Isoflavanones from Desmodium oxyphyllum and their cytotoxicity

Two new isoflavanones, (3R)-7-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-5-methoxycarbonyl-isoflavanone (1) and (3R)-8-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-7-methoxycarbonyl-isoflavanone (2), together with seven known isoflavanones (3–9) were isolated from Desmodium oxyphyllum of the Leguminosae family. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compound 1 showed good cytotoxicity against NB4 and SHSY5Y cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 3.1 and 2.5 μM; compound 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against PC3 cell lines with a IC₅₀ value of 3.6 μM; compound 4 showed cytotoxicity against A549 and SHSY5Y cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 3.6 and 2.8 μM; and compound 5 displayed cytotoxicity against NB4, SHSY5Y, and MCF7 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 2.6, 3.8, and 2.8 μM, respectively. Other compounds also showed moderate cytotoxicity for some tested cell lines with IC₅₀ values between 5.4 and 8.8 μM.     

Cytotoxic triterpene saponins from Clematis mandshurica

Two new triterpene saponins, mandshunosides A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Clematis mandshurica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and hydrolysis products. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activities against two colorectal human cancer cells HCT 116 (IC₅₀ 2.1 μM for 1 and 2.5 μM for 2) and HT-29 (IC₅₀ 3.7 μM for 1 and 3.3 μM for 2).     

Synthesis and antifungal evaluation of PCA amide analogues

To improve the physical and chemical properties of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and find higher antifungal compounds, a series of PCA amide analogues were designed and synthesized and their structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR, HRMS, and X-ray. Most compounds showed some antifungal activities in vitro. Particularly, compound 3d exhibited inhibition effect against Pyriculariaoryzac Cavgra with EC₅₀ value of 28.7 μM and compound 3q exhibited effect against Rhizoctonia solani with EC₅₀ value of 24.5 μM, more potently active than that of the positive control PCA with its EC₅₀ values of 37.3 μM (Pyriculariaoryzac Cavgra) and 33.2 μM (Rhizoctonia solani), respectively.     

Six new C-21 steroidal glycosides from Dregea sinensis Hemsl

Six new C-21 steroidal glycosides (1–6) were separated from the root of Dregea sinensis Hemsl. and their structures were elucidated using extensive nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectral analyses. Isolated compounds were evaluated for antitumor activity, which showed that compound 3 had moderate activity in Jurkat cells (IC₅₀ 19.54 ± 0.91 μM), and compounds 1–4 had significant effects against IL-2R and TNFR2 (IC₅₀ 1.518 ± 0.06 μM to 5.9 ± 0.07 μM).     

Selective dual cholinesterase inhibitors from Aconitum laeve

New lycoctonine-type dual cholinesterase inhibitor, swatinine-C (1), along with three known norditerpenoid alkaloids, hohenackerine (2), aconorine (5) and lappaconitine (6) and two synthetically known but phytochemically new benzene derivatives, methyl 2-acetamidobenzoate (3) and methyl 4-[2-(methoxycarbonyl)anilino]-4-oxobutanoate (4), was isolated from the roots of A. laeve. Structures of new and known compounds (1–6) were established on the basis of latest spectroscopic techniques and by close comparison with the data available in literature. In vitro, compounds (1–6) were tested against AChE and BChE inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 showed competitive inhibition against AChE (IC_50?=?3.7 μM, 4.53 μM) and BChE (IC_50?=?12.23 μM, 9.94 μM), respectively. Compounds 5 and 6 showed promising noncompetitive type of inhibitory profile against AChE (IC_50?=?2.51 and 6.13 μM) only. Compounds 3 and 4 showed weak inhibitory profile against both AChE and BChE.     

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial coumarins from the stems of Eurya chinensis

Two new coumarins, named (±)-euryacoumarin A (1) and 6-demethylobtusinin (2), and one new natural coumarin, named euryacoumarin B (3), along with two known compounds, scopoletin (4) and obtusinol (5), were isolated from the stems of Eurya chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods and comparison with data reported in the literatures. Compound 1 exhibited significant inhibition of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ value of 35.64 ± 1.73 μM, and showed marginal antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis and B. cereus with MIC values of 50.59 ± 2.12 and 35.42 ± 0.96 μM, respectively.     

Brominated polyunsaturated lipids with protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B inhibitory activity from Chinese marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria

A new brominated polyunsaturated lipid, methyl (E,E)-14,14-dibromo-4,6,13-tetradecatrienoate (1), along with three known related analogues (2–4), were isolated from the Et₂O-soluble portion of the acetone extract of Chinese marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria treated with diazomethane. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with literature data. Compound 3 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a key target for the treatment of type II diabetes and obesity, with an IC₅₀ value of 5.30 ± 0.61 μM, when compared to the positive control oleanolic acid (IC₅₀ = 2.39 ± 0.26 μM).     

