Alkaloids from Eschscholzia californica and their capacity to inhibit binding of [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin to 5-HT1A receptors in Vitro

A 70% ethanol extract of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was able to bind to 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) receptors at 100 mug/mL. The subsequent isolation procedure yielded the known alkaloids californidine (1), escholtzine (2), N-methyllaurotetanine (3), caryachine (4), and O-methylcaryachine (5), along with a new pavine alkaloid, 6S,12S-neocaryachine-7-O-methyl ether N-metho salt (7). The structure of 7 was determined by spectroscopic data interpretation, while the absolute stereochemistry was determined by means of circular dichroism. From the results obtained from the radioligand-binding assay of the pure compounds, including the commercially available protopine (6), it was evident that the activity on the 5-HT(1A) receptor was at least partly due to the presence of the aporphine alkaloid 3, which showed the highest inhibition of [(3)H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin ([(3)H]8-OH-DPAT) binding with an EC(50) value of 155 nM and a K(i) of 85 nM.     

Isolations of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-type glutamate receptor ligands from Micronesian sponges

The bioassay-guided fractionation of the water-soluble extract of the marine sponge Cribrochalina olemda collected in Palau resulted in the isolation of a new amino acid cribronic acid (1): (2S,4R,5R)-5-hydroxy-4-sulfooxypiperidine-2-carboxylic acid. However, aqueous extracts of Stylotella aurantium and Axinella carteri collected in Yap State, Micronesia, afforded a known N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor agonist, (2S,4S)-4-sulfooxypiperidine-2-carboxylic acid (2), as a common active principle. Both 1 and 2 induced convulsive behaviors in mice upon intracerebroventricular (icv) injection with ED(50) values of 29 +/- 3.0 and 20 +/- 2.8 pmol/mouse, respectively. Radioligand binding assay using rat cerebrocortical membrane demonstrated that 1 and 2 inhibit the binding of the labeled NMDA receptor ligand [(3)H]CGP39653 at IC(50) values of 83 +/- 15 and 214 +/- 20 nM, respectively. However, 1 and 2 did not displace [(3)H]kainic acid or [(3)H]AMPA. These data indicated that 1 is a selective NMDA-type glutamate receptor ligand with potent convulsant activity in mice.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine2A receptor binding activity of compounds from Litsea sessilis

A 96-well microplate filtration based 5-HT(2A) receptor-radioligand binding assay was optimized and adopted to carry out a bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of the leaves of Litsea sessilis. This purification led to the isolation of two compounds identified as (+)-boldine (1) and (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (2). (+)-Boldine binds to 5-HT(2A) receptors at high concentrations with a K(i) value of 2.16 microm. However, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol showed minimal competitive inhibition on the binding of [(3)H]ketanserin to the same receptor with a K(i) value of 2.06 mm. These results suggest that (+)-boldine influences the activity of 5-HT(2A) receptors through competitive binding as an agonist or antagonist.     

Mode of action of peppermint oil and (-)-menthol with respect to 5-HT3 receptor subtypes: binding studies, cation uptake by receptor channels and contraction of isolated rat ileum

Peppermint oil (Mentha × piperita L. (Lamiaceae) has been shown to exert potent antiemetic properties, but its mode of action has not yet been elucidated. Among its active constituents (-)-menthol is the most important. Three different in vitro models were used to investigate the effects on 5-HT(3) receptors (serotonin receptor subtype): [(14)C]guanidinium influx into N1E-115 cells which express 5-HT(3) receptors, isotonic contractions of the isolated rat ileum and equilibrium competition binding studies using a radioactively labelled 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist ([(3)H]GR65630) (3-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-propanone). Both peppermint oil and (-)-menthol inhibited [(14)C]guanidinium influx through 5-HT(3) receptor channels as well as contractions of the ileum induced by serotonin. Neither the peppermint oil nor (-)-menthol, however, was able to displace [(3)H]GR65630 from 5-HT(3) binding sites. It may be concluded that peppermint oil and (-)-menthol exert their antiemetic effect at least partly by acting on the 5-HT(3) receptor ion-channel complex, probably by binding to a modulatory site distinct from the serotonin binding site.     

