Sesquiterpene alkaloids from Tripterygium hypoglaucum and Tripterygium wilfordii: a new class of potent anti-HIV agents

A new insecticidal sesquiterpene ester from Celastrus angulatus

A new sesquiterpene polyol ester with a β-dihydroagarofuran skeleton, NW37 (1), and three known compounds NW13 (2), NW16 (3) and NW35 (4) were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from the highly polar MeOH extracts of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus. Their chemical structures were elucidated mainly by analyses of MS and NMR spectral data. The insecticidal activity of compound 1 against 4^th instar Mythimna separata larvae with a KD₅₀ value of 252.3 μg·g^-1 was demonstrated.

Simultaneous determination of four sesquiterpene alkaloids in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography

Wilfortrine, wilfordine, wilforgine and wilforine are four major bioactive sesquiterpene alkaloids in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. The first analytical determination of the four major bioactive alkaloids is described. The four alkaloids are well-resolved within 15 min using the developed HPLC method. The identity of the analytes was confirmed by an HPLC-MS experiment, with all compounds being clearly assignable by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) positive mode analysis. The method was validated for limit of qualification, linearity and inter-day variation of precision and accuracy. Seven T. wilfordii samples (extracts and commercial product) were successfully analysed.

Simple method for determination of five terpenoids from different parts ofTripterygium wilfordii and its preparations by HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection

By optimizing the extraction, separation, and analytical conditions, a reliable and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) was developed for simultaneous determination of five terpenoids, i.e., triptolide, tripchlorolide, demethylzelastral, wilforlide B, and wilforlide A, in root, stem, leaves, root bark, twig, and root without bark of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f and six of its herbal preparations. This approach would thus provide a more accurate and general method for evaluating the quality of the herb and its preparations. Separation of these five terpenoids was achieved on a ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C8 column with gradient elution using water and acetonitrile as solvents, both containing 0.05% formic acid, at a temperature of 30 degrees C and a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The drift tube temperature of ELSD was set at 100 degrees C, and the nitrogen flow rate at 1.5 L/min. Good linear relationships were obtained with correlation coefficients for the analytes exceeding 0.992, and the LOD and LOQ were less than 0.149 microg and 0.297 microg on column, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision of the analytes were less than 1.25% and 5.97%, respectively, and the average recovery rates obtained were in the range of 95.9 +/- 3.7% to 100.4 +/- 5.0% for all terpenoids with RSDs below 4.99%. Quantitative analysis of the five terpenoids in different parts of Tripterygium wilfordii and its six preparations showed that the contents of the terpenoids varied significantly. The tender root contained higher concentrations of triptolide, tripchlorolide, demethylzelastral, and wilforlide B than any other part of the herb. Correspondingly, the root bark contained the greatest concentration of wilforlide A, and the stem and twig came in second and third. This suggested that we could infer whether the medicinal materials were absolute roots without bark or not from the comparative contents of these terpenoids in the tablets in view of the fact that only the roots without bark are the valid officinal part of the plant. This method and the quantitation results obtained can provide a scientific and general as well as simple and convenient approach for the product manufacturers to set up quality control standards and for informing the public about the quality and safety of the preparations.

Four novel insecticidal sesquiterpene esters from Celastrus angulatus

Four new insecticidal sesquiterpene polyol esters with a beta-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene skeleton, celangulatin C (1), celangulatin D (2), celangulatin E (3), and celangulatin F (4), and five known compounds 5-9 were isolated from the low-polar toluene extracts of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus by bioassay-guided fractionation. Their chemical structures were elucidated mainly by analyses of MS and NMR spectral data. Celangulatin C, E and F showed LD(50) against Mythimna separata were 280.4, 1656.4 and 210.5 microg mL(-1), respectively.

