Mollebenzylanols A and B, Highly Modified and Functionalized Diterpenoids with a 9-Benzyl-8,10-dioxatricyclo[5.2.1.01,5]decane Core from Rhododendron molle

Cyclic Osmate Esters from 1,2- and 1,3-Diols and α-Hydroxy Acids for X-ray Analysis

We previously demonstrated that osmium tetroxide and TMEDA generate stable crystalline adducts with alkenes that facilitate X-ray analysis and structure assignments. Alternatively, osmate esters can be prepared from diols, potassium osmate, and TMEDA·2TsOH in a nonoxidative condensation reaction. This new approach provides a convenient route to form stable, crystalline osmate(VI) esters for X-ray analysis. Because it is redox neutral, it works with a variety of diol substrates, including 1,3-diols, that cannot be prepared from alkenes. α-Hydroxy acids also form stable osmate esters in reasonable yields and readily crystallize. An alternative ligand screen was performed to assess the improved crystallinity from substituted TMEDA analogues. The enhanced crystallinity of osmate esters and the incorporation of a heavy atom make a reliable determination of structure and absolute configuration routine.

Discovery of ent-kaurane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics from the leaves of Pieris formosa

To search for structurally novel analgesics from Ericaceae plants, the leaves of Pieris formosa collected at Yichang, Hubei, China, were phytochemically investigated for the first time. A total of fifteen ent-kaurane diterpene glucosides (1-15) including twelve new ones, named forminosides A-L (1-12), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analyses, quantum chemical calculations (13C NMR and ECD calculations and DP4+ analysis), and chemical methods. The absolute configures of 1-3, 5-8, 11, and 13 were further determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Forminoside A (1) represents the first 3α-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-11,16-epoxy-ent-kaurane diterpenoid bearing a unique 12-oxa-pentacyclo[9.3.3.01,10.04,9.013,16]heptadecane core. Forminoside J (10) is the first 17-nor-ent-kaurane type diterpenoid from Ericaceae family, while forminoside L (12) represents the first example of 4,5-seco-ent-kaurane diterpenoid glycoside bearing an unusual α-hydroxyl-α,β-unsaturated ketone block. Notably, the structure of mollisside A was revised to 3β-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-16β,17-dihydroxy-ent-kaurane based on the NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data analysis of forminoside C (3). All the isolates 1-15 showed potent analgesic activity in the HOAc-induced writhing test in mice. Among them, compounds 1-3, 5-12, and 15 exhibited significant analgesic effects at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg with the inhibition rates over 50%. Compounds 1, 5, 7, and 9-12 still displayed significant analgesic effects with the inhibition rates exceeding 50% at a lower dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Forminosides J (10) and L (12) still showed significant analgesic potency even at a lower dose of 0.2 mg/kg, comparable to that of the positive control, morphine. This is first report of the analgesic activity of 11,16-epoxy-ent-kaurane diterpenoid. A preliminary structure-activity relationship was explored, providing new clues to design novel analgesics based on the ent-kaurane and related diterpenoids.

Dauresorcinols A and B, two pairs of merosesquiterpenoid enantiomers with new carbon skeletons from Rhododendron dauricum

Five pairs of new merosesquiterpenoid enantiomers, named dauresorcinols A-E (1-5), were isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron dauricum. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, quantum chemical calculations, Rh2(OCOCF3)4-induced ECD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Dauresorcinols A (1) and B (2) possess two new merosesquiterpene skeletons bearing an unprecedented 2,6,7,10,14-pentamethyl-11-oxatetracyclo[8.8.0.02,7.012,17]octadecane and a caged 15-isohexyl-1,5,15-trimethyl-2,10-dioxatetracyclo[7.4.1.111,14.03,8]pentadecane motif, respectively. Plausible biosynthetic pathways of 1-5 are proposed involving key oxa-electrocyclization and Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement reactions. (+)/(-)-1 and 3-5 showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, 3 to 22 times stronger than acarbose, an antidiabetic drug targeting α-glucosidase. Docking results provide a basis to design and develop merosesquiterpenoids as potent α-glycosidase inhibitors.

