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The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus increased during the past few decades, so there is an urgent need of new antimicrobial agents if public health is concerned. Though the Schiff's bases and La(III) complex have enormous biological activity, but less attention was given in their synthesis. In the present investigation, we synthesized a new (E)-3-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl) methyleneamino)-2-methylquinazoline-4(3H)-one HNMAMQ Schiff's base by the condensation of 3-(2-aminophenyl) quinazolin-2-methyl-4(3H)-one and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. The Schiff's base HNMAMQ and its La(III) complex were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, NMR, mass spectra, and thermal studies. The newly synthesized Schiff's base HNMAMQ and its La(III) complex were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the Gulbarga region in India. The Schiff's base HNMAMQ and its La(III) complex showed good antimicrobial activity and thus represents a potential new drug of choice., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The bright blue minerals cavansite and pentagonite, a calcium vanadium silicate Ca(V(4+)O)Si(4)O(10)·4H(2)O, have been studied by UV-Visible, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Cavansite shows an open porous structure with very small micron sized holes. Strong UV-Visible absorption bands are observed at around 403, 614 and 789 nm for cavansite and pentagonite. The Raman spectrum of cavansite is dominated by an intense band at 981cm(-1) and pentagonite by a band at 971 cm(-1) attributed to the stretching vibrations of (SiO(3))(n) units. Cavansite is characterised by two intense bands at 574 and 672 cm(-1) whereas pentagonite by a single band at 651 cm(-1). The Raman spectrum of cavansite in the hydroxyl stretching region shows bands at 3504, 3546, 3577, 3604 and 3654 cm(-1) whereas pentagonite is a single band at 3532 cm(-1). These bands are attributed to water coordinated to calcium and vanadium. XPS studies show that bond energy of oxygen in oxides is 530eV, and in hydroxides ∼531.5 eV and for water ∼533.5 eV. XPS studies show a strong peak at 531.5eV for cavansite, indicating some OH units in the structure of cavansite., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

EPR spectral investigations have been carried out on four edible leafy vegetables of India, which are used as dietary component in day to day life. In Rumex vesicarius leaf sample, EPR spectral investigations at different temperatures indicate the presence of anti-ferromagnetically coupled Mn(IV)-Mn(IV) complexes. EPR spectra of Trigonella foenum graecum show the presence of Mn ions in multivalent state and Fe(3+) ions in rhombic symmetry. EPR spectra of Basella rubra indicate the presence of Mn(IV)-O-Mn(IV) type complexes. The EPR spectra of Basella rubra have been studied at different temperatures. It is found that the spin population for the resonance signal at g=2.06 obeys the Boltzmann distribution law. The EPR spectra of Moringa oliefera leaves show the presence of Mn(2+) ions. Radiation induced changes in free radical of this sample have also been studied. The FT-IR spectra of Basella rubra and Moringa oliefera leaves show the evidences for the protein matrix bands and those corresponding to carboxylic CO bonds.

The volatile composition of rhizomes of Valeriana wallichii DC has been studied by GC, GC/MS and NMR spectroscopy. Sesquiterpenes were shown to be the main constituents (> 89.3%) comprising kanokonyl acetate (42.4%), gamma-curcumene (10.7%), ar-curcumene (7.2%), (Z)-beta-farnesene (3.2%), xanthorrhizol (4.1%), 7-epi-alpha-selinene (2.2%), valeranone (2.0%) and curcuphenol (1.4%). The unique presence of kanokonyl acetate and the complete absence of the earlier reported chemotype marker constituents of Indian valerian viz. maaliol and patchouli alcohol makes the composition significant.

