Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic withanolides from Physalis minima

Atypical sulfur-containing physalin from Physalis minima and protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury

Four previously undescribed physalins (1-4), along with six known ones (5-10) were isolated and identified from the whole plants of Physalis minima L., a medicinal and edible plant traditionally used in southwest China. Their structures were established through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, the absolute configurations of 1-3, 5 and 7 were examined by X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1, an undescribed sulfur-containing physalin, exhibited the most protective effect against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-stimulated ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in PC12 cells. Meanwhile, compound 1 was found to reduce the inflammatory response, with mechanistic studies indicating that it decreased pyroptosis-associated proteins, such as cleaved-caspase1, NLRP3, and GSDMD N-terminus. Importantly, GSDMD knockdown significantly reversed the protective effects of compound 1, highlighting the involvement of pyroptosis in the compound's protective mechanism against OGD/R-induced I/R injury in PC12 cells in vitro.

Untargeted Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibition Activity of Physalis angulata L. from the Peruvian Amazon: A Contribution to the Validation of Its Pharmacological Potential

Physalis angulata is a plant of great value in traditional medicine known for its content of bioactive compounds, such as physalins and withanolides, which possess diverse biological activities. In this study, the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition capacity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from the root, stem, leaves, calyx, and fruits of P. angulata collected in Peru were evaluated. A total of forty-two compounds were detected in the extracts using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. In vitro analyses revealed that leaf extracts contained the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, while leaf and fruit extracts showed the best results in FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant tests; on the other hand, inhibition of AChE, BChE, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase enzymes was variable, but calyx and fruit extracts showed higher effectiveness. In silico analyses indicated that the compounds physagulin A, physagulin F, physagulide P, physalin B, and withaminimin showed stable interactions and favorable binding affinities with the catalytic sites of the enzymes studied. These results confirm the pharmacological potential of extracts and compounds derived from different organs of P. angulata, suggesting their promising use in treating diseases related to the central nervous system and metabolic syndrome.

Structural and functional characterization of genes and enzymes involved in withanolide biosynthesis in Physalis alkekengi L

Physalis alkekengi L. is recognized as a significant source of various secondary metabolites, particularly C28 steroidal lactones known as withanolides and physalins, renowned for their therapeutic properties with a rich history in traditional medicine. In this study, we characterized the sequences of key downstream genes (PaFPPS, PaSQS, PaSQE, PaCAS, PaHYD1, and PaDWF5-1) involved in the biosynthesis of withanolides, marking the first characterization of these genes in P. alkekengi. Our findings revealed highly conserved amino acid sequences in P. alkekengi, with maximum similarity observed with Withania somnifera. Notably, essential domains crucial for enzyme function were preserved in P. alkekengi, indicating conserved enzyme activity. Comparative analysis of secondary structures, 3D topologies, and evolutionary studies supported ancestral homology. Investigations into the differential gene expression of these genes across seven tissues (young leaves, stems, roots, flowers, mature green fruit, breaker fruit, and red ripe fruit) highlighted higher expression levels in P. alkekengi leaves. These gene expression patterns were corroborated by phytochemical analyses using chromatographic techniques. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the production of two key withanolides, withanolide A and withanone, in P. alkekengi, with maximum production observed in leaves and flowers. These findings suggest that P. alkekengi holds promise as an alternative to W. somnifera for large-scale industrial production of withanolides, particularly withanolide A. Using P. alkekengi eliminates the need to sacrifice the plant, which is typically required in traditional extraction methods from the roots of W. somnifera.

