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Nine new alkaloids, (+)-1, (-)-1, 2, (+)-3, (-)-3, and 4-7, along with five known compounds (8-12), were obtained from the branches and leaves of Elaeocarpus angustifolius. The alkaloids were structurally characterized by NMR and MS data. The absolute configurations of (+)-1, (-)-1, (+)-3, and (-)-3 were determined by comparing their experimental and computed electronic circular dichroism spectra. (±)-8,9-Dehydroelaeocarpine (5), (±)-9-epielaeocarpine cis-N-oxide trifluoroacetate (6), and (±)-elaeocarpine trifluoroacetate (9) exerted weak inhibitory activities against butyrylcholinesterase with IC50 values of 39, 29, and 35 μM, respectively, while that of tacrine, the positive control, was 0.07 ± 0.01 μM. This is the first report of the cholinesterase inhibitory activities of Elaeocarpus alkaloids.

Ethnopharmacological relevance In China, shi hu (stems of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, D. fimbriatum Hook. D. huoshanense Z.Z. Tang & S.J. Cheng, or D. nobile Lindl) and tie pi shi hu (stems of D. officinale Kimura et Migo) are famous traditional medicines and are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the leaves of these Dendrobium plants are largely discarded. Aim of the study To better utilize Dendrobium leaves, we summarize their traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicological effects. Materials and methods “Orchidaceae”, “Dendrobium”, “leaf”, “traditional use”, and “ethnobotany” were used as search terms to screen the literature. Cited references were collected between 1960 and 2020 from the Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), SciFinder, and Google Scholar, primarily in English and Chinese. Results Traditional uses of leaves from 16 Dendrobium species were identified in the literature. The major uses of Dendrobium leaves include treatments for dermatologic disorders, metabolic syndromes, nervous system disorders, and musculoskeletal system disorders. More than 50 chemical compounds have been identified in the leaves of 10 Dendrobium species, which primarily include flavonoids, bibenzyls, coumarins, N-containing compounds, and polysaccharides. Antihyperlipidemia, antihypertensive, antihyperuricemia, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antitumor, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, lipase-inhibitory, and/or tyrosinase-inhibitory activities have been reported for the leaves of six Dendrobium species. D. officinale leaves have been shown to exhibit no reproductive toxicity against male rats, while D. speciosum Sm. leaves have been observed to exhibit slight genotoxicity in an in vitro study. Among Dendrobium species, D. officinale leaves are the most widely studied. Conclusions D. officinale leaves represent a good example of the utilization of leaf resources of the Dendrobium genus. In the future, more extensive research for the development of Dendrobium leaves is needed.

One new sesquineolignan, piperneolignan A (1), four new neolignans, piperneolignans B–E (2–5), and eight known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Piper betle (Piperaceae) collected from Myanmar. These new structures were determined by analysis of MS and NMR data, and the absolute configuration of piperneolignan A was elucidated by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Piperneolignan A (1), piperneolignan B (2), hydroxychavicol (6), p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (10), and diallylcatechol (13) possessed anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 9.87, 45.94, 4.80, 26.40, and 40.45 μM, respectively, compared with the positive control NG-monomethyl- l -arginine ( l -NMMA, IC50 = 33.84 μM). The two hydroxy groups in the structure of hydroxychavicol are essential for activity, and dimerization or trimerization of hydroxychavicol decreases activity.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Chong-lou (Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis) is traditionally used as an anticancer medicine in China. It is also the material basis of some Chinese patent anticancer medicines, such as Gan-Fu-Le capsules, Bo-Er-Ning capsules, Lou-Lian capsules, Ruan-Jian oral liquid, and Qi-Zhen capsules. P. forrestii, a substitute for Chong-lou, is planted at a large scale in the Yunnan Province of China. Aim of the study To clarify the active chemical constituents of P. forrestii and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities of the total saponins from P. forrestii. Materials and methods The total saponins of P. forrestii were extracted and separated to yield pure compounds by chromatographic techniques, and the structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity of the crude extracts, total saponins, and chemical constituents were evaluated using an MTS assay. In vivo antitumor activities of the total saponins from P. forrestii were measured using H22 tumor-bearing mice by intraperitoneal (ip) administration. Results Eight compounds, including polyphyllin D (1), formosanin C (2), dioscin (3), diosgenin-3-O-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β- d -glucopyranoside (4), paris saponin H (5), pennogenin-3-O-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β- d -glucopyranoside (6), pariposide A (7), and crustecdysone (8), were isolated from the total saponins of P. forrestii. The total saponins and compounds 1–6 showed significant inhibitory activity against the growth of the HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480 cell lines. The total saponins from P. forrestii had a tumor-inhibitory effect in H22 tumor-bearing mice upon ip (2.25 mg/kg dose) administration, with an inhibition rate of 42.6% compared with cisplatin (ip, 2 mg/kg dose, 53.9% inhibition rate). Conclusion The results support that P. forrestii could be a substitute for P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis as an anticancer medicine.

