Kopetdaghins A-E, sesquiterpene derivatives from the aerial parts and the roots of Dorema kopetdaghense

Three new sesquiterpene derivatives, kopetdaghins A-C (1-3), one known prenylated coumarin (7), and two known steroid glucosides, sitosterol 3-O-glucoside and stigmasterol 3-O-glucoside, were isolated from the aerial parts of Dorema kopetdaghense. In addition, two new sesquiterpene derivatives, kopetdaghin D (4) and kopetdaghin E (5), together with kopetdaghins A-C and one known sesquiterpene coumarin (6), were isolated from the roots of the plant. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various 1D and 2D NMR techniques as well as high-resolution positive-ion ESIMS.     

Sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula fukanensis and nitric oxide production inhibitory effects

Six new sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives, 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2R,3R-dimethyl-2-[4,8-dimethyl-3(E),7-nonadien-6-onyl]furo[3,2-c]coumarin (4), fukanefuromarin A (5), fukanefuromarin B (6), fukanefuromarin C (7), fukanefuromarin D (8), and fukanemarin A (9), were isolated from a 80% aqueous methanol extract of the roots of Ferula fukanensis. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidence, especially heteronuclear multiple-bond connectivity (HMBC), nuclear Overhauser exchange spectroscopy (NOESY), and high-resolution MS. An extract of F. fukanensis (FFE) and the sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression by a murine macrophage-like cell line (RAW 264.7), which was activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant mouse interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).     

Indicanine A, a new 3-phenylcoumarin from root bark of Erythrina indica

A new 3-phenylcoumarin, indicanine A (1), has been isolated from the root bark of the African medicinal plant Erythrina indica, together with three known compounds, robustic acid (2), daidzein, and 8-prenyldaidzein. The structure of the new compound was characterized, as 4-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-2" -(1-methylethenyl)dihydrofurano[4",5":6,7]coumarin by means of extensive spectroscopic analyses. The compounds were found to be devoid of in vitro antibacterial activity.     

Cytotoxic constituents of the fruits of Cananga odorata

A new guaipyridine sesquiterpene alkaloid, cananodine (1), and two new eudesmane sesquiterpenes, cryptomeridiol 11-alpha-L-rhamnoside (2) and gamma-eudesmol 11-alpha-L-rhamnoside (3), along with gamma-eudesmol (4), were isolated from the fruits of Cananga odorata. The structures of compounds 1-3 were established on the basis of NMR and MS methods. In addition, compounds 1-4 and four previously reported alkaloids, cleistopholine (5), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (6), (+)-ushinsunine-beta-N-oxide (7), and lyscamine (8), were evaluated for cytotoxicity against two human hepatocarcinoma cell lines.     

Sesquiterpene benzoxazoles and sesquiterpene quinones from the marine sponge Dactylospongia elegans

A new sesquiterpene benzoxazole, nakijinol B (3), its acetylated derivative, nakijinol B diacetate (6), and two new sesquiterpene quinones, smenospongines B (4) and C (5), were isolated from the methanol extract of the marine sponge Dactylospongia elegans. Also isolated were the known compounds dactyloquinone B and a 1:1 mixture of ilimaquinone and 5-epi-ilimaquinone. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were assessed for their cytotoxicity against a panel of human tumor cell lines (SF-268, H460, MCF-7, and HT-29) and a normal mammalian cell line (CHO-K1). All compounds were found to have activities in the range 1.8-46 μM and lacked selectivity for tumor versus normal cell lines.     

Cytotoxic terpenoids from the Formosan soft coral Nephthea brassica

Two new cytotoxic cembranoid diterpenes, brassicolide (1) and brassicolide acetate (2); a new cytotoxic sesquiterpene, (-)-4alpha-O-acetyl-selin-11-en (3); and six cytotoxic terpenoids, (-)-selin-11-en-4alpha-ol (4), 2-hydroxynephthenol (5), nephthenol (6), cembrene A (7), epoxycembrene A (8), and (-)-beta-elemene (9), have been isolated from the Formosan soft coral Nephthea brassica. The structures of compounds 1-9 were determined by spectral, chemical, and X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Sesquiterpene lactones as allelochemicals

