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Three new cassane-type diterpenes, 14-dehydroxy-12,16-dihydrocaesaldekarin L ( 1), 1-deacetyl-12-ethoxyneocaesalpin N ( 2), and 1-deacetylneocaesalpin N ( 3), together with two known cassane-type diterpenes, neocaesalpin A and neocaesalpin L, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the twigs and leaves of Caesalpinia minax. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, as well as by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel bibenzyl trigonopols A (1) and B (2), together with seven known compounds, gigantol (3), tristin (4), moscatin (5), hircinol (6), naringenin (7), 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-ol (8), and ( - )-syringaresinol (9), have been isolated from the stems of Dendrobium trigonopus, of which compounds 6, 8, and 9 were isolated for the first time from this species. The structures of two new compounds were elucidated as threo-22-(17-hydroxyl-9-(3-hydroxyl-4-methoxy-phenethyl)-13,16,18-trimethoxy-21H-benzo[c]chromen-21-yl)ethane-22, 23-diol (1) and 9-(4-hydroxyl-3-methoxy-phenethyl)-17-(21-hydroxyl-20-methoxy-phenyl)chroman-11, 16-diol (2) on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Trigonopol A was found to exhibit antiplatelet aggregation activity in vitro with 67.55% inhibitory ration at 1.4337 × 10- 3 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

isolation and structure elucidation of three new diterpenes, 14-dehydroxy-12,16-dihydrocaesaldekarin L (I), 1-deacetyl-12-ethoxyneocaesalpin N (IIa), and 1-deacetylneocaesalpin N (Ib), along with two known cassane-type diterpenes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as a multifunctional hormone is secreted mainly from enteroendocrine L-cells, and enhancing its endogenous secretion has potential benefits of regulating glucose homeostasis and controlling body weight gain. In the present study, a novel polysaccharide (h-DHP) with high ability to enhance plasma GLP-1 level in mice was isolated from Dendrobium huoshanense protocorm-like bodies under the guidance of activity evaluation. Structural identification showed that h-DHP was an acidic polysaccharide with the molecular weight of 1.38 × 105 Da, and was composed of galactose, glucose, arabinose and glucuronic acid at a molar ratio of 15.7: 11.2: 4.5: 1.0 with a backbone consisting of →5)- α -L-Ara f -(1→, →3)- α -D-Gal p -(1→, →6)- α -D-Gal p -(1→, →3,6)- α -D-Gal p -(1→, →6)- β -D-Glc p -(1→ and →4,6)- β -D-Glc p -(1→ along with branches consisting of α -L-Ara f -(1→, α -D-Gal p -(1→, α -D-GlcA p -(1→, β -D-Glc p -(1→ and →4)- β -D-Glc p -(1→. Animal experiments with different administration routes demonstrated that h-DHP-enhanced plasma GLP-1 level was attributed to h-DHP-promoted GLP-1 secretion in the enteroendocrine L-cells, which was supported by h-DHP-enhanced extracellular GLP-1 level in STC-1 cells. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C indicated that cAMP and cAMP-triggered intracellular Ca2+ increase participated in h-DHP-promoted GLP-1 secretion. These results suggested that h-DHP has the potential of enhancing endogenous GLP-1 level through h-DHP-promoted and cAMP-mediated GLP-1 secretion from enteroendocrine cells. • An acidic branched polysaccharide (h-DHP) was isolated from Dendrobium huoshanense protocorm-like bodies. • h-DHP could efficiently promoted GLP-1 secretion from enteroendocrine L-cells into the circulation. • h-DHP triggered GLP-1 secretion through cAMP-mediated signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant component of green tea catechins and has strong physiological activities. In this study, two novel EGCG glycosides (EGCG-G1 and EGCG-G2) were chemoselectively synthesized by a chemical modification strategy. Each of these EGCG glycosides underwent structure identification, and the structures were assigned as follows: epigallocatechin gallate-4″-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (EGCG-G1, 2) and epigallocatechin gallate-4′,4″-O-β-D-gluco-pyranoside (EGCG-G2, 3). The EGCG glycosides were evaluated for their anticancer activity in vitro against two human breast cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) using MTT assays. The inhibition rate of EGCG glycosides (EGCG-G1 and EGCG-G2) is not obvious. The EGCG glycosides are more stable than EGCG in aqueous solutions, but exhibited decreasing antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical-scavenging assay (EGCG > EGCG-G2 > EGCG-G1). Additionally, the EGCG glycosides exhibited increased water solubility: EGCG-G2 and EGCG-G1 were 15 and 31 times as soluble EGCG, respectively. The EGCG glycosides appear to be useful, and further studies regarding their biological activity are in progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry eye is one of the most common ocular surface diseases caused by tear film instability and ocular surface damage due to an abnormal quality or quantity of tears. Inflammatory factors can initiate relevant transduction signalling pathways and trigger the inflammatory cascade response, resulting in ocular surface inflammation. It has been shown that the active ingredients in Dendrobium, such as polysaccharides, alkaloids and phenols, have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and immunity-boosting effects, and Dendrobium officinale extract can improve glandular secretion function, increase salivary secretion and increase the expression level of water channel protein in salivary glands in patients with dry eye syndromes. We investigated the in vitro cytoprotective effect of Dendrobium extracts in sodium chloride induced hyperosmotic conditions in human cornea keratocytes (HKs). Results showed that Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo water extract (DOW) and Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe water extract (DLW) could upregulate the expression of aquaporins (AQP)5 protein, thus exerting a repairing effect by promoting cell migration. Furthermore, oral administration of DOW and DLW enhanced tear production in rats and exerted a protective effect on ocular surface damage. DOW and DLW could upregulate the expression of AQP5 and mucin (muc)5ac proteins in the lacrimal gland and reduce the inflammatory response. DOW and DLW inhibited the activation of the corresponding mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and NF-KB pathway, thereby playing a role in improving dry eye symptoms. This study provides a new perspective on dry eye treatment, and DOW and DLW may be potential therapeutic agents for dry eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polysaccharide (MSP-1) was isolated from the fruiting body of Morchella sextelata and purified using DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-75. The molecular weight of MSP-1 was 1.17 × 104 Da, as detected by HPLC analysis. The monosaccharide composition of MSP-1 was mannose and glucose