A new modified abietane diterpenoid, (3S,4S,5R,10S)-18(4→3)-abeo-3,4,12,18-tetrahydroxy-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one (1), and two novel dimers, selaginedorffones A (2) and B (3), featuring a new cyclohexene moiety that was biogenetically constructed from two modified abietane diterpenoids through a Diels–Alder reaction were obtained from a methanolic extract of Selaginella moellendorffii, a traditional Chinese herb. The structures of 1–3 were identified by a combination of NMR spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. In the present study, diterpenoids were identified from S. moellendorffii for the first time, which supports the presence of diterpene synthases in this plant. These three diterpenoids (1–3) were evaluated for their growth-inhibitory activities against several human cancer cell lines. Of these substances, selaginedorffone B (3) showed cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 human-breast-cancer-cell line (IC50 9.0 μM).

A new carboline alkaloid, Trifiline D (1) and a new degraded diterpenoid, Trigoxyphin X (4) were isolated from the roots and stems of Trigonostemonlii. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. Compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against MCF-7, A-549, MGC-803, and COLO-205 with IC50 values ranging from 27.4 to 35.4 mu M.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The Lhoba people are a small, ancient, tribal ethnic group from the Himalayas and are located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Medog County is rich in biocultural diversity. For a long time, Medog has been almost isolated from the outside world. The Lhoba people, who live in Medog, have maintained a relatively unique lifestyle and have accumulated rich traditional knowledge (TK), especially about medicinal and edible plants. Currently, there is very little documentation of the plants traditionally used by the local Lhoba communities. Aim of the study Our investigation aimed to (i) document the species of medicinal and food plants used by the Lhoba people in Medog County, Tibet, China; (ii) screen the most important plant taxa for specific medicines, and identify the aliments treated to further contribute to drug and food supplement research; and (iii) examine whether the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Lhoba is similar among different tribes and discuss traditional uses in the health practices and livelihoods of the local communities. Methods Ethnobotanical data were recorded through semi-structured interviews, guided field trips, and quantitative analysis. The informant consensus factor (FIC) was used as a quantitative index. Results Ninety-one informants (61 men and 30 women) were interviewed. A total of 75 species, including 37 medicinal plants for 14 categories of diseases and 57 edible plants from six types of food, were recorded. Among the usage types of medicinal plants, the highest FIC values were recorded for antidotes (FIC = 0.98), anthelmintics (FIC = 0.98), and treatments of gastrointestinal problems (FIC = 0.93). The FIC values for different types of edible plants were very similar. The most frequently used medicinal and food plants in the studied communities are Zanthoxylum motuoense, Crassocephalum crepidioides, and Swertia nervosa. According to the comparative study, few differences in the use of wild plants were found. There appeared to be more overlapping species between two Lhoba tribes in Medog, named Mixingba and Miguba, with 46 (61%) common species, compared with the Bo'gaer tribe in Milin, which had only two (2.7%) overlapping species. This might be due to the different geographical environments, vegetation types, and different influences of other ethnic cultures. Conclusions The Lhoba people in Medog County, Tibet, China, have rich TK about the uses of wild plants. However, the TK is seriously threatened due to environmental degradation and acculturation, and it showed signs of being forgotten and abandoned by the younger generation. Therefore, measures are urgently needed to document and protect the TK of the uses of the wild plant resources; and (i) the most frequently used medicinal and/or edible plants; (ii) the plants used to treat the most commonly mentioned diseases; and (iii) the endemic species that are widely used in Medog, which should be assessed for their potential future as food supplements and therapeutic products.

