Amides with anti-platelet aggregation activity from Piper taiwanense

Three new amides, taiwanamides A-C (1-3), and two known amides, 1-cinnamoylpyrrolidine (4) and 1-(m-methoxycinnamoyl)pyrrolide (5), have been isolated from the stem of Piper taiwanense. The structures of the new amides were determined by spectral analyses. These five amides exhibited inhibitory activity of platelet aggregation in vitro. Taiwanamide C (3) owned the most potent inhibition activity of platelet aggregation induced by collagen showing IC(50) value as 8.9 microM. Taiwanamide B (2) and 1-(m-methoxycinnamoyl)pyrrolide (5) exhibited IC(50) values of 17.3 and 17.4 microM, respectively.

New phenylpropenoids, bis(1-phenylethyl)phenols, bisquinolinone alkaloid, and anti-inflammatory constituents from Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum

Five new compounds, including two new phenylpropenoids, (R,E)-1-[4-(3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl)phenoxy]-3-methylbutane-2,3-diol (1) and 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)cinnamyl alcohol (2), two new bis(1-phenylethyl)phenols, 2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol (3) and 2,4-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol (4), and a new bisquinolinone alkaloid, 18-demethylparaensidimerin C (5), together with 17 known compounds have been isolated from the stem wood of Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses including extensive 2D nuclear magnetic resonance data. Among the isolates, N-methylflindersine (7), (-)-simulanol (10), and evofolin-C (16) exhibited potent inhibition against N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine-induced superoxide production with IC(50) values less than 12 microM.

Lignans, an amide and anti-platelet activities from Piper philippinum

Investigation of the stem extract of Piper philippinum led to isolation of eight compounds, piperphilippinins I-VI (1-6), philippinamide (7), and (+)-bornyl caffeate (8), together with 26 known compounds. Among the isolates, (-)-3',4'-O,O-demethylenehinokinin (10) and 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamaldehyde (23) showed anti-platelet activities in vitro.

A New Dihydroagarofuranoid Sesquiterpene fromMicrotropis fokienensis with Antituberculosis Activity

A new dihydroagarofuran-based sesquiterpene, 8-acetoxymutangin (1), was isolated from the stems of Microtropis fokienensis, together with eight known compounds, including mutangin (2). Their structures were determined through in-depth spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses. Among the isolated compounds, 1 exhibited potent in vitro antituberculosis activity, with an MIC value of 10.0 microg/ml against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221387, which is considerably better than that of mutangin (2). The activity of 1 lies in the same range as that of the clinic drug ethambutol (MIC 6.25 microg/ml), despite completely different chemical structures, which indicates different modes of action.

New dihydrochalcones and anti-platelet aggregation constituents from the leaves of Muntingia calabura

Two new dihydrochalcones, 2,3-dihydroxy-4,3',4',5'-tetramethoxydihydrochalcone (1) and 4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxydihydrochalcone (2), and a new flavanone, (2R,3R)-(-)-3,5-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone (3), together with nineteen known compounds have been isolated from the leaves of Muntingia calabura. The structures of three new compounds were determined through spectral analyses including extensive 2D-NMR data. Among the isolates, 2,3-dihydroxy-4,3',4',5'-tetramethoxydihydrochalcone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone, 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone, (2S)-7,8,3',4',5'-pentamethoxyflavan, (2S)-5'-hydroxy-7,8,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavan, and methyl gallate exhibited significant anti-platelet aggregation activity in vitro.

Novel epoxyfuranoid lignans and antitubercular constituents from the leaves of Beilschmiedia tsangii

Three new epoxyfuranoid lignans, 4alpha,5alpha-epoxybeilschmin A (1), 4alpha,5alpha-epoxybeilschmin B (2), and beilschmin D (3), together with nine known compounds have been isolated from the leaves of Beilschmiedia tsangii. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, beilschmin A (4) and beilschmin B (5) exhibited potent antitubercular activities (MICs = 2.5 and 7.5 microg/mL, respectively) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90 - 221387 in vitro.

Secondary metabolites from the roots of Engelhardia roxburghiana and their antitubercular activities

Engelharquinone (1), engelharquinone epoxide (2), engelharolide (3), and engelhardic acid (4), were isolated as naturally occurring products from a plant source, Engelhardia roxburghiana together with 20 previously known compounds, four of which were hitherto not known as plant constituents. Their structures were identified by means of spectroscopic analysis. A biological evaluation showed that three of the previously isolated antitubercular constituents [(-)-4-hydroxy-1-tetralone, 3-methoxyjuglone and engelhardione] and engelharquinone (1) exhibited moderate antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221387.