Triterpene saponins with α-glucosidase inhibition and cytotoxic activity from the leaves of Schefflera sessiliflora

From the leaves of Schefflera sessiliflora De P. V., two new triterpene saponins including one oleanane-type saponin, named scheffleraside C (1) and one lupane-type saponin scheffleraside D (2), together with six known triterpene saponins (3–8), were isolated by various chromatography methods. Among them, 3 was found for the first time from natural sources, while 6–8 were isolated for the first time from the genus Schefflera. Their structures were elucidated by IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, NMR 1D and 2D experiments, and comparison of their NMR data with previously reported data. Their α-glucosidase inhibition and cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines were evaluated. The isolates (1, 3–5, 8) showed stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 5.99–76.58 μM) than the standard drug acarbose (IC₅₀ = 214.50 μM). At the concentration of 100 μg/ml, the isolates (1, 2) showed appreciable cytotoxic activity (67.92, 63.83%, respectively).     

Two new sesquiterpenoids from cultures of the basidiomycete Tremella foliacea

Two new sesquiterpenoids, trefoliol B (1) and trefoliol C (2), together with known echinocidin A (3), were isolated from cultures of the basidiomycetes Tremella foliacea. The new structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. At the same time, trefoliol B (1) and echinocidin A (3) were tested for their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines and for their inhibitory activities against isozymes of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD). No compound showed significant activity (IC₅₀ > 40 μM). Compound 1 showed moderate inhibitory activities against 11β-HSD1 (human IC₅₀ = 13.1 μM; mouse IC₅₀ = 91.8 μM).     

(±) Cochlearoids N–P: three pairs of phenolic meroterpenoids from the fungus Ganoderma cochlear and their bioactivities

Three pairs of meroterpenoids (±) cochlearoids N–P (1–3) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma cochlear. Their structures including absolute configurations were assigned by spectroscopic techniques. All the isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory activities toward BRD4, human cancer cells, and micro-organisms. The results show that the enantiomers of (±)-1 are BRD4 inhibitors, (?)-1 and (+)-3 are cytotoxic against human cancer cells (K562) with IC₅₀ values of 7.68 and 6.68 μM, respectively. Besides compounds (±)-2 and (±)-3 exhibit potent inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus with IC₅₀ values in the range of 5.43–17.99 μM.     

A new thiophene and two new monoterpenoids from Xanthium sibiricum

Three new compounds (1–3), together with six known compounds (4–9), were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum. The structures and the absolute configurations of sibiricumthionol (1), (+)-(5Z)-6-methyl-2-ethenyl-5-hepten-1,2,7-triol [(+)-2], ( ? )-(5Z)-6-methyl-2-ethenyl-5-hepten-1,2,7-triol [( ? )-2], (2E,4E,1′S, 2′R, 4′S, 6′R)-dihydrophaseic acid (3), (+)-xanthienopyran [(+)-4] and ( ? )-xanthienopyran [( ? )-4] were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallographic analysis, ECCD analysis and ECD calculations. Caffeic acid (7) and caffeic acid ethyl ester (8) weekly inhibited α-glucosidase enzymatic activity by 44.5% and 40.2%, respectively, at 40 μM. Protocatechuic acid (9) selectively exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.92 μM.     

Two new morphinane alkaloids from Sinomenium acutum

Two new morphinane alkaloids, 1-hydroxy-10-oxo-sinomenine (1) and 4,5-epoxy-14-hydroxy sinomenine N-oxide (2), have been isolated from the stems of Sinomenium acutum. Their structures were established by various spectral analyses, especially 2D NMR experiments. The structure of 2 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were deduced by comparison of CD spectra with the known alkaloid sinomenine (3). Compound 1 was tested for DPPH inhibition and gave IC₅₀ of 27.9 μM. Compound 2 was tested for neuroprotective effect and showed significant activity against β-amyloid_25–35-induced oxidative injury (*P < 0.05) at 10 μM in PC-12 cells.     

Synthesis of some novel orsellinates and lecanoric acid related depsides as α-glucosidase inhibitors

Abstract

Sixteen novel orsellinic esters (6a-l, 7a-d) along with four lecanoric acid related depsides (3a-c, 4) were synthesized and confirmed their structures by spectroscopic data (¹H, ¹³C & HRMS). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro α-glucosidase (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inhibitory potential. Among the tested compounds, 3c (IC₅₀: 140.9 μM) and 6c (IC₅₀: 203.9 μM) displayed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and found more active than the standard drug acarbose (IC₅₀: 686.6 μM). Both the test compounds were subjected to in vivo antihyperglycemic activity using sucrose loaded model in Wistar rats and found compound 3c exhibited significant reduction in glucose levels.     