Aging is a major risk factor for many prevalent diseases. Pharmacological intervention to improve the health span and extend the lifespan could be a preventive elixir for aging and age-related diseases. The non-steroid anti-inflammation medicine aspirin was reported to delay aging in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and mice. We are wondering if the analogues of aspirin could also present antiaging activity. Here, we synthesized several aspirin derivatives and investigated their thermotolerance and antiaging effect in C. elegans. One of the compounds, 5-(bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)amino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, moderately increased the survival of C. elegans under heat stress, but could not extend the lifespan under optimum conditions. This compound could increase the mRNA level of stress response gene gst-4, and the mRNA and protein expression level of heat shock protein hsp-16.2 under heat stress. The failure of activating the transcription factor DAF-16 might explain why this compound could not act as aspirin to extend the lifespan of C. elegans. Our results would help further the investigation of the pharmacological activity of aspirin analogues and the relationship between structures and activity.

Three new dihydroisocoumarin glucosides, termed periplanosides A-C (1-3), a known analog, pericanaside (4), and the other twenty known compounds were isolated from the insect Periplaneta americana. Their structures including absolute configurations were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. Biological evaluation showed that compound 2 could stimulate collagen production by 31.2% in human dermal fibroblasts-adult (HDFa) at the concentration of 30 μM, indicating its significance in skin repair and ulcer.

Two hydroxychavicol heterodimers comprising phenylpropanoid and monoterpene constituent units, named nudibaccatumins A (1) and B (2), were isolated as an inseparable mixture from the aerial parts of Piper nudibaccatum. Their absolute configurations were confirmed by total synthesis using ortho-alkylation of hydroxychavicol with myrtenyl bromide as the key reaction. The two new compounds (1 and 2) and their synthetic analogues (3-8) were evaluated for XO inhibitory activity. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two new aporphine alkaloids, semiimmersumines A (1) and B (2), along with 20 known compounds, were isolated from the aerial parts of Piper semiimmersum (Piperaceae). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and CD data. The absolute configuration of semiimmersumine A (1) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using anomalous dispersion with copper radiation. The effects of all compounds from the plant on rabbit platelet aggregation induced by thrombin (IIa) or PAF were also evaluated.

Three indole alkaloid glycosides, strobilanthosides A-C (1-3), two known indole alkaloid glucosides (4 and 5), and five phenylethanoid glycosides (8-10) were isolated from the aerial parts of Strobilanthes cusia. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectrometric analysis, and the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were established by ECD spectrocsopy. N'-β-d-Glucopyranosylindirubin (5) showed weak antibacterial activity (MIC 62.5-125 μM) against Staphylococcus aureus.

Investigation on the EtOAc extract of the bark of Zanthoxylum simulans led to the isolation of four new lignans including zanthoxylumin A (1), zanthoxylumin B (2), ( - )-magnolin (3), and ( - )-pinoresinol-di-3,3-dimethylallyl ether (4). Their structures were established by comprehensive analysis of the spectral data, especially 1D and 2D NMR spectra.