at a ratio of 1.00: 1.25. Methylation and NMR results revealed that the backbone of MSP-1 was composed of →4)- β -D-Man p -(1→, →4)- β -D-Glc p -(1→, →4)- α -D-Glc p -(1→, and →4, 6)- α -D-Glc p -(1→. SEM images of MSP-1 presented a dense network structure with porous characterizations. The immunomodulatory activities of MSP-1 were evaluated using RAW264.7 cells, and the results showed that MSP-1 promoted proliferative and phagocytic activity and increased the production of NO, TNF- α and IL-6. These results indicated that MSP-1 exhibited significant immunomodulatory activities. • A novel heteropolysaccharide (MSP-1) was purified from the fruiting body of Morchella sextelata. • The complete structure of M. sextelata polysaccharide was exhibited for the first time in the present study. • The 3D structure of MSP-1 presented a dense network structure with porous characterizations. • MSP-1 exhibited strong immunomodulatory activities by promoting proliferative and phagocytic activity and obviously increasing the production of NO, TNF- α and IL-6 on RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the active polysaccharides from Dendrobium devonianum , a novel O -acetylmannan (DDP-1) with molecular weight of 117 kDa was isolated from D. devonianum. The chemical and instrumental analysis indicated that the DDP-1 was a homopolysaccharide containing a backbone chain composed of →4)- β - d -Man p -(1 → (71.4%) residue with internal →4)-2- O -acetyl- β - d -Manp-(1 → (14.2%), →4)-3- O -acetyl- β - d -Man p -(1 → (7.1%), and non-reducing end β - d -Man p -(1 → (7.3%) residues. Anticancer assay in vitro revealed that DDP-1 had anticancer activity against the growth of HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cells. Moreover, cytokine secretion assays also presented that DDP-1 can promote cytokine production of TNF- α and IL-6 in THP-1 macrophage stimulated by PMA. Finally, the effects of isolation and purification on the microstructure of DDP-1 was studied by scanning electron microscope. The morphological features of DDP-1 indicated that DDP-1 hold high potential application in hydrophilic polymer materials. Structural characterization and biological evaluation of an key O -acetyl-1,4-linked- β - d -mannan from Dendrobium devonianum. [Display omitted] • The fine structure of Dendrobium devonianum polysaccharide was firstly elucidated. • Anticancer assay in vitro revealed that DDP-1 had cytotoxic activity against the growth of HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cells. • DDP-1 presented remarkable immune-enhancing properties in vitro. • The microstructure features of DDP-1 indicated that DDP-1 hold high potential application in hydrophilic polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nanovaccines have shown the promising potential in controlling and eradicating the threat of infectious diseases worldwide. There has been a great need in developing a versatile strategy to conveniently construct diverse types of nanovaccines and induce potent immune responses. To that end, it is critical for obtaining a potent self-adjuvant platform to assemble with different types of antigens into nanovaccines. Results: In this study, we identified a new natural polysaccharide from the rhizomes of Bletilla striata (PRBS), and used this polysaccharide as a platform to construct diverse types of nanovaccines with potent self-adjuvant property. In the construction process of SARS-CoV-2 nanovaccine, PRBS molecules and RBD protein antigens were assembled into ~ 300 nm nanoparticles by hydrogen bond. For HIV nanovaccine, hydrophobic effect dominantly drove the co-assembly between PRBS molecules and Env expression plasmid into ~ 350 nm nanospheres. Importantly, PRBS can potently activate the behaviors and functions of multiple immune cells such as macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells. Depending on PRBS-mediated immune activation, these self-adjuvant nanovaccines can elicit significantly stronger antigen-specific antibody and cellular responses in vivo, in comparison with their corresponding traditional vaccine forms. Moreover, we also revealed the construction models of PRBS-based nanovaccines by analyzing multiple assembly parameters such as bond energy, bond length and interaction sites. Conclusions: PRBS, a newly-identified natural polysaccharide which can co-assemble with different types of antigens and activate multiple critical immune cells, has presented a great potential as a versatile platform to develop potent self-adjuvant nanovaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new C21 steroidal glycoside, 5β,6β-epoxy-glaucogenin C-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-oleandropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-oleandropyranoside, named inamoside D (1), was isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Cynanchum inamoenum (Maxim.) Loes (Asclepiadaceae). In addition, five known compounds, including 7-demethoxytylophorine (2), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol γ'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-α-d-(6-O-sinapoyl)-glucopyranoside (4), neohancoside C (5), and cuchiloside (6), have also been isolated. The structure of 1 was determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopies. All the compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the diversified glycan modifications, acylation is one of the most abundant. This modification could be responsible for many of the properties of glycans, such as structural stability and specificity for biological activity. To obtain better insight into the effects of acetylation of glycans on the structure and thermostability of insulin, it is critical to investigate glycans with a high degree of acetylation. An in-depth study of three functional glycans named acetyl-mannan from Dendrobium devonianum (DDAM) was conducted herein by efficient enzymatic depolymerization, and the effect of glycosidic bonds on acetylation modification sites was studied through a molecular dynamics (MD) method, as well as its positive effect on insulin secretion, glucose uptake, and the thermal stability of tertiary structures in vitro. Further study indicated that DDAMs play a hypoglycemic role by sparking the thermostability of the insulin conformation. The hypoglycemic activity displayed a positive correlation with the degree of acetylation in DDAMs. In this work, through the MD method, we confirmed the structure characteristics of DDAMs and provided accurate data support for the structure-activity relationship analysis. Thus, these findings demonstrated that DDAMs might be an exceptional leading compound for the stability of insulin drug. • Through the MD method, we have determined the optimal location for acetylation and the structure of natural complex glycan. • After treatment with DDAMs, the mechanism of hypoglycemic may be related to the increased thermostability