Isolation and NMR spectra of syringaresinol-β-d-glucoside from Cressa cretica

Characterization of the metabolites of Eucommiae Cortex in rats provides a further insight into its estrogen-like effective substances

Eucommiae Cortex is one of important traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) used in Asia for preventing and treating osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency. However, the low exposure of prototype components in Eucommiae Cortex in vivo is difficult to interpret its efficacy. Under the guidance of UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, 42 metabolites including 32 lignans and 10 phenolics, 21 of which were new compounds, were isolated from rat urine and feces after oral administration of aqueous extract of E. ulmoides Oliv. by various chromatographic techniques. Their structures were determined based on extensive physicochemical analyses and spectral data. Their absolute configurations were determined by experimental and calculated ECD spectra, along with the calculated NMR with DP4 evaluation. Additionally, all isolated metabolites were evaluated for their estrogen-like activities, and there are 15 metabolites having estrogen-like effects after assessing influences in MCF-7 cells. Further, Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay was used to determine their activation with estrogen receptor, M10 and M11 mixtures, M14, M19, M33, M27, M31, M38-M41 could activate ERα, and M19 and M41 could activate ERβ. These results not only clarify the pharmacological substances of Eucommiae Cortex, but also provide a basis for guiding its clinical application.

Chemical constituents with senolytic activity from the stems of Limacia scandens

While screening senotherapeutics from natural products, seven undescribed chemicals, two syringylglycerol derivatives, two cyclopeptides, one tigliane analogue, and two chromone derivatives, as well as six known compounds were isolated from the stems of Limacia scandens. The structures of compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and CD data. All compounds were tested in replicative senescent human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to determine their potential as senotherapeutic agents to specifically target senescent cells. One tigliane and two chromones derivatives showed senolytic activity, indicating that senescent cells were selectively removed. Especially, 2-{2-[(3'-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl)phenyl]ethyl}chromone is expected to be a potential senotherapeutics by inducing HDF death, inhibiting the activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and expressing senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors.

Phytochemical characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of a water extract of Gentiana purpurea roots

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gentiana purpurea was one of the most important medicinal plants in Norway during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the roots were used against different types of gastrointestinal and airway diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the content of bioactive compounds in a water extract from the roots, a preparation commonly used in traditional medicine in Norway, to assess the anti-inflammatory potential, and furthermore to quantify the major bitter compounds in both roots and leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

G. purpurea roots were boiled in water, the water extract applied on a Diaion HP20 column and further fractionated with Sephadex LH20, reverse phase C18 and normal phase silica gel to obtain the low molecular compounds. 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and ESI-MS were used for structure elucidation. HPLC-DAD analysis was used for quantification. The inhibition of TNF-α secretion in ConA stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was investigated.

RESULTS

Eleven compounds were isolated and identified from the hot water extract of G. purpurea roots. Gentiopicrin, amarogentin, erythrocentaurin and gentiogenal showed dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-α secretion. Gentiopicrin is the major secondary metabolite in the roots, while sweroside dominates in the leaves.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work gives a comprehensive overview of the major low-molecular weight compounds in the water extracts of G. purpurea, including metabolites produced during the decoction process, and show new anti-inflammatory activities for the native bitter compounds as well as the metabolites produced during preparation of the crude drug.

Constituents of Tinospora sinensis and their nitric oxide inhibitory activities

One new phenylpropanoid glycoside, tinosinen A (1) and 13 known compounds, tinosinen (2), citrusin B (3), picraquassioside C (4), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4'-coniferyl alcohol (5), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4'-(sinapyl alcohol) ether (6), erythro-syringylglycerol-8-O-4'-(sinapyl alcohol) ether (7), seco-isolariciresinol 9-O-D-β-glucopyranoside (8), tinosposide A (9), pinoresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), syringaresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), pinoresinol (12), syringaresinol (13), and lirioresino-β-dimethyl ether (14) were isolated from the stems of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. Their structures were established by detailed spectroscopic studies and comparisons with those reported in the literature. Compound 13 showed significant inhibitory NO production (IC₅₀ value of 38.53 ± 1.90 μM) in RAW264.7 macrophages, LPS-stimulated. Compounds 3-7, 11, 12, and 14 inhibited NO production with IC₅₀ values ranging from 38.53 to 99.07 μM.

