Chemical constituents from the radix of Curcuma wenyujin

Curcumae Radix: A Review of Traditional Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Quality Control

Curcumae Radix (CuR) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in China for more than 1,000 years. It has the traditional efficacy of activating blood and relieving pain, promoting qi and relieving depression, clearing heart and cooling blood, and promoting gallbladder and removing jaundice. Based on this, many domestic and foreign scholars have conducted systematic studies on its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicity and quality control. Currently, 250 compounds, mainly including terpenoids and curcuminoids, have been isolated and identified from CuR, which has pharmacological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, hemostatic, hematopoietic, and treatment of diabetes mellitus. In modern clinical practice, CuR is widely used in the treatment of tumors, breast hyperplasia, hepatitis, and stroke. However, the generation of toxicity and clinical application of CuR and Caryophylli Flos, the determination of the concoction process of artifacts, the determination of specific Quality Marker, and the establishment of the quality control system of CuR, are problems that need to be solved urgently at present.

Genus Curcuma: chemical and ethnopharmacological role in aging process

Aging or senescence is part of human life development with many effects on the physical, mental, and physiological aspects which may lead to age-related deterioration in many organs. Genus Curcuma family Zingieraceae represents one of the well-studied and medically important genera with more than eighty species. The genus is reported to contain different classes of biologically active compounds that are mainly presented in diphenylheptanoids, diphenylpentanoids, diphenylalkanoids, phenylpropene derivatives, alkaloids, flavonoids, chromones, terpenoids, phenolic acids and volatile constituents. Rhizomes and roots of such species are rich with main phytoconstituents viz. curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. A wide variety of biological activities were demonstrated for different extracts and essential oils of genus Curcuma members including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and neuroprotective. Thus, making them as an excellent safe source for nutraceutical products and as a continuous promising area of research on lead compounds that may help in the slowing down of the aging process especially the neurologic and mental deterioration that are usually experienced upon aging. In this review different species of the genus Curcuma were summarized with their phytochemical and biological activities highlighting their role as antiaging agents. The data were collected from different search engines viz. Pubmed®, Google Scholar®, Scopus® and Web of Science® limiting the search to the period between 2003 up till now.

Traditional Chinese medicine for colorectal cancer treatment: potential targets and mechanisms of action

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with complex pathogenesis, it is prone to metastasis, and its development involves abnormalities in multiple signaling pathways. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy remain the main treatments for CRC, but improvement in the overall survival rate and quality of life is urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of preventing and treating CRC. It could affect CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, invasion, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance by regulating multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, epidermal growth factor receptors, p53, TGF-β, mTOR, Hedgehog, and immunomodulatory signaling pathways. In this paper, the main signaling pathways and potential targets of TCM and its active ingredients in the treatment of CRC were systematically summarized, providing a theoretical basis for treating CRC with TCM and new ideas for further exploring the pathogenesis of CRC and developing new anti-CRC drugs.

Preparation and characterization of immobilized 5-HT1A receptor stationary phase for high throughput screening of the receptor-binding ligands from complex systems like Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling extract

The incidence of depression has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This disease is closely associated with serotonin _1A (5-HT_1A) receptor and often treated by complex prescription containing Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling. Therefore, we hypothesized that this herb contains bioactive compounds specially binding to the receptor. However, the rapid discovery of new ligands of 5-HT_1A receptor is still challenging due to the lack of efficient screening methods. To address this problem, we developed and characterized a novel approach for the rapid screening of ligands by using immobilized 5-HT_1A receptor as the chromatographic stationary phase. Briefly, haloalkane dehalogenase was fused at the C-terminal of 5-HT_1A receptor, and the modified 5-HT_1A receptor was immobilized on amino-microspheres by the reaction between haloalkane dehalogenase and 6-chlorohexanoic acid linker. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray photo-electron were used to characterize the morphology and element of the immobilized receptor. The binding of three specific ligands to 5-HT_1A receptor was investigated by two different methods. Moreover, we examined the feasibility of 5-HT_1A receptor colume in high throughput screening of new ligands from complex systems as exemplified by Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling. Gweicurculactone, 2-hydroxy-1-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene)-7-(4′-hydroxybezene)-heptane and curcuminol F were identified as the ligands of 5-HT_1A receptor with the binding energies of −7.06 kcal/mol, −7.77 kcal/mol and −5.26 kcal/mol, respectively. Collectively, these results indicated that the immobilized 5-HT_1A receptor was capable of screening bioactive compound from complex system, providing an effective methodology for high throughput screening.