Conjugate addition of 2- and 4-pyridylcuprates: an expeditious asymmetric synthesis of natural (-)-evoninic acid

[reaction: see text] The scope and limitations of the conjugate addition of 2- and the first 4-pyridyl Gilman homocuprates to various alpha,beta-unsaturated Michael acceptors are delineated. The conjugate addition of the cuprate of 2-bromo-3-methylpyridine to (E)-methyl crotonate then diastereoselective enolate alkylation and lipase-mediated enantioselective ester hydrolysis have enabled an efficient four-step first asymmetric synthesis of the Celastraceae sesquiterpenoid esterifying ligand (-)-(1'S,2'S)-evoninic acid.

The dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids

Dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids are a structurally diverse class of natural products based on tricyclic 5,11-epoxy-5Beta,10alpha-eudesman-4-(14)-ene skeleton. Between January 1990 and June 2006, 462 new dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids of 74 structural types have been isolated from about 64 species of Celastraceae, 3 species of Hippocrateaceae and one species of Lamiaceae. The present review covers the chemical and biological activity research of dihydro-Beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids in the past 16 years. The chemical research includes structural classification into sesquiterpene polyesters and macrolide sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, synthesis of dihydro-Beta-agarofuran as well as extraction, isolation and purification methods. The biological activity research includes activities such as multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity, HIV inhibition, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity, antifeedant activity and insecticidal activity with some insights to their modes of actions.

Oppositines A and B, sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids from a Sri Lankan Pleurostylia opposita

Two new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, oppositines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the plant Pleurostylia opposita, collected in Sri Lanka. The compounds were isolated and purified by solvent/solvent partitioning, column chromatography, and HPLC. Their structures were assigned on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR studies as well as analysis by HRESIMS. Oppositines A (1) and B (2) showed moderate cytotoxicity against HCT116 cell lines with EC50 values of 27 +/- 2 and 26 +/- 3 microM, respectively.

Tripfordines A-C, sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids from Tripterygium wilfordii, and structure anti-HIV activity relationships of Tripterygium alkaloids

Three new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, tripfordines A-C (1-3), were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii, along with eight known pyridine alkaloids, and tested for in vitro cytotoxic and anti-HIV activity. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. Anti-HIV structure-activity relationships (SAR) for this compound type are proposed on the basis of the screening results from the newly isolated compounds and prior data of known sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids. The position of a carboxyalkyl chain on the pyridine moiety was not critical since both 2'- and 4'-substituted compounds exhibited high anti-HIV activity (EC(50) 0.1 microg/mL). In contrast, a hydroxy group at C-8' (carboxypropyl side chain) or C-9' (carboxybutyl side chain) was found to affect anti-HIV activity.

Two new insecticidal sesquiterpene polyol esters fromCelastrus angulatus

Two new insecticidal sesquiterpene polyol esters with a beta-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene skeleton, celangulatin A (1), B (2), and two known compounds, celangulin IV (3) and V (4), were isolated from the leaves of Celastrus angulatus by bioassay-guided fractionation. Their chemical structures were elucidated mainly by analyses of the NMR and MS spectral data. Their insecticidal activities against Mythimna separate were demonstrated with the KD50 value of 68.5 and 215.8 microg g(-1), respectively.

New developments in natural products-based anti-AIDS research

This review discusses anti-HIV natural products from several compound classes, including terpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Natural products can provide novel anti-AIDS chemotherapeutic leads that are structurally unique or have new mechanisms of action. The drug discovery and development process proceeds from bioactivity-directed isolation and identification of a promising lead natural product, followed by rational design-based structural modification and structure-activity relationship analyses to optimize the lead compound as a drug candidate. This process is notably exemplified by the discovery of the modified betulinic acid derivative, DSB [PA-457], which is currently in Phase II clinical trial and is the first-in-class HIV maturation inhibitor (MI).

