Monoterpene glycoside and flavonoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Blumea lacera</Emphasis>

The dichloromethane extract of air-dried leaves of Blumea lacera (Asteraceae) afforded α-pinene-7β-O-β-d-2,6-diacetylglucopyranoside (1), 5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7,3′-trimethoxyflavone (2), and 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-6,7,3′-trimethoxyflavone (3). Compounds 1–3 showed moderate activity against Candida albicans, low activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and were inactive against Aspergillus niger. Compounds 1 and 3 indicated low activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and were inactive against Bacillus subtilis, while 2 was inactive against all four bacteria tested.     

A new furofuran lignan from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isodon japonicus</Emphasis>

A new sesamin type furofuran lignan, (−)-sesamin-2,2′-diol (1), along with two known flavonoids (2 and 3) and three phenolic compounds (4–6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Isodon japonicus. The structures of these compounds were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D-, 2D-NMR, HRMS and CD) and by comparison of the data with those of related metabolites.     

Potential anthelmintics: polyphenols from the tea plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis> L. are lethally toxic to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caenorhabditis elegans</Emphasis>

A novel gallate of tannin, (−)-epigallocatechin-(2β→O→7′,4β→8′)-epicatechin-3′-O-gallate (8), together with (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (4), (−)-epigallocatechin (5), (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (6), and (+)-gallocatechin-(4α→8′)-epigallocatechin (7), were isolated from the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze var. sinensis (cv., Yabukita). The structure of 8, including stereochemistry, was elucidated by spectroscopic methods and hydrolysis. The compounds, along with commercially available pyrogallol (1), (+)-catechin (2), and (−)-epicatechin (3), were examined for toxicity towards egg-bearing adults of Caenorhabditis elegans. The anthelmintic mebendazole (9) was used as a positive control. Neither 2 nor 3 were toxic but the other compounds were toxic in the descending order 8, 7 ≈ 6, 9, 4, 5, 1. The LC₅₀ (96 h) values of 8 and 9 were evaluated as 49 and 334 μmol L⁻¹, respectively. These data show that many green tea polyphenols may be potential anthelmintics.     

Biologically active <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>-alkylated flavonoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dodonaea viscosa</Emphasis>

A new C-alkylated flavonoid (5,7-dihydroxy-3′-(4″-acetoxy-3″-methylbutyl)-3,6,4′-trimethoxyflavone (1), along with two known C-alkylated flavonoids (5,7-dihydroxy-3′-(3-hydroxymethylbutyl)-3,6,4′-trimethoxyflavone (2), 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-(3-hyroxymethylbutyl)-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (3) and two new source C-alkylated flavonoids (5,7-dihydroxy-3′-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)-3,6,4′-trimethoxyflavone (4), 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-3′-isoprenyl-flavone (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Dodonaea viscosa. The structures of all compounds were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on urease and α-chymotrypsin enzyme. All the compounds (1–5) exhibited mild inhibition against urease but remained recessive in case of α-chymotrypsin.     

A new ceramide from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ramaria botrytis</Emphasis> (Pers.) Ricken

A new ceramide, (2S,2′R,3R,4E,8E)-N-2′-hydroxyoctadecanoyl-2-amino-9-methyl-4,8-heptadecadiene-1,3-diol (1), was isolated together with four known sterols, 5α,6α-epoxy-3β-hydroxy-(22E)-ergosta-8(14),22-dien-7-one (2), ergosterol peroxide (3), cerevisterol (4) and 9α-hydroxycerevisterol (5), from the fruiting bodies of Ramaria botrytis (Pers.) Ricken (Ramariaceae). The structure of the new compound was elucidated based on spectral data.     

HPLC analysis of coumarins in Turkish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seseli</Emphasis> species (Umbelliferae)

The n-hexane extracts of aerial and underground parts of three Seseli species, S. gummiferum subsp. corymbosum, S. resinosum, and S. hartvigii growing in Turkey were investigated concerning the presence of coumarins by normal-phase HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). In this respect, two coumarins, osthol (1) and corymbocoumarin (2) [(−)-(3′S, 4′S)-3′-acetoxy-4′-isovaleryloxy-3′, 4′-dihydroseselin] isolated from aerial parts of S. gummiferum subsp. corymbosum, were used as standard samples. The amount of these compounds were discussed and evaluated in this study.     

Two new dihydrofuranoisoflavanones from the leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lespedeza maximowiczi</Emphasis> and their inhibitory effect on the formation of advanced glycation end products

Two new dihydrofuranoisoflavanones, 2′,4′,5-trihydroxy-[5″-(1,2-dihydroxy-1-methylethyl)-dihydrofurano(2″,3″:7,8)]-(3S)-isoflavanone (1) and 2′, 4′, 5-trihydroxy-[5″-(1,2-dihydroxy-1-methylethyl)-dihydrofurano(2″,3″:7,8)]-(3R)-isoflavanone (2) as well as one already-known compound, (+)-catechin (3), were isolated from an n-BuOH soluble fraction from the leaves of Lespedeza maximowiczi. Spectroscopic data was used to elucidate the structures of compounds 1 and 2. All of the isolates were evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory activity on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Among these, compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibited inhibitory activity against AGEs formation with IC₅₀ values of 20.6, 18.4, and 5.6 μM, respectively.     