13,14-seco withaphysalins from Physalis minima and their inhibitory effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Seven new 13,14-seco withaphysalins including two new skeletons (1 and 9) were isolated from the whole plants of Physalis minima, together with three known analogues (6-8). Among them, compound 1 was an extremely rare steroid with a 6, 8-cyclo ring. Their structures were established by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data, experimental electronic circular dichroism measurements, and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. In Raw264.7 cells, compounds 1-3, 5, 6, and 8 demonstrated potent ability to reduce the NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 activation. Among these compounds, 1 and 2 showed a superior potential, consistently concentration-dependent downregulating NLRP3-dependent proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β production in macrophage. Mechanistically, compounds 1 and 2 reduced the cleavage of caspase-1 and GSDMD, and exhibited no obvious impact both on the NF-κB activation and the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β, suggesting that the compounds target the activation of the NLRP3 pathway mainly by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome activation step rather than the priming step.

Cytotoxicity of Physalis minima Linn (Solanaceae) fruit against HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cell lines

The pantropical Physalis minima are traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of various illnesses, diseases, and cancers. While most earlier studies on the species have focused on the phytochemistry of the leaf and stem extracts, recent studies have indicated that its fruit may contain bioactive compounds of medical interest. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of extracts from the fruit of P. minima against colorectal cancer cell lines and revealed its phytochemical profile via high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Following a 24-h treatment with the fruit extract, cytoplasm shrinkage and nucleus condensation were observed in the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29, indicating the induction of programmed cell death. Phytochemically, 71 putative metabolites were identified. Some of these metabolites have been reported to inhibit cancers to varying degrees, further supporting the correlation of the putative metabolites with the cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells demonstrated in this study.

Genus Physalis L.: A review of resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Physalis L. (Solanaceae) is commonly used in the treatment of dermatitis, leprosy, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and rheumatism in China and other Asian countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the resources, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications of Physalis L., and proposes further research strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in treating various human diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including CNKI, SciFinder and PubMed, using the term "Physalis L." to collect information on the resources, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and applications of Physalis L. in China during the past ten years (2013.1-2023.1).

RESULTS

So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Physalis L. mainly including steroids, flavonoids, and so on. Various pharmacological activities were evaluated by studying different extracts of Physalis L., these activities include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and other aspects.

CONCLUSION

Physalis L. occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

Withanolides from Physalis angulata var. villosa and the Relative Configurational Revision of Some Known Analogs

Physalis angulata var. villosa is a plant possessing abundant withanolides, but in-depth research is lacking. In our ongoing study of P. angulata var. villosa, 15 previously undescribed withanolides (1-15), along with 21 known analogs (16-36), were isolated from the whole plant. The structures of the withanolides (1-15) were elucidated based on analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD data. Additionally, the application of γ-gauche effects with the help of ROESY correlations led to the formulation of empirical rules for withanolides with 14-OH/15-OAc to rapidly determine the 14-OH orientations, making it possible to propose configurational revisions of 19 previously reported analogs (1'-19'). Withanolides 1, 4-6, and 10 showed potent cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines (HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, and A549).

Withaferin A: A Pleiotropic Anticancer Agent from the Indian Medicinal Plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Cancer represents the second most deadly disease and one of the most important public health concerns worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune therapy are the major types of treatment strategies that have been implemented in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, these treatment options suffer from major limitations, such as drug-resistance and adverse effects, which may eventually result in disease recurrence. Many phytochemicals have been investigated for their antitumor efficacy in preclinical models and clinical studies to discover newer therapeutic agents with fewer adverse effects. Withaferin A, a natural bioactive molecule isolated from the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, has been reported to impart anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines and preclinical cancer models by modulating the expression and activity of different oncogenic proteins. In this article, we have comprehensively discussed the biosynthesis of withaferin A as well as its antineoplastic activities and mode-of-action in in vitro and in vivo settings. We have also reviewed the effect of withaferin A on the expression of miRNAs, its combinational effect with other cytotoxic agents, withaferin A-based formulations, safety and toxicity profiles, and its clinical potential.

Anti-inflammatory withanolides from the aerial parts of Physalis minima

Eight undescribed and two known withanolides were obtained from the aerial parts of Physalis minima. The structures of these compounds were defined by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analysis. Physminin E was elucidated to be a rare 13,14-seco-withanolide. Inhibitory effects of these compounds on nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated by using LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages, and physminin C was shown to be the most active with an IC₅₀ value of 3.5 μM. The further mechanistic analysis of NO inhibition was performed by molecular docking and Western blotting.