Lentiviral-mediated BMP-2 gene transfer enhances healing of segmental femoral defects in rats

The objective of the present study was to assess the ability of bone marrow cells expressing BMP-2 created via lentiviral gene transfer to heal a critical sized femoral defect in a rat model. Femoral defects in Lewis rats were implanted with 5x10(6) rat bone marrow stromal cells (RBMSC) transduced with a lentiviral vector containing either the BMP-2 gene (Group I), the enhanced green fluorescent protein (LV-GFP) gene (Group IV), or RBMSC alone (Group V). We also included femoral defects that were treated with BMP-2-producing RBMSC transduced with lentivirus, 8 weeks after infection (Group III), and a group with 1x10(6) RBMSC transduced with a lentiviral vector with the BMP-2 gene (Group II). All defects (10/10) treated in Group I healed at 8 weeks compared with none of the femora in the control groups (Groups IV and V). In Group II, only one out of 10 femora healed. In Group III, 5 out of 10 femora healed. Significantly higher amounts of in vitro BMP-2 protein production were detected in Groups I, II, and III when compared to that of the control groups (p<0.05). Histomorphometric analysis revealed significantly greater total bone volume in defects in Group I and III when compared to control specimens (p<0.003). Biomechanical testing revealed no significant differences in the healed defects in Groups I and III when compared to intact, nonoperated femora with respect to peak torque and torque to failure. Our results indicate that BMP-2-producing RBMSC created through lentiviral gene transfer have the capability of inducing long-term protein production in vitro and producing substantial new bone formation in vivo.

Antitubercular dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes from the roots of Microtropis fokienensis

Four new dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes (1-4) and a new hydroxybenzylsalicylaldehyde, forkienin (5), together with nine known compounds have been isolated from the roots of Microtropis fokienensis. The structures of the new compounds were determined through analyses of physical data. Compounds 3, 4, 7, and 8 exhibited potent antitubercular activities (MICs < or = 26.0 microM) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221387 in vitro.

Effect of riluzole on Ca2+ movement and cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Riluzole is a drug used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, its in vitro action is unclear. In this study, the effect of riluzole on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated using the Ca2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. Riluzole (100-500 microM) caused a rapid and sustained increase of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 150 microM). Some 40 and 50% of this [Ca2+]i increase was prevented by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and the addition of La3+, respectively, but was unchanged by dihydropyridines, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+ -free medium, thapsigargin - an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Caz+ -ATPase--caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i increase, after which the increasing effect of riluzole on [Ca2+]i was attenuated by 70%; in addition, pre-treatment with riluzole abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), abolished ATP (but not riluzole)-induced [Ca2+]i increases. At concentrations of 250 and 500 microM, riluzole killed 40 and 95% cells, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of riluzole (250 microM) was unaltered by pre-chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. Collectively, in MDCK cells, riluzole rapidly increased [Ca2+]i by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx via an La3+ -sensitive pathway and intracellular Ca2+ release from the ER via, as yet, unidentified mechanisms. Furthermore, riluzole caused Ca2+ -unrelated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.

A new cytotoxic amide from the stem wood of Hibiscus tiliaceus

A new coumarin, hibiscusin, and a new amide, hibiscusamide, together with eleven known compounds including vanillic acid, P-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, P-hydroxybenzaldehyde, scopoletin, N- trans-feruloyltyramine, N-cis-feruloyltyramine, a mixture of beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, a mixture of beta-sitostenone and stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one were isolated from the stem wood of Hibiscus tiliaceus. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, three compounds exhibited cytotoxicity (IC (50) values < 4 microg/mL) against P-388 and/or HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Cytotoxic dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes from the stem of Microtropis fokienensis

Four dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene polyesters (1-4) have been isolated from the stem of Microtropis fokienensis. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1, 2, 3, and 4 exhibited cytotoxicities (IC(50) values < 0.1 microg/mL) against P-388 and HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Benzopyrans, biphenyls and xanthones from the root of Garcinia linii and their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A new benzopyran, (S)-3-hydroxygarcibenzopyran, and three new biphenyls, garcibiphenyl C, garcibiphenyl D, garcibiphenyl E, together with thirteen known compounds have been additionally isolated from the root of Garcinia linii. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, 1,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone and 1,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone showed antitubercular activities with MICs of 3.1 +/- 0.5 and 6.3 +/- 1.0 microg/mL against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221,387 in vitro, respectively.