Extensive chromatographic screening of extracts of the fruits of the Indian Ayurvedic plant, Dendrophthoe falcata, resulted in the isolation of three new triterpenes, 3beta-acetoxy-1beta-(2-hydroxy-2-propoxy)-11alpha-hydroxy-olean-12-ene (1), 3beta-acetoxy-11alpha-ethoxy-1beta-hydroxy-olean-12-ene (2) and 3beta-acetoxy-1beta-hydroxy-11alpha-methoxy-olean-12-ene (3) along with nine known compounds, 3beta-acetoxy-1beta,11alpha-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene (4), 3beta-acetoxy-1beta,11alpha-dihydroxy-urs-12-ene (5), 3beta-acetoxy-urs-12-ene-11-one (6), 3beta-acetoxy-lup-20(29)-ene (7), 30-nor-lup-3beta-acetoxy-20-one (8), (20S)-3beta-acetoxy-lupan-29-oic acid (9), kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (10), quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (11), and gallic acid (12). The structures of these compounds were determined using 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution electrospray mass spectrometry. These compounds were assayed for binding to estrogen receptors-alpha and beta and kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (10) was found to be a ligand for both receptors with greater affinity for beta. The triterpenes (1-9) are reported for the first time in the genus Dendrophthoe and assumes taxonomic significance.

The copper based Indian traditional drug 'tamra bhasma' is administered for various ailments since long. Its synthesis involves treating metallic copper with plant juices and then repeated calcination in presence of air so that the metallic state is transformed into the corresponding oxide form traditionally known as 'bhasma'. In this work, we present a systematic characterization of this traditional drug using various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetry (TG) and surface area measurement. The results obtained were found to match very well with those of a standard copper oxide confirming the composition of the drug sample. In addition, some specific findings were also made which could help in interpreting the therapeutic properties of the traditional drug 'tamra bhasma'.

A new homotriterpene isolated from the roots of Marsdenia tenacissima Wight et Arn. has been characterized as 13-(31,32-dimethyl-30-methylene-21alpha-acetoxytetradecanyl)-29-methyl-perhydrophenanthr-1,3-diene on the basis of spectral analyses.

A new biflavonoid, 2,3-dihydroochnaflavone 7,4',7"-tri-O-methyl ether (1) together with two known biflavonoids namely, 2,3-dihydroochnaflavone (2) and ochnaflavone (3) were isolated from the stem bark of Ochna beddomei. The structures were determined by means of spectral and chemical studies.

In a bioassay guided phytochemical investigation of Toona ciliata (Fam. Meliaceae), a new hydroxy steroidal ketone, 12alpha-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (1) was isolated from the petroleum ether extract of the plant together with two known steroids and three C-methyl coumarins. The structure of 1 was established by means of spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 was found cytotoxic in a brine shrimp lethality bioassay with LC50 of 9.9 microg/ml and it also showed significant antitumor activity with Ti50 value of 14.1 microg/ml in a potato disc bioassay.

A new epoxy ent-kaurene diterpenoid, ceriopsin E (1), has been isolated from the mangrove plant Ceriops decandra and its structure elucidated by spectral data and single-crystal X-ray analysis.

The roots of Excoecaria agallocha yielded four new diterpenoids, ent-3 beta,20-epoxy-3 alpha,6 alpha-dihydroxykaur-16-ene (agallochin F) (1), 3beta,20-epoxy-3 alpha-hydroxybeyer-15-ene (agallochin G) (2), 3 beta,20:15R,16S-diepoxy-3 alpha-beyeranol (agallochin H) (3), and 3 beta,20-epoxy-3 alpha,6 alpha-dihydroxy-18-nor-beyer-15-ene (agallochin I) (4), along with three known derivatives, 2-acetoxy-1,15-beyeradiene-3,12-dione (5), 2-hydroxy-1,15-beyeradiene-3,12-dione (6), and ent-kauran-16 beta-ol-3-one. The structures of 1-4 were determined by spectroscopic (NMR and MS) data interpretation.

A compound (1) with the structure proposed for giganticine, an antifeedant principle isolated from the root bark of Caloropis gigantea, has been successfully synthesized by two independent methods. Comparison of physical properties and spectroscopic data of 1 with giganticine revealed that they are different compounds. All available evidence suggests that the proposed structure of giganticine is incorrect.

Phytochemical studies on the roots of Hemidesmus indicus resulted in the isolation of six new pentacyclic triterpenes including two oleanenes identified as olean-12-en-21 beta-yl acetate, and olean-12-en-3 alpha-yl acetate, three ursenes characterized as 16(17)-seco-urs-12,20(30)-dien-18 alpha H-3 beta-yl actetate, urs-20(30)-en-18 beta H-3 beta-yl acetate and 16(17)-seco-urs-12,20(30) dien-18-alpha H-3 beta-ol and a lupene formulated us lup-1,12-dien-3-on-21-ol including a known compound, beta-amyrin acetate, on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical means.

