides.     

Acylated malvidin 3-rutinosides in dusky violet flowers of Petunia integrifolia subsp. inflata

A new acylated anthocyanin was isolated from a strain of Petunia integrifolia subsp. inflata with dusky violet flowers (B1204d), and identified as malvidin 3-O-[6-O-(4-O-(4-O-(6-O-(trans-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-trans-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside] as a major pigment. Also, two known pigments were found in these flowers, and determined to be malvidin 3-caffeoylrutinoside and 3-p-coumaroylrutinoside.     

Acylated anthocyanins in inflorescence of spider flower (Cleome hassleriana)

Five anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-(2′′-(6′′′-caffeoyl-β-glucopyranosyl)-6′′-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside)-5-β-glucopyranoside, cyanidin 3-(2′′-(6′′′-E-sinapoyl-β-glucopyranosyl)-6′′-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside)-5-β-glucopyranoside, cyanidin 3-(2′′-(6′′′-feroyl-β-glucopyranosyl)-6′′-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside)-5-β-glucopyranoside, pelargonidin 3-(2′′-(6′′′-E-sinapoyl-β-glucopyranosyl)-6′′-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside)-5-β-glucopyranoside, and pelargonidin 3-(2′′-(6′′′-E-p-coumaroyl-β-glucopyranosyl)-6′′-(E-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside)-5-β-glucopyranoside, together with five known anthocyanins have been identified in flowers of Cleome hassleriana Queen line. One monoacylated and four diacylated cyanidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucosides were identified as the main anthocyanins in flowers with mauve colouration, while a homologous glycosidic pattern based on pelargonidin was found in the five main anthocyanins from flowers with pink colouration. The anthocyanins identified in C. hassleriana share the same glycosidic pattern as anthocyanins isolated from the genera Raphanus, Brassica and Iberis in the sister family Brassicaceae.     

Total synthesis of apigenin-4'-yl 2-O-(p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside

The first total synthesis of apigenin-4′-yl 2-O-(p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, which exhibits good inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase (XO), was accomplished in seven steps from a 1,2-blocked sugar unit and natural apigenin. A unique allyl protecting group, a phase-transfer-catalyzed (PTC) regioselective coupling reaction, and robustness in large-scale preparation are the merits of this synthetic strategy.     

Tetra-acylated cyanidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucosides from the flowers of Iberis umbellata L. (Cruciferae)

The structures of 11 acylated cyanidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucosides (pigments 1-11), isolated from the flowers of Iberis umbellata cultivars (Cruciferae), were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Pigments 1-11 were acylated with malonic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid and/or glucosylhydroxycinnamic acids.Pigments 1-11 were classified into four groups by the substitution patterns of the linear acylated residues at the 3-position of the cyanidin. In the first group, pigments 1-3 were determined to be cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(acyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-5-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-β-glucopyranoside], in which the acyl moiety varied with none for pigment 1, ferulic acid for pigment 2 and sinapic acid for pigment 3. In the second one, pigments 4-6 were cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(acyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(β-glucopyranosyl)-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-5-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-β-glucopyranoside], in which the acyl moiety varied with none for pigment 4, ferulic acid for pigment 5 and sinapic acid for pigment 6. In the third one, pigments 7-9 were cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(acyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(trans-feruloyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-5-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-β-glucopyranoside], in which the acyl moiety varied with none for pigment 7, ferulic acid for pigment 8, and sinapic acid for pigment 9. In the last one, pigments 10 and 11 were cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(acyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(4-O-(β-glucopyranosyl)-trans-feruloyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-5-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-β-glucopyranoside], in which acyl moieties were none for pigment 10 and ferulic acid for pigment 11.The distribution of these pigments was examined in the flowers of four cultivars of I. umbellata by HPLC analysis. Pigment 1 acylated with one molecule of p-coumaric acid was dominantly observed in purple-violet cultivars. On the other hand, pigments (9 and 11) acylated with three molecules of hydroxycinnamic acids were observed in lilac (purple-violet) cultivars as major anthocyanins. The bluing effect and stability on these anthocyanin colors were discussed in relation to the molecular number of hydroxycinnamic acids in these anthocyanin molecules.     