New cytotoxic tetrahydrofuran- and dihydrofuran-type lignans from the stem of Beilschmiedia tsangii

Five new compounds including two tetrahydrofuran-type lignans, beilschmin A and beilschmin B, a dihydrofuran-type lignan, beilschmin C, and two 1-phenylbutyl benzoates, tsangin A and tsangin B, together with thirteen known compounds have been isolated from the stem of Beilschmiedia tsangii. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, beilschmin A (1), beilschmin B (2), beilschmin C (3), tsangin A (4), tsangin B (5), 2,6,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-triene (14), alpha-tocopherylquinone (17), and alpha-tocospiro B (18) were cytotoxic (IC (50) values < 4 microg/mL) in P-388 and/or HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Cytotoxic flavonoids and new chromenes from Ficus formosana f. formosana

Two new chromenes, ficuformodiol A and ficuformodiol B, and nine known compounds including one chromene, spatheliachromen, six flavonoids, obovatin, carpachromene ( 5), apigenin ( 6), norartocarpetin ( 7), steppogenin, 6-prenylpinocembrin, one benzopyran, chromenylacrylic acid, and one isocoumarin, ( R)-(-)-mellein, were obtained from the cytotoxic chloroform-soluble fraction of the stems of Ficus formosana f. formosana (Moraceae). Their structures were determined by means of spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 5, 6 and 7 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HepG2, PLC/PRF/5 and Raji cancer cell lines in vitro.

Cytotoxic and anti-platelet aggregation constituents from the root wood of Melicope semecarpifolia

A new acetophenone derivative, melicopone, along with twenty-nine known compounds has been isolated from the root wood of Melicope semecarpifolia. The structure of this new compound was determined using spectral analyses. The compound oxynitidine isolated in this study adds the Melicope genus to the benzo[c]phenanthridine-containing members chemotaxonomically. Three isolates were cytotoxic in P-388 and HT-29 cell lines, and anti-platelet aggregation activities were shown for 10 known compounds.

Two new sesquiterpenoids and anti-HIV principles from the root bark of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides

Two new sesquiterpenes, 10beta-methoxymuurolan-4-en-3-one (1) and 10alpha-methoxycadinan-4-en-3-one (2), were isolated from the root bark of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated from spectroscopic data. Sixty-seven compounds obtained from the root bark of the same plant were evaluated for inhibition of HIV replication in H9 lymphocyte cells, and 14 compounds demonstrated significant activity. Among them, decarine, gamma-fagarine, and (+)-tembamide were the most potent anti-HIV compounds, with EC50 values of <0.1 microg/mL and TI values of >226, >231, and >215, respectively.

Cytotoxic chalcones and flavonoids from the leaves of Muntingia calabura

Two new dihydrochalcones, 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxydihydrochalcone, (-)-3'-methoxy-2',4',beta-trihydroxydihydrochalcone, a new flavanone, (2 S)-(-)-5'-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavanone, and a new flavonol derivative, muntingone, along with sixteen known compounds, were isolated from the leaves of Muntingia calabura. The structures of these new compounds were determined using spectral analyses including extensive 2D NMR data. Among the isolates, (2 S)-5'-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavanone, 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone, and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone exhibited cytotoxicity (IC (50) values < 4 microg/mL) against P-388 and/or HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Antitubercular constituents from the stem wood of Cinnamomum kotoense

Five new compounds, kotolactone A (1), kotolactone B (2), secokotomolide (3), kotodiol (4), and 2-acetyl-5-dodecylfuran (5), and 36 known compounds have been isolated from the stem wood of Cinnamomum kotoense. The structures of these new compounds were determined by means of spectroscopic analysis. The known butanolides, isoobtusilactone A (6) and lincomolide B (7), showed in vitro antitubercular activities with MIC values of 22.48 and 10.16 microM, respectively, against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221387.

