Alkyl phenols,alkenyl cyclohexenones and other phytochemical constituents from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lannea rivae</Emphasis> (chiov) Sacleux (Anacardiaceae) and their bioactivity

Six novel compounds, 3-nonadec-14′-(Z)-enyl phenol (1a); 4,5-dihydroxy-4,2′-epoxy-5-[16′-Z-18′-E-heneicosenyldiene]-cyclohex-2-enone (2), 2,4,5-trihydroxy-2-[16′-Z-heneicosenyl]-cyclohexanone (3); 4S,6R-dihydroxy-6-[12′-Z-heptadecenyl]-cyclohex-2-enone (4a); 4S,6R-dihydroxy-6-[14′-Z-nonadecenyl]-cyclohex-2-enone (4b); and 1,2,4-trihydroxy-4-[16′-Z-heneicosenyl]-cyclohexane (5) were identified from the roots and stems of Lannea rivae in addition to the known cardanols, 3-heptadec-12′-Z-enyl phenol (1b), 3-pentadec-10′-Z-enyl phenol (1c) and 3-pentadecyl phenol (1d), sitosterol (6), sitosterol glucoside (7), taraxerone (8), taraxerol (9), E-lutein (10), myricetin (11), myricetin-3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (12), myricetin-3-O-β-galactopyranoside (13) and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (14). The ketones 4a and 4b were isolated as a mixture and were qualitatively separated and identified by GCMS. Myricetin (11) and epicatechin gallate (14) displayed over 90 % DPPH radical-scavenging activity at 50 μg mL^?1, while its glycosides (12 and 13) showed percentages of over 70 % in the same assay. The same compounds 11 and 14 showed antibacterial activity similar to erythromycin and vancomycin against Gram-positive bacteria and were also active against Gram-negative bacteria, but not as much as the cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid standards. Compounds 1a–d, 4a–b and 5 were all relatively non-toxic, while 2 (the epoxy cyclohex-2-enone) and 3 (the trihydroxy cyclohexanone) showed more toxicity than the others. These two toxic compounds, 2 and 3 also showed antiplasmodial activity with IC₅₀ values between 0.48 and 2.05 μg mL^?1. The mixture of dihydroxy cyclohex-2-enones 4a and 4b, which was far less toxic than 2 and 3, also showed promising antiplasmodial activity and may be a possible lead for further investigation as an antiplasmodial drug.     

Degranulation inhibitors from the arils of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myristica fragrans</Emphasis> in antigen-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia cells

A methanol extract of mace, the aril of Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae), was found to inhibit the release of β-hexosaminidase, a marker of antigen-IgE-stimulated degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3, IC₅₀ = 45.7 μg/ml). From the extract, three new 8-O-4′ type neolignans, maceneolignans I–K (1–3), were isolated, and the stereostructures of 1–3 were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Among the isolates, maceneolignans A (5), D (6), and H (8), (?)-(8R)-?^8′-4-hydroxy-3,3′,5′-trimethoxy-8-O-4′-neolignan (13), (?)-(8R)-?^8′-3,4,5,3′,5′-pentamethoxy-8-O-4′-neolignan (14), (?)-erythro-(7R,8S)-?^8′-7-acetoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-3′,5′-dimethoxy-8-O-4′-neolignan (17), (+)-licarin A (20), nectandrin B (24), verrucosin (25), and malabaricone C (29) were investigated as possible degranulation inhibitors (IC₅₀ = 20.7–63.7 μM). These inhibitory activities were more potent than those of the antiallergic agents tranilast (282 μM) and ketotifen fumalate (158 μM). Compounds 5, 25, and 29 also inhibited antigen-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-α production (IC₅₀ = 39.5–51.2 μM), an important process in the late phase of type I allergic reactions.     

A new indole glycoside from the seeds of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Raphanus sativus</Emphasis>

A new indole glycoside, β-d-glucopyranosyl 2-(methylthio)-1H-indole-3-carboxylate, named raphanuside A (1), as well as eight known compounds, β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-(6-O-sinapoyl)-α-d-glucopyranoside (2), (3-O-sinapoyl)-β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-α-d-glucopyranoside (3), (3-O-sinapoyl)-β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-(6-O-sinapoyl)-α-d-glucopyranoside (4), (3,4-O-disinapoyl)-β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-(6-O-sinapoyl)-α-d-glucopyranoside (5), isorhamnetin 3,4′-di-O-β-d-glucoside (6), isorhamnetin 3-O-β-d-glucoside-7-O-α-l-rhamnoside (7), isorhamnetin 3-O-β-d-glucoside (8) and 3'-O-methyl-(?)-epicatechin 7-O-β-d-glucoside (9) were isolated from the seeds of Raphanus sativus. Furthermore, compounds 1–3 and 6–9, were isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of compounds 1–9 were identified using 1D and 2D NMR, including ¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY spectroscopic analyses. The inhibitory activity of these isolated compounds against interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in TNF-α stimulated MG-63 cells was also examined.     