Six new sesquiterpene lactones, annuolide H (3), helivypolides F, H-J (4, 11-13), and helieudesmanolide A (6), together with known compounds, were isolated from polar bioactive fractions of Helianthus annuus cv. SH-222 and Stella fresh leaf water extracts. Spectroscopic analysis of the new data for 1,2-anhydroniveusin A and 1-methoxy-4,5-dihydroniveusin A corrects some previous assignments. The compounds were tested using the etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay, and the most active compounds were assayed in standard target species (STS) (Lepidium sativum, Allium cepa, Lactucasativa, Lycopersicon esculentum, and Triticum aestivum) from 5 x 10(-4) to 10(-5) M. The most phytotoxic compounds were helivypolide F and 15-hydroxy-3-dehydrodeoxyfruticin, both of which have a carbonyl group at C-3 conjugated with two double bonds.     

Sesquiterpenoid derivatives from Gonospermum elegans and their cytotoxic activity for HL-60 human promyelocytic cells

Four new compounds, a sesquiterpene, eleganodiol (1), and three sesquiterpene lactones, eleganolactone A (2), eleganolactone B (3), and elegain (4), were isolated from Gonospermum elegans along with 16 known compounds. The structures of 1, 2, and 4 were determined on the basis of MS and NMR studies of their acetate derivatives (1a, 2a, 4a). The structure of the acetate derivative (3a) of 3 was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 2a and 3a were used to study their biological activities on the HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cell line. These compounds induced morphological changes and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptotic cell death.     

Immunosuppressive sesquiterpene alkaloids from Tripterygium wilfordii

Nine new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids [wilfornines A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (8), and G (9); wilfordinines I (6) and J (7)] and six known compounds (10-15) were isolated from a clinically used extract (T(II)) of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of 1-9 were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The inhibitory effects on cytokine production of 1-3 and several related compounds were evaluated. Compounds 10 and 14 showed significant inhibitory effects on cytokine production.     

Antimicrobial arylcoumarins from Asphodelus microcarpus

A new aryl coumarin glucoside, asphodelin A 4'-O-beta-d-glucoside (1), and its aglycon, asphodelin A (2), were isolated from Asphodelus microcarpus. The structures were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformation as 3-(2'-hydroxy-p-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyloxyphenyl)-4,7-dihydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (1) and 3-(2',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,7-dihydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (2), respectively. These compounds were isolated following bioactivity-directed fractionation, using antimicrobial activity, in which 1 and 2 exhibited moderate and potent activities, respectively. This is the first report of a 3-arylcoumarin derivative, a rare class of isoflavonoids, from a plant in the family Liliaceae.     

Hepatoprotective sesquiterpene glycosides from Sarcandra glabra

Six new sesquiterpene glycosides, compounds 1-6, with eudesmanolide, elemanolide, lindenane, and germacranolide sesquiterpene aglycons, along with one known compound, chloranoside A (7), have been isolated from the whole plant of Sarcandra glabra. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods including (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY NMR experiments. In addition, compounds 1-7 showed pronounced hepatoprotective activities against D-galactosamine-induced toxicity in WB-F344 rat hepatic epithelial stem-like cells.     

Antiinflammatory constituents of Celastrus orbiculatus inhibit the NF-kappaB activation and NO production.

Two new sesquiterpene esters, 1beta,8beta-diacetoxyl-6alpha,9alpha-difuroyloxydihydro-beta-agarofuran (1) and 1beta-acetoxyl-2beta,6alpha,9alpha-trifuroyloxydihydro-beta-agarofuran (2), together with four known sesquiterpene esters (3-6), celastrol (7), and celaphanol A (8) were isolated from the roots of Celastrus orbiculatus in a search for inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation and nitric oxide production. Compound 7 was the most active, while compounds 1, 2, 4, and 8 showed moderate inhibition in both NF-kappaB activation and nitric oxide production.     

Sesquiterpene alkaloids from Tripterygium hypoglaucum and Tripterygium wilfordii: a new class of potent anti-HIV agents

Five new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids [triptonines A (1) and B (2), and wilfordinines A (3), B (4), and C (5)] and two known compounds (peritassine A and hypoglaunine C) were isolated from Tripterygium hypoglaucum and a clinically used extract of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of 1-5 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The anti-HIV activity of 1, 2, and several related compounds was evaluated. Triptonine B (2) demonstrated potent anti-HIV activity with an EC(50) value of <0.10 microg/mL and an in vitro therapeutic index value of >1000.     

Cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones from Pseudoelephantopus spicatus

Five new sesquiterpene lactones, spicatolides D-H (1-5), along with four known compounds, pitocarphin D (6), 8 alpha-acetoxy-10 alpha-hydroxy-13-O-methylhirsutinolide (7), spicatolide A (8), and 13-O-methylvernojalcanolide 8-O-acetate (9), were isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts of Pseudoelephantopus spicatus. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. All of the compounds isolated were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against five human cancer cell lines. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 showed cytotoxicity (IC50 < 5 micro g/mL) against the Hep3B and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.     

Coumarins from the fruits of Cnidium monnieri

Two novel biscoumarins, cnidimonal (1) and cnidimarin (2), and two new coumarin derivatives, 5-formylxanthotoxol (3) and 2'-deoxymeranzin hydrate (4), were isolated from a traditional Chinese crude drug, the fruits of Cnidium monnieri, together with 15 known compounds. Among the known compounds, five of the minor compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant. The structures of 1-4 were determined with the use of spectroscopic methods.     

多穗金粟兰中1对倍半萜对映异构体的研究

目的对多穗金粟兰Chloranthus multistachys中倍半萜类化学成分进行研究。方法利用多种色谱方法进行分离纯化,然后利用1D-NMR、2D-NMR、单晶X射线衍射等方法进行结构鉴定。结果从多穗金粟兰二氯甲烷部位中分离得到10个倍半萜类化合物,分别鉴定为(1R,4R,5R,8S,10R)-1-羟基-4-乙氧基桉叶-7(11)-烯-12,8-内酯(1a)、(1S,4S,5S,8R,10S)-1-羟基-4-乙氧基桉叶-7(11)-烯-12,8-内酯(1b)、(9S,10S)-(-)-9β-hydroxycyclocolorenon(2)、myrrhterpenoidN(3)、1α,8α,9α-三羟基桉叶-3(4),7(11)-二烯-8β,12-内酯(4)、dihydrocurcolone(5)、curvularin(6)、neolitacumone A(7)、银线草内酯F(8)和苍术内酯Ⅲ(9)。结论其中化合物1a和1b为1对新的倍半萜对映异构体,分别命名为(+)-多穗金粟兰内酯M和(-)-多穗金粟兰内酯M;化合物2为1个新的天然产物,化合物3~6为首次从该属植物中分离得到,其余化合物均为首次从该植物中分离得到。     

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.     

Antiinflammatory constituents from Heterotheca inuloides

Three new compounds, cadalen-15-oic acid (1), 3,7-dihydroxy-3(4H)-isocadalen-4-one (2), and dicadalenol (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Heterotheca inuloides (Mexican arnica), together with the known compounds 7-hydroxycadalene (4), 7-hydroxy-4alphaH-3,4-dihydrocadalene (5), 1alpha-hydroxy-1(4H)-isocadalen-4-one (6), 1alpha-hydroxy-4alphaH-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocadalen-15-oic acid (7), 7-(3,3-dimethylallyloxy)coumarin, caryolan-1,9beta-diol, and quercetin. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The antiinflammatory activities of the extracts and the isolated compounds were evaluated by determining the inhibition of TPA-induced mouse ear edema. The natural products 3, caryolan-1,9beta-diol, and quercetin were the most active substances tested and displayed dose-dependent activities.     

Sesquiterpene coumarins and related derivatives from Ferula pallida

Six new compounds-two sesquiterpene coumarins, pallidones A and B (1, 2), and four related derivatives, pallidones C-F (3-6), as well as two known sesquiterpene coumarins, feselol (7) and conferol (8), have been isolated from the EtOAc extracts of the roots of Ferula pallida. All structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectral evidence, especially 2D NMR ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and HRMS. The possible biosynthetic pathway of pallidones C-F (3-6) is discussed.     

Linear sesquiterpene lactones from Anthemis auriculata and their antibacterial activity

Three linear sesquiterpene lactones, anthecotulide (1), hydroxyanthecotulide (2), and acetoxyanthecotulide (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Anthemis auriculata. Five known flavonoids, taraxa-20(30)en-3beta-ol (4), and methyl vanillate (5) were also isolated. The structures and the relative configuration of the new compounds 2 and 3 were deduced by spectroscopic methods. The in vitro activity of compounds 1-5 against 10 bacterial species and one fungus was tested using the microdilution method.