Search

Four new meroterpenoids, namely nivalones C F (1 – 4), along with a known meroterpenoid, cannabiorcicyclolic acid (5), were isolated from the branches and leaves of Rhododendron nivale. The chemical structures of compounds 1 – 4 were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR, UV–Vis, IR, ECD spectroscopy, as well as HR-ESI-MS. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The inhibitory activity of compound 5 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was initially demonstrated, showcasing an IC 50 value of 21.1 μM. Additionally, both compounds 2 and 5 displayed a notable effect on the viability of H 2 O 2 -damaged SH-SY5Y cells, indicating their significant neuroprotection effects. Four new meroterpenoids 1 – 4 (nivalones C F) and a known meroterpenoid 5 with good anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects were isolated from Rhododendron nivale. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new xanthone derivatives irpexols A-C (1 – 3) and five known xanthones including three dimeric ones were successfully isolated from Irpex laceratus A878, an endophytic fungus of the family Irpicaceae from the medicinal plant Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Bentham (Lamiaceae). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). All of the three new compounds (1 – 3) share a de-aromatic and highly‑oxygenated xanthone skeleton. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 – 8 were evaluated against SF-268, MCF-7, HepG2, and A549 tumor cell lines. The results revealed that compound 6 showed moderate cytotoxic activity with the IC 50 values ranging from 24.83 to 45.46 μM, while the IC 50 values of the positive control adriamycin was ranging from 1.11 to 1.44 μM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melodinus axillaris W.T.Wang has been widely used as an important medicine in China. In the folk of China, its whole plant has been used for fractures, rheumatic heart disease, testitis, hernia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia, etc. Despite its extensive use, there is a shortage of literature investigating the specific bioactive compounds and underlying mechanisms responsible for their anti-inflammatory effects. This knowledge gap serves as the primary impetus for conducting this study, which aims to shed light on the previously unexplored therapeutic potential of M. axillaris. This study aims to investigate the material basis and potential mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of M. axillaris. Compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of M. axillaris using a systematic phytochemical method. The structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD calculation, and DP4+ analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract and compounds from M. axillaris were tested by an inflammation model of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB signaling pathways, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Eleven undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), axillines A−K (1 – 11), along with thirteen known analogs were isolated from M. axillaris. Compound 1 was the first representative of vincadine alkaloid with unprecedented 6/5/9/6/6 skeletons. Compounds 1 – 11 and ethanol extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Among them, compound 2 had the best activity of inhibiting NO release (IC 50 = 3.7 ± 0.9 μM). Additionally, subsequent Western blot analysis revealed that 2 could significantly inhibit the up-regulation of NF-κB signaling pathways, iNOS, and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, thereby demonstrating its anti-inflammatory activity. This study provides support for the traditional use of M. axillaris in terms of its anti-inflammatory properties and highlights the potential of MIAs as promising candidates for further development as anti-inflammatory drugs. [Display omitted] • Eleven undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) were isolated from M. axillaris. • Compound 1 was the first representative of vincadine alkaloid with 6/5/9/6/6 skeletons. • These MIAs were isolated exhibited significant anti-inflammation activity. • Compound 2 inhibited inflammation by NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new sesquiterpenoids, dictamtrinorguaianols E and F (1–2), and dictameudesmnosides F, G, and H (3–5), along with seven known sesquiterpenoids (6–12) were isolated from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. The structures of all new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR. The In-vitro anti-proliferative activities of all the compounds against two human cancer cell lines (SW982 and A549) were evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Compounds 1 and 4 showed medium anti-proliferative activity against SW982 cells, with IC 50 values of 3.49 ± 0.10 and 6.42 ± 1.23 μM, respectively. Additionally, compounds 2 , 7 , and 8 exhibited medium anti-proliferative activity against A549 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.80 ± 0.05 to 6.60 ± 0.46 μM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, five new indolequinazoline alkaloids (1 – 5), along with six known indolequinazoline alkaloids (6 – 11) were obtained from the fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum. Their structures were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic data of 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS and ECD spectra. Additionally, all isolates were assayed for their SIRT1 inhibitory activities in vitro and compounds 2 , 7 , 10 and 11 exhibited activities with IC 50 values ranged from 43.16 to 118.35 μM. Eleven indolequinazoline alkaloids, including five undescribed compounds, were isolated from the fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum and their SIRT1 inhibitory activities were assessed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new steroidal glycosides (1–4), including two steroidal saponins named lililancifoloside B and C (1 – 2), one pregnane glycoside named lililancifoloside D (3), and one C22-steroidal lactone glycoside named lililancifoloside E (4), together with five known ones (5–9), were isolated from the bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. By using spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS, the structures of 1–4 were elucidated. All isolates were tested for their cytotoxic potential against the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and A549 cell lines. Compound 6 distinguished out among them, IC 50 values of 3.31, 5.23, 1.78, and 1.49 μM against the four cell lines, respectively. Other compounds such as compound 3 , 5 , and 9 have also shown specific cytotoxic activity. Next, studies showed that compound 6 might cause HepG2 cells to undergo a cell cycle arrest during the G2/M phase and apoptosis. [Display omitted] • Four new steroidal glycosides were isolated from the bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb.. • The cytotoxicity of all isolates against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and A549 cell lines were investigated. • Compound 6 displayed significant cytotoxic activitity against all tested cell lines. • Studies revealed that compound 6 could induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As our ongoing searching for the bioactive natural terpenoids, nine ent -kauranoids (1 – 9), including three previously undescribed ones (1 , 2 , and 9), were isolated from the aerial parts of Isodon amethystoides. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, including NMR, MS, and ECD. Compounds 1 and 2 were a pair of tautomeric compounds, which was confirmed by the HPLC analysis and low temperature NMR testing. The underlying mechanism of the tautomer was proposed as an intramolecular S N 2 reaction, which was explained by quantum chemical calculation. The HOMO-LUMO gap and the free energy revealed the spontaneous of the tautomeric of the 1 and 2. Additionally, the similar phenomena were also found in the two groups of known compounds 3 and 4 and 6 and 7 , respectively. Apart from the tautomer, compounds 3 and 4 can be hydrolyzed into 5 through ester hydrolysis in CDCl 3 , while compounds 6 , 7 can be hydrolyzed into 8 through ester hydrolysis. These phenomena were also confirmed through HPLC analysis and low temperature nuclear magnetic resonance tests and the mechanism was studied using quantum chemical calculation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drynaria quercifolia is an epiphytic fern distributed all over Bangladesh with traditional use in treating neurological disorders and other ailments. Although several pharmacological activities of D. quercifolia have been investigated, the neuroprotective potential of this plant is still unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of D. quercifolia and the neuroprotective effect in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mouse model. The crude methanol extract (DCM) of the plant was fractionated to prepare n-hexane (DHF), chloroform (DCF), ethyl acetate (DEF), and aqueous (DAF) factions. All the fractions were evaluated for anticholinesterase activity by modified Ellman's method and the antioxidant activity by several in vitro assays such as DPPH and hydroxyl free radicals scavenging, reducing power, and inhibition of brain lipid peroxidation. The effect of the most active fractions (both DCF and DEF) on learning and memory was assessed in scopolamine-induced mouse model of memory-impairment by Morris water maze tasks. Biochemical assays were performed in brain tissue. The active compound was isolated and characterized by chromatographic, spectroscopic, and molecular docking methods. Phytochemical analysis demonstrated a high content of phenolic and flavonoid in DEF. In vitro studies revealed a strong antioxidant power of DEF and anticholinesterase activity of DCF. Both the DCF and DEF significantly (P˂0.05) reduced the escape latency time in the Morris's water maze tasks, and increased the time spent in the northeast quadrant in the probe trial. Biochemical data demonstrated that treatment with DCF and DEF at different doses significantly (P˂0.0001) inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, restored GSH levels, and reduced MDA levels in the brain of scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice, indicating the protective effect of D. quercifolia , possibly by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and oxidative stress prevention. Chromatographic methods of separation led to he isolation of catechin and protocatechuric acid from DEF and 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid from DCF. The structure of the compounds was determined by studies of their 1H-NMR spectra. Molecular docking as well as in vitro study suggests the anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds. Our study suggested that the extracts of D. quercifolia , due to anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity, ameliorate the scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice and thus may represent therapeutics in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [Display omitted] • The chloroform and ethyl acetate fraction of Drynaria quercifolia rhizome exhibited considerable anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity in vitro. • Both the fractions significantly improved learning and memory in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice via cholinesterase & lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, and non-enzymes augmentation. • The predominant compounds were found to be 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid in the chloroform fraction, and catechin & 2, 3, 4-trihydroxybenzoic acid in the ethylacetate fraction, which were responsible for both anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities as evidenced from in vitro and molecular docking studies. • These results support the traditional use of D. quercifolia in the neurological disorder and suggest that both the chloroform and ethyl acetate fraction of the plant may represent therapeutics in the prevention or treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new compounds, including two depsidones garciculendepsidones A and B (1 and 2), one prenylated xanthone garciculenxanthone (3) and three dimeric xanthones bigarciculenxanthones A–C (4 – 6), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li. Their structures were elucidated based on comprehensive analyses of spectral data, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD calculation. All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (myeloid leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A-549 cells, hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721, breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and colon cancer SW480), among them, compounds 3 – 5 displayed cytotoxic potential, especially garciculenxanthone (3) had the lowest IC 50 value of 8.2 μm for lung cancer A-549 cells. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]