New caffeoyl derivatives from Elephantopus scaber

Three new caffeoyl derivatives (1-3), together with two known ones (4-5), were isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopus scaber Linn. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic analysis. Compound 4 was obtained and its NMR data were given for the first time. All isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory cytokines release in RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 2-5 showed mild inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 64.78 to 87.21 μM, and 3-4 could inhibit LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production.

Silencing Tautomerization to Isolate Unstable Physalins from Physalis minima

The inherent structural instability of some physalins has hampered the isolation and identification of these compounds for approximately 50 years, and an effective method to overcome these challenges remains unavailable. In the present study, the unprecedented tautomerization mechanism of unstable physalins was elucidated by performing isotopic labeling experiments and DFT calculations, which led to the successful separation of tautomers and isolation of highly pure products for the first time. As a result, 15 new physalins, physaminins A-O (1-15), as well as 17 known analogues (16-32), were isolated from the whole plants of Physalis minima L. The chemical structures of the new compounds were established by performing a comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, and their absolute configurations were confirmed by using computational ECD calculations and/or single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All obtained isolates were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects against four human cancer cell lines (A549, HepG2, MCF-7, and SCG-7901) and two noncancerous cell lines (RAW 264.7 and human normal hepatocytes L02), as well as their anti-inflammatory activities by measuring their abilities to inhibit NO production in LPS-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Compounds 1-5, 13, 16, 18, 19, 23, and 30 exerted significant antiproliferative effects on the four human cancer lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.2(0) to 24.7(2) μM, and these compounds were not toxic to the two noncancerous cell lines at a concentration of 10 μM. Moreover, compounds 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 22, and 27 significantly inhibited NO production, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.9(1) to 9.5(2) μM.

Identification of HMGCR as the anticancer target of physapubenolide against melanoma cells by in silico target prediction

Physapubenolide (PB), a withanolide-type compound extracted from the traditional herb Physalis minima L., has been demonstrated to exert remarkable cytotoxicity against cancer cells; however, its molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that PB inhibited cell proliferation and migration in melanoma cells by inducing cell apoptosis. The anticancer activity of PB was further verified in a melanoma xenograft model. To explore the mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of PB, we carried out an in silico target prediction study, which combined three approaches (chemical similarity searching, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), and molecular docking) to identify the targets of PB, and found that PB likely targets 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, which promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. We further demonstrated that PB interacted with HMGCR, decreased its protein expression and inhibited the HMGCR/YAP pathway in melanoma cells. In addition, we found that PB could restore vemurafenib sensitivity in vemurafenib-resistant A-375 cells, which was correlated with the downregulation of HMGCR. In conclusion, we demonstrate that PB elicits anticancer action and enhances sensitivity to vemurafenib by targeting HMGCR.

Withanolides, the hidden gem in Physalis minima: A mini review on their anti-inflammatory, anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-cancer effects

The Southeast Asian rainforests, notably in East Malaysia, are home to a diverse range of medicinal plant species with limitless therapeutic potential. Physalis minima (family Solanaceae) is a native East Malaysia plant which is closely linked to P. angulata, are recognized for their various pharmacology properties are abundance in Withanolides, a C₂₈-steroidal lactones based on an ergostane skeleton. This review focuses on the bioactive compounds of this herb, as it is frequently used to treat inflammation, neurodegenerative disease and cancer among East Malaysian ethnic groups. In this review, a total of 103 Withanolides were reported, with 59 of them being newly characterized. Previous scientific data revealed that Withanolides were intriguing principal compounds for inflammatory, neuroinflammatory and cancer treatment due to unique steroidal structure and strong bioactivities. Despite their excellent pharmacological characteristics, only a few Withanolides have been extensively studied, and the majority of them, particularly the newly discovered Withanolides, remained unknown for their therapeutic properties. This indicates that P. minima compounds are worth to be investigate for its pharmacological effects.