Recent Advances in Grayanane Diterpenes: Isolation, Structural Diversity, and Bioactivities from Ericaceae Family (2018-2024)

Diterpenes represent one of the most diverse and structurally complex families of natural products. Among the myriad of diterpenoids, grayanane diterpenes are particularly notable. These terpenes are characterized by their unique 5/7/6/5 tetracyclic system and are exclusive to the Ericaceae family of plants. Renowned for their complex structures and broad spectrum of bioactivities, grayanane diterpenes have become a primary focus in extensive phytochemical and pharmacological research. Recent studies, spanning from 2018 to January 2024, have reported a series of new grayanane diterpenes with unprecedented carbon skeletons. These compounds exhibit various biological properties, including analgesic, antifeedant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). This paper delves into the discovery of 193 newly identified grayanoids, representing 15 distinct carbon skeletons within the Ericaceae family. The study of grayanane diterpenes is not only a deep dive into the complexities of natural product chemistry but also an investigation into potential therapeutic applications. Their unique structures and diverse biological actions make them promising candidates for drug discovery and medicinal applications. The review encompasses their occurrence, distribution, structural features, and biological activities, providing invaluable insights for future pharmacological explorations and research.

An updated review of the genus Rhododendron since 2010: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

Rhododendron, the largest genus of Ericaceae, consists of approximately 1000 species that are widely distributed in Europe, Asia, and North America but mainly exist in Asia. Rhododendron plants have not only good ornamental and economic value but also significant medicinal potential. In China, many Rhododendron plants are used as traditional Chinese medicine or ethnic medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases, pain, bleeding and inflammation. Rhododendron is known for its abundant metabolites, especially diterpenoids. In the past 13 years, a total of 610 chemical constituents were reported from Rhododendron plants, including 222 diterpenoids, 122 triterpenoids, 103 meroterpenoids, 71 flavonoids and 92 other constituents (lignans, phenylpropanoids, phenolic acids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, coumarins, steroids, fatty acids). Moreover, the bioactivities of various extracts and isolates, both in vitro and in vivo, were also investigated. Our review summarized the research progress of Rhododendron regarding traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology in the past 13 years (2010 to December 2022), which will provide new insight for prompting further research on Rhododendron application and drug development.

Asebogenin suppresses thrombus formation via inhibition of Syk phosphorylation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thrombosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Platelet activation by exposed collagen through glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are critical pathogenic factors for arterial and venous thrombosis. Both events are regulated by spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)-mediated signalling events. Asebogenin is a dihydrochalcone whose pharmacological effects remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the antithrombotic effects of asebogenin and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Platelet aggregation was assessed using an aggregometer. Platelet P-selectin exposure, integrin activation and calcium mobilization were determined by flow cytometry. NETs formation was assessed by SYTOX Green staining and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative phosphoproteomics, microscale thermophoresis, in vitro kinase assay and molecular docking combined with dynamics simulation were performed to characterize the targets of asebogenin. The in vivo effects of asebogenin on arterial thrombosis were investigated using FeCl₃ -induced and laser-induced injury models, whereas those of venous thrombosis were induced by stenosis of the inferior vena cava.

KEY RESULTS

Asebogenin inhibited a series of GPVI-induced platelet responses and suppressed NETs formation induced by proinflammatory stimuli. Mechanistically, asebogenin directly interfered with the phosphorylation of Syk at Tyr525/526, which is important for its activation. Further, asebogenin suppressed arterial thrombosis demonstrated by decreased platelet accumulation and fibrin generation and attenuated venous thrombosis determined by reduced neutrophil accumulation and NETs formation, without increasing bleeding risk.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Asebogenin exhibits potent antithrombotic effects by targeting Syk and is a potential lead compound for the development of efficient and safe antithrombotic agents.

Status of research on natural protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors as potential antidiabetic agents: Update

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a crucial therapeutic target for multiple human diseases comprising type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity because it is a seminal part of a negative regulator in both insulin and leptin signaling pathways. PTP1B inhibitors increase insulin receptor sensitivity and have the ability to cure insulin resistance-related diseases. However, the few PTP1B inhibitors that entered the clinic (Ertiprotafib, ISIS-113715, Trodusquemine, and JTT-551) were discontinued due to side effects or low selectivity. Molecules with broad chemical diversity extracted from natural products have been reported to be potent PTP1B inhibitors with few side effects. This article summarizes the recent PTP1B inhibitors extracted from natural products, clarifying the current research progress, and providing new options for designing new and effective PTP1B inhibitors.

Fortuneicyclidins A and B, Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids with a 7-Azatetracyclo[5.4.3.0.02,8]tridecane Core, from Cephalotaxus fortunei

Fortuneicyclidins A (1) and B (2), a pair of epimeric pyrrolizidine alkaloids containing an unprecedented 7-azatetracyclo[5.4.3.0.0^2,8]tridecane core, were isolated from the seeds of Cephalotaxus fortunei, along with two biogenetically relative known analogues, 3 and 4. The structures were determined by multiple spectral techniques and chemical derivatization methods. Compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase.