Four new triterpenoids, 3&beta, 12&beta, 16&beta, 21&beta, 22-pentahydroxyhopane (1), 12&beta, 22-tetrahydroxyhopan-3-one (2), 3-oxo-olean-12-ene-28,30-dioic acid (3), and 3&beta, hydroxyoleana-11,13(18)-diene-28,30-dioic acid 30-methyl ester (4), 21 new triterpenoid saponins, glinusopposides A&ndash, U (5&ndash, 25), and 12 known compounds (26&ndash, 37) were isolated from the whole plants of Glinus oppositifolius. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data. All compounds from the plants were measured for antifungal activities against Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum. Glinusopposide B (6), glinusopposide Q (21), glinusopposide T (24), and glinusopposide U (25) showed strong inhibitory activities against M. gypseum (MIC50 7.1, 6.7, 6.8, and 11.1 &mu, M, respectively) and T. rubrum (MIC50 14.3, 13.4, 11.9, and 13.0 &mu, M, respectively). For those active compounds with an oleanane skeleton, glycosylation (21&ndash, 26) or oxidation (3) of 3-OH was helpful in increasing the activity, replacement of the 30-methyl group (29) by a carboxymethyl group (26) enhanced the activity, the presence of 11,13(18) double bonds (20) decreased the activity.

Sixteen new clerodane diterpenoids, cephaloziellins A-P (1-16), and two known analogues (17 and 18) were isolated from an EtOH extract of the Chinese liverwort Cephaloziella kiaeri. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated from extensive spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR), and the structures of 5, 9, and 15 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The absolute configurations of all new compounds were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra.

Phytochemical investigation on the stems of Trigonostemon flavidus resulted in the isolation of five new 3,4-seco-diterpenoids, trigoflavidones A-E (1-5), structurally related to the main co-occurring known 3,4-seco-sonderianic acid (6) and 3,4-seco-sonderianol (7). Compound 4 possesses new 3,4-seco rearranged ent-pimarane skeletal type, characteristic of a vinyl group at C-8, while 5 features a unique five-membered ring (C-1) fused with a cyclopropane ring (C-2). The structures of the new compounds were established by a combination of spectroscopic data and computational methods. Compounds 1-7 were tested for their cytotoxicities on HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480 human tumor cell lines. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel pyrrolidine alkaloid, (2R*,3S*,5S*)-N,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-5-(10-phenyldecyl)pyrrolidine (1), and 17 known compounds were isolated from Arisaema franchetianum Engl. (Araceae) tubers. The 17 compounds were bergenin (2), emodin (3), caffeic acid (4), nobiletin (5), 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl(1 → 6)-β-d-galactopyranosyl ester (6), coniferin (7), qingyangshengenin (8), methylconiferin (9), syringaresinol 4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), gagaminine (11), perlolyrine (12), (S)-1-(1'-hydroxyethyl)-β-carboline (13), 1-(β-carboline-1-yl)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-pentanone (14), 1-methoxycarbonyl-β-carboline (15), indolo[2,3-α]carbazole (16), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester (17), and methyl 4-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl] ferulate (18). The inhibitory activities of compound 1 and its N-methyl derivative (1a) against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV), human leukemic K562 cells, and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were evaluated. Compounds 1 [50% inhibited concentration (IC(50)) = 12.5 ± 0.6 μM] and 1a (IC(50) = 15.7 ± 0.9 μM) were cytotoxic against K562 cells. Compound 1a also had a weak effect on PRRSV with an IC(50) value of 31.9 ± 6.0 μM [selectivity index (SI) = 18.7].

Methyl pothoscandensate (1), a new molecular skeleton of ent-18(4?3)-abeokaurane, along with eight known compounds was isolated from the whole plant of Pothos scandens. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic techniques and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The inhibitory activity of selected compounds against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) was measured by the cytopathic effect (CPE) method. Compound 1 showed weak effect on PRRSV with an IC50 value of 40.3 +/- 8.3 mu M (TI=15.7).