Dereplication and Quantification of Major Compounds of Convolvulus arvensis L. Extracts and Assessment of Their Effect on LPS-Activated J774 Macrophages

Convolvulus arvensis is used in Pakistani traditional medicine to treat inflammation-related disorders. Its anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated on hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts of whole plant on pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-activated murine macrophage J774 cells at the non-cytotoxic concentration of 50 µg/mL. Ethyl acetate (ARE) and methanol (ARM) extracts significantly decreased mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, COX-2, and iNOS. Furthermore, both extracts dose dependently decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 secretion. Forty-five compounds were putatively identified in ARE and ARM by dereplication (using HPLC-UV-HRMSⁿ analysis and molecular networking), most of them are reported for the first time in C. arvensis, as for example, nineteen phenolic derivatives. Rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, N-trans-p-coumaroyl-tyramine, and N-trans-feruloyl-tyramine were main constituents identified and quantified by HPLC-PDA in ARE and ARM. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, tyramine derivatives, and the mixture of the six identified major compounds significantly decreased IL-6 secretion by LPS-activated J774 cells. The activity of N-trans-p-coumaroyl-tyramine is shown here for the first time. Our results indicate that ARE, ARM and major constituents significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, which supports the use of this plant to treat inflammatory diseases.

Benzofuran ε-caprolactam glucosides, amides and phenylpropanoid derivatives with anti-inflammatory activity from Oxybaphus himalaicus

(+)-(2S,3S)- and (-)-(2R,3R)-Oxybaphuslactam A glucosides are two undescribed benzofuran ε-caprolactams featuring a unique 7/6/5 fused tricyclic framework with p-glucosyl-O-phenyl unit. They were isolated from the root of Tibetan medicinal plant Oxybaphus himalaicus along with an undescribed sucrose ester, 3-O-feruloyl sucrose, an undescribed lignan glucoside, (7'R,8R,8'S)-3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxy-7',9-epoxylignan-9'-ol-7-one 4,4'-di-O-β-_D-glucopyranoside and ten known amides and phenylpropanoid derivatives. Based on the spectral analyses, X-ray crystallography and comparison of experimental and TD-DFT calculated ECD spectra, the structures of these compounds were determined. The anti-inflammatory assay showed the undescribed compounds had significant inhibitory effects on the formation of NO, TNF-α and IL-6, which were evaluated by LPS induced RAW 264.7 cell model.

New lignans from the fruits of Leonurus japonicus and their hepatoprotective activities

Twelve tetrahydrofuran lignans (1-12), including six new compounds (1-6), were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of the fruits of Leonurus japonicus. Spectroscopic analyses and ECD and OR calculations were used to determine their structures. Compounds 5 and 6 were unusual alkaloidal lignans with a butyrolactam unit. Based on the beneficial effects of the fruits of L. japonicus (Chongweizi in Chinese) on the liver in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the hepatocyte protective activities of the isolates were studied by MTT, Hoechst 33,342 staining, and western blotting. The MTT results revealed that compounds 1, 2, 7, and 8 significantly increased the survival rates of HL-7702 cells injured by acetaminophen, with EC₅₀ values of 10.41 ± 0.90 μM, 19.86 ± 3.13 μM, 9.68 ± 1.93 μM, and 21.35 ± 3.58 μM, respectively. In the Hoechst 33,342 fluorescence staining, compounds 1 and 7 suppressed the apoptosis of the injured HL-7702 cells. Furthermore, the western blot analysis showed that compounds 1 and 7 increased the Bcl-2/Bax protein expression ratio and procaspase-3 protein expression, indicating that compounds 1 and 7 may exert hepatoprotective activity by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Stem Lettuce and Its Metabolites: Does the Variety Make Any Difference?

The objective of the present study was to characterize chemical composition of hitherto unexamined aerial parts of Lactuca sativa var. angustana cv. Grüner Stern. In contrast to leafy and head varieties of the lettuces, asparagus lettuce grown in Europe is much less studied. Fractionation of a methanolic extract from leaves of L. sativa cv. Grüner Stern, supported with HPLC/DAD and 1H NMR analysis, led to the isolation and/or identification of numerous terpenoid and phenolic compounds, including five apocarotenoids-(-)-loliolide, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol, blumenol A, (6S,9S)-vomifoliol, and corchoionoside C; three sesquiterpene lactones; two lignans-((+)-syringaresinol and its 4-O-β-glucoside); five caffeic acid derivatives; and three flavonoids. Some of the compounds, to the best of our knowledge, have never been isolated from L. sativa before. Moreover, monolignols, phenolic acids and a tryptophan-derived alkaloid were found in the analyzed plant material. Stems, leaves and shoot tips of the asparagus lettuce were examined to assess their phenolics and sesquiterpene lactone content as well as DPPH scavenging activity. Another stem lettuce-L. sativa var. angustana cv. Karola, two cultivars of leafy lettuces and one species of wild lettuce-L. serriola, were also examined as a reference material using HPLC/DAD. The results have been discussed regarding our previous studies and the literature data available.