New cytotoxic cyclobutanoid amides, a new furanoid lignan and anti-platelet aggregation constituents from Piper arborescens

Three new cyclobutanoid amides with trans-trans-trans configurations, piperarborenine C, piperarborenine D and piperarborenine E, and a new furanoid lignan, (+)-arborone, together with twelve known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Piper arborescens. The structures of these new compounds were determined by means of spectral analyses. Piperarborenine C, (+)-diayangambin, piplartine, piperolactam B, piperolactam C, aristolactam BIII, goniothalactam, and methyl trans-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate possessed anti-platelet aggregation activity in vitro. Among them, piplartine showed the most potent anti-platelet aggregation activity induced by collagen and showed an IC50 value of 21.5 microM. Piperarborenines A - E, piperarborenine, aristololactam BIII and goniothalactam showed significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 values < 4 microg/mL) against P-388, HT-29 and A549 cell lines in vitro.

New indolopyridoquinazoline, benzo[c]phenanthridines and cytotoxic constituents from Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum

Three new alkaloids, 7,8-dehydro-1-methoxyrutaecarpine, isodecarine, and 8-demethyloxychelerythrine, together with sixteen known compounds, norchelerythrine, oxychelerythrine, decarine, dihydrocherythrinylacetaldehyde, 6-acetonyldihydrochelerythrine, rutaecarpine, 1-hydroxyrutaecarpine, gamma-fagarine, skimmianine, (-)-matairesinol, (-)-isoarctigenin, (+)-epipinoresinol, d-sesamin, lupeol, canthin-6-one, and arnottianamide have been isolated from the root bark of Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, 7,8-dehydro-1-methoxyrutaecarpine, norchelerythrine, oxychelerythrine, dihydrocherythrinylacetaldehyde, 6-acetonyldihydrochelerythrine, 1-hydroxyrutaecarpine, gamma-fagarine, skimmianine, (-)-matairesinol, and canthin-6-one exhibited cytotoxicities (ED50 values < 4 microg/mL) against P-388 or HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Steryl epoxide, secobutanolide and butanolides from the stem wood of Machilus zuihoensis

A steryl epoxide, machillene (1), a secobutanolide, secomahubanolide (2), and two butanolides, zuihoenalide (3), and 3-(1-methoxyoctadecyl)-5-methylene-5H-furan-2-one (4), together with 12 known compounds, were isolated from stem wood of Machilus zuihoensis. Their structures were determined by means of spectroscopic analyses. Machillene (1) showed cytotoxic activity against NUGC-3 and HONE-1 cancer cell lines in vitro.

Cytotoxic chromenes from Myriactis humilis

Two new chromenes, myriachromene and 2,2-dimethyl-6,7-methylenedioxy-2H-chromene, together with ten known compounds including alpha-tocopherylquinone, alpha-tocopherol acetate, diphenyl sulfone, beta-carotene, chondrillasterol, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitostenone, vanillin, and vanillic acid were isolated from the whole plant of Myriactis humilis. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, four compounds exhibited cytotoxicity (ED50 values < 4 microg/mL) against P-388 or HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Antitubercular constituents from the roots of Engelhardia roxburghiana

Three new compounds, engelhardione, (-)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-1-tetralone, and 3-methoxycarbonyl-1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone, together with twelve known compounds have been isolated from the roots of Engelhardia roxburghiana. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Engelhardione, 3-methoxyjuglone, and (-)-4-hydroxy-1-tetralone showed antitubercular activities with MIC values=3.125, 3.125, and 6.25 microg/mL against Mycobacterium tuberculosis 90-221,387, respectively, and with MIC values=0.2, 0.2, and 4.0 microg/mL against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, individually.

Cytotoxic Iridoid Aldehydes from Taiwanese Viburnum luzonicum

Four new iridoid aldehydes bearing (E)- or (Z)-p-coumaroyl group, luzonial A (1), luzonial B (2), luzonidial A (3), and luzonidial B (4), were isolated from a methanol extract of the dried leaves of Viburnum luzonicum collected in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-3 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against HeLa S3 cancer cells.