Two new cyclic peroxides (1 and 2) and the known metabolite 3 have been found in the organic extract of the Indian sponge Acarnus bicladotylota. The structure of the new products has been assured by chemical and spectroscopic methods. The absolute stereochemistry of 1-3 has been determined by Mosher's method on the semisynthetic derivative 4.

A new biologically active triterpenoid saponin m.f. C42H68O13, m.p. 315 degrees-317 degrees C was isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Lepidagathis hyalina. Its structure was characterized as 3-beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]16-alpha-hydroxy-olean-12-en(13)-28-oic acid by several spectral and chemical analysis. This new triterpenoid saponin showed antimicrobial activity against various plants pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

A new triterpene glycoside, arjunetoside, together with oleanolic and arjunic acids has been isolated from the root bark of Terminalia arjuna. The structure of arjunetoside has been established as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2alpha,3beta, 19alpha-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside by chemical and spectral data.

1-(2,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1,2-dihydroxypropane (2), a natural phenylpropanoid occurring in Piper clusii, has been synthesized for the first time from toxic beta-asarone (1) of Acorus calamus with osmium tetroxide, while 1 with osmium tetroxide (catalytic amount) in presence of sodium metaperiodate furnished the asaronaldehyde (3) in high yield.

From the whole plant of Eclipta alba, a new triterpene saponin, named eclalbatin, together with alpha-amyrin, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid were isolated. The structure of eclalbatin has been established as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3-beta-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid, 28-O-beta-D-arabinopyranoside (1) on the basis of chemical and spectral data.

A new naphthoquinone 1 together with 7-hydroxycadalene (2) and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (3) were isolated from the heartwood of Bombax malabaricum. The new naphthoquinone was characterized as 7-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) based on spectral and chemical studies.

Repeated silica gel chromatography of the dichloromethane extract of air-dried stems of Indigofera longeracemosa followed by reverse-phase HPLC separation yielded a new decahydropyridoquinoline, rel-(3S, 5R, 6S, SR, 8aR, 12aR)-8-acetoxy-6-butyl-3-isothiocyanatodecahydropyrido (2,1) quinoline.

A new colchicine glycoside, 3-O-demethylcolchicine-3-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, has been isolated from Gloriosa superba seeds. The assigned structure has been corroborated by spectroscopic data and enzymatic hydrolysis.

Phytochemical investigation on the constituents of heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus resulted in the isolation of a new acylated isoflavone glucoside. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectral studies as 4',5-dihydroxy-7-O-methyl isoflavone 3'-O-D-(3''-E-cinnamoyl)glucoside.

A new lanostane triterpenic ether, lanost-20(22)-en-3,19-ether, named adiantulanostene ether was isolated from Adiantum venustum. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of full spectral data analyses and chemical means.

Phytochemical studies on the stem bark of Thevetia peruviana resulted in the isolation of six new ursane-type triterpenes, named peruvianursenyl acetate A, peruvianursenyl acetate B, isolupenyl acetate, peruvianursenyl acetate C, lupedienyl acetate and peruvianursenyl glucoside along with two known triterpenoids, namely alpha-amyrin acetate and lupeol acetate. The structures of the new phytoconstituents have been established as 23--nor methyl urs-12-en-4 alpha-ethylenic-18 alpha-H-3 beta-yl acetate, urs-5.21-dien-18 alpha-H-3 beta-yl acetate, lup-20 (29)-en-3 alpha-yl acetate, urs-12 en-18 alpha-H-3 beta-yl acetate, lup-5,20 (29)-dien-3 beta-yl acetate, and urs-12-en-18 alpha-H-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.