A new acyclic diterpene acid and bioactive compounds from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Knema glauca</Emphasis>

Investigation of the chemical constituents of the fruits of Knema glauca (Myristicaceae) yielded a new acyclic diterpene acid, named glaucaic acid 4, together with four acylphenols, including 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl) tetradecan-1-one 1, malabaricone A 6, dodecanoylphloroglucinol 7 and 1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-9-phenylnonan-1-one 8, two lignans sesamin 2 and asarinin 3, and a flavan, myristinin D 5. In addition, myristinin A 9 and (±)-7,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxyflavan 10 were isolated from its leaves and stems, respectively. When tested against small-cell lung cancer (NCI-H187), epidermoid carcinoma (KB) and breast cancer (BC) cell lines, compounds 1, 6–8 and 10 displayed weak to moderate cytotoxicity. The acylphenols 6–8 displayed antituberculosis activity against the microbe Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC values of 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL, respectively, and antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1, with 7 as the most active compound (IC₅₀ = 3.05 μg/mL). Malabaricone A 6 was also active against the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum with an IC₅₀ value of 2.78 μg/mL.     

Stilbene and dihydrophenanthrene derivatives from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pholidota chinensis</Emphasis> and their nitric oxide inhibitory and radical-scavenging activities

Two new stilbene derivatives, (E)-2′,3,3′-trihydroxy-5-methoxystilbene (1, Pholidotol C) and (Z)-3,3′-hydroxy-5-methoxystilbene (2, Pholidotol D), were isolated from the air-dried whole plant of Pholidota chinensis Lindl., together with eight known dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, lusianthridin (3), cannabidihydrophenanthrene (4), coelonin (5), hircinol (6), erianthridin (7), 4,5-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (8), eulophiol (9), and 2,4,7-trihydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (10), and a benzoxepin derivative bulbophylol B (11). Their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production activity and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radical-scavenging activity were examined. Among these compounds, 11 exhibited the most potent activity toward NO production inhibition activity and radical-scavenging activity; moreover, 11 reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression.     

Two new neolignan glycosides from leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Osmanthus heterophyllus</Emphasis>

Two new neolignan glycosides, (7R, 8R)-threo-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4′-sinapyl ether 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and (7S, 8R)-5-methoxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), and four known ones (3–6), were isolated from the leaves of Osmanthus heterophyllus. The structures of compounds 1–6 were established on the basis of spectral and chemical data.     

Chalcones isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Angelica keiskei</Emphasis> and their inhibition of IL-6 production in TNF-α-stimulated MG-63 cell

Six chalcone compounds, 2′,4′,4-trihydroxy-3′-[2-hydroxy-7-methyl-3-methylene-6-octaenyl]chalcone (1), 2′,4′,4-trihydroxy-3′-geranylchalcone (2), 2′,4′,4-trihydroxy-3′-[6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,7-octadienyl]chalcone (3), 2′,4-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-3′-[2-hydroperoxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl]chalcone (4), 2′,4-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-3′-geranylchalcone (5), and 2′,4-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-3′-[3-methyl-3-butenyl]chalcone (6) were isolated from the leaves of Angelica keiskei K (Umbelliferae). The structure of each isolated compound was determined using spectroscopic methods. Among the isolates, compounds 1–3 appeared to have potent inhibitory activity of IL-6 production in TNF-α-stimulated MG-63 cell, while compounds 4–6 did not. The distinct structural difference between compounds 1–3 and 4–6 was the presence of C-4′ hydroxyl group in the chalcone moiety. Our results imply that the inhibitory activity of IL-6 production in TNF-α-stimulated MG-63 cell may be affected by the presence of C-4′ hydroxyl group in the chalcone moiety.     

A new phenolic glycoside syringate from the bark of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans mandshurica</Emphasis> MAXIM. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">sieboldiana</Emphasis> MAKINO

A new phenolic glycoside syringate, 4′-hydroxy-2′,6′-dimethoxyphenol 1-O-β-d-(6-O-syringoyl) glucopyranoside (1), together with two known ones, 2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxyphenol 1-O-β-d-(6-O-syringoyl) glucopyranoside (2) and 4′-hydroxy-2′-methoxyphenol 1-O-β-d-(6-O-syringoyl) glucopyranoside (3), were isolated from the bark of Juglans mandshurica MAXIM. var. sieboldiana MAKINO. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical data.     

Immunosuppressive effects of new cyclolanostane triterpene diglycosides from the aerial part of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cimicifuga foetida</Emphasis>

Two new cyclolanostane diglycosides, cimifoetiside A (1) and cimifoetiside B (2), were isolated from an 80% ethanolic extract of the aerial part of Cimicifuga foetida L. (Ranuculaceae). Using spectral data and chemical analysis, the structures of 1 and 2 were identified as (23R, 24S) cimicigenol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″→3′)-β-D-xylopyranoside and (23R, 24S) cimicigenol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″→2′)-β-D-xylopyranoside, respectively. The in vitro immunosuppressive effects of the two new compounds 1 and 2, as well as four other known cyclolanostane saponins 3–6 on T cells were evaluated. All the agents tested effectively inhibited the proliferation of murine splenocytes induced by Concanavalin A (ConA), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 12.7 nM to 33.3 nM.     