Structurally diverse diterpenoids with eight carbon skeletons from Rhododendron micranthum and their antinociceptive effects

Seventeen diterpenoids (1-17), classified into eight diverse carbon skeleton types, grayanane (1, 2, and 12), micranthane (3, 4, and 13), mollane (5-7 and 14), 1,5-seco-grayanane (8), kalmane (9-11), 1,5-seco-kalmane (15), A-homo-B-nor-ent-kaurane (16), and leucothane (17), respectively, were isolated from the leaves extract of Rhododendron micranthum. Among them, diterpenoids 1-9 are new compounds and their structures were elucidated via extensive spectroscopic methods, quantum chemical calculations including the ¹³C NMR-DP4+ analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Micranthanol A (1) represents the first example of a 5αH,9αH-grayanane diterpenoid and a 6-hydroxy-6,10-epoxygrayanane diterpenoid, and micranthanone B (3) is the first 6,10-epoxymicranthane and the 5α-hydroxy-micranthane diterpenoids. 14-epi-Mollanol A (5) and mollanol B (6) represent the first examples of 14β-hydroxymollane diterpenoids. It is the first time to report mollane, 1,5-seco-kalmane, and A-homo-B-nor-ent-kaurane type diterpenoids from Rhododendron micranthum. All the seventeen diterpenoids showed significant antinociceptive activities at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg, and it is the first time to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of 1,5-seco-kalmane diterpenoid. Among them, compounds 3, 11, 14, and 15 exhibited significant antinociceptive activities even at a lower dose of 1.0 mg/kg. A preliminary structure-activity relationship for the antinociceptive effects of diterpenoids 1-17 is discussed, which provided a new basis to develop novel potent analgesics.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Mollebenzylanol A

Mollebenzylanol A is a tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron molle in 2018 that has a highly functionalized structure. The first enantioselective total synthesis of mollebenzylanol A was achieved in 13 steps from a known chiral starting material. An efficient and practical synthetic scheme was disclosed in a stereocontrolled manner, including stereo/regioselective epoxidation, Eschenmoser-Claisen rearrangement, and stereocontrolled dihydroxylation.

Antinociceptive grayanane-derived diterpenoids from flowers of Rhododendron molle

Twelve new grayanoids (1-12) along with five known compounds were isolated from flowers of Rhododendron molle. Their structures were fully characterized using a combination of spectroscopic analyses, computational calculations, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Rhomollone A (1) possesses an unprecedented 5/6/6/5 tetra-cyclic ring system (B-nor grayanane) incorporating a cyclopentene-1,3-dione scaffold. Rhodomollein XLIII (2) is a dimeric grayanoid, containing a novel 14-membered heterocyclic ring with a C ₂ symmetry axis. The antinociceptive activities of compounds 3, 4, 6, 7, and 12-17 were evaluated by an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Among them, compounds 3, 7, 12, 15 and 16 displayed significant antinociceptive activities at a dose of 20 mg/kg with inhibition rates ranging from 41.9% to 91.6%. Compounds 6 and 13 inhibited 46.0% and 39.4% of the acetic acid-induced writhes at a dose of 2 mg/kg, while compound 17 inhibited 34.3% of the writhes at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg.

Structurally diverse diterpenoids from Pieris japonica as potent analgesics

Sixteen diterpenoids (1-16) including 10 new ones, pierisjaponins A-J (1-10), were isolated and identified from Pieris japonica, and their structures were classified into eight diverse carbon skeletons. Pierisjaponins A (1) and B (2) represent the first 1,5-seco-grayanane diterpenoid glucosides and only showed 17 carbon resonances instead of 26 carbons in the ¹³C NMR spectra, their structures were finally defined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the unusual NMR phenomena were explained. Pierisjaponin E (5) is the first mollane diterpene glucoside. This is the first time to report ent-labdane (3, 4, and 11) and ent-rosane (15) type diterpenoids from the Ericaceae plants, which provided the precursors of the Ericaceae diterpenoids and enlarged the chemical diversity of Ericaceae diterpenoids. All the 16 isolates showed potent analgesic activities, and this is the first time to describe the analgesic activities of 1,5-seco-grayanane, ent-labdane, mollane, and ent-rosane type diterpenoids. A preliminary structure-activity relationship is discussed, which provided new clues to design novel analgesics based on the Ericaceae diterpenoids.