Naturally derived anti-HIV agents

The urgent need for new anti-HIV/AIDS drugs is a global concern. In addition to obvious economical and commercial hurdles, HIV/AIDS patients are faced with multifarious difficulties associated with the currently approved anti-HIV drugs. Adverse effects, the emergence of drug resistance and the narrow spectrum of activity have limited the therapeutic usefulness of the various reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors that are currently available on the market. This has driven many scientists to look for new anti-retrovirals with better efficacy, safety and affordability. As has always been the case in the search for cures, natural sources offer great promise. Several natural products, mostly of plant origin have been shown to possess promising activities that could assist in the prevention and/or amelioration of the disease. Many of these anti-HIV agents have other medicinal values as well, which afford them further prospective as novel leads for the development of new drugs that can deal with both the virus and the various disorders that characterize HIV/AIDS. The aim of this review is to report new discoveries and updates pertaining to anti-HIV natural products. In the review anti-HIV agents have been classified according to their chemical classes rather than their target in the HIV replicative cycle, which is the most frequently encountered approach. Perusal of the literature revealed that most of these promising naturally derived anti-HIV compounds are flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides or proteins. It is our strong conviction that the results and experiences with many of the anti-HIV natural products will inspire and motivate even more researchers to look for new leads from plants and other natural sources.

Terpene alkaloids from Tripterygium wilfordii

Two new sesquiterpene alkaloids, 1beta-hydroxy-2beta,5alpha,11-triacetoxy-7beta-nicotinoyl-8beta-benzoyl-dihydroagarofuran, and 1beta,5alpha,11-triacetoxy-7beta-nicotinoyl-8beta-benzoyl-dihydroagarofuran were isolated from the xylem of Tripterygium wilfordii, together with six known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies.

Immunosuppressive Sesquiterpenes from Tripterygium wilfordii

Five new sesquiterpenes, 1beta-furanoyl-2beta,3alpha,7alpha,8beta,11-pentaacetoxy-4alpha,5alpha-dihydroxy-dihydroagarofuran (1), 1beta,2beta,3alpha,5alpha,7beta,8beta,11-heptaacetoxy-dihydroagarofuran (2), 1beta-furanoyl-2beta,3alpha,7alpha,8beta,11-pentaacetoxy-5alpha-hydroxy-dihydroagarofuran (3), 1beta,7beta,8alpha-triacetoxy-2beta-furanoyl-4alpha-hydroxy-11-isobutyryloxy-dihydroagarofuran (4), and 1beta-nicotinoyl-2beta,5alpha,7beta-triacetoxy-4alpha-hydroxy-11-isobutyryloxy-8alpha-furanoyl-dihydroagarofuran (5), were isolated from the xylem of Tripterygium wilfordii, together with a known compound (6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies. Compounds 2-5 showed significant immunosuppressive activities.

Prenylated benzophenones and xanthones from Hypericum scabrum

Two new polyprenylated benzophenones, a new polyprenylated phloroglucinol, and six new xanthone derivatives were isolated from the aerial parts of the Uzbekistan medicinal plant Hypericum scabrum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. The isolated compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity for human tumor cells.

New sesquiterpenes from Capsicum annuum

The ethyl acetate soluble fraction of a MeOH extract of the dried stems and roots of Capsicum annum gave 10 new sesquiterpenoids (1-10) and nine known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. The isolated new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities.

Kaurane and abietane diterpenoids from Tripterygium doianum (Celastraceae)

Extraction of Tripterygium doianum (Celastraceae) afforded five new diterpenoids and 11 known diterpenoids belonging to the ent-kaurane and abietane families. Their structures were established based on spectroscopic studies. The isolated compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity against human tumor cell assays.

Isoprenoids: Remarkable diversity of form and function

The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway is the source of a wide array of products. The pathway has been highly conserved throughout evolution, and isoprenoids are some of the most ancient biomolecules ever identified, playing key roles in many life forms. In this review we focus on C-10 mono-, C-15 sesqui-, and C-20 diterpenes. Evidence for interconversion between the pathway intermediates farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and their respective metabolites is examined. The diverse functions of these molecules are discussed in detail, including their ability to regulate expression of the beta-HMG-CoA reductase and Ras-related proteins. Additional topics include the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effects of select isoprenoids, antiulcer activities, and the disposition and degradation of isoprenoids in the environment. Finally, the significance of pharmacological manipulation of the isoprenoid pathway and clinical correlations are discussed.