Phenolics from the Bolivian highlands food plant Ombrophytum subterraneum (Aspl.) B. Hansen (Balanophoraceae): Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

The Balanophoraceae Ombrophytum subterraneum is an endemic highland food plant occurring in Bolivia, northern Argentina and Chile. The upper part of this parasitic plant is eaten fresh. The aim of this work was to characterize the compounds occurring in the edible part and to assess any differences between the inflorescence and tuber. Ethanol extracts of the different plant parts were analyzed for antioxidant activity by the ORAC, TEAC, FRAP, CUPRAC and DPPH methods as well as for the effect on enzymes related to metabolic syndrome (α-amylase, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase). The main constituents were isolated by a combination of gel permeation in Sephadex LH-20 and countercurrent chromatography (CCC). Five compounds were isolated and fully identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric means. The new 3',5,5',7-tetrahydroxyflavanone 7-O-β-D-1 → 6 diglucoside was isolated for the first time. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of 19 compounds, including flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, dehydroflavonols and lignans, mainly as glycosides. A strong inhibition towards α-glucosidase was observed for the edible parts (IC₅₀: 1.46 µg/mL) as well as for the tuber and inflorescence (IC₅₀: 1.56 µg/mL and 0.87 µg/mL, respectively). A significant correlation was established between the total phenolic and the antioxidant capacity of the extracts as well as with the content of the new flavanone diglucoside. This is the first comprehensive report on the naturally occurring antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors from this native highland food resource.

Effects of Gentiana delavayi Flower Extract on APP Processing in APP/PS1 CHO Cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gentiana delavayi Franch. (Gentianaceae) as an ethnomedicinal plant contains a variety of effective active ingredients and exhibits diverse pharmacological actions, such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and central nervous system effects. In this study we investigated the influence of G. delavayi flower extract on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing at molecular and cellular levels. APP/PS1 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were treated with chloroform extract of G. delavayi flower in different concentrations for 24 h. Concentrations of amyloid β (Aβ) 40 and Aβ42 in the cell supernatant and activity of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), BACE2, and cathepsin D were determined. The expression of APP and neprilysin (NEP) within the cell were further determined. Compared with the control group, the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 declined notably and the activity of BACE1 was inhibited significantly in the APP/PS1 CHO cells after treatment with the chloroform extract of G. delavayi flower. Although the activities of BACE2 and cathepsin D were not changed, the expression of Aβ degrading enzyme NEP increased remarkably. Our experiments have clearly showed that the chloroform extract of G. delavayi flower inhibits the generation of β-amyloid by specifically inhibiting β-secretase and increases the expression of NEP which fastens the degradation of Aβ, exhibiting the effect of decreasing Aβ accumulation in APP/PS1 CHO cells. These results suggest that the active components from the chloroform extract of G. delavayi flower have a further prospect to be developed as potential anti-Aβ drug.

Polar Constituents of Salvia willeana (Holmboe) Hedge, Growing Wild in Cyprus

Twenty compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia willeana (Holmboe) Hedge, growing wild in Cyprus. These compounds comprise one new and one known acetophenone, one megastigmane glucoside, five phenolic derivatives, two caffeic acid oligomers, three flavonoids, two lignans, two triterpene acids, one monoterpene glucoside, and two fatty acids. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by means of NMR [(Rotating-frame OverhauserEffect SpectroscopY) (¹H-¹H-COSY (COrrelation SpectroscopΥ), ¹H-13C-HSQC (Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation), HMBC (Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation), NOESY (Nuclear Overhauser Effect SpectroscopY), ROESY (Rotating-frame Overhauser Effect SpectroscopY)] and MS spectral analyses. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of 4-hydroxy-acetophenone 4-O-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside. A chemical review on the non-volatile secondary metabolites has been carried out. Based on the literature data, the analysis revealed that the chemical profile of S. willeana is close to that of S. officinalis L.

Two new lignan glycosides from the fruits of Pyrus ussuriensis

Two new lignan glycosides, ussuriensislignan A (1) and ussuriensislignan B (2), together with seventeen known compounds (3-19), were isolated from the fruits of Pyrus ussuriensis. Their structures were determined by various spectroscopic methods. This is the first report of the isolation of lignans (compounds 1-3) from the genus Pyrus, and compounds 3-6, 12-16 were reported from Pyrus for the first time.