Grayanane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics from Pieris japonica

A total of fifteen grayanane diterpenoid glucosides including eight undescribed ones, pierisjaponosides A-H, were isolated from the leaves of Pieris japonica (Thunb.) D. Don ex G. Don (Ericaceae). Their structures were established by extensive spectros copic techniques including HRESIMS and NMR, as well as chemical methods. The absolute configurations of pierisjaponosides A, B, and D were finally established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. This is the first time to report the crystal structure of a 5,9-epoxygrayanane diterpenoid glucoside. Pierisjaponoside E represents the first example of a 9β-hydroxygrayan-1(10)-ene diterpenoid. All the isolated grayanane diterpenoid glucosides were evaluated for their analgesic activities in the acetic acid-induced writhing models in mice, and showed significant analgesic effects. Pierisjaponosides A and C-H, micranthanoside A, pieroside A, and craiobiosides A and B displayed significant analgesic effects with the writhe inhibition rates over 50% at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg. Pierisjaponoside E exhibited significant analgesic activities with the percentage inhibitions of 81.7%, 70.4%, and 52.1% at the doses of 5.0, 1.0, and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively. The preliminary structure-activity relationships of grayanane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics were discussed, giving some clues to design novel analgesics.

Modified diterpenoids from the tuber of Icacina oliviformis as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Two modified diterpenoids featuring a novel 4,12-dioxatetracyclo[8.6.0.0^2,7.0^10,14]hexadecane core, together with a 3,4-seco-pimarane, a 3,4-seco-cleistanthane, and eight pimarane derivatives were isolated from the tuber of Icacina oliviformis.

Antinociceptive Grayanane Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Pieris japonica

Thirteen new grayanane diterpenoids (1-13) and 15 known analogues (14-28) were isolated from a leaf extract of Pieris japonica. Their structures were determined by spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, NMR, IR, and UV. The absolute configurations of 1, 3, 7-9, and 16 were defined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. 17-Hydroxygrayanotoxin XIX (1) represents the first example of a 17-hydroxygrayan-15(16)-ene diterpenoid. Diterpenoids 1-28 were evaluated for their antinociceptive activities, and 4, 9, 13, 21, and 26-28 displayed significant antinociceptive activities at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg (ip) in the HOAc-induced writhing test in mice. 17-Hydroxygrayanotoxin XIX (1) exhibited potent antinociceptive effects with writhe inhibition rates of 56.3% and 64.8% at doses of 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively, which were almost equivalent to the positive control, morphine. Rhodomollein X (26) and rhodojaponin VI (27) showed more potent antinociceptive effects than morphine at doses of 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg. A preliminary structure-activity relationship for the antinociceptive effects of diterpenoids 1-28 is discussed.

Survey of natural products reported by Asian research groups in 2018

The new natural products reported in 2018 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2018 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification.

Analgesic diterpenoids with diverse carbon skeletons from the leaves of Rhododendron auriculatum

Sixteen diterpenoids including nine undescribed ones, named rhodoauriculatols A-I, were isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron auriculatum Hemsl. Sixteen diterpenoids belong to seven diverse carbon skeletons, which were classified into 1,10-seco-grayanane, 1,10:2,3-diseco-grayanane, A-homo-B-nor-ent-kaurane, ent-kaurane, 4,5-seco-ent-kaurane, leucothane, and grayanane, respectively. Their structures were determined by the detailed HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, UV, and IR data analysis, and their absolute configurations were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analysis, ECD calculation, as well as chemical methods. Rhodoauriculatols A-C possess a rare 1,10-seco-grayanane diterpene skeleton. Rhodoauriculatol D is the second example of the 1,10:2,3-diseco-grayanane diterpenoids, and rhodoauriculatol E is the fourth example of the A-homo-B-nor-ent-kaurane diterpenoids. Rhodomicranone E was reported as a natural product for the first time. All the isolated sixteen diterpenoids showed analgesic activities in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Rhodoauriculatols B, E-G, rhodomicranone E, pierisformoside F, and micranthanoside A showed significant analgesic activities with the inhibition rates over 40%, and their preliminary structures-activity relationships were studied.

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitory Iridoids from Psydrax subcordata

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves and bark of Psydrax subcordata has led to the isolation of six new iridoids, subcordatanols I-V (1-4 and 6) and 1-O-methylcrescentin I (5), along with two known analogues (7 and 8). Among them, subcordatanol I (1) is the first example of a 3,8-monoepoxy-iridoid featuring a caged 2-oxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane core. The absolute stereochemistry at C-4 of 3, 4, and 6 was established through their acid-catalyzed reaction products subcordatalactones A (3a), B (4a), and C (6a), respectively. Subcordatanols I (1) and II (2), as well as subcordatalactones A (3a) and B (4a), displayed inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Enzyme kinetic studies indicated that 3a and 4a are competitive inhibitors. A molecular docking study is also reported.