Cytotoxic xanthones and biphenyls from the root of Garcinia linii

Three new xanthones, linixanthones A-C, two new biphenyls, garcibiphenyls A and B, and a new benzopyran, garcibenzopyran, together with twelve known xanthones and a known biphenyl have been isolated from the root of Garcinia linii. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, five compounds exhibited cytotoxicities (ED50 values < 4 microg/mL) against P-388 and HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Iridoid glucosides and p-coumaroyl iridoids from Viburnum luzonicum and their cytotoxicity

Four new iridoids glucosides (1-4) and seven new iridoid aglycons (5-11) bearing (E)- or (Z)-p-coumaroyl groups were isolated from a methanol extract of the dried leaves of Viburnum luzonicum collected in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. The structures of the new compounds, named luzonoside A (1), luzonoside B (2), luzonoside C (3), luzonoside D (4), luzonoid A (5), luzonoid B (6), luzonoid C (7), luzonoid D (8), luzonoid E (9), luzonoid F (10), and luzonoid G (11), were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with values for previously known analogues. Among the iridoids isolated in the present study, glucosides 1 and 2, and their aglycons 5-9, exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against HeLa S3 cancer cells, whereas 3 and 4 showed no cytotoxicity even at 100 microM.

Isolation of salicin derivatives from Homalium cochinchinensis and their antiviral activities

The chemical constituents of Homalium cochinchinensis were examined. From the root bark, in addition to the previously reported cochinolide and its beta-glucopyranoside, cochinchiside A (1) and tremulacinol (4) were isolated together with three known compounds [benzoic acid, tremulacin (2), and tremuloidin (3)]. From the leaves, cochinchiside B (5) was isolated as new compound. The structures of the new compounds (1, 4, 5) were determined by spectroscopic and/or chemical methods. Antiviral testing of compounds 2-5 against HSV-1 and HSV-2 showed that tremulacin (2) and cochinchiside B (5) were weakly active. Tremulacin (2) was also weakly active against HIV-1.

New lignans and cytotoxic constituents from Wikstroemia lanceolata

Two new lignans, (-)-aptosimon ( 1) and (-)-diasesamin-di-gamma-lactone ( 2), together with twenty-two known compounds, have been isolated from the stems and roots of Wikstroemia lanceolata. The structures of the new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. The proton and carbon assignments of the known sesquiterpenoid, 1alpha,7alpha,10alpha H-guaia-4,11-dien-3-one ( 24) were revised by 2D NMR techniques. Among the isolates, three compounds, (+)-hinokinin ( 6), 2,6-dimethoxy- p-benzoquinone ( 17), and 1alpha,7alpha,10alpha H-guaia-4,11-dien-3-one ( 24) exhibited effective cytotoxicities (ED50 values < 4.0 microg mL-1) against P-388 and HT-29 tumor cell lines.

A new aristolactam alkaloid and anti-platelet aggregation constituents from Piper taiwanense

A new alkaloid, piperolactam E, and fourteen known compounds have been isolated from the stem of Piper taiwanense. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic extract led to the isolation, from the chloroform-soluble part, of 4-allylcatechol, eugenol, trans-caffeic aldehyde, 2-hydroxy-1-methoxy-4 H-dibenzo[ de,g]quinoline-4,5-(6 H)-dione, piperolactam B, piperolactam C, and piperolactam E as the active principles of anti-platelet aggregation in vitro. The derived 1,2-diacetoxy-4-allyl-benzene and eugenol acetate exhibit stronger anti-platelet aggregation activities induced by arachidonic acid than 4-allylcatechol and eugenol, respectively.

Anti-platelet aggregation and chemical constituents from the rhizome of Gynura japonica

A novel quinonoid terpenoid, (-)- alpha-tocospirone, a new chromanone, (-)-gynuraone, as well as three new steroids, (22 E,24 S)-7 alpha-hydroperoxystigmasta-5,22-dien-3 beta-ol, (22 E,24 S)-stigmasta-1,4,22-trien-3-one, and (24 R)-stigmasta-1,4-dien-3-one, together with 15 known components, were isolated from the rhizome of Formosan Gynura japonica. Structures of the new compounds were determined through spectral analyses and chemical evidence. Several of the isolated compounds, caryophyllene oxide, 6-acetyl-2,2-dimethylchroman-4-one, vanillin, 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone, and benzoic acid exhibited significant anti-platelet aggregation activity in vitro.