A new abietane diterpenoid from Isodon inflexus

A new ent-abietane diterpenoid, 3α,6β-dihydroxy-7,17-dioxo-ent-abieta-15(16)-ene (1), and three known ent-kaurane diterpenids, kamebacetal A (2), kamebakaurin (3), and excisanin A (4), and a known triterpenoid, ursolic acid (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of Isodon inflexus. Their chemical structures were determined by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data including 1D-and 2D-NMR experiments. All isolates (1–5) were evaluated for their potential to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells. Of these, compounds 1–4 inhibited the production of NO with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.0 to 26.5 μM.     

Iridoid glucoside, (3<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)-oct-1-en-3-ol glycosides,and phenylethanoid from the aerial parts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caryopteris incana</Emphasis>

Eleven compounds of interest were isolated from the aerial parts of Caryopteris incana, specifically a new acyl derivative (3) of 8-O-acetylharpagide, two new (3R)-oct-1-en-3-ol glycosides (5, 6), and 6-O-caffeoylphlinoside A (11) along with seven known compounds, 8-O-acetylharpagide (1), 6′-O-p-coumaroyl-8-O-acetylharpagide (2), (3R)-oct-1-en-3-ol (matsutake alcohol) O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1″ → 6′)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), apigenin 7-O-neohesperidinoside (7), 6′-O-caffeoylarbutin (8), and two phenylethanoids, leucosceptoside A (9) and phlinoside A (10). This paper deals with structural elucidation of the new compounds.     

Five new glycosides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypericum erectum</Emphasis> Thunb.

Five new glycosides, quercetin 3′-O-β-d-galactopyranoside (1), quercetin 3-O-(2″-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), 4,6-dihydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), 4-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl 1-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (4) and 3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), were isolated from Hypericum erectum Thunb. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical data.     

Studies on the constituents from the fruits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaleria macrocarpa</Emphasis>

From the fruits of Phaleria macrocarpa, icariside C₃ (1), phalerin (2), and mangiferin (3) were isolated and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data. Icariside C₃ (1) showed a slow vasorelaxant activity against noradrenaline-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta. The structure of phalerin (2) was revised as 2,4′,6-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-2-O-β-d-glucoside.     

New isoflavone glycosides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Iris spuria</Emphasis> L. (Calizona) cultivated in Egypt

Two new isoflavone glycosides, tectorigenin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside-4′-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1″″ → 6′′′)-β-d-glucopyranoside] (1) and iristectorigenin B 4′-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1′′′ → 6″)-β-d-glucopyranoside] (2), together with 11 known compounds, including six isoflavones, tectorigenin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), tectorigenin 4′-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1′′′ → 6″)-β-d-glucopyranoside] (4), tectorigenin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), genistein 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), tectorigenin 4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), and tectorigenin (8); two phenolic acid glycosides, vanillic acid 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9) and glucosyringic acid (10); a phenylpropanoid glycoside, E-coniferin (11); an auronol derivative, maesopsin 6-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (12); and a pyrrole derivative, 4-(2-formyl-5-hydroxymethylpyrrol-1-yl) butyric acid (13), were isolated from fresh Iris spuria (Calizona) rhizomes. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Inhibitory effects on the activation of Epstein–Barr virus early antigen were examined for compounds 1–8 and 12.     

Two new phenolic glycosides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syringa reticulata</Emphasis>

Two new phenolic glycosides—3′-O-β-d-glucopyranosysalidroside (1) and cis-echinacoside (2)—together with four known ones—forsythoside B (3), decaffeoylacteoside (4), osmanthuside F (5) and (−)-olivil-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6)—were isolated from the leaves of Syringa reticulata. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical data.     

Free radical scavenging and antielastase activities of flavonoids from the fruits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thuja orientalis</Emphasis>

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of Thuja orientalis fruits using a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay led to the isolation of 9 flavonoids: cupressuflavone (1), amentoflavone (2), robustaflavone (3), afzelin (4), (+)-catechin (5), quercitrin (6), hypolaetin 7-O-β-xylopyranoside (7), isoquercitrin (8) and myricitrin (9). Their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses. The free radical scavenging and human neutrophil elastase (HNE) inhibitory activities were evaluated for the isolated compounds. By DPPH scavenging assay, compounds 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 showed anti-oxidant activities with IC₅₀ values of 28.66, 31.19, 18.30, 26.63 and 15.10 μM, respectively. By ABTS [2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt] scavenging assay, these compounds also exhibited potent anti-oxidant activities with IC₅₀ values of 6.77, 13.96, 6.97, 22.79 and 9.96 μM, respectively. Of note, compounds 1, 2 and 3 showed significant HNE inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 8.09, 1.27 and 1.33 μM, respectively.