Chemical constituents from Kandelia candel with their inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines production in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs)

Chemical investigation of Kandelia candel resulted in the isolation of 19 compounds (1-19), including one new sesquiterpene glycoside, kandelside (1), three megastigman glycoside compounds (7-9), 16 known phenolic compounds (2-6 and 10-19). Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on spectral data comparison with reported values. Isolated compounds were also evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 p40, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Among these compounds, compound 9 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against IL-6 production (IC50=0.07 ± 0.05 μM) and moderate inhibitory activity against TNF-α production (IC50=49.86 ± 1.02 μM), but exhibited no activity on IL-12 p40 production. Compounds 5 and 6 significantly inhibited IL-12 p40, IL-6, and TNF-α production with IC50 values of 11.68 ± 0.38, 44.52 ± 1.08, and 28.73 ± 0.96 μM, respectively.

Diterpenes and phenolic compounds from Sideritis pullulans

Phytochemical investigation of Sideritis pullulans aerial part and root extracts allowed to isolate six ent-kaurane diterpenes, two phenylpropanoids, and one coumarin, identified as 1α,3α,7β,18-tetrahydroxy-ent-kaur-16-ene (sideripullol A) (1), 3α,11α,18-trihydroxy-ent-kaur-16-ene (sideripullol B) (2), 3α,7β,18-trihydroxy-17-nor-ent-kauran-16-one (sideritone A) (3), 3α,7β-dihydroxy-18-acetyloxy-17-nor-ent-kauran-16-one (sideritone B) (4), 3α,7β,16α,17-tetrahydroxy-18-acetyloxy-ent-kaurane (sideripullol C) (5), 7β,16α,17,18-tetrahydroxy-ent-kaurane (sideripullol D) (6), β-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl-O-α-l-arabinopiranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-6-O-t-feruloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (sideritiside A) (7), β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl-O-α-l-arabinopiranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-6-O-t-feruloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (sideritiside B) (8), and 7-demethyl-8-methoxycoumarsabin (9), respectively. Twenty known compounds, including phenolics, flavonol glycosides, iridoids, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, lignans, coumarins, and phenylpropanoids were also isolated and characterized. All diterpenes were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity.

Phenolic derivatives from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica and their anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dioscorea nipponica (Dioscoreaceae) have been used as traditional medicines for diabetes, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases in Korea. The aim of the study was to isolate the bioactive components from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica and to evaluate their anti-neuroinfalmmatory and neuroprotective activities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The phytochemical investigation of 50% EtOH extract of Dioscorea nipponica using successive column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in the isolation and identification of 17 phenolic derivatives, including four new phenolic compounds (1-4). The structural elucidation of these compounds was based on spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques, mass spectrometry, and optical rotation. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion in a C6 rat glioma cell line and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 cells. The neurite outgrowth of compound 16 was further evaluated by using mouse neuroblastoma N2a cell lines.

RESULTS

Three new stilbene derivatives, diosniponol C (1), D (2) and diosniposide A (3) and one new phenanthrene glycoside, diosniposide B (4), together with 13 known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica. Of the tested compounds (1-17), phenanthrene, 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,6-trimethoxy-phenanthrene (16) was the most potent NGF inducer, with 162.35±16.18% stimulation, and strongly reduced NO levels with an IC50 value of 19.56 μM in BV2 microglial cells. Also, it significantly increased neurite outgrowth in N2a cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the ethnopharmacological use of Dioscorea nipponica rhizomes as traditional medicine.

Schoepfiajasmins A-H: C-glycosyl dihydrochalcones, dihydrochalcone glycoside, C-glucosyl flavanones, flavanone glycoside and flavone glycoside from the branches of Schoepfia jasminodora

From the branches of Schoepfia jasminodora collected in Okinawa, three new dihydrochalcone C-glycosides, one dihydrochalcone di-O-glucopyranoside, two flavanone C-glycosides, one flavanone O-glycoside and one flavone O-glycoside were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by extensive study of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic data.