Isolation of the MAO-inhibitor naringenin from Mentha aquatica L

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To isolate the compound(s) responsible for the MAO-inhibitory activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six extracts of varying polarity of Mentha aquatica L. were tested in a photometric peroxidase linked MAO bioassay. The 70% ethanol extract had highest inhibitory activity. (S)-Naringenin was isolated from the extract by bioassay guided fractionation on VLC and preparative TLC. The structure of the compound was determined by (1)H, (13)C and (13)C-DEPT NMR and optical rotation. RESULTS: The IC(50) values for MAO inhibition by naringenin were 342+/-33 microM for the rat liver mitochondrial fraction, 955+/-129 microM for MAO-A and 288+/-18 microM for MAO-B. CONCLUSIONS: The content of naringenin in Mentha aquatica might explain its use in traditional medicine for depression-like conditions.     

Biflavones from Rhus species with affinity for the GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptor

In South Africa Rhus pyroides is traditionally used in the treatment of epilepsy. In the present study two biflavonoids with activity in the (3)H-Ro 15-1788 (flumazenil) binding assay were isolated by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation of the ethanol extract of the leaves from Rhus pyroides. The structures of the two biflavonoids were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to be agathisflavone and amentoflavone. Agathisflavone and amentoflavone competitively inhibited the binding of (3)H-Ro 15-1788 with a K(i) of 28 and 37 nM, respectively. Extracts of Rhus dentata and Rhus pentheri were not as active as the extract from Rhus pyroides; both were found to contain apigenin and agathisflavone. The monomer apigenin, agathisflavone and amentoflavone were fitted into a pharmacophore model for ligands binding to the GABA(A) receptor benzodiazepine site. This reflected the affinities of the compounds in the [(3)H]-flumazenil binding assay.     

吴茱萸汤醇提各组分止呕活性的研究

目的 :对吴茱萸汤醇提各组分止呕活性的研究和机制初步探讨。方法 :采用硫酸铜诱导家鸽呕吐实验 ,小鼠胃排空实验 ,ACh和 5-HT作用的离体大鼠胃条实验来确定其中具有止呕活性的组分 ,并观察有效组分对ACh ,5-HT ,组胺累积浓度 效应曲线的影响。结果 :50%醇洗脱液和 70%醇洗脱液有十分显著性的止呕效应 ,且副作用较小 ,对ACh ,5-HT ,组胺累积浓度 效应曲线均有一定的作用。结论 :50%醇洗脱液和 70%醇洗脱液含有的止呕活性成分较多 ,50%和 70%醇可以从吴茱萸汤中提取较多止呕活性成分 ,止呕作用可能与拮抗ACh ,5-HT ,组胺受体有关。     

Antimicrobial constituents of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana and Aacalypha hispida

An activity directed fractionation of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of A. wilkesiana and A. hispida leaves resulted in the isolation of gallic acid, corilagin and geraniin as the compounds responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside were also isolated from the inactive fraction of A. hispida. The structures were established by permethylation, 2D - NMR ((1)H and (13)C) and MS data.     

Cimipronidine, a cyclic guanidine alkaloid from Cimicifuga racemosa

A new cyclic guanidine alkaloid, cimipronidine (1), together with the known compound fukinolic acid (2), was isolated from the n-BuOH-soluble fraction of Cimicifuga racemosa roots that showed 5-HT7 receptor binding activity. Structure elucidation of 1, a minor constituent, presented unique challenges based on its polarity, but was accomplished with the use of a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR as well as MS analyses. The relative configuration was established by analyzing the H,H-coupling constants and the results of the 2-D gradient NOESY spectrum. The previously reported serotonergic (5-HT7), highly polar, n-BuOH-soluble fraction was characterized by HPLC-ELSD and was shown to be a mixture containing the following compounds: cimicifugic acids A, B, and F, fukinolic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, and compound 1, potentially significant as a marker compound of C. racemosa.     