Antioxidant <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>-glycosylflavones of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drymaria cordata</Emphasis> (Linn.) Willd

A new C-glycosylflavone, drymaritin E (6-C-(3-keto-β-digitoxopyranosyl)-4′-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-7-methoxyl-5,4′-dihydroxylflavone) 1 was isolated from the oily upper phase (SU) of the MeOH extract from aerial parts of Drymaria cordata together with two known compounds (cassiaoccidentalin A 2 and anemonin 3) and an inseparable mixture of two known C-glycosylflavones 5,4′-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone-6-C-(2′′-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside 4a and 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone-6-C-(2′′-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside 4b. The alkaline hydrolysis of 3 led to a new hemisynthetic derivative, sodium anemonate (sodium 2-((1’E) 2′-sodium-carboxylate-vinyl)-5-oxo-cyclohex-1-ene carboxylate) 3a. The chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic methods (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMBC, HSQC, and NOESY) and mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). C-glycosylflavones had significant free radical-scavenging activities on the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). However, SU and compounds 3 and 3a exhibited no activity. In particular, compound 1 exhibited a concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity on DPPH with EC₅₀ of 31.43 µg/mL.     

Bioactive flavanoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycosmis arborea</Emphasis>

Background

Glycosmis is a genus of evergreen glabrous shrub and distributed all over India. It possesses various medicinal properties and is used in indigenous medicine for cough, rheumatism, anemia, and jaundice. Glycosmis arborea is a rich source of alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, as well as flavonoids.

Results

The chemical investigation of methanol fraction of the leaves of G. arborea led to the isolation of one new flavone C-glycoside along with three known flavanoids, named as 5,7-dihydroxy-2-[4-hydroxy-3-(methoxy methyl) phenyl]-6-C-β-d-glucopyranosyl flavone (4), 5,7,4^′-trihydroxy-3^′-methoxy flavone (1), 5,4^′-dihydroxy-3^′-methoxy-7-O-β-d-glucupyranosyl flavanone (2), and 5,4^′-dihydroxy-3^′-methoxy-7-O-(α-l-rhamnosyl-(1?→6?)-β-d-glucopyranosyl) flavanone (3), respectively. The structures of all compounds were elucidated with the help of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Pure compounds and fractions were evaluated for pest antifeedant and antimicrobial activity.

Conclusion

Four compounds were isolated from the leaves of G. arborea. Among them, compound 4 showed significant antimicrobial activity.

     

Design,synthesis, and evaluation of the anticonvulsant and antidepressant activities of pyrido[2,3-<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>]pyrimidine derivatives

A series of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives (4a–4n, 5a–5n, 6, and 7) were designed and synthesized as potential anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Their pharmacological activities were evaluated by maximal electroshock test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test in mice. Pharmacological analyses showed that compounds 4-benzyl-6,8-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one (4a) and 4-(3-fluorobenzyl)-6,8-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one (4e) exhibited the greatest anticonvulsant activity (PI 12.02 and 12.25, respectively, 30 min after intraperitoneal injection), and were more efficient than the reference drug, carbamazepine. In addition, 4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6,8-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one (4f) and 6-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2,4-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidin-5(6H)-one (5f) possessed potent antidepressant properties that lead to significant reduction in the duration of the immobility time than did the control (P < 0.001), which possessed activities similar to those of fluoxetine. 4f showed obvious antidepressant activity at doses of 10 mg/kg.     