Withaferin A in the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Progress and Pharmacokinetic Insights

Withaferin A (WA) is a natural steroidal compound used in Ayurvedic medicine in India and elsewhere. Although WA was used as an anticancer reagent for decades, its role in the treatment of liver diseases has only recently been experimentally explored. Here, the effects of WA in the treatment of liver injury, systematic inflammation, and liver cancer are reviewed, and the toxicity and metabolism of WA as well as pharmacological potentials of other extracts from Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) discussed. The pharmacokinetic behaviors of WA are summarized and pharmacokinetic insights into current progress and future opportunities are highlighted. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review outlines the current experimental progress of Withaferin A (WA) hepatoprotective activities and highlights gaps in the field. This work also discusses the pharmacokinetics of WA that can be used to guide future studies for the possible treatment of liver diseases with this compound.

Hidden in Plants-A Review of the Anticancer Potential of the Solanaceae Family in In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Many of the anticancer agents that are currently in use demonstrate severe side effects and encounter increasing resistance from the target cancer cells. Thus, despite significant advances in cancer therapy in recent decades, there is still a need to discover and develop new, alternative anticancer agents. The plant kingdom contains a range of phytochemicals that play important roles in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The Solanaceae family is widely used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, due to its bioactive ingredient content. The purpose of this literature review is to highlight the antitumour activity of Solanaceae extracts-single isolated compounds and nanoparticles with extracts-and their synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic agents in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. In addition, the biological properties of many plants of the Solanaceae family have not yet been investigated, which represents a challenge and an opportunity for future anticancer therapy.

Natural withanolides, an update

Covering: March 2010 to December 2020. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2011, 28, 705This review summarizes the latest progress and perspectives on the structural classification, biological activities and mechanisms, metabolism and pharmacokinetic investigations, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and structural modifications, as well as future research directions of the promising natural withanolides. The literature from March 2010 to December 2020 is reviewed, and 287 references are cited.

Naturally occurring physalins from the genus Physalis: A review

Physalins, including physalins and neophysalins, are a class of highly oxygenated ergostane-type steroids. They are commonly known by the name of 16,24-cyclo-13,14-seco steroids, in which the disconnection of C-13 and C-14 produces an eight or nine-membered ring and the carbocyclization of C-16 and C-24 generates a new six-membered ring. Meanwhile, the oxidation of C-18 methyl to carboxyl group forms a 18,20-lactone, and the oxidation of C-14 and C-17 gets a heterocyclic oxygen acrossing rings C and D. Additionly, physalins frequently form an oxygen bridge to connect C-14 to C-27. Physalins are a kind of characteristic constituents from the species of the genus Physalis (Solanaceae), which are reported with a wide array of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, antimicrobial, trypanocidal and leishmanicidal, antinociceptive, antidiabetic and some other activities. Herein,the research progress of physalins from the genus Physalis during the decade from 1970 to 2021 on phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and application in China are systematically presented and discussed for the first time.

Seven undescribed steroids from the leaves of Datura metel L

Extraction of Datura metel L. leaves with ethanol as a solvent gave a group of steroids, including two unique 1,10-seco-withanolides (1, 4), an unusual nitrogen-containing withanolides (2), one undescribed saponin (3), two withanolides with a carbohydrate (5, 6), and one C₂₁ steroid (7). These compounds' structures were identified based on HR-ESI-MS and ¹H, ¹³C NMR data analyses, also compared with data from the document. Some compounds showed moderate inhibition on NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Structure-Activity Relationships of Withanolides as Antiproliferative Agents for Multiple Myeloma: Comparison of Activity in 2D Models and a 3D Coculture Model