Alkaloids of the wood of Cryptocarya chinensis.

Four new pavine alkaloids, (+)-eschscholtzidine-N-oxide (1), (-)-12-hydroxycrychine (2), (-)-12-hydroxy-O-methylcaryachine (3), and (-)-N-demethylcrychine (4), and four new proaporphine alkaloids, isocryprochine (5), prooxocryptochine (6), isoamuronine (7), and (+)-8,9-dihydrostepharine (8), together with nine known compounds were isolated from an ethanol extract of the wood of Cryptocarya chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis (NMR and MS), and the structures of 2 and 5 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Quinones from Chirita eburnea

Five new quinone derivatives, (R)-7-hydroxy-alpha-dunnione (1), (R)-8-hydroxy-alpha-dunnione (2), (R)-7,8-dihydroxy-alpha-dunnione (3), (R)-7-methoxy-6,8-dihydroxy-alpha-dunnione (4), and 1,7-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone (5), along with seven known compounds, were isolated from Chirita eburnea. All structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, UV, and IR). The EtOAc fraction of the EtOH extract and compounds 3 and 4 showed free radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 101.7 +/- 5.2 microg/mL, 124.82 +/- 8.4 microM, and 45.72 +/- 3.6 microM, respectively, compared with 86.91 +/-6.8 microM for ascorbate.     

Phenolic glycosides from Dirca palustris

Five novel phenolic glycosides (1-5) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the dried twigs of Dirca palustris, as confirmed by their (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and MS data. Compounds 1-3 were not active against cyclooxygenase I (COX-I), but compound 4 (200 microg/mL) and compound 5 (125 microg/mL) showed 12.5 and 9.2% inhibition of the COX-I enzyme, respectively. Compounds 1-5 did not exhibit cyclooxygenase II (COX-II) enzyme inhibition. Compound 5 did not show any antioxidant activity using the liposome assay; however, compounds 1-4 displayed antioxidant activity at 60 microg/mL, with compound 2 being the most efficacious.     

Labdane-type diterpenoids from Leonurus heterophyllus and their cholinesterase inhibitory activity

In the course of screening plants used in natural medicines as memory enhancers, a 70% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Leonurus heterophyllus showed significant AChE inhibitory activity. Bioassay-guided fractionation and repeated column chromatography led to the isolation of a new labdane-type diterpenoids (1), named leoheteronin F, and six known compounds (2-7). The chemical structures of isolated compounds were elucidated based on extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The isolates 1-7 were investigated in vitro for their anticholinesterase activity using mouse cortex AChE enzyme. Leoheteronin A (5) and leopersin G (7), which possess a 15,16-epoxy group at the side chain, were found to be potent in the inhibition of AChE.     

Role of nitric oxide in the vasorelaxant and hypotensive effects of extracts and purified tannins from Geum japonicum

Crude extracts and three purified tannins from Geum japonicum Thunberg (Rosaceae) were examined for relaxant effects in isolated rat thoracic aorta and for hypotensive effects in anesthetized normotensive and hypertensive rats. The acetone extract and the butyl alcohol extract of Geum japonicum at a cumulative concentration of 30mug/ml potently relaxed phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings by 73+/-5% and 80+/-7%, respectively, without affecting the resting tension of these vessels. Removal of the vascular endothelium, inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase with N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NA) or inhibition of cGMP biosynthesis with methylene blue all abolished the vasorelaxant effects of the Geum japonicum extracts. Addition of l-arginine, the substrate for NO biosynthesis, reversed the inhibitory effects of l-NA. Similar vasorelaxant effects of 82+/-10%, 61+/-8% and 82+/-14%, were observed with the purified tannins, penta-O-galloyl-beta-glucoside, casuariin and 5-desgalloylstachyurin, respectively, at a cumulative concentration of 10muM. Intravenous injection of the butyl alcohol extract of Geum japonicum at a cumulative dose of 2.5mg/kg into both hypertensive and normotensive rats resulted in a marked reduction in the mean arterial blood pressure by 46+/-6% and 34+/-7%, respectively, which was abolished by prior injection of l-NA. Therefore, these results suggest that tannins may be responsible for the vasorelaxant and hypotensive effects of Geum japonicum, mediated via endogenous NO and subsequent cGMP formation. The data suggest that extracts of Geum japonicum may have potential use as new anti-hypertensive agents for lowering arterial blood pressure in hypertensive patients.     