Effect of Cd<Superscript>+2</Superscript> on phosphate solubilizing abilities and hydrogen peroxide production of soil-borne micromycetes isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phragmites australis</Emphasis>-rhizosphere

The aims of this work were to evaluate the phosphate-solubilization and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production by the soil-borne micromycetes, Aspergillus japonicus, Penicillium italicum and Penicillium dipodomyicola, isolated from Phragmites australis rhizosphere and to study the effect of several concentrations of Cadmium (Cd²⁺) on both variables. Our results showed that P. italicum achieved a higher P-solubilization and H₂O₂ production than A. japonicus and P. dipodomyicola, as only P. italicum showed a positive correlation (R² = 0.71) between P-solubilization and H₂O₂ production. In dose–response assays, P. italicum was also more tolerant to Cd²⁺ (0.31 mM) in comparison to A. japonicus (0.26 mM). Analysis of the 2⁴ factorial experimental design showed that P-solubilization by P. italicum was negatively affected by increases in Cd²⁺ (p = 0.04) and yeast extract (p = 0.02) in the culture medium. The production of H₂O₂ was positively affected only by glucose (p = 0.002). Fungal biomass production was reduced significantly (p = 0.0009) by Cd²⁺ and increased (p = 0.0003) by high glucose concentration in the culture medium. The tolerance and correlation between P-solubilization and H₂O₂ production in the presence of Cd²⁺ was strain and species dependent. The effects of Cd²⁺, glucose, ammonium sulfate and yeast extract on those variables were evaluated through a two-level factorial design. P. italicum is promising for P-solubilization in soils contaminated with Cd²⁺ and may be an alternative for manufacture of biofertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers.     

Determination of process-related impurities in <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-acetylglucosamine prepared by chemical and enzymatic methods: structural elucidation and quantification

β-N-acetylglucosamine (β-AG) is a monosaccharide distributed widely in living organisms with various pivotal roles. The presence of particulates and impurities can affect the safety and efficacy of a product for its intended duration of use. Thus, the current study was carried out to identify and quantify the potentially-harmful process related impurities; namely α-N,6-diacetylglucosamine (α-DAG) and α-N-acetylglucosamine (α-AG), derived from the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of β-AG. The impurities were characterized using a high resolution mass spectrometry, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The developed method showed a good linearity (R ² ≥ 0.998), satisfactory precision (≤6.1 % relative standard deviation), intra- and inter-day accuracy (88.20–97.50 %), extraction recovery (89.30–110.50 %), matrix effect (89.70–105.20 %), and stability (92.70–101.60 %). The method was successfully applied to determine the level of α-DAG that was 3.04 and 0.07 % of the total β-AG, following chemical and enzymatic methods, respectively. It can be concluded that the enzymatic rather than the chemical method is more efficient for the synthesis of β-AG. Characterization of impurities heeds the signal for acquiring and evaluating data that establishes biological safety.     

Design,synthesis and anti-acetylcholinesterase evaluation of some new pyrazolo[4,3-<Emphasis Type="Italic">e</Emphasis>]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>]pyrimidine derivatives

The target new hybrid molecule types pyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines phosphonates 4 and 2-(coumarin-3’’-yl)-7-phenylpyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines 5 were prepared via Michaelis–Arbuzov rearrangement (Arbuzov reaction) of pyrazolotriazolopyrimidines chloride 3a–c, with trialkyl phosphate and Knoevenagel reaction of 2-cyanomethyl derivatives 3d–f with salicylic aldehyde, respectively. The precursors 3 were obtained in two steps starting from aminopyrazole 1. Target compounds 4 and 5 were completely characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ³¹P NMR, IR and HRMS. The anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of compounds 4 and 5 was evaluated, and results found indicated that they have possessed significant activities (IC₅₀ = 1.73–39.86 µM), and the preliminary SAR of these compounds was investigated.     

Anthraquinone and naphthopyrone glycosides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cassia obtusifolia</Emphasis> seeds mediate hepatoprotection via Nrf2-mediated HO-1 activation and MAPK modulation

Cassia obtusifolia L. seed is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicine for mutagenicity, genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and acute inflammatory diseases. We evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of anthraquinone and naphthopyrone glycosides isolated from the butanol fraction of C. obtusifolia seeds and explored their effects on cell signaling pathways. Continuous chromatographic separation led to the isolation of 1-desmethylaurantio-obtusin 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), rubrofusarin 6-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1?→?6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and rubrofusarin 6-O-β-gentiobioside (3). All glycosides were non-toxic at concentrations up to 80 µM. The increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased glutathione levels observed after tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) intoxication were ameliorated by all three glycosides, with compound 3 being the most active. Pretreatment with the three glycosides increased nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated heme oxidase-1 (HO-1) expression. All the glycosides enhanced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and the dephosphorylation of p38. The protective effects of the anthraquinone and naphthopyrone glycosides against t-BHP-induced oxidative damage in human liver-derived HepG2 cells were due to the prevention of ROS generation and up-regulated activity of HO-1 via Nrf2 activation and modulation of the JNK/ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. The data indicate the potential of these compounds as hepatoprotective agents in pharmaceuticals and/or nutraceuticals.     

