14,15-Secopregnane-type C21-steriosides from the roots of Cynanchum stauntonii

Integrating UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS with serum pharmacochemistry network and experimental verification to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of Cynanchi stauntonii rhizoma et radix against sepsis-induced acute lung injury

Introduction: Patients with sepsis are at an incremental risk of acute lung injury (ALI). Baiqian, also known as Cynanchi stauntonii rhizoma et radix (Csrer), has anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally used to treat cough and phlegm. This study aimed to demonstrate the multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway regulatory molecular mechanisms of Csrer in treating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Methods: The bioactive components of Csrer were identified by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS). Active targets predicted from PharmMapper. DrugBank, OMIM, TTD, and GeneCards were used to identify potential targets related to ALI. Intersection genes were identified for Csrer against ALI. The PPI network was analysed to identify prime targets. GO and KEGG analyses were performed. A drug-compound-target-pathway-disease network was constructed. Molecular docking and simulations evaluated the binding free energy between key proteins and active compounds. The protective effect and mechanism of Csrer in ALI were verified using an ALI model in mice. Western blot, Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining evaluated the mechanisms of the pulmonary protective effects of Csrer. Results: Forty-six bioactive components, one hundred and ninety-two potential cross-targets against ALI and ten core genes were identified. According to GO and KEGG analyses, the PI3K-Akt, apoptosis and p53 pathways are predominantly involved in the "Csrer-ALI" network. According to molecular docking and dynamics simulations, ten key genes were firmly bound by the principal active components of Csrer. The "Csrer-ALI" network was revealed to be mediated by the p53-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory pathways in animal experiments. Conclusion: Csrer is a reliable source for ALI treatment based on its practical components, potential targets and pathways.

Secondary metabolites from Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott. with in vitro antidiabetic activities

One new phenolic cyclobutantetraol ester united chromone glycoside (1), one new amide (2), and three new phenyl ethanol glycosides (3-5) were obtained from the water extract of Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott, in which compound 1 was the first reported structure incorporating the phenolic cyclobutantetraol ester and chromone via the glucose phenolic metabolites in nature. Structures of the isolated compounds, including absolute configurations, were elucidated according to the analysis of HRESIMS, NMR, ECD and BLYP/6-31G* geometry optimization calculations of 13C NMR data. All isolates (1-5) were evaluated for the antidiabetic activity by the insulin resistance (IR) model and anti-inflammatory activity against NO production in vitro. Compounds 1-3 showed strong antidiabetic activities, greatly promoting the glucose consumption in the insulin resistance HepG2 cells compared with the model group, however, 1-5 showed weak anti-inflammatory activities.

Cynasibirolide A, One New Humulanolide Sesquiterpene from Cynanchum acutum subsp. sibiricum

Cynasibirolide A (1), one new humulanolide sesquiterpene, together with four known analogs, asteriscanolide (2), (1S,8S)-8-hydroxyhumula-2Z,6E,9E-trien-1,12-olide (3), (1S,7R)-8-oxohumula-2Z,9E-dien-1,12-olide (4), and (+)-6,7,9,10-tetrahydroasteriscunolide (5) were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum acutum subsp. sibiricum. Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D-NMR techniques, and the structure of 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-complementary activity in vitro, and compound 3 exhibited anti-complement effect with CH₅₀ value of 0.45 mM.

New Immunomodulating Polyhydroxypregnane Glycosides from the Roots of Cynanchum otophyllum C.K.Schneid

Seven new polyhydroxypregnane glycosides, named cynotophyllosides P-V, together with three known analogs were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum otophyllum C.K.Schneid. Their structures were elucidated by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, as well as acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. All isolates were tested for their immunological activities in vitro against Con A- and LPS-induced proliferation of mice splenocytes. Immunoenhancing (for 1, 9) and immunosuppressive (for 2) activities were observed. Furthermore, cynotophylloside R (3) showed immunomodulatory as it enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes in low concentration and suppressed immune cells in concentration more than 1.0 μg/ml.

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Effects of Plants in Genus Cynanchum Linn. (Asclepiadaceae)

Genus Cynanchum L. belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae, which comprise more than 200 species distributed worldwide. In Chinese medical practice, numerous drugs (such as tablets and powders) containing different parts of plants of this genus are used to treat snake bites, bruises, osteoblasts, rheumatoid arthritis and tumors. A search for original articles published on the cynanchum genus was performed by using several resources, including Flora of China Official Website and various scientific databases, such as PubMed, SciFinder, the Web of Science, Science Direct, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI). Advances in the botanical, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies of this genus are reviewed in this paper. Results showed that more than 440 compounds, including C21 steroids, steroidal saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpene, have been isolated and identified from Cynanchum plants up to now. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that plants possess an array of biological activities, including anti-tumor, neuroprotective and anti-fungal effects. Popular traditional prescription of Cynanchum sp. was also summed up in this paper. However, many Cynanchum species have received little or no attention. Moreover, few reports on the clinical use and toxic effects of Cynanchum sp. are available. Further attention should be focused on the study of these species to gather information on their respective toxicology data and relevant quality-control measures and clinical value of the crude extracts, active compounds, and bioactive metabolites from this genus. Further research on Cynanchum sp. should be conducted, and bioactivity-guided isolation strategies should be emphasized. In addition, systematic studies of the chemical composition of plants should be enhanced.

Sugar-free pregnane-type steroids from the roots of Cynanchum stauntonii

Two new sugar-free 14,15-secopregnane-type steroids, 14-O-methyl-3-epi-hirundigenin (1) and 2-deoxyamplexicogenin A (2), along with two known sugar-free pregnane-type steroids, were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the roots of Cynanchum stauntonii. The structures of the new compounds were characterized on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, mainly 1D and 2D NMR methods, albeit the MS experiments did not display the molecular ion peaks. Compound 2 was the aglycones of stauntosides J and K, etc., previously isolated from C. stauntonii. The isolation and identification of the new compounds graced the structural diversity of pregnane-type steroids from C. stauntonii.

14,15-Secopregnane-Type Glycosides with 5α:9α-Peroxy and Δ6,8(14)-diene Linkages from the Roots of Cynanchum stauntonii

Three new 14,15-secopregnane-type glycosides, stauntosides UA, UA₁, and UA₂, were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum stauntonii. The three compounds share the first reported and same basic structural features of 3β-hydroxy-14:16,15:20,18:20-triepoxy-5α:9α-peroxy-14,15-secopregnane-6,8(14)-diene named as stauntogenin G as the aglycones. The structures of the new compounds were characterized on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, mainly 1D and 2D NMR and MS methods and chemical analysis. The isolation and identification of the new compounds graced the structural diversity of pregnane-type steroids from C. stauntonii.