A Comprehensive Mini-Review of Curcumae Radix: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Curcumae Radix is an efficacious ingredient with various medicinal properties empirically used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of cancer, depression, chest pain, dysmenorrhea, epilepsy, and jaundice. However, either phytochemical or pharmacological information of Curcumae Radix underlying its traditionally medicinal uses is rarely summarized and systematically analyzed. To provide evidence for clinical trials, a comprehensive literature review has been prepared of the phytochemicals, and ethnopharmacological and pharmacological mechanisms of this herb. The review approach consisted of searching several web-based scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier. The keywords included “Curcumae Radix,” “ Curcuma wenyujin,” “ Curcuma longa,” “ Curcuma kwangsiensis,” and “ Curcuma phaeocaulis.” Based on the proposed criteria, 57 articles were evaluated in detail. The accumulated data indicate that Curcumae Radix contains a number of bioactive phytochemicals, mainly sesquiterpenes, diarylheptanoids, and diarylpentanoids, which account for a variety of medicinal values, such as anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-hepatic fibrosis, and antioxidant. A wide range of apoptotic proteins, cell adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants could be modulated by either Curcumae Radix or its bioactive compounds, thus underpinning a fundamental understanding for the pharmacological effects of this herb. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of Curcumae Radix to progress the development of versatile adjuvants or therapeutic agents in the future.

Review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Curcuma wenyujin is a multifunctional medicinal plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It has been used to treat blood stasis, promote the flow of qi, dredge the meridians, and relieve pain for more than 1500 years. Its raw rhizomes, steamed rhizomes, and steamed roots constitute three herbal medicines currently listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia: pian-jiang-huang (), wen-e-zhu () and wen-yu-jin (), respectively.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize the traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of C. wenyujin in order to provide theoretical support for its further investigation and utilization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multiple databases (Scifinder, CNKI, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar) were searched. Some information was also obtained from the literatures on traditional Chinese medicine.

RESULTS

A total of 169 compounds have been isolated from C. wenyujin so far. Sesquiterpenoids are the major constituents and are crucial chemotaxonomic markers. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that the extracts or active compounds from C. wenyujin have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Until now, significant progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. wenyujin. Some traditional uses of C. wenyujin have been supported by modern pharmacological studies. However, the establishment of quality control standards and additional clinical studies are warranted.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Curcuma kwangsiensis and its bioactive terpenoids in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Curcumae Radix", the dried rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis documented in Chinese pharmacopoeia, has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory and pain diseases, such as jaundice and red urine, cleaning the heart-fire and depression, arthralgia, and dysmenorrhea. However, according to literature surveys, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive studies of C. kwangsiensis have been seldom reported so far.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study focuses on the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of C. kwangsiensis and discovering the bioactive compounds for its traditional usages both in vivo and in vitro, which could provide scientific justification about its traditional use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive assays of various layers (ME, EA, AQS) from C. kwangsiensis were achieved by carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing animal models, respectively. The most bioactive part, EA layer was further phytochemically investigated by multiple step chromatography techniques. The structures of these isolates were unambiguously elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic and chemical methods, and comparison with corresponding data of the reported literature. Four major sesquiterpenoids (4, 6, 14, and 15) were achieved for their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive assays by the two aforementioned animal models in vivo. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects via detecting inflammatory mediator releases (COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells induced by LPS.

RESULTS

The ME and EA layers significantly alleviated the paw edema caused by carrageenan and decreased the number of writhes induced by acetic acid at the dose of 200 and/or 100 mg/kg in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01/0.05), and the EA layer exhibited better activity than that of ME layer. Subsequent phytochemical investigation on EA layer of C. kwangsiensis exhibited that three new terpenoid compounds (1-3), identified as (12Z,14R)-7β-hydroxylabda-8(17),12-diene-14,15,16-triol (1), (12Z,14S)- 7β-hydroxlabda-8(17),12-diene-14,15,16-triol (2), and (4S)-hydroxy-(8)-methoxy-(5S)-(H)-guaia1(10),7(11)-dien-12,8-olide (3), together with twenty-two known analogs were isolated. Furthermore, four major sesquiterpenoids (4, 6, 14, and 15) significantly relieved the paw edema and number of writhes at 100 and/or 50 mg/kg (p < 0.05/0.01). Likewise, the majority of sesqui- and diterpenoids isolated could remarkably inhibited the secretion of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells at the concentration of 20 μg/mL, comparable to DXM used as the positive control. All the results suggested that EA layer from C. kwangsiensis possessed the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, and these sesqui- and diterpenoids could be the effective constituents responsible for relieving inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The present studies undoubtedly determined the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive material basis of C. kwangsiensis, including the EA layer and its precise components, which presented equivalent or better anti-inflammatory effects than that of positive control (ASP/DXM) in vivo and in vitro. These results not only would account for scientific knowledge for traditional use of C. kwangsiensis, but also provide credible theoretical foundation for the further development of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agents.

