Phenolic compounds from tournefortia sarmentosa

Three new isoprenylbenzenes, tournefolins A (1), B (2), and C (3), and two new 2-ethoxy-4,5-dihydroxybenzoyl compounds, 4 and 5, together with the known compounds, salicylic acid and allantoin, were isolated from the stems of Tournefortia sarmentosa. The structures of new compounds were elucidated as 2-(4beta-methyltetrahydrofuran-2alpha-yl)-5-(4beta-methyltetrahydrofu ran-2beta-yl)-1,4-dihydroxybenzene (1), methyl 5-(5-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-3-furoate (2), methyl 5-(2, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-furoate (3), 2-ethoxy-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (4), and 2-ethoxy-4,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (5), on the basis of spectral and chemical methods. The relative configuration of 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.     

Flavonoids from Dalbergia louvelii and their antiplasmodial activity

Four new flavonoids (1-4), along with 13 known compounds, were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia louvelii by following their potential to inhibit in vitro the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Of the isolated compounds, four known compounds showed antiplasmodial activity with IC(50) values ranging from 5.8 to 8.7 microM, namely, (R)-4' '-methoxydalbergione (5), obtusafuran (6), 7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone (7), and isoliquiritigenin (8). The structures of the new compounds were determined using spectroscopic techniques as 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propane (1), spirolouveline (2), (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-4',5'-dimethoxyisoflavanone (3), and 3-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxy)phenyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (4), respectively.     

Absolute structures of new briarane diterpenoids from junceella fragilis

Four new diterpenoids with the briarane skeleton, (-)-4-deacetyljunceellolide D (2), (+)-11alpha, 20alpha-epoxyjunceellolide D (3), (-)-11alpha, 20alpha-epoxy-4-deacetyljunceellolide D (4), and (-)-11alpha, 20alpha-epoxy-4-deacetoxyjunceellolide D (5), (+)-junceellolide A (6) [the antipodal derivative of the known (-)-junceellolide A], along with three known briaranes, (-)-junceellolide D (1), (-)-junceellin (7), and (-)-praelolide (8), were isolated from the Indonesian gorgonian Junceella fragilis. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of extensive NMR studies and by comparison with the spectral data from other briarane compounds. The absolute configurations for four of the compounds were determined by the modified Mosher method and by unambiguous chemical interconversions.     

Diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and a C15-acetogenin from the marine red alga Laurencia mariannensis

In addition to 10 known compounds (7- 16), one new brominated diterpene, 10-hydroxykahukuene B (1), two new sesquiterpenes, 9-deoxyelatol (2) and isodactyloxene A (3), one new brominated C 15-acetogenin, laurenmariallene (4), and two new naturally occurring halogenated sesquiterpenes (5 and 6) that were previously obtained as intermediates in a biomimetic synthetic study of rhodolaureol and rhodolauradiol have been isolated and identified from the organic extract of the marine red alga Laurencia mariannensis. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic methods. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of new compounds 1-4 were evaluated.     

Aromatase inhibitors from Broussonetia papyrifera.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethyl acetate-soluble extract from the whole plants of Broussonetia papyrifera, using an in vitro aromatase inhibition assay, led to the isolation of five new active compounds, 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-3-geranylflavone (1), isogemichalcone C (8), 3'-[gamma-hydroxymethyl-(E)-gamma-methylallyl]-2,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone 11'-O-coumarate (9), demethylmoracin I (10), and (2S)-2',4'-dihydroxy-2' '-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)dihydrofuro[2,3-h]flavanone (11), and 10 known (12-21) compounds which were also found to be active. Of these compounds, the most potent were 9 (IC(50) 0.5 microM), 11 (IC(50) 0.1 microM), isolicoflavonol (12, IC(50) 0.1 microM), and (2S)-abyssinone II (13, IC(50) 0.4 microM). Additionally, six new compounds, 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-geranylflavonol (2), 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-6-geranylflavone (3), (2S)-7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-prenylflavan (4), 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (5), 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-prenylphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (6), and 1-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-prenylphenyl)propane (7), were isolated and characterized, but proved to be inactive as aromatase inhibitors, as were an additional 21 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds (1-11) were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Structure-activity relationships in the aromatase assay were determined for the benzofurans, biphenylpropanoids, coumarins, and various types of flavonoids (chalcones, flavans, flavanones, and flavones) obtained among a total of 42 constituents of B. papyrifera.     

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.     