Three novel beta-carboline alkaloids characterized with a unique degraded monoterpenoid moiety, gelebolines A-C (1-3), together with 11 known alkaloids of different types, were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. The structures of new alkaloids were established on the basis of analysis of spectroscopic data. It is the first example for report of beta-carboline from genus Gelsemium (Loganiaceae). (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Daphnioldhamine A, the first Daphniphyllum alkaloid with transannular effect, easily tautomerized under acidic or alkaline conditions, was isolated from the fruits of Daphniphyllum oldhami. The structure was elucidated by spectroscopic and computational approaches and chemical transformation. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of daphnioldhamine A was also proposed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trigoflavidols A (1) and B (2), tetranorditerpenoid dimers possessing a rearrangement skeleton with a spiroketal core moiety, and trigoflavidol C (3), a hexanorditerpenoid, have been isolated from Trigonostemon flavidus along with two known compounds. Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate antimicrobial activities (MIC values: 3.12-6.25 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus, 8(#)MRSA, and 82(#)MRSA, and 1, 2, and 5 showed weak activities (IC(50) values: 3.75-28.99 μM) against various human tumor cell lines.

A phytochemical investigation of the whole plants of Cassia occidentalis led to the isolation of two new cycloartane triterpenoids, cycloccidentalic acids A and B (1 and 2), and five new related saponins, cycloccidentalisides I-V (3-7), together with sixteen known compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated through detailed spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques, and chemical methods. Compounds 2 and 5 showed modest anti-HIV-1 activities with EC50 values of 2.23 mu M and 4.36 mu M, respectively, in comparison to the positive control.

Daphangustifolines A and B (1 and 2), two new Daphniphyllum alkaloids were isolated from the whole plant of Daphniphyllum angustifolium HUTCH. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data. Their cytotoxicity against HL-60, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines was also evaluated.

A phytochemical investigation of Toona ciliata var. ciliata afforded three new polyynes, 1 - 3. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Only compound 3 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against the HL-60 cell line with an IC(50) value of 6.7 +/- 0.27 mu M.

Two new dimeric lignans, zanthpodocarpins A (1) and B (2), and five known lignans, eudesmin (3), (1R,2R,5R,6S)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane (4), dimethoxysamin (5), rel-(1R,5R,6S)-6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-2-one (6), and magnone A (7), were isolated from the barks of Zanthoxylum podocarpum. Their structures were identified by using spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 are rare dilignans bearing an unusual α,β-unsaturated ketone group from a natural source. Bioassay showed that compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC(50) values of 5.31 μM and 12.15 μM, respectively.

Eight new amide alkaloids (1-8) and 19 known ones were isolated from the whole plant of Piper boehmeriaefolium. Their structures were determined through spectroscopic data analyses. Cytotoxic activity of these amides against human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells was evaluated, and 1-[(9E)-10-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-9-decenoyl]pyrrolidine (9) exhibited significant inhibitory activity with an IC(50) value of 2.7 mu g/mL.

Ten new phenolic compounds including the six neolignans 1-3 and 6-8 and four caffeoyl derivatives, i.e., myo-inositol 1-caffeate (9), myo-inositol 6-caffeate (10), myo-inositol 5-caffeate (11), and paucine 3'-beta-D-glucopyranoside (12) were isolated from the whole plants of Selaginella moellendorffii (caffeic acid = 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid). Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Three new chromanone derivatives, calopolyanic acid (1), isocalopolyanic acid (2), and isorecedensic acid (3). were isolated from the pericarps of Calophyllum polyanthum WALL ex CHOISY, along with seven known compounds, apetalic acid, blancoic acid, chapelieric acid, methyl isoapetalate, isoapetalic acid, isocalolongic acid, and recedensic acid All of these compounds were reported from C polyanthum for the first time The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods

A new piperidine alkaloid and three known tetranortriterpenoids were isolated from the methanol extracts of the rhizomes of Arisaema decipiens Schott (Araceae) and their chemical structures were identified as (-)-(2R*,3S*,6S*)-N,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-6-(9-phenylnonyl) piperidine (1), 6-deacetylnimbin (2), 28-deoxonimbolide (3) and nimbin (4). The N-methylated derivative (1a) of 1 was synthesized. Compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against the MCF-7 cell line, while compound 1a showed potential inhibitory activity against the MCF-7 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 4.6 μM and weak inhibitory activity against K562 and SK-OV-3 cells. This plant in genus Arisaema is firstly reported as the source of limonoids that are considered a natural antitumor herbal medicine.