Identification of structural requirements of estrogen receptor modulators using pharmacoinformatics techniques for application to estrogen therapy

In this study, we explored the structural requirements of known estrogen receptor modulators for biological activity using pharmacoinformatics approaches to elucidate critical functionalities for new, potent and less toxic chemical agents for successful application in estrogen therapy. For this purpose, a group of nonsteroidal ligands 7-thiabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-7-oxide derivatives were collected from the literature to perform quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR), pharmacophore and molecular docking studies. The 2D QSAR models (R _α ²  = 0.857, se _α  = 0.370, Q _α ²  = 0.848, R _pred?α ²  = 0.675, s _pα  = 0.537; R _β ²  = 0.874, se _β  = 0.261, Q _β ²  = 0.859, R _pred?β ²  = 0.659, s _pβ  = 0.408) explained that hydrophobicity and molar refractivity were crucial for binding affinity in both α- and β-subtypes. The space modeling study (R _α ²  = 0.955, se _α  = 1.311, Q _α ²  = 0.932, R _pred?α ²  = 0.737, s _pα  = 0.497; R _β ²  = 0.885, se _β  = 1.328, Q _β ²  = 0.878, R _pred?β ²  = 0.769, s _pβ  = 0.336) revealed the importance of HB donor and hydrophobic features for both subtypes, whereas HB acceptor and aromatic ring were critical for α- and β-subtypes, respectively. The functionalities developed in the QSAR and pharmacophore studies were substantiated by molecular docking studies which provided the preferred orientation of ligands for effective interaction at the active site cavity.     

Synthesis of novel triazolyl pyranochromen-2(1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-ones and their antibacterial activity evaluation

A series of thirty-three novel triazolyl pyranochromen-2(1H)-one derivatives have been synthesized via Cu (I) catalysed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. All of the synthesized compounds have been fully characterized from their spectral data and evaluated for antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The activity results revealed that amongst all the compounds screened, six compounds, i.e. 2-[4-(((7-ethyl-2,2,6-trimethyl-8-oxo-2,3,4,8-tetrahydropyrano[3,2-g]chromen-10-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]acetic acid (41), 10-[(1-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-3-ethyl-4,8,8-trimethyl-7,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-g]chromen-2(6H)-one (44), 3-ethyl-4,8,8-trimethyl-10-[(1-((2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-7,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-g]chromen-2(6H)-one (46), 2-[4-(((7-hexyl-2,2,6-trimethyl-8-oxo-2,3,4,8-tetrahydropyrano[3,2-g]chromen-10-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]acetic acid (52), 10-[(1-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-3-hexyl-4,8,8-trimethyl-7,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-g]chromen-2(6H)-one (55) and 3-hexyl-4,8,8-trimethyl-10-[(1-((2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-7,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-g]chromen-2(6H)-one (57), exhibited moderate activity against all the strains studied with zone of inhibition between 10 and 16 mm and MIC values in the range of 75–170 µg/mL as compared to the standard used. The information obtained from structure–activity relationship can be used to design and develop the next generation of compounds with higher antibacterial efficacy.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of quinolines,thiazolo[3,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>]pyrimidines,thiadiazolo[3,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>]pyrimidines and triazolo[3,4-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>][1,3,4]thiadiazepines as antimicrobial agents

Series of quinolines, thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines, thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines and triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazepines were synthesized by the reaction of amino compound, aromatic aldehyde and malononitrile/ethyl cyanoacetate, using 2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]acetic acid as an organocatalyst in water–ethanol mixture. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities against three fungal and five bacterial strains. Some of them exhibited good activity in comparison with the standard fluconazole and streptomycin such as compound 16h has shown best antifungal activity with MIC value of 60 µg/mL against A. niger and 12g exhibited best antibacterial activity with MIC value of 50 µg/mL against E. coli.     

C<Subscript>21</Subscript> steroid derivatives from the Dai herbal medicine Dai-Bai-Jie,the dried roots of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marsdenia tenacissima</Emphasis>, and their screening for anti-HIV activity

Twenty-three new C₂₁ steroidal glycosides, marstenacissides C1–C10 (1–10), D1–D7 (11–17) and E1–E6 (18–23), and four new C₂₁ steroids, 11α,12β-O-ditigloyl-tenacigenin C (24), 11α-O-benzoyl-12β-O-tigloyl-tenacigenin C (25), 11α-O-tigloyl-12β-O-benzoyl-tenacigenin C (26) and 11α-O-tigloyl-12β-O-benzoyl-marsdenin (27), were isolated from the Dai herbal medicine Dai-Bai-Jie, derived from the roots of Marsdenia tenacissima. The chemical structures of all compounds were established by spectroscopic techniques, including high-resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, as well as by comparison with reported spectral data. The anti-HIV activities of these compounds were screened, and the compounds obtained displayed inhibitory effects against HIV-1 with inhibition rates of 36.4–81.3% at 30 μM.     