Current developments in the discovery and design of new drug candidates from plant natural product leads

This review article will emphasize recent research in the Natural Products Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, on various classes of plant-derived compounds that possess potent antitumor or anti-HIV activity. These compounds were obtained by bioactivity- and mechanism of action-directed isolation and characterization coupled with rational drug design-based modification and analogue synthesis. Structural modification, SAR, and mechanism of action studies are discussed.

SAR Studies of Dihydro-β-agarofuran Sesquiterpenes as Inhibitors of the Multidrug-Resistance Phenotype in a Leishmania tropica Line Overexpressing a P-Glycoprotein-Like Transporter

A series of dihydro-beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenes isolated from the leaves of Maytenus cuzcoina (1-10) or semisynthetic derivatives (11-30) have been tested on a multidrug-resistant Leishmania tropica line overexpressing a P-glycoprotein-like transporter to determine their ability to revert the resistance phenotype and to modulate intracellular drug accumulation. Almost all natural compounds showed potent reversal activity with different degrees of selectivity. Compounds 2, 7, and 8 are the most effective reversal agents tested against the multidrug resistance phenotype of Leishmania. Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships using the comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) were employed to characterize the steric (contribution of 5.4%), electrostatic (58.9%), lipophilic (10.0%), and hydrogen-bond-donor (13.3%) and -acceptor (7.5%) requirements of these sesquiterpenes as modulators at the P-glycoprotein-like transporter. The most salient features of these requirements are the H-bond interaction between the substituents at the C-2 and C-6 positions with the receptor.

Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of triptolide, the principal active diterpenoid from the Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f

Extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii hook. f. (leigong teng, Thundergod vine) are effective in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of immune inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, nephritis and asthma. Characterisation of the terpenoids present in extracts of Tripterygium identified triptolide, a diterpenoid triepoxide, as responsible for most of the immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects observed in vitro. Triptolide inhibits lymphocyte activation and T-cell expression of interleukin-2 at the level of transcription. In all cell types examined, triptolide inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB transcriptional activation at a unique step in the nucleus after binding to DNA. Further characterisation of the molecular mechanisms of triptolide action will serve to elucidate pathways of immune system regulation.

Insecticidal sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids from Euonymus species

Three insecticidal sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids with a beta-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene skeleton, euoverrine A (1), B (2), and euophelline (3), and a known compound, euojaponine C (4), were isolated from the root bark of Euonymus verrucosides, E. fortunei and E. phellomana by bioassay-guided fractionation. Their chemical structures were elucidated mainly by analyses NMR and MS spectral data.

Terpenoids from Tripterygium doianum (Celastraceae)

The extract of Tripterygium doianum (Celastraceae) afforded three triterpenoids [3beta-acetoxy-11-ursen-13alpha,30-olide, 25-chloro-24-hydroxytirucall-7-en-3-one and tirucall-7-en-3,24-dione], two sesquiterpenoids [5alpha-acetoxy-1beta,8alpha-bis-cinnamoyl-4alpha-hydroxydihydroagarofuran and 5alpha-acetoxy-1beta-benzoyl-8alpha-cinnamoyl-4alpha-hydroxydihydroagarofuran] and nine known triterpenoids. Their structures were established based on spectroscopic studies.

New sesquiterpenes from Euonymus europaeus (Celastraceae)

A new sesquiterpene evoninate alkaloid (1), and two sesquiterpenes (2, 3) with a dihydro-beta-agarofuran skeleton, along with three known sesquiterpenes (4-6), were isolated from the seeds of Euonymus europaeus. Their structures were elucidated by high resolution mass analysis, and one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) NMR spectroscopy, including homonuclear and heteronuclear correlation [correlation spectroscopy (COSY), rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC)] experiments.