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer in which relapse and resistance are highly frequent. Therefore, alternatives to conventional treatments are necessary. Withaferin A, a withanolide isolated from Withania somnifera, has previously shown promising activity against various MM models. In the present study, structure-activity relationships (SARs) were evaluated using 56 withanolides. The antiproliferative activity was assessed in three MM cell lines and in a 3D MM coculture model to understand the in vitro activity of compounds in models of various complexity. While the results obtained in 2D allowed a quick and simple evaluation of cytotoxicity used for a first selection, the use of the 3D MM coculture model allowed filtering compounds that perform better in a more complex setup. This study shows the importance of the last model as a bridge between 2D and in vivo studies to select the most active compounds and ultimately lead to a reduction of animal use for more sustained in vivo studies. NF-κB inhibition was determined to evaluate if this could be one of the targeted pathways. The most active compounds, withanolide D (2) and 38, should be further evaluated in vivo.

New stilbenoligan and flavonoid from the roots of Caragana stenophylla Pojark. and their anti-inflammatory activity

A phytochemical investigation on the 80% ethanol extract of the roots of Caragana stenophylla Pojark. resulted in the isolation of 20 compounds, including two new ones, named kompasinol P (2) and 3,5,7,2',3'-pentahydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavanone (3). Among them, a pair of enantiomers, (7S, 8 R, 7'R, 8'S)-kompasinol A (1a) and (7 R, 8S, 7'S, 8'R)-kompasinol A (1b), were successfully separated by the chiral-phase HPLC resolution for the first time. The absolute configurations of 1a and 1b were determined by the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. 15 isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1a/1b, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16-18 showed moderate inhibition with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.45 to 68.54 μM.

Biomimetic Synthesis of the CDE Ring Moiety of Physalins, Complex 13,14-Secosteroids

Physalins are a structurally complex family of 13,14-secosteroids isolated from the genus Physalis. We disclose a two-step construction of the CDE ring moiety of the physalins from a steroidal compound bearing 14-OH, 18-COOMe, and 17, 20-α-epoxide based on our biosynthetic proposal. C13-C14 bond cleavage by an alkoxy radical at C-14 and spontaneous epoxide ring opening gave a compound having a cyclononene and γ-lactone. Diastereoselective dihydroxylation of the resulting alkene with OsO₄ provided the CDE ring moiety of physalin.

New cytotoxic withanolides from Physalis minima

Phytochemical investigation of Physalis minima led to the isolation of six new withanolides, including physaminilides HK (1-4), two artificial withanolides (5-6), and 19 known ones (7-25). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against A375 human melanoma cells. Compounds 1, 8-9, 12-13, 15-17 and 19 exhibited significant cytotoxic activities with IC₅₀ values in the range of 1.2-7.5 μM.

Anti-inflammatory Withanolides from Physalis minima

Five new withanolides (1-5) along with five known ones (6-10) were isolated from the whole plants of Physalis minima Linn. The chemical structures of the new compounds were identified as (20S,22R) 15a-acetoxy-5β,6β-epoxy-4β,14a,28-trihydroxy-3β-methoxy-1-oxowitha-16,24-dienolide (1), (20S,22R) 15a-acetoxy-5β,6β-epoxy-3β,4β,14β,17β,20β-pentahydroxy-1-oxowitha-24-enolide (2), (20R,22R) 15α-acetoxy-4β,5α,6β,14α,20β-pentahydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (3), (20R,22R) 15α-acetoxy-5α,6β,14α,20β-tetrahydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (4), and (20S,22R) 5α,6β,14β-trihydroxy-1,15-dioxowitha-2,16,24-trienolide (5) on the basis of integration combining IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR analyses. Biologically, compounds (1-10) were subjected to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities via inhibiting nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. The activity screening indicated that all of the compounds showed a moderate inhibitory effect against nitric oxide production with IC₅₀ values of 23.53-66.28 μM.