Uvarialuridols A-C, three new polyoxygenated cyclohexenes from the twig and leaf extracts of Uvaria lurida

The first phytochemical investigation of Uvaria lurida resulted in the isolation and identification of three new polyoxygenated cyclohexenes, (+)-(1R,2S,3R,6S)-uvarialuridols A-C (1-3), together with 10 known compounds (4-13). All new structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and HRESIMS. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 5 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis using Cu Kα radiation. The absolute configurations of compounds 2-4 were identified from comparisons of their specific rotations and ECD spectra with those of known compounds. Compound 11 showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 30 μM which was better than the standard control, acarbose (74 μM) whereas, compound 10 exhibited nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 37 μM.

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from Curcuma kwangsiensis and their inhibitory activity of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenes, kwangsiensis A and B (1-2) were isolated from the roots of Curcuma kwangsiensis. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including NMR, circular dichroism (CD) and high-resolution mass-spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory activity of the two compounds was evaluated on the basis of their inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 27.4 and 35.1 μM, respectively.

Chemical constituents and biological research on plants in the genus Curcuma

Curcuma, a valuable genus in the family Zingiberaceae, includes approximately 110 species. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are extensively cultivated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru, Australia, and the West Indies. The plants have long been used in folk medicine to treat stomach ailments, stimulate digestion, and protect the digestive organs, including the intestines, stomach, and liver. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in investigations regarding the chemical and pharmacological properties, as well as in clinical trials of certain Curcuma species. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the chemistry and briefly discusses the biological activities of Curcuma species. A total of 720 compounds, including 102 diphenylalkanoids, 19 phenylpropene derivatives, 529 terpenoids, 15 flavonoids, 7 steroids, 3 alkaloids, and 44 compounds of other types isolated or identified from 32 species, have been phytochemically investigated. The biological activities of plant extracts and pure compounds are classified into 15 groups in detail, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

Curdione attenuates thrombin-induced human platelet activation: β1-tubulin as a potential therapeutic target

Rhizoma Curcumae, the dry rhizomes derived from Curcuma aromatica Salisb., are a classical Chinese medicinal herb used to activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis and alleviate pain. Our previous study proved that curdione, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from the essential oil of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. can inhibit platelet activation suggesting its significant anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects. However, the underlying mechanism of curdione mediated anti-platelet effect has not been fully elucidated. Platelet proteins extracted from washed human platelets, including normal group (treated with normal saline), thrombin group and curdione group were digested and analysed by nano ESI-LC-MS/MS. UniProt database and SIEVE software were employed to identify and reveal the differentially expressed proteins. Furthermore, possible mechanisms involved were explored by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) Software and validated by western blot experiments. Twenty-two differentially expressed proteins between the normal and thrombin group were identified. Compared with the thrombin group, the curdione treatment was significantly down-regulated only 2 proteins (Talin1 and β1-tubulin). Bioinformatics analysis showed that Talin1 and β1-tubulin could be involved in the integrin signal pathway. The results of western blot analysis were consistent with that of the proteomics data. Vinculin, identified in IPA database was involved in the formation of cell cytoskeletal. The down-regulation of β1-tubulin facilitated the decrease in vinculin/Talin1. Curdione regulated the expression of vinculin and Talin1 by β1-tubulin affecting the integrin signalling pathway and eventually inhibiting platelet activation. The β1-tubulin may be a potential target of curdione, which attenuates thrombin-induced human platelet activation.