Grayanane Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Rhododendron auriculatum and Their Analgesic Activities

Twenty-four grayanane diterpenoids (1-24) including 12 new ones (1-12) were isolated from Rhododendron auriculatum. The structures of the new grayanane diterpenoids (1-12) were defined via extensive spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute configurations of compounds 2-4, 10-12, 14, and 16 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and electronic circular dichroism data were used to define the absolute configurations of auriculatols D (8) and E (9). Auriculatol A (1) is the first example of a 5,20-epoxygrayanane diterpenoid bearing a 7-oxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane motif and a trans/cis/cis/cis-fused 5/5/7/6/5 pentacyclic ring system. Auriculatol B (2) is the first example of a 3α,5α-dihydroxy-1-βH-grayanane diterpenoid. 19-Hydroxy-3-epi-auriculatol B (6) and auriculatol C (7) represent the first examples of 19-hydroxygrayanane and grayan-5(6)-ene diterpenoids, respectively. Diterpenoids 1-24 showed analgesic activities in the writhing test induced by HOAc, and 2, 6, 10, 13, 19, and 24 at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg exhibited significant analgesic effects (inhibition rates >50%). Grayanane diterpenoids grayanotoxins I (19) and IV (24) at doses of 0.2 and 0.04 mg/kg showed more potent analgesic activities than morphine.

Grayanane Diterpenoid Glucosides from the Leaves of Rhododendron micranthum and Their Bioactivities Evaluation

Thirteen new grayanane diterpenoid glucosides, 3- epi-grayanoside B (1), micranthanosides A-E (2-6), 7α-hydroxygrayanoside C (7), micranthanoside F (8), 14β-acetyoxymicranthanoside F (9), micranthanoside G (10), 14- O-acetylmicranthanoside G (11), 14β-hydroxypieroside A (12), and micranthanoside H (13), and six known analogues (14-19) were isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron micranthum. The structures of 1-19 were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis, comparison with literature, and chemical methods. The absolute configurations of 3- epi-grayanoside B (1) and micranthanosides A (2) and C (4) were defined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. This is the first report of the crystal structures of grayanane diterpenoid glucosides. 3- epi-Grayanoside B (1) represents the first example of a 3α-oxygrayanane diterpenoid glucoside, and micranthanosides A-D (2-5) are the first examples of 5α-hydroxy-1-β H-grayanane diterpenoids. In addition, micranthanosides C-F (4-6 and 8) and 14β-acetyoxymicranthanoside F (9) represent the first examples of grayanane glucosides with the glucosylation at C-16. All the grayanane diterpenoid glucosides 1-19 were assayed for their anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and PTP1B inhibitory activities, but did not show significant activities at 40 μM. Grayanane diterpenoid glucosides 1-18 were evaluated for their antinociceptive activity, and compounds 2, 3, 7-10, 12, 13, and 16 showed significant antinociceptive effects with percentage inhibitions in excess of 50%.

In(OTf)3-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization for Construction of Oxatricyclic Compounds

A highly diastereoselective cascade cyclization reaction has been developed for establishing a series of oxatricyclic compounds using Chan's diene and simple keto alkynal substrates with only 1 mol % of In(OTf)₃ as the catalyst in 82-92% yields. The potential utility of this synthetic strategy has been demonstrated in model studies for the construction the core structures of 1α,8α:4α,5α-diepoxy-4,5-dihydroosmitopsin and cortistatin A.

Hebecarposides A-K, antiproliferative lanostane-type triterpene glycosides from the leaves of Lyonia ovalifolia var. hebecarpa

Eleven previously undescribed lanostane-type triterpene glycosides, hebecarposides A-K, were isolated from the leaves of Lyonia ovalifolia var. hebecarpa (Ericaceae), along with two known analogues, lyonifolosides L and O. The structures of hebecarposides A-K were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods, and the absolute configuration of C-24 in hebecarposides A and E was determined to be S and R, respectively, by a Mo₂(OAc)₄-induced electronic circular dichroism method. This is the first report of the presence of lanostane-type triterpene glycosides in L. ovalifolia var. hebecarpa. All compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against five cancer cell lines, SMMC-7721, HL-60, SW480, MCF-7, and A-549, and a normal epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, and none of them showed general cytotoxity to the normal cell line BEAS-2B. Interestingly, hebecarposides C, D, G, and K selectively inhibited the proliferation of HL-60 and SMMC-7721 cell lines, and hebecarposides C and D showed significant anti-proliferative activities against A-549 cell lines than the positive control, cis-platin. In addition, hebecarposides C and H exhibited more potent anti-proliferative activities against MCF-7 than cis-platin.

Hot off the Press

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as mollebenzylanol A from Rhododendron molle.