Synthesis of piscidinol A derivatives and their ability to inhibit HIV-1 protease

Four types of piscidinol A derivatives were synthesized and evaluated their ability to inhibit HIV-1 protease to understand their structure-activity relationships. Of these tirucallane-type triterpene derivatives, an A-seco derivative (1b) moderately inhibited human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease (IC₅₀ 38.2 μM). The 2,2-dimethyl succinic acid (DMS) acylated tirucallane derivatives (4b, 6a, and 7b, 50 < IC₅₀ < 100 μM) were more inhibitory against HIV-1 PR than the others (PA, 2a, 4a, 4c–4d, 5a, 6b–6d, and 7a, IC₅₀ > 100 μM). These findings indicated that the 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid (1b) and DMS-acylated tirucallane-type derivatives preferably inhibited HIV viral protease.     

Total synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation of syrinenin-4-O-farnesylether and its analogues

First synthesis of natural product, syrinenin-4-O-farnesylether (1), was carried out via two different paths. Four of its derivatives (9–12) were also prepared. Cytotoxicity screening of the selected compounds were performed on six tumour cell lines. Compound 12 exhibited prominent IC₅₀ values of 1.9 μM and 0.8 μM on CNE and PC-3 cells, respectively.     

Quinones and coumarins from Ajania salicifolia and their radical scavenging and cytotoxic activity

Abstract

1,4-Naphthoquinone (1) and a new coumarin (3) were isolated from Ajania salicifolia, together with two known compounds (2, 4). The structures and stereochemistry of new compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. Two compounds exhibited potent ABTS cation radical scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values ranging 7.97–8.44 μM. Two quinones (1, 2) exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines (Hela, HepG2, and K562) with IC₅₀ values of 11.24–35.15 μM in vitro. This is the first report of naphthoquinone in the genus Ajania.     

Chemical constituents from the roots of Feroniella lucida

A new furanocoumarin named lucidafuranocoumarin A (7) together with 13 known coumarins (1–6, 8–14) and four known alkaloids (15–18) was isolated from the roots of Feroniella lucida. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Some of the isolates were evaluated for their biological activities, and compound 18 showed strong cytotoxicity against KB (IC₅₀ = 0.637 μg/ml) and NCI-H187 (IC₅₀ = 0.094 μg/ml) human cancer cell lines, antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (IC₅₀ = 0.336 μg/ml), and antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC = 6.25 μg/ml).     

Steroid constituents from the soft coral Sinularia microspiculata

A methanol extract of the soft coral Sinularia microspiculata revealed five sterols, including two new compounds. Using combined chromatographic and spectroscopic experiments, the new compounds were found to be 7-oxogorgosterol (1) and 16α-hydroxysarcosterol (2). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data (¹H and ¹³C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, ¹H-¹H COSY, NOESY, and FT-ICR-MS) and by comparing obtained results to the values indicated in previous studies. Among the isolated compounds, 3 showed weak cytotoxic effects against HL-60 (IC_50? = 89.02 ± 9.93?μM) cell line, whereas 5 was weakly active against HL-60 (IC_50? = 82.80 ± 13.65?μM) and SK-Mel2 (IC_50? = 72.32 ± 1.30?μM) cell lines.     

Selective cytotoxic eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes from Penicillium citreonigrum

Abstract

One new eremophilane-type sesquiterpene (1, citreopenin) was isolated from Penicillium citreonigrum (HQ738282), and the structure was elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic data interpretation and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using Cu Kα radiation (CCDC 1030588). Compound 1 showed weak activity against KB-VIN (IC₅₀ = 11.0 ± 0.156 μM), while the known compound 3 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (IC₅₀ = 5.42 ± 0.167 μM).     

Lanostane triterpenoids and ergostane-type steroids from the cultured mycelia of Ganoderma capense

Abstract

Two new lanostane triterpenoids (1 and 2), two new ergostane-type steroids (3 and 4) together with two known lanostane triterpenoids (5 and 6) and one known steroid (7) were isolated from the cultured mycelia of Ganoderma capense (CGMCC 5.71). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (HRESIMS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR) data analyses. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell line NCI-H1650 with an IC₅₀ value of 22.3 μM, and 7 displayed cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell line HCT116 with an IC₅₀ value of 17.4 μM. In addition, compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 displayed weak anti-HIV activity with IC₅₀ values of 23.5, 46.7, 21.6, and 30.1 μM, respectively.