New A-homo lactam D-homo lactone androstane derivative: Synthesis and evaluation of cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro

This paper describes the synthesis of a new A-homo lactam D-homo lactone androstane derivative from dehydroepiandrosterone. To evaluate the impact of the introduction of nitrogen in the parental scaffold on biological activity, a new androstane enamide-type lactam derivative was prepared and characterized. The new compound as well as starting compounds were screened for cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities using several human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, PC3, CEM, G-361, HeLa), endothelial (HUVEC) and non-tumour (MRC-5 and BJ) cell lines. Strong cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity with a broad therapeutical window was demonstrated by the A-homo lactam D-homo lactone androstane derivative. The induction of apoptosis in treated PC3 cultures was confirmed using apoptotic morphology screening and a fluorescent double-staining method. New A-homo lactam D-homo lactone androstane derivative induced apoptosis more than the tested reference compounds, Formestane and Doxorubicin. An in silico ADME analysis showed that the compounds possess drug-like properties.

Daturmetesides A-E, five new ergostane-type C28 sterols from the leaves of Datura metel L

Five undescribed ergostane-type C₂₈ sterols, daturmetesides A-E (1-5), were isolated from the leaves of Datura metel L. The chemical structures of these new compounds were characterized through extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literatures. Among them, the absolute structures of daturmetesides A and C were unambiguously determined by X-ray crystallography. The anti-inflammatory effect of daturmetesides A-E was all tested by measuring nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells. Daturmetesides A, C and D moderatelylowered the NO production with IC₅₀ values ranging from 17.05 ± 0.35 to 24.88 ± 0.93 μM.

New phenolic acids from the whole herb of Elephantopus scaber Linn. and their anti-inflammatory activity

Two new phenolic acids, ethyl 3,3',4,4'-tetrahydroxy-δ-truxinate (1), 3-O-p-coumaroyl-4-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (2), together with three known compounds (3-5) were isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopus scaber Linn. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic analysis. Compound 3 was obtained and given its NMR data for the first time. All isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, and 1, 4 and 5 showed a moderate inhibition with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.85 to 20.62 μM.

New withanolides from Physalis minima and their cytotoxicity against A375 human melanoma cells

The new withanolides physaminilide A–G (1–7), and two artificial withanolides (8–9) were isolated from Physalis minima. Compounds 2, 5 and 8 exhibited significant cytotoxicity towards human tumor cells.

Withanolides from the genus Physalis: a review on their phytochemical and pharmacological aspects

Objectives

Withanolides are a group of modified C28 ergostane-type steroids with a C-22, C-26 δ-lactone side chain or a C-23, C-26 γ-lactone side chain. They enjoy a limited distribution in the plant kingdom and predominantly occur in several genera of Solanaceae. Of which, the genus Physalis is an important resource for this type of natural molecules. The present review aims to comprehensively illustrate the structural characteristics and classification of withanolides, and particularly focus on the progression on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of withanolides from Physalis ranging from January 2015 to June 2019.

Key findings

Approximately 351 natural withanolides with novel and unique structures have so far been identified from genus Physalis, mainly isolated from the species of P. angulata and P. peruviana. Withanolides demonstrated diverse biological activity, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity. Their observed pharmacological functions supported the uses of Physalis species in traditional or folk medicines.

Summary

Due to their unique structure skeleton and potent bioactivities, withanolides are regarded to be promising drug candidates, particularly for developing anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents. Further investigations for discovering novel withanolides of genus Physalis, exploiting their pharmacological values and evaluating their potency as therapeutic agents are significant work.

Identification Of Potential Cytotoxic Inhibitors From Physalis Minima

A phytochemical investigation of Physalis minima led to the isolation of six withanolides, including withanolide E (1), withaperuvin C (2), 4β-hydroxywithanolide E (3), 28-hydroxywithaperuvin C (4), physaperuvin G (5), and 4-deoxywithaperuvin (6). Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1 D-NMR and 2 D-NMR data, as well as comparison with the data reported in the literature. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HepG2, SK-LU-1, and MCF7 cancer cell lines. As the obtained results, compounds 1 and 3 displayed the strongest cytotoxicity against HepG2, SK-LU-1, and MCF7 cell lines with IC₅₀ value ranging from 0.051 ± 0.004 to 0.86 ± 0.09 μg/mL.