Three new sesquiterpenes from roots of Curcuma longa

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the roots of Curcuma longa. Methods: The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on extensive spectral analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, MS, UV, and CD analysis. Results: Two new sesquiterpene compounds (1S,2R,5R,7S,8R)-2,8-epoxy-5-hydroxybisabola-3,10-dioen-9-one (1), (1R,2R,5R,7S,8R)-2,8-epoxy-5-hydroxybisabola-3,10-dioen-9-one (2), and a new natural product 6-(4-Hydroxymethylphenyl)-2-methyl-hept-2-ene-4-one (3) together with three known compounds ar-turmerone (4), 2-methyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl-3-methyl)-2-hepten-4-one (5) and 2-methyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hepten-4-one (6) were isolated from C. longa root extract with 95% ethanol. Conclusion: In the study, three new compounds were isolated from C. longa, and their absolute configurations were determined.     

Antidepressant activity of standardised extract of Marsilea minuta Linn

AIM OF THE STUDY: Marsilea minuta Linn. (Marsileaceae) has been referred in Indian traditional medicine system (Ayurveda) for the treatment of insomnia and other mental disorders. Marsiline isolated from Marsilea minuta was reported to have sedative and anticonvulsant property. The ethanol extract of Marsilea minuta was standardised for marsiline (1.15%, w/w) and studied for its antidepressant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activity was studied using forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), learned helplessness test (LHT) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced head twitches response in rodents. Standardised extract of Marsilea minuta in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day were administered orally for three consecutive days and evaluated on day 3, 1h after the last dose treatment. Imipramine (15 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was used as the standard drug. Neurochemical mechanism of antidepressant activity was elucidated by using radioligand receptor binding assays for 5-HT2A and benzodiazepine receptors in rat frontal cortex. RESULTS: Immobility time in FST and TST was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by ethanol extract of Marsilea minuta treated animals. A decrease in number of escape failures in LHT was also observed in Marsilea minuta treated rats. Head twitch response induced by 5-HTP was significantly attenuated by Marsilea minuta (400 mg/kg, p.o.) and imipramine showing the involvement of serotonergic system. This effect was corroborated with radioligand receptor binding study where Marsilea minuta (400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) down regulated 5-HT2A receptor in frontal cortex, whereas, no marked effect was observed for benzodiazepine receptor. CONCLUSION: The antidepressant effect exhibited by Marsilea minuta extract may be due to its effect on 5-HT2A density in rat frontal cortex.     

毛酸浆的化学成分研究

对毛酸浆的干燥宿萼95%乙醇提取物的二氯甲烷部分进行化学成分的研究。利用正相硅胶柱色谱及反相制备高效液相色谱等方法分离纯化,得到10个化合物,通过质谱、一维及二维核磁共振波谱等手段对这些化合物的化学结构进行了鉴定,分别为5-O-(E-feruloyl)blumenol(1),异香草醛(2),反式对羟基肉桂酸乙酯(3),对羟基苯甲醛(4),对甲苯酚(5),反式肉桂酸甲酯(6),7,3',4'-三甲氧基槲皮素(7),5,3', 5'-三羟基-3,7,4'-三甲氧基黄酮(8),danielone(9),5,5'-二异丁氧基-2,2'-联呋喃(10),其中化合物1为新化合物,化合物7~10为首次从该属植物中分离得到。     

Brominated cyclodipeptides from the marine sponge Geodia barretti as selective 5-HT ligands