Measurement of feruloyl/p-coumaroyl esterase by capillary zone electrophoresis

Ferulic andp-coumaric acid can be separated from their corresponding aliphatic methyl esters by capillary zone electrophoresis, which allows the convenient determination of feruloyl andp-coumaroyl esterase activities using synthetic esters as substrates. A feruloyl-containing sugar ester from wheat bran was also efficiently separated and used as substrate for the enzyme assays.Penicillium expansum was shown to produce feruloyl/p-coumaroyl esterase activity when grown on wheat bran in solid-state culture.The authors are with the Food Microbiology Research Division, Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK; A.M. McKay is also affiliated with the Department of Food Science (Microbiology), The Queen's University of Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK.     

Sesquiterpenoids from Pilea cavaleriei subsp. crenata

Three new humulane-type sesquiterpenes, 8-O-(p-coumaroyl)-5β-hydroperoxy-1(10)E,4(15)-humuladien-8α-ol (1), 8-O-(3-nitro-p-coumaroyl)-1(10)E,4(15)-humuladien-5β,8α-diol (2) and 8-O-(p-coumaroyl)-1(10)E,4(5)E-humuladien-8-ol (3), and a new copaborneol derivative, 1-O-p-coumaroyl-copaborneol (4), have been isolated from the methanol extract of Pilea cavaleriei Lévl. subsp. crenata C. J. Chen. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated.     

Brown Pigments Produced by Yarrowia lipolytica Result from Extracellular Accumulation of Homogentisic Acid

Yarrowia lipolytica produces brown extracellular pigments that correlate with tyrosine catabolism. During tyrosine depletion, the yeast accumulated homogentisic acid, p-hydroxyphenylethanol, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in the medium. Homogentisic acid accumulated under all aeration conditions tested, but its concentration decreased as aeration decreased. With moderate aeration, equimolar concentrations of alcohol and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (1:1) were detected, but with lower aeration the alcohol concentration was twice that of the acid (2:1). p-Hydroxyphenylethanol and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid may result from the spontaneous disproportionation of the corresponding aldehyde, p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde. The catabolic pathway of tyrosine in Y. lipolytica involves the formation of p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, which is oxidized to p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and then further oxidized to homogentisic acid. Brown pigments are produced when homogentisic acid accumulates in the medium. This acid can spontaneously oxidize and polymerize, leading to the formation of pyomelanins. Mn²⁺ accelerated and intensified the oxidative polymerization of homogentisic acid, and lactic acid enhanced the stimulating role of Mn²⁺. Alkaline conditions also accelerated pigment formation. The proposed tyrosine catabolism pathway appears to be unique for yeast, and this is the first report of a yeast producing pigments involving homogentisic acid.     

Flavonol glycosides of Phlomis spectabilis

Four flavonol glucosides, one new, have been isolated from a methanolic extract of Phlomis spectabilis. Their structures were established as the 3-glucosides and 3-(6″-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucosides of kaempferol and of kaempferol 7,4′-dimethyl ether.     

Partial purification and properties of p-hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: Shikimate-p-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase from higher plants

The partial purification and characterization of p-hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: shikimate-p-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (CST) from cell suspension cultures of Cichorium endivia is reported. The enzyme has been purified 126-fold and shows an absolute specificity for p-coumaroyl-CoA and shikimic acid. The product of the enzyme reaction has been identified as 5-O-p-coumaroyl shikimic acid. A wide distribution of CST activity in a variety of plant cell suspension cultures and intact plants was also found.     

Methylation of anthocyanins by cell-free extracts of flower buds of Petunia hybrida

An O-methyltransferase activity which catalyses the methylation of anthocyanins was extracted from flowerbuds of Petunia hybrida. The methyltransferase uses S-adenosyl-l-methionine as methyl donor. Only anthocyanidin 3(p-coumaroyl)rutinosido-5-glucoside was methylated. No methylating activity towards anthocyanidins, anthocyanidin 3-glucosides, anthocyanidin 3-rutinosides, caffeic acid or p-coumaric acid could be detected.     

Linkage of p-coumaroyl and feruloyl groups to cell-wall polysaccharides of barley straw

Treatment of cell walls of barley straw with Oxyporus “cellulase” (a mixture of polysaccharide hydrolases) released compounds containing p-coumaroyl and feruloyl groups bound to carbohydrates, two of which were identified as O-[5-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-arabinofuranosyl]-(1→3)-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-d-xylopyranose (PAXX) and O-[5-O-(trans-feruloyl)-α-l-arabinofuranosyl]-(1→3)-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-d-xylopyranose (FAXX).