Terpenoids and norlignans from Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Four new terpenoids, metaseglyptorin A (1), metasequoic acid C (2), 12α-hydroxy-8,15-isopimaradien-18-oic acid (3), and (-)-acora-2,4(14),8-trien-15-oic acid (4), and three new norlignans, metasequirins D-F (5-7), were isolated from Metasequoia glyptostroboides, together with 15 known compounds. Structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of 7 was established by the modified Mosher method. All of the compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines.     

Antioxidant principles from Bauhinia tarapotensis

A new cyclohexenone (1) and a new caffeoyl ester derivative (2), together with the known compounds (-)-isolariciresinol 3-alpha-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), (+)-1-hydroxypinoresinol 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), isoacteoside (5), luteolin 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), and indole-3-carboxylic acid (7), were isolated from the leaves of Bauhinia tarapotensis. The structures of these new compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis. The antioxidant activities of 1-7 were determined by measuring their free radical scavenging effects, using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) methods, and the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid. Compounds 3-5 showed good activities in the DPPH and TEAC tests, while compounds 1 and 2 were active in the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid bioassay.     

New phenylpropenoids, bis(1-phenylethyl)phenols, bisquinolinone alkaloid, and anti-inflammatory constituents from Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum

Five new compounds, including two new phenylpropenoids, (R,E)-1-[4-(3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl)phenoxy]-3-methylbutane-2,3-diol (1) and 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)cinnamyl alcohol (2), two new bis(1-phenylethyl)phenols, 2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol (3) and 2,4-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol (4), and a new bisquinolinone alkaloid, 18-demethylparaensidimerin C (5), together with 17 known compounds have been isolated from the stem wood of Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses including extensive 2D nuclear magnetic resonance data. Among the isolates, N-methylflindersine (7), (-)-simulanol (10), and evofolin-C (16) exhibited potent inhibition against N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine-induced superoxide production with IC(50) values less than 12 microM.     

Seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes and an abietane-type diterpene from Illicium minwanense

A methanol extract of the pericarps of Illicium minwanense afforded seven new seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes (2-8) and a new abietane-type diterpene (9), together with six previously known compounds (1 and 10-14). The structures of the new compounds, (1S)- and (1R)-minwanenone (2 and 3), 1alpha-hydroxy-6-deoxypseudoanisatin (4), (2S)-hydroxy-6-deoxypseudoanisatin (5), 3-oxopseudoanisatin (6), (3S,6R)-4,7-epoxy-6-deoxypseudoanisatin (7), 7-O-methylpseudomajucin (8), and (+)-8,11,13,15-abietatetraene (9), were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and chemical transformations. The absolute configurations of 1 and 5 were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis of their p-bromobenzoyl derivatives.     

Daphnane- and tigliane-type diterpenoid esters and orthoesters from Pimelea elongata

Investigation of Pimelea elongata ("Lakebed Pimelea") afforded 18 tigliane- and daphnane-type diterpenes (1-18). Eight of these were new compounds: four (1-3, 5) tigliane esters and four (7, 8, 10, 11) daphnane orthoesters. The 10 known compounds were 12-O-decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (4), P. simplex subtoxin B (6), wikstroelide E (9), pimelotides A and B (12, 13), gnidiglaucin (14), simplexin (15), huratoxin (16), kirkinine D (17), and 12-β-acetoxyhuratoxin (18). The structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies in combination with MS analyses.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory anthranols, kenganthranols A-C, from the stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis

One new prenylated 1,4-anthraquinone and three new prenylated anthranols, named kengaquinone (1) and kenganthranols A (2), B (3), and C (4), were isolated from a hexane extract of the stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis. Six known compounds including anthraquinones, anthrones, and xanthones were also isolated and identified. The structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with data of previously known analogues. Some isolated compounds (3-5, 7-11) were evaluated for their alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity. Compounds 3, 4, 8, and 11 showed significant activity, whereas compounds 7, 9, and 10 were inactive in this test.     

Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the fruits of Momordica charantia and their cancer chemopreventive effects

Thirteen cucurbitane-type triterpene glycosides, including eight new compounds named charantosides I (6), II (7), III (10), IV (11), V (12), VI (13), VII (16), and VIII (17), and five known compounds, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 18, were isolated from a methanol extract of the fruits of Japanese Momordica charantia. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods. On evaluation of these triterpene glycosides and five other cucurbitane-type triterpenes, 1-5, also isolated from the extract of M. charantia fruits, for their inhibitory effects on the induction of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in Raji cells, these compounds showed inhibitory effects on EBV-EA induction with IC(50) values of 200-409 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA. In addition, upon evaluation of compounds 1-5 for inhibitory effects against activation of (+/-)-(E)-methyl-2[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-6-methoxy-3-hexemide (NOR 1), a nitrogen oxide (NO) donor, compounds 1-3 showed moderate inhibitory effects. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited marked inhibitory effects in both 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)- and peroxynitrite (ONOO-; PN)-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis tests.     