The brominated cyclodipeptides barettin (cyclo[(6-bromo-8-entryptophan)arginine]) and 8,9-dihydrobarettin (cyclo[(6-bromotryptophan)arginine]) isolated from the marine sponge Geodia barretti have previously been shown to inhibit settlement of barnacle larvae in a dose-dependent manner in concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 25 microM. To further establish the molecular target and mode of action of these compounds, we investigated their affinity to human serotonin receptors. The tryptophan residue in the barettins resembles that of endogenous serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine]. A selection of human serotonin receptors, including representatives from all subfamilies (1-7), were transfected into HEK-293 cells. Barettin selectively interacted with the serotonin receptors 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT4 at concentrations close to that of endogenous serotonin, with the corresponding Ki values being 1.93, 0.34, and 1.91 microM, respectively. 8,9-Dihydrobarettin interacted exclusively with the 5-HT2C receptor with a Ki value of 4.63 microM; it failed to show affinity to 5-HT2A and 5-HT4, indicating that the double bond between the tryptophan and arginine residue plays an important role in the interaction with the receptor proteins.     

Affinity of Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea extracts on different cerebral receptors

Iresine herbstii Hook. (Amaranthaceae) and Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) are used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutical purposes. The traditional healers use Iresine herbstii with the ritual aim to expel bad spirits from the body. Furthermore, Iresine herbstii was used in association with other plants, such as Trichocereus pachanoi Britt. et Rose, for divination, to diagnose diseases, and to take possession of another identity. Also, species of Brugmansia have been reported to be used during ritual practices for magical and curative purposes. Given the above evidence, the aim of the present study is to evaluate if the central effects of Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea could be associated with interaction with SNC receptors. Two Iresine herbstii extracts (methanolic and aqueous) and one Brugmansia arborea aqueous extract were tested for in vitro affinity on 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C), D1, D2, alpha(1), and alpha(2) receptors by radioligand binding assays. The biological materials for binding assay (cerebral cortex) were taken from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The extracts affinity for receptors is definite as inhibition percentage of radioligand/receptor binding and measured as the radioactivity of remaining complex radioligand/receptor. The data obtained for Iresine extracts have shown a low affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor and no affinity for 5-HT(2A) receptor. Otherwise the methanolic extract showed affinity for 5-HT(2C) receptor (IC(50): 34.78 microg/ml) and for D1 receptor (IC(50): 19.63 microg/ml), instead the Iresine aqueous extract displayed a lower affinity for D1 (48.3% at the maximum concentration tested) and a higher value of affinity for D2 receptors (IC(50): 32.08 microg/ml). The Brugmansia aqueous extract displayed affinity for D1 receptors (IC(50): 17.68 microg/ml), D2 receptors (IC(50): 15.95 microg/ml) and weak affinity for the serotoninergic receptors. None of the three extracts showed relevant affinity to the alpha(1), and alpha(2) receptors. The results of our experiments indicate that Iresine herbstii methanolic extract was able to interact with the central 5-HT(2C) and D1 receptors and Iresine herbstii aqueous extract showed affinity for D2 receptors, thus confirming their ritual use. Instead Brugmansia arborea was able to interact only with the central dopamine receptors tested. Parallel studies are currently in progress for evaluating the extracts affinity and active components towards these and other receptor types (GABAergic).     

信宜润楠的化学成分研究

通过萃取、正相硅胶、Sephadex LH-20、闪式柱色谱以及反相HPLC柱色谱等多种分离方法相结合,从信宜润楠乙醇提物中首次分离得到21个化合物;借助红外、质谱和核磁共振等波谱学分析方法鉴定了它们的结构,其中包括8个丁内酯类(1～8),8个木脂素类(9～16)和5个萜类化合物(17～21),化合物16是降七碳木脂烷类新天然产物。经体外活性筛选发现化合物5对胃癌(BGC-823)和卵巢癌(A2780)人肿瘤细胞株有选择性抑制活性,IC50分别为0.13×10-6,2.66×10-6mol.L-1;在1×10-5mol.L-1时,化合物8和9具有明显抑制PAF刺激大鼠多形核白细胞β-葡萄糖苷酸酶释放作用,抑制率分别为60.0%,54.2%。