of the insulin. • The SAR results suggest that the hypoglycemic activity shown a positive correlation with the degree of acetylation in DDAMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interactions between glycan and lipid soluble molecule (zeaxanthin) are non-covalent. • The mechanism of interaction of zeaxanthin and corn silk glycans was enthalpy driven. • The interaction proved a positive role in hypoglycemic effect and the nutrient base. • The mechanism of hypoglycemic related to the thermostability of insulin and glycans. Glycans in corn silk could interact with co-existing small molecules during its absorption, digestion, and biological process. In order to understand the exact mechanism of action of zeaxanthin, it is critical to investigate the biomolecular interactions, which were necessary to form a glycan-small molecule complex and yet produce the bioactive effect. So far, the in-depth study of these natural interactions has not been fully elucidated. Here, we probed that the molecular interaction between zeaxanthin (ZEA) and glycans from corn silk (CSGs) was driven by enthalpy. More importantly, it was the first time found that CSGs can bind to lipid-soluble ZEA could be binded with CSGs. It was the first report on the thermostability of insulin structure and natural glycans. This study should facilitate our understanding of the interaction between lipid soluble molecules and glycans, and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the nutrient base in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (DO) on a desiccated environment-induced experimental dry eye rat model and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: The Sprague-Dawley rats were kept in low-humidity environment and received constant airflow for 8 weeks to establish the experimental dry eye model. DO water extract (DOW, 372 mg/kg/day) was orally administered daily for 8 weeks. Schirmer's test was used to measure the tear fluid production at days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56. At the end of experiment, lacrimal gland tissues and eyeballs were collected for hematoxylin and eosin staining, PAS staining, and immunohistochemical staining. Inflammatory cytokines in conjunctiva including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were measured by real-time PCR. The aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression in lacrimal gland was also determined using Western blot assay. Results: DOW treatment (DOWT) increased the tear production of rats significantly in the desiccated environment at day 42. Histological analysis revealed that DOW could reverse destruction of conjunctiva and increase goblet cell number and mucin expression in the experimental dry eye rats. In dry eye rats, desiccated environment and constant airflow induced TNF-α and IL-1β production in the conjunctiva, whereas DOWT reversed the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, DOWT increased the expression of AQP5 at protein level in the lacrimal gland tissues in both desiccated and normal environmental conditions. Conclusion: The present study suggests that DO has therapeutic potential on dry eye symptoms through upregulating AQP5 expression, increasing tear production, inhibiting conjunctiva destruction and inflammation, as well as promoting mucin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total synthesis of dryocrassin ABBA and analogue structures with potential inhibitory activity against drug-resistant neuraminidases. • Total synthesis of dryocrassin ABBA was achieved in nine steps with an over-all yield of 4.6%. • Dryocrassin ABBA and analogue structures have beneficial effects on treating avian influenza neuraminidases. • The AB cycle is high active against Anhui N9. The stems of Dryopteris crassirhizoma , one of the main components of Lianhua-Qingwen Formula (LQF) was traditionally used for heat-clearing and detoxifying. Dryocrassin ABBA is a key antiviral component in the herbal medicine while the compound is hard to get in large amounts with the features of homologous compounds, polyphenol groups, and low contents. Therefore, the present work aims to seek influenza H7N9 virus inhibitors from natural source by synthesis of dryocrassin ABBA and its analogues. As a result, total synthesis of the compound was achieved in nine steps with an over-all yield of 4.6%. Neuraminidases (NAs) inhibitory activities of the synthesized product and its analogues were evaluated afterward. Comparing with the positive control, OSV (9.6 μM), it was very exciting that dryocrassin ABBA and its analogues (b5 and e2) showed better NAs inhibitory activity against Anhui H7N9 with IC 50 values of 3.6 μM, 2.5 μM and 1.6 μM. For the highly resistant Shanghai N9, these compounds can also show medium inhibitory activities. Docking results indicated the direct interaction of synthesized 3 hits with the key K294 by hydrogen bonds, but no direct interaction of OSV with the key K294 was observed in Shanghai N9. This study suggested that dryocrassin ABBA and its analogues especially AB , which consisted of polyphenol groups may have beneficial effects on treating avian influenza H7N9 virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new monoterpenoids, including two new acyclic monoterpenoids (2R, 6R)-2, 6-dimethyl-8-isovaleroxyoctan-1-ol (1) and (2S, 6S)-2, 6-dimethyl-8-isovaleroxyoctan-1-ol (2), as well as two new iridoids stenopterins F-G (3 and 4), together with fifteen known compounds (5–19), were isolated from whole dried material of Valeriana stenoptera. Stenopterin F was the first reported iridoids with n-butoxyl in the Valerianaceae family. The structures of new compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A series of novel biotinylated camptothecin derivatives were synthesized. • The key of the synthesis was achieved byClick chemistry. • All of the new derivatives were tested for cytotoxicities. • Biotinylated camptothecin derivatives were discussed for exploring novel anticancer agents. Abstract A series of biotinylated camptothecin derivatives were designed and synthesized. The key to the synthesis was achieved by employing an esterification reaction and click chemistry. All of the new derivatives were tested for cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines, including HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480 with IC 50 values ranging from 0.13 to 21.53 μM. Most of the derivatives exhibited potent cytotoxicity, especially compound 17 (IC 50 = 0.13–3.31 μM) and compound 18 (IC 50 = 0.23–1.48 μM), which exhibited the highest potencies. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the biotinylated camptothecin derivatives were discussed for exploring novel anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes was usually caused by inadequate secretion of insulin or insulin resistance in tissues and organs. About 90% diabetes belongs to type 2 diabetes, which is seriously harmful to human health. Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) target have attracted much attention because of its ability to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D). Clinical application of chemical synthetic medicines has different degrees of side effects. Therefore, the present evaluation aims to seek DPP‐IV inhibitors as the source of natural products. DPP‐IV inhibitory activities of eight natural products and a structural modification of mangostin (eight chromone of 1–8 and iridoid glycoside for 9) were evaluated by this manuscript at the enzyme level. As a result, three chromones of 2 (a modified mangostin), 3 (mangiferin) and 5 (breviscapin) showed moderate DPP‐IV inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 69.27 μM, 44.19 μM, and 49.53 μM via the use of the fluorescence‐based method (0.25 mM, 0.34 mM and 0.85 mM for the chromogenic substrate method). This study suggests that natural products, which mainly consist by chromone that generated from Mango and Scutellaria baicalensis may have beneficial effects on treating T2D. Two natural products which derived from Mango and Scutellaria baicalensis showed inhibitory activities against DPP‐IV. A modified mangostin was also identified with inhibitory activity. The results indicated that these natural products can play prophylactic or therapeutic roles against T2D (type 2 diabetes) and provided structurally different skeletons to develop new drugs in the treatment of T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten previously undescribed stilbenoids, including six bibenzyls (bleochrins A–F, 1 – 6 ), three phenanthrenes derivatives (bleochrins G–J, 7 – 10 ) along with eleven known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Bletilla ochracea Schltr. The structural characterizations of 1 – 21 were accomplished by spectroscopic data, while the absolute stereostructure of 6 was confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analyses. All isolated metabolites except 7 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW480). Four isolates exhibited significant inhibitory ability against HL-60, SMMC-7721, and MCF-7 cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 0.79 to 6.57 μM. The isolates were tested further for inhibitory effects on the NO production of the liposaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and showed activity with IC 50 values at 15.29–24.02 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new dihydrophenanthrenofuran, bleochranols A–D ( 1 – 4 ), along with 21 known compounds including phenanthrenes ( 5 – 14 ) and bibenzyls ( 15 – 25 ) were isolated and elucidated from the rhizomes of Bletilla ochracea . Combination of 1D/2D NMR techniques and the Electronic Circular Dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy based on the empirical helicity rules, chemical structure of those isolates were determined. All the compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW480 human cancer cell lines by MTS assay and anti-inflammatory activity by nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the 25 tested compounds, bleochranol A ( 1 ) showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against HL-60, A-549, and MCF-7 with IC 50 values of 0.24 ± 0.03, 3.51 ± 0.09 and 3.30 ± 0.99 μM respectively. The anti-inflammatory assay showed that compound 12 exhibited most potential activity against NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC 50 2.86 ± 0.17 μM. The results indicated that the main chemical constituents of B. ochracea were phenanthrene and bibenzyl and similar to that of B. striata . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel arabinogalactan (MOP-1) was isolated from leaves of Moringa oleifera and was purified by macro-porous resin, DEAE-52 Cellulose and Sepharose 6B gel filtration chromatography. High performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) analysis showed that the molecular weight of MOP-1 was 7.65 × 10 7  Da. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that sugar composition is Rha: Ara: Gal in a molar ratio of 1:7.32:12.12. Structural analysis indicated that MOP-1 has a backbone of →1)- β - d -Gal p -(3,4→ with highly branched chains at O-4 position. The branches were composed of →1)- β - d -Gal p -(4→, →1)- α - d -Gal p -(2→, Ara f -(1→, Gal p -(1→. Its antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging capacity, 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results indicated MOP-1 exhibited significant antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bibenzyl derivative, dendrocandin V ( 1 ) and a new sesquiterpene amino ether, wardianumine A ( 2 ), together with eleven known compounds, including phenanthrenes (denbinobin ( 3 ), 9,10-dihydro-denbinobin ( 4 ), mostatin ( 5 ), loddigesiinols A ( 6 )), bibenzyls (moscatilin ( 7 ), 5-hydroxy-3,4′-dimethoxybibenzyl ( 8 ), 3,4-dihydroxy-5,4′-dimethoxy bibenzyl ( 9 ), dendrocandin A ( 10 ), gigantol ( 11 ), dendrocandin U ( 12 )) and an alkaloids (dihydroshihunine, 13 ) were isolated from the EtOH extraction of stems of Dendrobium wardianum Warner. Isolation of the new compound 2 indicated that N , N -dimethylethanolamine as the key adduction in the synthesis of dendroxine and its analogs in Dendrobium species. The hypothetical biosynthetic pathway of 2 was then postulated. Inspired by literature and traditional usage of the herbal medicine, some compounds were sent for cytotoxic activity and the results indicated that compounds 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 showed cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW-480) with IC50 from 2.33–38.48 μM. Among those compounds, 3 and 4 showed cell line selectivity with strong activity comparable to DDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo (DO) is a valuable Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish stomach, in which polysaccharides are identified as active ingredients. However, limited scientific evidences have been reported on the gastroprotective efficacy of DO. The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanism of polysaccharides from DO(DOP) on gastric mucosal injury. Material and methods For in vitro study, HFE145 cells were pretreated with DOP before induction of cell apoptosis by H 2 O 2 . Cell apoptosis and related proteins expression were detected. In the in vivo study, absolute ethanol was administered orally to induce gastric mucosal injury in rat. The gastric mucosal injury area and histological examination were used to evaluate the effects of DOP treatment on the recovery of the gastric mucosal injury. Results H 2 O 2 treatment for 6 h significantly induced cell apoptosis in HFE145 cells. However, the destructive effects of H 2 O 2 on HFE 145 cells could be reversed by the pretreatment with DOP. The increased ROS level induced by H 2 O 2 for 4 h was reduced after DOP