A cytotoxic butenolide, two new dolabellane diterpenoids, a chroman and a benzoquinol derivative formosan Casearia membranacea

Investigation of a cytotoxic chloroform-soluble fraction of the stem of Casearia membranacea (Flacourtiaceae) led to the isolation of five new compounds, including one butenolide, casealactone (1), one chroman, caseamemin (2), two dolabellane diterpenoids, casearimene A (3) and casearimene B (4), one benzoquinol ether, casearinone (5), together with fifteen known compounds, including two amides, N- trans-feruloyltyramine (6) and N- cis-feruloyltyramine (7), six steroids, beta-sitosterol (8), stigmast-5-ene-3beta,7alpha-diol (9), stigmast-5-ene-3beta,7beta-diol (10), stigmastane-3beta,5alpha,6beta-triol (11), beta-sitostenone (12), beta-sitosterol 3- O-beta-glucoside (13), two triterpenoids, squalene (14) and friedelin (15), one lignan, (+/-)-syringaresinol (16), two benzenoids, syringaldehyde (17) and vanillic acid (18), one ester, methyl hexadecanoate (19), and anthraquinone (20), respectively. Among these isolates, 1 showed cytotoxicity against P-388 and HT-29 cancer cell lines in vitro, and 6 and 7 showed cytotoxicity against the P-388 cancer cell line. The structures of these compounds were determined by means of spectroscopic techniques, and the structure of 3 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Chemical and cytotoxic constituents from Peperomia sui

Three polyketide compounds, surinone A, surinone B, surinone C and one acylresorcinol, suranone, along with thirty known compounds, were isolated from the whole plant of Peperomia sui. Their structures were elucidated from spectral analysis. Several compounds showed cytotoxic activity against HONE-1 and NUGC-3 cell lines in vitro.

Furoquinoline alkaloids and cytotoxic constituents from the leaves of Melicope semecarpifolia

Three new furoquinoline alkaloids, melicarpine, semecarpine, and (+/-)-8-methoxyplatydesmine, together with a known flavone, ayanin, were isolated from the leaves of Melicope semecarpifolia. The structures of the three alkaloids were determined through spectral analyses. Of the nineteen isolates obtained here and during earlier work, twelve exhibited cytotoxic activity against P-388, HT-29, or A549 cell lines in vitro. Among them, confusameline is the most cytotoxic isolate, and exhibited more potent cytotoxicity (ED 50 value = 0.03 microgram/mL) against the P-388 cell line than the reference compound mithramycin (ED 50 value = 0.06 microgram/mL).

Chemical and anti-platelet constituents from Formosan Zanthoxylum simulans

A pyrrole alkaloid, pyrrolezanthine [5-hydroxymethyl-1-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde]; a lignan, (-)-simulanol [4- [3-hydroxymethyl-5-((E)-3-hydroxypropenyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-2-yl]-2,6-dimethoxy-phenol] and a monocyclic gamma-pyrone, zanthopyranone [3,5-dimethoxy-2-methyl-pyran-4-one], together with 28 known compounds were isolated from the stem wood of Formosan Zanthoxylum simulans. Their structures were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, 11 compounds showed anti-platelet aggregation activity in vitro.

Cytotoxic amides from Piper sintenense

A new alkaloid, pipersintenamide ( 1), together with fourteen known compounds, have been isolated from the whole plant of Piper sintenense. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Pipersintenamide, sintenpyridone, sarmentine, and 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1 E-dodecene at 20 microg/ml exhibited effective cytotoxicities (cell survival < 15 %) against CCRF-CEM, HL-60, PC-3, and HA22T cell lines.

Quinoline alkaloids and anti-platelet aggregation constituents from the leaves of Melicope semecarpifolia

Three new quinoline alkaloids, melisemine, confusadine, and melicarpinone, together with twelve known compounds have been isolated from the leaves of Melicope semecarpifolia. The structures of these three compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Confusadine was demonstrated to be an anti-platelet aggregation constituent.

Effect of lignans isolated from Hernandia nymphaeifolia on estrogenic compounds-induced calcium mobilization in human neutrophils

The effect of five lignans isolated from Hernandia nymphaeifolia on estrogenic compounds (17beta-estradiol, tamoxifen and clomiphene)-induced Ca(2+) mobilization in human neutrophils was investigated. The five lignans were epi-yangambin, epi-magnolin, epi-aschantin, deoxypodophyllotoxin and yatein. In Ca(2+)-containing medium, the lignans (50-100 microM) inhibited 10 microM 17beta-estradiol- and 5 microM tamoxifen-induced increases in intracellular free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) without changing 25 microM clomiphene-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. 17beta-estradiol and tamoxifen increased [Ca(2+)](i) by causing Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+) release because their responses were partly reduced by removing extracellular Ca(2+). In contrast, clomiphene solely induced Ca(2+) release. The effect of the lignans on these two Ca(2+) movement pathways underlying 17beta-estradiol- and tamoxifen-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases was explored. All the lignans (50-100 microM) inhibited 10 microM 17beta-estradiol-and 5 microM tamoxifen-induced Ca(2+) release, and 17beta-estradiol-induced Ca(2+) influx. However, only 100 microM epi-aschantin was able to reduce tamoxifen-induced Ca(2+) influx while the other lignans had no effect. Collectively, this study shows that the lignans altered estrogenic compounds-induced Ca(2+) signaling in human neutrophils in a multiple manner.