One new anthraquinone glycoside. 6-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 -> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)emodin (1). and two new sesquilignans. seslignanoccidentaliols A (2) and B (3), were isolated from the whole plant of Cassia occidentalis. The structures of the new compounds were established by means of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR data ((1)H.(1)H-COSY. HMQC, HMBC. and ROESY). as well as HR-ESI-MS analysis. One previously reported sesquilignan. crythro-guaiacylglycerol-beta-O-4'-(5')-methoxylariciresinol, was revised to be seslignanoccidentaliol A (2). The 6-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)emodin (1) exhibited moderate anti HIV-1 activity with an EC(50) value of 2.90 mu g/ml and a therapeutic-index (TI) value of 260.

Repeated column chromatography of the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the aerial parts of Dodonaea viscosa led to the isolation of two new modified clerodanes, methyl dodovisate A (1) and methyl dodovisate B (2), two new prenylated flavonoids, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-di(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (10) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (11), together with eight known compounds, dodonic acid (3), hautriwaic acid (4), hautriwaic lactone (5), (+)-hardwickiic acid (6), 5-hydroxy-1,2-dehydro-5,10-dihydroprintzianic acid methyl ester (7), strictic acid (8), dodonolide (9), and aliarin (12). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 1-9 and 11 were evaluated on larvicidal activity against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipens quinquefasciatus.

The phytochemical investigation of Dipteronia dyeriana (Aceraceae) resulted in the isolation and identification of three new cycloheximide derivatives: dipteronines A-C (1-3). Their structures were elucidated based on the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra. Dipteronine A (1) is the first example of it 10,11-secocycloheximide. Cytotoxic and antifungal activities of these isolates were also evaluated.

Five new oxindole alkaloids, gelegamines A-E (1-5), were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. Their structures were extensively elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Among them, the epoxy ring (C-19/C-20) of gelegamine A (1) was assigned as alpha-orientation by ROESY experiment and DFT method at B3LYP/6-31g(d) level, and gelegamine B (2) is the first humantenine-type alkaloid with 19-(E) ethylidene configuration. The absolute configurations of gelegamines A-E (1-5) were established on biosynthetic consideration coupled with CD experiments. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Eight new pyrrolidinoindoline alkaloids (1-8) were isolated from the whole plant of Selaginella moellendorfii. Their structures were determined by mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and chemical interconversions. These alkaloids have a 3-carboxybut-2-enyl group at C-3a and two methyl groups at N-8. The possible biogenetic route from selaginellic acid (1) to neoselaginellic acid (6) was postulated and chemically mimicked. Tautomerization between 6 and 6a was observed. Selected compounds were evaluated for antibacterial, cytotoxic, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities.

Two new compounds hastatusides A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with five known compounds, resveratrol, rumeroside, torachrysone-8-yl beta-D-glucopyranoside, rutin, nepodin, and orientaloside were isolated form the roots of Rumex hastatus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, puberosides A and B, were isolated from the aerial parts of Glochidion puberum. Their structures were elucidated as 3alpha-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--3)-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-22alpha-benzoyloxy-olean-12-ene-16alpha,28-diol (1) and 3alpha-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--3)-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-28-benzoyloxy-olean-12-ene-16alpha,22alpha-diol (2) by analysis of their spectroscopic data.

The phytochemical investigation of Dipteronia dyeriana (Aceraceae) resulted in the isolation and identification of five new triterpenoid ester saponins, dipterosides A-E (1-5). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. The inhibitory activities of these compounds against human leukemia K562 and human hepatoma HepG2 cells were also evaluated.

Five new triterpenoids, serrulatins A-E (1-5), including two new artifacts, together with ten known serrulatins, were isolated from the edible leaves of Photinia serrulata after extraction and purification. Their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR experiments. Compounds I and 3 are unusual ursolic triterpenoids characterized by the occurrence of a C(13)=C(18) bond.