pretreatment. The number of apoptotic cells in both early and late apoptosis stages decreased significantly and the nuclei morphology changes were improved with DOP pretreatment. Furthermore, DOP inhibited caspase 3 activation and PARP cleavage, downregulated Bax expression and upregulated Bcl2 expression in cell model. Further study revealed that pretreatment of DOP inhibited p -NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 level, indicating DOP inhibited H 2 O 2 -mediated apoptosis via suppression of NF-κB activation. In addition, DOP treatment could ameliorate gastric mucosal injury and inhibit mucin loss induced by ethanol in animal model. DOP treatment also interfered with ethanol-induced apoptosis process by downregulating Bax/Bcl2 ratio in gastric mucosa. Conclusions The present study was the first one to demonstrate the gastroprotective effect of DOP through inhibiting oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. This study provided a solid evidence for the potential use of DO as a therapy or health supplement for gastric mucosal diseases [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new triterpenoids, patrinolides B-D ( 1 – 3 ), and two new iridoids, patriscabioins K–L ( 9 – 10 ), together with five known compounds ( 4 – 8 ) were isolated from the extract of the whole plants of Patrinia scabiosaefolia . Compounds 1 , 9 , and 10 contained the unique substituents in Valerianaceae family, such as isovalery and 3-methylcrotonyl. Compound 2 was a 24-nor-ursane triterpenoid. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR). The inhibitory activities against nitric oxide synthase (NOS) of all triterpenoids were tested. The results showed that compound 4 had moderate inhibitory activity with IC 50 of 10.1 μM. Furthermore, it also showed strongest inhibitory activities on AChE with IC 50 values of 10.0 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycans play a crucial role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In terms of skin, the sugar chain length, monosaccharide composition and structure of glycans change with age, and thus the changes in glycogens in skin cells are a potential biomarker of aging. The exogenous addition of structurally defined glycans is of great importance for delaying the skin aging process. Fortunately, a functional glycan named manno-oligosaccharide (DOMOS) from Dendrobium officinale was obtained herein by efficient enzymatic depolymerization and exerts anti-aging effects on human skin in vitro and in vivo together with human clinical studies. Further studies show that DOMOS exerts anti-aging effects by triggering the ECM process through a TGF- β /Smad-SIRT1 signalling pathway. This is the first study to concentrate on the beneficial effects of glycan degradation by a highly specific method on skin aging and provides an all-new solution to the skin aging problem that people are most concerned about. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) "Shihu" has a long history of medicinal use in China from some species of Dendrobium. D. officinale is a major source of "Shihu" and is widely cultivated in south of China and listed separately as "Tiepi Shihu" by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia in now time. Traditionally, D. officinale has been widely used in daily health care and the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases. In order to better develop and utilize D. officinale , we conducted this systematic review of previous studies, showed clear structure of all isolates from D. officinale together with pharmacological progress, hoping to provide references for further research and utilization. In addition, specific display of the chemical components and the research progress of related activities can help to better understand the traditional records and modern pharmaceutical applications of the plant medicine. Information on phytochemistry and pharmacological studies of D. officinale was collected from various scientific databases including Web of Science, SciFinder, ACS, Springer, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and CNKI. More than 180 compounds isolated from D. officinale , including bibenzyls, phenols, phenylpropanoids, lignans, flavonoids and polysaccharides are listed in this review. Furthermore, modern pharmacological researches such as hypoglycemia, immune regulation, antioxidant, cardiovascular regulation and gastrointestinal protection are summarized. Based on the summary of the research work of D. officinale , we systematically show the chemical composition of the plant, and concluded the relationship of those composition with plant habitat together with the relationship between the structure of chemical components and pharmacological activity. Moreover, we suggest that some of small molecule compounds could also be quality control of D. officinale besides polysaccharides. [Display omitted] • D. officinale is widely used in Asia as a precious folk herbal medicine or health food. • Traditional application of D. officinale and modern diseases, especially diabetes, were discussed. • Active ingredients and their action mechanism of D. officinale were systematically summarized. • The relationship between habitat and chemical composition of D. officinale was discussed. • This review intends to provide a comprehensive understanding and appraisal of D. officinale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new cycloartane triterpenoids, 1 α ,3 β -dihydroxy-16-keto-24(31)-en-cycloartane ( 1) , 31-methoxyl-passifloic acid ( 2 ), cyclopassifloside XIV ( 3 ), and cyclopassifloside XV ( 4 ), together with six known compounds ( 5 – 10 ) were isolated from Passiflora edulis Sims. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for protective effects against damage of PC12 cell induced by glutamate according to traditional usage of the herbal medicine, and the results indicated that cycloartane triterpenoids maybe one of the active compositions of P. edulis Sims for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new oleanane-type triterpene saponins including steganogenin 3- O - β -D-glucopyranoside ( 1 ), steganogenin 3- O - α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucopyranoside ( 2 ), steganogenin 3- O - β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucopyranoside ( 3 ), chichipegenin 3- O - α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucopyranoside ( 4 ) and chichipegenin 3- O - β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β -D-glucopyranoside ( 5 ), along with four known oleanane-type triterpenes and triterpene saponins ( 6 – 9 ) were isolated from EtOH extract of the whole plant of Hydrocotyle nepalensis . To the best of our knowledge, oleanane-type triterpenes possessing skeleton with 17, 22- seco -backbone ( 1 – 3 ) are not common in natural products. Compound 8 was isolated as a new natural product. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of all the isolates against five selected human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW480) was evaluated and the results indicated that compounds 6 and 7 show stronger cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volvalerine A ( 1 ), a novel N -containing bisesquiterpenoid derivative with a dihydroisoxazole ring, and its possible biosynthetic precursor, 1-hydroxy-1,11,11-trimethyldecahydrocyclopropane azulene-10-one ( 2 ), were isolated from the roots of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia . Their structures and relative configurations were identified using spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neutral heteropolysaccharide (DOP-1-1) consisted by mannose and glucose (5.9:1) with an average molecular weight at about 1.78 × 10 5 Da was purified from Dendrobium officinale . Based on Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, it suggested that partial structure of DOP-1-1 is an O -acetylated glucomannan with β- d configuration in pyranose sugar forms. The immunomodulatory activity of DOP-1-1 was evaluated by secretion level of cytokine (interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α in vitro . Our results suggested that DOP-1-1 could stimulate cytokine production (TNF- α , IL-1β) in cells. These findings demonstrated that the purified polysaccharide from D. officinale presented significant immune-modulating activities. Furthermore, by Western-blot we can found that the signaling pathways of DOP-1-1 induced immune activities involving ERK1/2 and NF-кB. As to antioxidant activity, DOP-1-1 hadn’t showed remarkable scavenging capacity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in contrast with other studies of polysaccharides from D. officinale . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-one compounds (nine iridoids and twelve sesquiterpenoids), including ten previously unknown (five iridoids and five sesquiterpenoids) were isolated from whole dried material of Valeriana stenoptera . Structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and the relative stereochemistry of 13-hydroxypatchoulol A was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data. All isolates were evaluated for their effects on nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and seven compounds showed potent promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new iridoids, jatamanvaltrates R–S ( 1 – 2 ) and jatamanin Q ( 3 ), as well as three new sesquiterpenoids, valeriananoids D–E ( 4 , 5 ) and clovane-2 β -isovaleroxy-9 α -ol ( 6 ), together with nine known compounds were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi Jones. Compound 2 was the first reported iridoid with fatty acid esters in the Valerianaceae family. The structures of new compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, all the isolates were evaluated for inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of perbutyrylated glycosides of podophyllotoxin and its derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity in vitro. Most of them exhibit cytotoxic activity against a panel of five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, SW480) using MTT assays. Among the synthesized compounds, epipodophyllotoxin α- d -galactopyranoside 8b , epipodophyllotoxin α- d -arabinopyranoside 8e , and podophyllotoxin β- d -glucopyranoside 11a show the highest potency of anticancer activity with their IC 50 values ranging from 0.14 to 1.69 μM. Structure activity relationship analysis indicates that the type of glycosidic linkage, the configuration at C-4 of the podophyllotoxin scaffold, and the substitution at 4′-position (OH vs OCH 3 ) can all have significant effect on the potency of their anticancer activity. Several compounds are more active than the control drugs Etoposide and Cisplatin, suggesting their potential as anticancer agents for further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new bibenzyl derivatives, dendrocandin T (1) and dendrocandin U (2), together with eight known bibenzyls, were isolated from the stems ofDendrobium officinale. Those compounds were sent for the first time for central nervous system-related bioassay and the results indicated that compounds3,4, and5have a certain degree of neurite outgrowth-promoting activity, and compounds1,2,6, and7also have weak activity. The results indicated thatD. officinaleused as health food and traditional Chinese medicine “Tiepi Shihu” has a health function of neurotrophic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

One new phenanthrene, aphyllone A ( 1 ) and four new bibenzyl derivatives, aphyllone B ( 2 ) and aphyllals C–D ( 3 – 5 ), together with nine known compounds ( 6–14 ), were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium aphyllum (Roxb.) C. E. Fischer. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum calculations. Compounds 6 , 8 and 14 inhibited NO production at the concentration of 25 μM in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with the inhibition (%) of 32.48, 35.68, and 38.50. Compound 2 possessed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity with scavenging percentage of 87.97% at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioassay-guided chemical investigation of the stems of Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook led to the isolation of seven first reported bibenzyl dimers with a linkage of a methylene moiety, fimbriadimerbibenzyls A–G ( 1 – 7 ), together with a new dihydrophenanthrene derivative ( S )-2,4,5,9-tetrahydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene ( 8 ) and thirteen known compounds ( 9 – 21 ). The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic analysis. Biological evaluation of bibenzyl derivatives against five human cell lines indicated that seven of those compounds exhibited broad-spectrum and cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values ranging from 2.2 to 21.2 μM. Those rare bibenzyl dimers exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro and the cytotoxicity decreased as the number of oxygen-containing groups in the structure decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of natural saccharides, especially polysaccharides, in herb materials remains a challenge due to their complicated structures and high macromolecular masses. Currently available methods involve time-consuming and complicated operations, and present poor specificity. Here, a novel and rapid high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC)-based approach is described for quality assessment of saccharide-dominant herbal materials by simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of saccharide components. Dendrobium officinale, one of the rarest tonic herbs worldwide, was employed as the model herb in this study. First, a HPGPC fingerprint based on the molecular weight distribution of its carbohydrate components was established for qualitative identification of D. officinale. Then, HPGPC-guided dominant holistic polysaccharide marker was separated using ultra-filtration followed by HPGPC determination for quantitative evaluation of D. officinale. The experimental results suggest that this method is more efficient, stable, and convenient compared with the currently available methods for authentication and quality evaluation of D. officinale, and we expect the method will have similar advantages when used for quality control of other saccharide-dominant herbal materials and products. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three tigliane-type diterpenoids named excoecafolins A–C and two daphnane-type diterpenoids named excoecafolins D and E, together with 13 known compounds, were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Excoecaria acerifolia Didr. Their structures were elucidated through the analysis of the spectroscopic data. The anti-HIV-1 activity evaluation of five of these compounds showed that four possessed moderate anti-HIV-1 activities with EC50 0.258, 0.036, 0.046, and 0.978 ?M, SI >1,836.9, 431.1, 298.7, and >503.7, respectively. Additionally, the chemotaxonomic issue of the affinity correlation between Thymelaeceae and Euphorbiaceae is discussed based on the isolates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three new stilbenoids, 1-(4′-hydroxybenzyl)-imbricatin (1), (E)-4′-hydroxy-2′,3,3′,5-tetramethoxystilbene (2), and (E)-3,4′-dihydroxy-2,6-bis(4-hydroxybenzyl)-2′,3′,5-trimethoxystilbene (3), together with 15 known stilbene derivatives, were isolated from Pholidota yunnanensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. Furthermore, the inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production of the isolated compounds were examined in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) activated by lipopolysaccharide. The cytotoxicity of 18 compounds was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay. Among the tested compounds, eight stilbenoids, including three dihydrophenanthrenes, three stilbenes, and one bibenzyl derivative showed inhibitory effects on NO production without cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 4.07 to 7.77 μM, as compared to MG-132, which was used as a positive control (IC50 of 0.10 μM). One dihydrophenanthrene, phoyunnanin C (5), showed cytotoxic effects at the test concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nardokanshone A (1), a new type of sesquieterpenoid–chalcone hybird, with a 2,3-dihydrofuran ring fusing an aristolane-type sesquiterpenoid and a chalcone, along with its possible bioprecursor, kanshone C (2), together with four known flavones were isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by quantum chemical DFT calculations. The possible biosynthetic pathway of 1 was also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Various species of genus Passiflora have been used as traditional folk medicines owing to their sedative and anti-hypertensive properties. Passiflora edulis Sims most widely grown in the warm temperate for their fragrant fruits and their twigs and leaves are used as a folk medicine for treating both anxiety and nervousness in American countries. The present study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect and the active components of this plant. Materials and methods: The alcohol extracts of the stems (PES, 10 and 2g/kg of the plant materials) and leaves (PEL, 10 and 2g/kg of the plant materials) of Passiflora edulis Sims were orally administered to mice for 7 day. The animals were tested in the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). After behavioral assay of ethanol extract, phytochemical research of the stems and leaves (5.7kg) of Passiflora edulis Sims were developed and further bioactive verification of monomeric compounds were conducted. Results: There are mainly cycloartane triterpenoids and their saponins isolated from this plant, including two new cycloartane triterpenoid saponins named cyclopassifloside ХII (1) and ХIII (2), together with six known cycloartane triterpenoids, cyclopassifloic acids B and E, cyclopassiflosides II, VI, IX and XI. The ethanol extract of Passiflora edulis Sims together with isolated compounds cyclopassiflosides IX and XI may possess antidepressant-like effect. Conclusions: Cycloartane triterpenoid was one of the main compositions of Passiflora edulis Sims and possess antidepressant-like activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tianma (Rhizoma gastrodiae) is the dried rhizome of the plant Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae family). As a medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) its functions are to control convulsions, pain, headache, dizziness, vertigo, seizure, epilepsy and others. In addition, tianma is frequently used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders though the mechanism of action is widely unknown. Accordingly, this study was designed to examine the effects of tianma on the proteome metabolism in differentiated human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells to explore its specific effects on neuronal signaling pathways. Using an iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation)-based proteomics research approach, we identified 2390 modulated proteins, out of which 406 were found to be altered by tianma in differentiated human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. Based on the observed data, we hypothesize that tianma promotes neuro-regenerative signaling cascades by controlling chaperone/proteasomal degradation pathways (e.g. CALR, FKBP3/4, HSP70/90) and mobilizing neuro-protective genes (such as AIP5) as well as modulating other proteins (RTN1/4, NCAM, PACSIN2, and PDLIM1/5) with various regenerative modalities and capacities related to neuro-synaptic plasticity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gastrodia elata (tianma) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM) often used for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of tianma on the brain protein metabolism by quantitative proteomics to gain evidence for a direct relationship between tianma treatment and brain functions. One-year-old rats were treated with tianma (~2.5g/kg/day) for 3months and the brain tissue proteome was analyzed by using the iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification) technology. According to our results, the long-term treatment with tianma could modulate the brain protein metabolism at the proteome level by down-regulating the expressions of various proteins, such as Gnao1 and Dctn2, which are related to neuronal growth cone control and synaptic activities. In addition, tianma treatment also induced the up-regulation of molecular chaperons and proteins related to the misfolded protein response, like Anxa5, and also other proteins involved in Huntington''s