Two Traditional Chinese Medicines Curcumae Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma: An Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology Review

Curcumae Rhizoma, known as Ezhu (Chinese: ), and Curcumae Radix, known as Yujin (Chinese: ), are different plant parts coming from three same species according to China Pharmacopoeia. Actually, they are used in different ways in TCM clinical treatment. Curcumae Rhizoma is mainly used as antitumor drug, while Curcumae Radix has been used as antidepressant and cholagogue. Curcumae Rhizoma and Curcumae Radix are confused in variety and source, even in clinical trials by some nonprofessional workers. So it is important for us to make them clear. This review is aimed at summarizing the ethnopharmacology, phytochemical, and pharmacological differences between Curcumae Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma by SciFinder, CNKI, and so on, to use them exactly and clearly. Further studies on Curcumae Rhizoma and Curcumae Radix can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases on the basis of the TCM theory.

Polyoxygenated cyclohexene derivatives isolated from Dasymaschalon sootepense and their biological activities

Six new naturally occurring polyoxygenated cyclohexene derivatives together with eight related known derivatives, two known alkaloids, and two known flavonoid derivatives were isolated from bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves and twigs of Dasymaschalon sootepense. The structure elucidation and determination of absolute configurations were established by various spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction techniques as well as comparison with the literature data. Several isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic, anti-HIV-1 RT and anti-inflammatory activities.

iNOS inhibitory activity of sesquiterpenoids and a monoterpenoid from the rhizomes of Curcuma wenyujin

Eleven new sesquiterpenoids, wenyujinins A-K (1-11), and a new monoterpenoid, wenyujinin L (12), were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma wenyujin. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR, X-ray crystallographic analysis, and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10 were determined by comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The absolute configuration of 5 was determined from the ECD data of the [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] complex, whereas those of 7 and 12 were determined from the ECD spectra of the compounds alone. Compounds 7 and 7a strongly inhibited the induction of NO production by LPS, with IC50 values of 7.6 and 8.5 μM, respectively. Compounds 6 and 10 moderately inhibited NO production with IC50 values of 47.7 and 48.6 μM, respectively.

Diterpenoid C of Radix Curcumae: an inhibitor of proliferation and inducer of apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma cells acting via inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway

CONTEXT

Radix Curcumae is a traditional Chinese medicine that possesses antitumor properties, from which a new compound, diterpenoid C, was previously isolated and characterized.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, using human colon adenocarcinoma SW620 cells, we further investigated the antitumor effects of diterpenoid C and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell proliferation was assessed with the MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and cell-cycle progression were analyzed with flow cytometry. The expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and their phosphorylated forms, as well as caspase-3 protein levels were examined with Western blots.

RESULTS

Diterpenoid C could inhibit the proliferation of SW620 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 24, 48, and 72 h were 28.31, 15.58, and 6.14 μg/ml, respectively. The inhibition of proliferation was found to be statistically significant as compared with the well-established drugs 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and oxaliplatin (L-OHP) (p < 0.01). Diterpenoid C also induced apoptosis and arrested cell cycle. It showed the highest apoptosis rate (98.20 ± 0.91%) at 70 μg/ml, at 72 h. Meanwhile, diterpenoid C suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK proteins, and markedly induced the cleavage of caspase 3.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Diterpenoid C inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of cancer cells by suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway and inducing apoptotic factor caspase-3. Our results suggest that this novel compound might become a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colon cancer and further studies are warranted.

Design and synthesis of tryptophan containing dipeptide derivatives as formyl peptide receptor 1 antagonist

Our previous studies identified an Fmoc-(S,R)-tryptophan-containing dipeptide derivative, 1, which selectively inhibited neutrophil elastase release induced by formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) in human neutrophils. In an attempt to improve pharmacological activity, a series of tryptophan-containing dipeptides were synthesized and their pharmacological activities were investigated in human neutrophils. Of these, five compounds 3, 6, 19a, 24a, and 24b exhibited potent and dual inhibitory effects on FMLP-induced superoxide anion (O2˙(-)) generation and neutrophil elastase release in neutrophils with IC50 values of 0.23/0.60, 1.88/2.47, 1.87/3.60, 0.12/0.37, and 1.32/1.03 μM, respectively. Further studies indicated that inhibition of superoxide production in human neutrophils by these dipeptides was associated with the selective inhibition of formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1). Furthermore, the results of structure-activity relationship studies concluded that the fragment N-benzoyl-Trp-Phe-OMe (3) was most suitable as a core structure for interaction with FPR1, and may be approved as a lead for the development of new drugs in the treatment of neutrophilic inflammatory diseases. As some of the synthesized compounds exhibited separable conformational isomers, and showed diverse bioactivities, the conformation analysis of these compounds is also discussed herein.