Anti-inflammatory compounds of "Qin-Jiao", the roots of Gentiana dahurica (Gentianaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Qin-Jiao" is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb having been used generally for fighting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since ancient times. The root of Gentiana dahurica Fisch (Gentianaceae) is one of the four officially validated "Qin-Jiao" as listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In addition, it is a common Tibetan medicinal herb used for the treatment of tonsillitis, urticaria, and RA, while the flowers have been used as a Mongolian herb for curing cough sore throat and eliminating the phlegm due to its anti-inflammatory effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory compounds in "Qin-Jiao", on the basis of detailed investigation on not only the phytochemical study of Gentiana dahurica, but also the bioactive evaluation on compounds obtained presently and previously from different "Qin-Jiao" origins and Gentiana species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanol extract of air-dried roots of Gentiana dahurica was suspended into H2O and extracted with EtOAc and n-BuOH, successively. Repeated column chromatography (CC) and semi-preparative HPLC were carried out on each of the fractions. The isolated compounds were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis and acidic hydrolysis. Anti-inflammatory activities of 18 isolates, together with 12 typical compounds obtained previously by our group from the other "Qin-Jiao" origins (Gentiana crassicaulis, Gentiana straminea) and Gentiana rigescens, were tested by inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells and TPA-induced cyclooxygenases-2 and -1 (COXs-2/1) production on zebrafish model.

RESULTS

A new lignan glycoside (1) was identified, together with 20 known compounds, including 10 iridoid glycosides (2-11), three steroids (12-14), four lignans (15-18), one phenylpropanoid (19) and two triterpenes (20-21). Anti-inflammatory bioassay showed that only compound 21 displayed potential inhibitory effect on NO production (IC50=16.85 μM), while 20 tested compounds had inhibitory activities on COXs-2/1. Among them, the triterpenoid 21 was the most active compound with an inhibitory value of 78% at a concentration of 30 μM. All the tested compounds showed no cytotoxicity on five human cancer cell lines (40μM) and zebrafish (30 μM), except for 21 displaying weak cytotoxicity on human myeloid leukemia HL-60 (IC50=16.43 μM).

CONCLUSION

Most of compounds particularly iridoid glycosides from "Qin-Jiao" display potential inhibitory effect on COXs-2/1. The results support the historical importance of the well-known TCM herb, "Qin-Jiao", having been commonly used for fighting RA. As major components, the bioactive iridoid glycosides should play important role in the anti-inflammatory effect of "Qin-Jiao". Although further research will be required to evaluate the selective activities of the COXs-2/1 inhibitors, this work validates the medicinal use of "Qin-Jiao" and provides information for different "Qin-Jiao" origins having different treating effects on RA.

A review on Cressa cretica Linn.: A halophytic plant

Herbal medicine is used by up to 80% of the population in developing countries. Cressa cretica L. is a popular holophytic plant and is used in folklore medicine for ailments including diabetes, ulcers, asthma, anthelmintic, stomachic, tonic and aphrodisiac purposes, enriches the blood, and is useful in constipation, leprosy, and urinary discharges. The plant is traditionally used in Bahrain as expectorant and antibilious agent. Scientific evidence suggests its versatile biological functions such as its antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, anticancer with some other plants, anti-inflammatory, and improving testicular function in rats. In this article, a comprehensive account of the morphology, phytochemical constituents, ethnobotany, and biological activities are included in view of the recent findings of importance on the plant, C. cretica.

Bioactive phenolic constituents from the seeds of Pharbitis nil

Two new lignans, termed pharsyringaresinol (1) and pharbilignoside (2), a new phenylethanoid glycoside, termed pharbiniloside (3), and 22 known compounds, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Pharbitis nil. The structures of the new compounds (1-3) were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including 2D-NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy studies. Among the isolates, compounds 2, 11, 12, and 24 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-15) with IC(50) values ranging from 8.07 to 28.30 µM. In addition, compounds 11, 12 and 24 potently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 cells, a microglia cells with IC(50) values ranging from 14.7 to 19.9 µM.

Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Ficus callosa

One new megastigmane glycoside, ficalloside (1), and eleven known compounds, were isolated from methanol extract of Ficus callosa leaves by repeated column chromatography. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were measured using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Compound 8 exhibited potent antioxidant activity of 10.6 μM trolox equivalents at the concentration of 2 μM. At this concentration, compounds 4-7 and 9-12 showed significant antioxidant activity with ranging of 2.1~6.1 μM trolox equivalents.

Anti-Babesial Compounds from Berberis Vulgaris

Extracts of nine North African medicinal plants have been evaluated for their anti-babesial properties in vitro. The extracts of Berberis vulgaris and Rosa damascena showed more than 90% inhibition of the parasite growth at a test concentration of 100 μg/mL. In addition to berberine alkaloids, we isolated nine active ingredients from B. vulgaris: E-coniferyl alcohol, (-)-simulanol, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, trans-ferulic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, cis-ferulic acid, and syringaresinol-β-D-glucoside. These compounds are all known, but are newly reported for B. vulgaris. Among them, trans-ferulic acid showed the lowest IC50 value (7.33 μg/mL), not much above that of the standard drug, diminazene aceturate (0.60 μg/mL).