Two new Alangium alkaloids, 1',2'-dehydrotubulosine (1) and alangine (2), were isolated from the dried fruits of Alangium lamarckii along with tubulosine (3), isotubulosine (4), deoxytubulosine, cephaeline, isocephaeline, psychotrine, neocephaeline, 10-O-demethylcephaeline, 2'-N-(1"-deoxy-1" -beta-D-fructopyranosyl)cephaeline, protoemetine, protoemetinol, salsoline, and alangiside. The structures of the new alkaloids (1 and 2) were determined by spectroscopic and chemical means.

7-O-Methyltetrahydroochnaflavone (1), a new biflavanone, together with nine known flavonoids, afrormosin (2), 2,3-dihydroochnaflavone 7-O-methyl ether (3), kaempferol (4), 2,3-dihydroochnaflavone (5), ochnaflavone (6), (-)-epicatechin (7), kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside (8), taxifolin 3-O-rhamnoside (9), and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (10), were isolated from the leaves of Ochna beddomei, and the structures were elucidated by spectral and chemical studies.

A new arylnaphthalide lignan, prostalidin D (6) was isolated as a minor metabolite from Justicia diffusa var. prostrata. 6 contains a rare catechol unit and its structure was confirmed by total synthesis. In addition, seven known lignans, namely, justicidin E (7), helioxanthin (8), justicidin A (9), medioresinol dimethyl ether (10), medioresinol (11), lariciresinol (12) and 8-methoxyisolariciresinol (13) have also been isolated from the same source and identified by direct comparison with authentic samples.

Besides the known iridoids 6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (1), 6-O-(3"-O-trans-feruloyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (14), 6-O-(2"-O-acetyl-3", 4"-O-di-trans-cinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (15) and the known phenylpropanoid glycosides verbascoside (acteoside) and martynoside, 12 new acylated iridoid glycosides named gmelinosides A-L (2-13) have been isolated from the leaves of Gmelina arborea. These compounds were structurally characterized using a variety of spectral methods.

The structure of a chelonian eggshell is of prime importance for the developing embryo. It acts as a protective covering as well as mediator in the exchange of heat and water. The fresh eggshell of the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle displays a variety of structural forms in their aragonite framework. Its netted substrate, loose texture and poorly organised crystallites favour the easy exchange of air and water during its development. The shell consists mostly of calcium in carbonate form and K, Mg, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Cd in traces. Ba and Sr in traces are also a feature of the thermal analysis graph. Phosphorous was not detected in the shell and its absence eliminates an earlier suggestion of it being a key factor in the development of aragonite crystals in the inorganic structure of marine turtle eggshells. Its combustion characteristics, which have not been previously reported, are recorded.

A 13-membered N-formylcyclopeptide alkaloid, nummularine-T, has been isolated from the bark of Zizyphus nummularia and its structure established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. It provides the fourth example of a naturally occurring N-formyl cyclopeptide alkaloid.

An organic acid, isolated and purified from the root extract of an Indian medicinal plant sarsaparilla Hemidesmus indicus R. Br, possessed viper venom inhibitory activity. The compound (designated HI-RVIF) was isolated by solvent extraction, silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, and was homogeneous in nature. The white needle-shaped crystals were soluble in water, methanol and chloroform and had a melting point of 155-158 degrees C and lambda max 260 nm. Spectral analysis confirmed the presence of a benzene ring, methoxy group, and hydroxyl group; the mol. wt of the compound was 168. HI-RVIF significantly antagonized viper venom-induced lethal, haemorrhagic, coagulant and anticoagulant activity in experimental rodents.

Conclusive evidence for the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in 15 out of 17 commercially available sodium chloride injection (Indian Pharmacopoeia) samples was obtained and concentration levels as high as 11.0 mg/500 ml of saline were detected. The presence of such contaminants in i.v. fluids, avoidable by the institution of appropriate quality control measures before manufacturing and marketing, is a matter of serious concern. Stipulated specifications in different pharmacopoeias are meant only to ensure sterility and pyrogenicity, and it is advisable that cognisance be taken of the presence of toxic contaminants e.g. di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

The isolation and structure determination of the alkaloid ent-norsecurinine (4) from Phyllanthus niruri L. is described. The structure and absolute stereochemistry have been confirmed by an X-ray analysis of ent-norsecurinine hydrochloride.