Novel action of lignans isolated from Hernandia nymphaeifolia on Ca(2+) signaling in renal tubular cells

The effect of five lignans, epi-aschantin, epi-magnolin, epi-yangambin, deoxypodophyllotoxin and yatein, isolated from Hernandia nymphaeifolia on Ca(2+) signaling in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells was examined using fura-2 as a Ca(2+) indicator. These lignans at concentrations between 10 and 100 microM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) abolished the Ca(2+) signals evoked by 50 microM of the lignans. La(3+)(50 microM) abolished the Ca(2+) signals induced by 100 microM of epi-aschantin, epi-magnolin and epi-yangambin, and 20 microM deoxypodophyllotoxin, but inhibited by 60% 50 microM yatein-induced responses. All five lignans (50-100 microM) inhibited by 42-65% thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca(2+) entry, and inhibited by 23-61% thapsigargin-induced intracellular Ca(2+) release. Epi-yangambin (100 microM), epi-magnolin (100 microM), and epi-aschantin (100 microM) inhibited by 8-38% 10 microM ATP-induced Ca(2+) release. Trypan blue exclusion revealed that incubation with deoxypodophyllotoxin or yatein (but not the other lignans) decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Together, the results suggest that, in renal tubular cells, these lignans exert multiple actions on Ca(2+) signaling. They caused Ca(2+) influx but reduced thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca(2+) entry and also thapsigargin- and ATP-induced Ca(2+) release. Additionally, deoxypodophyllotoxin and yatein may be cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic butanolides and secobutanolides from the stem wood of Formosan Lindera communis

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the chloroform-soluble fraction from the stem wood of Formosan Lindera communis led to the isolation of two new cytotoxic butanolides, lincomolide C (1), lincomolide D (2), as well as two new secobutanolides, secolincomolide A (3), secolincomolide B (4), together with four known compounds, including one butanolide, isoobtusilactone A (5), and one secobutanolide, secoisolancifolide (6), one sesquiterpene, epi-cubenol (7), one steroid: beta-sitosterol (8). Compound 4 existed in enol [(2E)-2-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-propyl]-6,9-dimethyl-8-hydroxy-hexadec-2,7-dienoic acid methyl ester] (4a) and keto [(2E)-2-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-propyl]-6,9-dimethyl-8-oxo-hexadec-2-enoic acid methyl ester] (4b) tautomers. Compound 2 showed significant cytotoxicity against P-388 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. Also, 2 exhibited marginal activity against A549, 5 against P-388, and 1 against P-388, A549 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses.

Novel action of lignans isolated from Hernandia nymphaeifolia on Ca2+ signaling in human neutrophils

The effects of five lignans (epi-aschantin, epi-magnolin, epi-yangambin, deoxypodophyllotoxin, yatein) isolated from Hernandia nymphaeifolia (Presl.) Kubitzki (Hernandiaceae) on intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in human neutrophils were investigated by using fura-2 as a fluorescent probe. In both Ca2+-containing and Ca2+-free media, the lignans (50-100 microM) did not alter basal [Ca2+]i but inhibited the [Ca2+]i increase induced by platelet activating factor (PAF, 10 microM), leukotriene B4 (LTB4, 0.2 microM), and thapsigargin (1 microM) to different extents. In Ca2+-free medium, after depleting stores of Ca2+ with PAF, LTB4 or thapsigargin, addition of 3 mM Ca2+ induced Ca2+ influx. Each of the lignans (50-100 microM) caused 39-89% inhibition of PAF-induced Ca2+ influx; whereas only epi-aschantin was able to inhibit LTB4- and thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ influx by 54-79%. Together, the results suggest that in human neutrophils, these lignans did not alter basal [Ca2+]i but inhibited Ca2+ movement induced by Ca2+ mobilizing agents.