Curcumol exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by interfering with the JNK-mediated AP-1 pathway in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells

Curcumol is one of the major components of the essential oil of Rhizoma Curcumae, a common traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying molecular mechanisms of this compound remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-inflammation effect of curcumol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells is demonstrated along with its underlying mechanisms. We show that curcumol inhibits LPS-induced NO production by suppressing iNOS mRNA expression and protein level but not iNOS activity. Moreover, curcumol inhibits LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Further investigations reveal that these effects mainly act via suppressing JNK-mediated AP-1 rather than the NF-κB pathway; these effects include a decrease in the phosphorylation level of JNK and a direct inhibition of the activity of p-JNK. These data provide scientific molecular evidence that curcumol may be a potential lead compound for a novel anti-inflammatory drug because of its inhibitory activity on the production of various inflammatory mediators.

Three new guaiane sesquiterpene lactones from rhizomes of Curcuma wenyujin

Three new guaiane sesquiterpene lactones (4S)-4-hydroxy-gweicurculactone (1), zedoalactone G (2), and (1R, 4R, 5S, 10S)-zedoalactone B (3), and three known guaiane sesquiterpene lactones, including zedoarolide B (4), zedoalactone B (5), and a new natural product (+)-zedoalactone A (6), were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The absolute configuration of 2 was determined via the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD), whereas the absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were determined via the ECD data of the [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] complex and [Mo2(OAc)4] complex, respectively. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1-6 on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages were evaluated. All of them exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activity.

Sesquiterpenoids from Curcuma wenyujin with anti-influenza viral activities

Five sesquiterpenoids, 1α,8α-epidioxy-4α-hydroxy- 5αH-guai-7(11),9-dien- 12,8-olide. (1), 8,9-seco-4β-hydroxy-1α,5βH-7(11)-guaen-8,10-olide (2), 8α-hydroxy-1α, 4β,7βH-guai-10(15)-en- 5β,8β-endoxide(3), 7β,8α-dihydroxy-1α,4αH-guai-10(15)-en-5β,8β-endoxide(4) and 7-hydroxy-5(10),6,8-cadinatriene-4-one(5), together with seven known analogs were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma wenyujin. Their structures and relative configurations were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR techniques, and the structures of 1 and 2 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment. Compounds 1-10 and 12 showed significant in vitro antiviral activity against the influenza virus A with IC₅₀ values ranged from 6.80 to 39.97 μM, and SI values ranged from 6.35 to 37.25.

Local interstitial delivery of z-butylidenephthalide by polymer wafers against malignant human gliomas

We have shown that the natural compound z-butylidenephthalide (Bdph), isolated from the chloroform extract of Angelica sinensis, has antitumor effects. Because of the limitation of the blood-brain barrier, the Bdph dosage required for treatment of glioma is relatively high. To solve this problem, we developed a local-release system with Bdph incorporated into a biodegradable polyanhydride material, p(CPP-SA; Bdph-Wafer), and investigated its antitumor effects. On the basis of in vitro release kinetics, we demonstrated that the Bdph-Wafer released 50% of the available Bdph by the sixth day, and the release reached a plateau phase (90% of Bdph) by the 30th day. To investigate the in situ antitumor effects of the Bdph-Wafer on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), we used 2 xenograft animal models-F344 rats (for rat GBM) and nude mice (for human GBM)-which were injected with RG2 and DBTRG-05MG cells, respectively, for tumor formation and subsequently treated subcutaneously with Bdph-Wafers. We observed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth, with no significant adverse effects on the rodents. Moreover, we demonstrated that the antitumor effect of Bdph on RG2 cells was via the PKC pathway, which upregulated Nurr77 and promoted its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Finally, to study the effect of the interstitial administration of Bdph in cranial brain tumor, Bdph-Wafers were surgically placed in FGF-SV40 transgenic mice. Our Bdph-Wafer significantly reduced tumor size in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, our study showed that p(CPP-SA) containing Bdph delivered a sufficient concentration of Bdph to the tumor site and effectively inhibited the tumor growth in the glioma.