disease (HD) (e.g. Pacsin1 and Arf3). Concluding, tianma could eventually contribute to activities related to synaptic plasticity and neuro-restorative processes and thus might be a novel candidate agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by regulating the brain proteome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Seven previously unreported daphnane-type diterpene esters named acutilobins A–G, together with 12 known ones, were isolated from EtOAc extract of Daphne acutiloba Rehd. Their structures were elucidated based on the spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 activities of these daphnane-type diterpene esters were evaluated through bioassays. Fourteen of these isolates exhibited definite cytotoxic activities against the five human tumor cell lines HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480. Additionally, anti-HIV-1 activities were observed in 13 daphnane-type diterpene esters, among which acutilobins A–G exhibited significant anti-HIV-1 activities with EC50 below 1.5nM and SI over 10,000. Particularly, genkwanineVIII showed the strongest activity with EC50 0.17nM and SI 187,010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ten undescribed picrotoxane-type sesquiterpenoids, dendrowardins A–J, together with two known ones, were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium wardianum Warner (Orchidaceae). Dendrowardins A–D feature the unusual 5,2- δ -lactone and additionally dendrowardins C–D are the first examples containing the 11,10- γ -lactone moiety. The structures were established using spectroscopic methods and by comparison with literature data. Further, dendrowardin E, amotin, and aduncin exhibited significant effects of promoting the proliferation on human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) induced by D-galactose. [Display omitted] • Ten undescribed picrotoxane-type sesquiterpenoids dendrowardins A–J. • Picrotoxane sesquiterpenoids contain 5,2- δ -lactone and 11,10-γ-lactone moiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of mollugin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized using a copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of corresponding O-propargylated mollugin with aryl azides. All the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, SW480, and MCF-7) using MTS assays. Among the synthesized series, most of them showed cytotoxicity and most of all, compounds 14 and 17 exhibited significant cytotoxicity of all five cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two structurally unique sesquiterpenoids, dendrowardols A (1) and B (2), both possessing an unprecedented 5/7/4 tricyclic ring system, together with a known biogenetically related sesquiterpenoid, 10β,12,14-trihydroxy alloaromadendrane (3), were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium wardianum Warner. The structures of 1 and 2 were established on the basis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 and the relative configuration of 2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. The hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of 1 and 2 were postulated. The effect on the proliferation of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) induced by d-galactose of compound 2 was evaluated by an MTT assay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Natural inhibitors of fatty acid synthase (FAS) are emerging as potential therapeutic agents to treat cancer and obesity. The bioassay-guided chemical investigation of the hulls of Garcinia mangostana led to the isolation of 13 phenolic compounds (1–13) mainly including xanthone and benzophenone, in which compounds 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were isolated from this plant for the first time and compound 9 was a new natural product. These isolates possess strong inhibitory activity of FAS with the IC50 values ranging from 1.24 to 91.07μM. The study indicates that two types of natural products, xanthones and benzophenones, could be considered as promising FAS inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Structural characterization of two polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale were described. • DOP performed the hypoglycemic activity via stimulating GLP-1 secretion in STZ-induced diabetic rats and STC-1 cells. • Ca2+/CaM/CaMKII and MAPK pathways might involve in the intracellular DOP-induced GLP-1 secretion. • The repeated unit of backbone of DOP-1 and DOP-2 might be the effective unit of DOP-induced GLP-1 secretion. Two polysaccharides, named DOP-1 and DOP-2, with molecular weights of 6.8 kDa and 14.3 kDa, respectively, were isolated and purified from the stems of Dendrobium officinale. Monosaccharide composition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, methylation, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses indicated that DOP-1 and DOP-2 may have a backbone consisted of →4)- β - d -Glcp-(1→, →4)- β - d -Manp-(1→, →4)-2- O -acetyl- β - d -Manp-(1→ and →4)-3- O -acetyl- β - d -Manp-(1→. In vivo assays showed that D. officinale polysaccharides (DOPs) exerted significant hypoglycemic effects accompanying increased serum insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Further in vitro experiments showed that DOP-induced GLP-1 secretion was inhibited by an intracellular calcium chelator, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) II inhibitor, a specific calcium-sensing receptor antagonist, and a p38-mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) inhibitor. These results indicated that DOPs may decrease fasting blood sugar levels by stimulating GLP-1 secretion and that intracellular DOP-induced GLP-1 secretion involved the Ca2+/calmodulin/CaMKII and MAPK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two unusual dendrobine-type alkaloids, findlayines E and F (1 , 2), along with five known dendrobine-type alkaloids (3 – 7), were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium findlayanum Par. et Rchb. f. Compound 1 is the first example of dendrobine-type alkaloids with a 2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl group attaching to the C-2, and compound 2 is a nor-dendrobine-type alkaloid, featuring a 5-decarboxylated structure. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configuration were confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549 and MCF-7 human cancer cells. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hitherto unknown 24-nor-13,27-cycloursane-type triterpenoid, lucumic acid A (1), one new 24-nor-ursane triterpenoid, lucumic acid B (2), along with six known triterpenoids were isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves of Lucuma nervosa. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. Lucumic acid A (1) is the first example of a 24-nor-triterpenoid with a 13,27-cyclopropane ring. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]