Two new norbisabolane sesquiterpenoid glycosides, glochicoccinosides A (1) and B (2), together with two known compounds, have been isolated from the rhizomes of Glochidion coccineum. Their structures were elucidated by the combination of 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and MS spectral analysis, as well as chemical evidence. Cytotoxic activities and the antioxidant effect of these compounds were evaluated, but none of them showed activity.

Two new Daphniphyllum alkaloids with daphnicyclidin-type skeleton, paxiphyllines A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the twigs and the leaves of Daphniphyllum paxianum. Paxiphylline A (1) has an unprecedented additional carbon from a biogenetic perspective. The structures and relative configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Four new Daphniphyllum alkaloids, daphnimacropodines A-D (1-4), together with three known ones, daphnilactone B and daphnezomines H and I, were isolated from the fruits of Daphniphyllum macropodum. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques.

Two new iridoid alkaloids, daphmacropodosidines A (1) and B (2), together with two known ones, daphcalycinosidine B and caldaphnidine F, were isolated from the fruits of Daphniphyllum maropodum. Their structures were established by spectral methods, especially 2D NMR spectra (H-1,H-1-COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY), as well as chemical means.

A novel Daphyniphyllum alkaloid, Daphlongeramine A (1) with a unique fused octacyclic skeleton, together with a quite recently reported alkaloid Paxdaphnine A (2), were isolated from the fruits of Daphniphyllum longeracemosum. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid lactone, glochicoccin A (1), and three new norbisabolane sesquiterpenoids, glochicoccins B-D (2-4), together with two known norbisabolane sesquiterpenoids, phyllaemblic acid (5) and phyllaemblic acid methyl ester (6), were isolated from the rhizomes of Glochidion coccineum. Their structures were elucidated by different spectroscopic (IR, UV, NMR) and mass-spectrometric (MS) techniques. The structure and relative configuration of I was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (Fig. 2). None of the compounds were found to exhibit cytotoxic or antioxidant activities.

Six new apiosyl-(1--6)-glucosyl isoflavones (1-6) and four known ones were isolated from the stems of Glycosmis pentaphylla. The structures of the new glycosides are 3',7-dihydroxy-4',5,6-trimethoxyisoflavone 7-O-(5-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2',7-dihydroxy-4',5',5,6-tetramethoxyisoflavone 7-O-(5-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 2',7-dihydroxy-4',5',5,6-tetramethoxyisoflavone 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), 7-hydroxy-4',8-dimethoxyisoflavone 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), 7-hydroxy-4',6-dimethoxyisoflavone 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), and 4',5-dihydroxy-3',7-dimethoxyisoflavone 4'-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). Their structures were established primarily by NMR experiments and chemical methods.

Three new indole alkaloids, 11,12-de(methylenedioxy)danuphylline (1), methyl (2 beta,11 beta,12 beta,19 alpha)-6,7-didehydro-8,21-dioxo-11,21-cycloaspidospermidine-2-carboxylate (2), and (2 beta,5 beta)-aspidofractinin-16-ol (3) were isolated from Kopsia officinalis, together with 16 known compounds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. The isolated known compound (-)-12-methoxykopsinaline displayed antimanic effects in Drosophila, with an IC50 value of 12.5 mu g/ml.

Three new akuamillan-type indole alkaloids, i.e., 5-methoxystrictamine (=methyl (5 beta,16R,19E)-5-methoxyakuammilan-17-oate; 1), methyl (16R,19E)-1,2-dihydro-16-(hydroxymethyl)-5-oxoakuammilan-17-oate (2), and methyl (2 beta 16R,19E)-4,5-didehydro-1,2-dihydro-2-hydroxy-16-(hydroxymethyl)akuammilan-4-ium-17-oate chloride (3), have been isolated from the leaves of Alstonia scholaris, together with ten known compounds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic means. None of the constituents showed significant cytotoxic activity towards WT cells.

Two novel alkaloids, trigonoine A containing a 2,8-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane ring system and trigonoine B formed by a combination of a 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one and 3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinoline rearranged from B-carboline skeleton were isolated from the leaves of Trigonostemon lii. Their structures were elucidated by 10 and 20 NMR spectroscopic methods. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.