Two new phenylpropane glycosides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium tuberosum</Emphasis> Rottler

A phytochemical investigation of Allium tuberosum Rottler afforded two new phenylpropane glycosides, named tuberonoid A (1) and B (2), along with four known flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-β-sophoroside (3), 3-O-β-d-(2-O-feruloyl)-glucosyl-7,4′-di-O-β-d-glucosylkaempferol (4), 3-O-β-sophorosyl-7-O-β-d-(2-O-feruloyl)glucosyl kaempferol (5), kaempferol 3,4′-di-O-β-d-glucoside (6). The identification and structural elucidation of the new compounds were carried out based on spectral data analyses (¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, HMQC) and HR-MS.     

Regulation of the Human Fc-Neonatal Receptor alpha-Chain Gene <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">FCGRT</Emphasis> by MicroRNA-3181

Purpose

FCGRT encodes the alpha-chain component of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). FcRn is critical for the trafficking of endogenous and exogenous IgG molecules and albumin in various tissues. Few regulators of FcRn expression have been identified. We investigated the epigenetic regulation of FcRn by two microRNAs (hsa-miR-3181 and hsa-miR-3136-3p) acting on FCGRT.

Methods

The binding of candidate microRNAs to the 3′-untranslated region of FCGRT was evaluated using luciferase reporter constructs in CHO cells. The effect of microRNAs on FCGRT mRNA and FcRn protein expression was evaluated using specific microRNA mimics and inhibitor transfections in A549, HEK293 and HepG2 cells.

Results

Hsa-miR-3181 mimic reduced luciferase reporter activity by 70.1% (10 nM, P <?0.0001). In A549, HEK293 and HepG2 cells, hsa-miR-3181 decreased FCGRT mRNA expression (48.6%, 51.3% and 43.5% respectively, 25 nM, P <?0.05). The hsa-miR-3181 mimic decreased the expression of FcRn protein by 40% after 48 h (25 nM, P <?0.001). The mature form of hsa-miR-3181 was detected in samples of human liver.

Conclusions

These data suggest that hsa-miR-3181 is an epigenetic regulator of FCGRT expression. The identification of this regulator of FCGRT may provide insights into a potential determinant of interindividual variability in FcRn expression.

     

New ursane triterpenoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ficus pandurata</Emphasis> and their binding affinity for human cannabinoid and opioid receptors

Phytochemical investigation of Ficus pandurata Hance (Moraceae) fruits has led to the isolation of two new triterpenoids, ficupanduratin A [1β-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-urs-12-ene] (11) and ficupanduratin B [21α-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-urs-12-ene] (17), along with 20 known compounds: α-amyrin acetate (1), α-amyrin (2), 3β-acetoxy-20-taraxasten-22-one (3), 3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-olean-12-ene (4), 3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-12-ursene (5), 11-oxo-α-amyrin acetate (6), 11-oxo-β-amyrin acetate (7), palmitic acid (8), stigmast-4,22-diene-3,6-dione (9), stigmast-4-ene-3,6-dione (10), stigmasterol (12), β-sitosterol (13), stigmast-22-ene-3,6-dione (14), stigmastane-3,6-dione (15), 3β,21β-dihydroxy-11α-methoxy-olean-12-ene (16), 3β-hydroxy-11α-methoxyurs-12-ene (18), 6-hydroxystigmast-4,22-diene-3-one (19), 6-hydroxystigmast-4-ene-3-one (20), 11α,21α-dihydroxy-3β-acetoxy-urs-12-ene (21), and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (22). Compound 21 is reported for the first time from a natural source. The structures of the 20 compounds were elucidated on the basis of IR, 1D (¹H and ¹³C), 2D (¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) NMR and MS spectroscopic data, in addition to comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-leishmanial, and cytotoxic activities. In addition, their radioligand displacement affinity on opioid and cannabinoid receptors was assessed. Compounds 4, 11, and 15 exhibited good affinity towards the CB2 receptor, with displacement values of 69.7, 62.5 and 86.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, the binding mode of the active compounds in the active site of the CB2 cannabinoid receptors was investigated through molecular modelling.