Terpenoids and a diarylheptanoid from Zingiber ottensii

Four new terpenoids and a diarylheptanoid were isolated together with 16 known compounds from rhizomes of Zingiber ottensii. The structures of the new compounds were determined to be 1,10,10-trimethylbicyclo[7,4,0]tridecane-3,6-dione (1), (E)-14-hydroxy-15-norlabda-8(17),12-dien-16-al (2), (E)-labda-8(17),12,14-trien-15(16)-olide (3), (E)-14,15,16-trinorlabda-8(17),11-dien-13-oic acid (4), and rel-(3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)heptane (5) by spectroscopic evidence.     

Diarylheptanoids and a monoterpenoid from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale: antioxidant and cytoprotective properties

Three new diarylheptanoids and one new monoterpenoid were isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale together with four known diarylheptanoids, 5-8. Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic methods, and they were deduced as 5-[4-hydroxy-6-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)tetrahydro-2 H-pyran-2-yl]-3-methoxybenzene-1,2-diol (1), sodium (E)-7-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hept-5-ene-3 S-sulfonate (2), sodium (E)-7-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hept-5-ene-3 R-sulfonate (3), and hydroxycineole-10-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), respectively. Among the isolated compounds, compounds 1, 5, and 8 exhibited strong superoxide anion radical scavenging activities in a phenazine methosulfate-NADH system. In a more biological system, these compounds were demonstrated to exhibit potent protection against lipid peroxidation in mouse liver microsomes exposed to oxidative conditions. These compounds were subsequently tested on primary cultures of rat hepatocytes exposed to oxidative damage, and definitive cytoprotective actions were found.     

Triterpenoids and steroids from the fruits of Melia toosendan and their cytotoxic effects on two human cancer cell lines

Ten new triterpenoids, named meliasenins I-R (1-10), one new steroid (11), and 11 related known compounds (12-22) were isolated from fruits of Melia toosendan. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. The relative configuration of 1, (20R*,23E)-25-hydroperoxyeupha-7,23-diene-3β,16β-diol (meliasenin I), was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All isolated triterpenoids (1-10, 12-15) and two steroids (11, 20) were tested for their cytotoxicity against U20S human osteosarcoma and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells using the MTT assay, and some of them were significantly cytotoxic (IC(50) <10 μg/mL). The insecticidal properties of compounds 1-15 and 20 were also briefly evaluated.     

Dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes, a lignan derivative, a benzenoid, and antitubercular constituents from the stem of Microtropis japonica

Four new compounds, including two new dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes, 8-benzoyloxymutangin (1) and 15-acetoxyorbiculin G (2), a new lignan derivative, 9,9'- O-di-(Z)-feruloyl-(-)-secoisolariciresinol (3), and a new benzenoid, 5'-methoxyevofolin B (4), have been isolated from the stem of Microtropis japonica, together with 20 known compounds (5- 24). 3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5) was identified from a natural source for the first time. The structures of these new compounds were determined through analyses of physical data. 15-Acetoxyorbiculin G (2), celahin C (6), and salasol A (7) exhibit antituberculosis activities (MICs < or = 39.6 microM) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H 37Rv in vitro.     

Cytotoxic constituents of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula

A new halimane diterpene, 3beta,5beta, 16alpha-trihydroxyhalima-13(14)-en-15,16-olide (1), and a new oxoprotoberberine alkaloid, (-)-8-oxopolyalthiaine (2), along with 20 known compounds, were isolated from a methanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic analysis. Several of these compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity toward a small panel of human cell lines.     

Bioactive compounds from Bauhinia purpurea possessing antimalarial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities

Eleven new secondary metabolites (1-11), together with two known flavanones (12 and 13) and five known bibenzyls (14-18), were isolated from the root extract of Bauhinia purpurea. New compounds include eight dihydrodibenzoxepins (1-8), a dihydrobenzofuran (9), a novel spirochromane-2,1'-hexenedione (10), and a new bibenzyl (11). Antimycobacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds are reported, and biosynthetic pathways of these compounds are also discussed.     

Terpenoids from the aerial parts of Parasenecio deltophylla

Five new modified eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes (1-5), including three norsesquiterpenes (1-3), and one new monoterpene (6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Parasenecio deltophylla. Their structures were established on the basis of HRMS and NMR methods. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-4 and 6 against selected cancer cell lines, including human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) and human hepatoma (Hep-G2), was evaluated. Antioxidant activities of these compounds were assessed by ABTS and DPPH methods.