Cytotoxic constituents of the fruits of Cananga odorata

Exploring the synthetic potential of epoxide ring opening reactions toward the synthesis of alkaloids and terpenoids: a review

Epoxides are oxygen containing heterocycles which are significantly employed as crucial intermediates in various organic transformations. They are considered highly reactive three-membered heterocycles due to ring strain and they undergo epoxide ring opening reactions with diverse range of nucleophiles. Epoxide ring-opening reactions have gained prominence as flexible and effective means to obtain various functionalized molecules. These reactions have garnered substantial attention in organic synthesis, driven by the need to comprehend the synthesis of biologically and structurally important organic compounds. They have also found applications in the synthesis of complex natural products. In this review article, we have summarized the implementation of epoxide ring opening reactions in the synthesis of alkaloids and terpenoids based natural products reported within the last decade (2014-2023).

Enantioselective Synthesis of the Guaipyridine Alkaloid (+)- and (-)-Cananodine

Synthesis of both enantiomers of guaipyridine alkaloid cananodine was achieved. The stereocenter at C8 was set through an Evans alkylation, and the seven-membered carbocycle was constructed using an intramolecular Mizoroki-Heck reaction. Hydrogenation of an exomethylene set the C5 stereocenter. The optical rotation of each enantiomer matched the literature. The synthetic scheme is amenable to analogue preparation. (+)- and (-)-Rupestine G were also prepared.

Eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycosides from the leaves of Pittosporum lenticellatum with anti-neuroinflammatory activity

Chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract of the leaves of Pittosporum lenticellatum led to the isolation of twenty-five previously undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycosides, pitlencosides A－Y (1-25); their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD spectra, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Among them, compounds 4, 5, 7, 8, 15 and 16 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the production of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 microglial cells by suppressing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, with IC50 values ranging from 7.95 to 25.88 μM, which showed stereo-chemical and substituent dependents. Western blot analysis and molecular docking simulation confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 4, 5, 7, 8, 15 and 16.

Synthesis of Guaipyridine Alkaloids Rupestine M and L by Cycloaddition/Cycloreversion of an Intermediate 1,4-Oxazinone

A new method to prepare 1,4-oxazinone intermediates was developed based on aza-conjugate addition of β-amino alcohols to electron-deficient alkyne precursors. A tandem intramolecular cycloaddition/cycloreversion reaction sequence was evaluated, leading to the synthesis of the guaipyridine alkaloid natural products rupestine M and L. Starting from (-)-citronellal and thus a known configuration of the C5 stereocenter, a revised absolute configuration of natural rupestine L is suggested based on optical rotation.

Co-Delivery of Ylang Ylang Oil of Cananga odorata and Oxaliplatin Using Intelligent pH-Sensitive Lipid-Based Nanovesicles for the Effective Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Smart pH-responsive niosomes loaded with either Oxaliplatin (Ox), Ylang ylang essential oil (Y-oil), or co-loaded with both compounds (Ox-Y) (Ox@NSs, Y@NSs, and Ox-Y@NSs, respectively) were formulated utilizing the thin film method. The developed nanocontainers had a spherical morphology with mean particle sizes lower than 170 nm and showed negative surface charges, high entrapment efficiencies, and a pH-dependent release over 24 h. The prepared pH-responsive niosomes' cytotoxicity was tested against the invasive triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells, compared to free OX and Y-oil. All niosomal formulations loaded with Ox and/or Y-oil significantly improved cytotoxic activity relative to their free counterparts. The Ox-Y@NSs demonstrated the lowest IC50 (0.0002 µg/mL) when compared to Ox@NSs (0.006 µg/mL) and Y@NSs (18.39 µg/mL) or unloaded Ox (0.05 µg/mL) and Y-oil (29.01 µg/mL). In addition, the percentages of the MDA-MB-231 cell population in the late apoptotic and necrotic quartiles were profoundly higher in cells treated with the smart Ox-Y@NSs (8.38% and 5.06%) than those exposed to free Ox (7.33% and 1.93%) or Y-oil (2.3% and 2.13%) treatments. Gene expression analysis and protein assays were performed to provide extra elucidation regarding the molecular mechanism by which the prepared pH-sensitive niosomes induce apoptosis. Ox-Y@NSs significantly induced the gene expression of the apoptotic markers Tp53, Bax, and Caspase-7, while downregulating the antiapoptotic Bcl2. As such, Ox-Y@NSs are shown to activate the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Moreover, the protein assay ascertained the apoptotic effects of Ox-Y@NSs, generating a 4-fold increase in the relative protein quantity of the late apoptotic marker Caspase-7. Our findings suggest that combining natural essential oil with synthetic platinum-based drugs in pH-responsive nanovesicles is a promising approach to breast cancer therapy.

Natural products in digestive tract tumors metabolism: Functional and application prospects

Digestive tract diseases are presently the hotspot of clinical diagnosis and treatment, and the incidence of digestive tract tumor is increasing annually. Surgery remains the main therapeutic schedule for digestive tract tumor. Though benefits were brought by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a part of patients lose the chance of surgery because of late detection or inappropriate intervention. Therefore, the treatment of inoperable patients has become an urgent need. At the same time, tumor metabolism is an extremely complex and diverse process. Natural products are confirmed effective to inhibit the development of tumors in vitro and in vitro. There are many kinds of natural products and their functions remain not clear. However, some natural products such as polyphenols have been proven to have definite anti-cancer effects, and some terpenoids have definite anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, and other effects. Therefore, the anti-tumor characteristics of natural products should arouse our high attention. Although there are many obstacles to study the activities of natural products in tumor, including the difficulty in detection or distinguishing each component due to their low levels in tumor tissue, etc., the emergence of highly sensitive and locatable spatial metabolomics make the research and application of natural products a big step forward. In this review, natural products such as phenols, terpenoids and biotinoids were summarized to further discuss the development and therapeutic properties of natural metabolites on digestive tract tumors.

On-line identification of the chemical constituents of Polygoni Multiflori Radix by UHPLC-Q-ToF MS/MS

Introduction: Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) is a type of Chinese herbal medicine with rich chemical composition and pharmacological activity used widely in medicine and food. However, in recent years, there have been increasing numbers of negative reports about its hepatotoxicity. Identification of its chemical constituents for quality control and safe use is very important. Methods: Three solvents of different polarities (water, 70% ethanol, and 95% ethanol solution) were used to extract the compounds from PMR. Extracts were analyzed and characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-ToF MS/MS) in the negative-ion mode. Results: 152 compounds were detected and identified: 50 anthraquinones, 33 stilbene derivatives, 21 flavonoids, seven naphthalene compounds, and 41 other compounds. Eight other compounds were reported for the first time in the PMR-related literature, and eight other compounds were potentially new compounds. Discussion: This study lays a solid foundation for the screening of toxicity and quality-control indicators of PMR.

Microwave-Assisted Three-Component Synthesis of Novel N-Arylated-Dihydrobenzo[g]quinoline-5,10-Diones and Their Potential Cytotoxic Activity

A convenient three-component synthetic approach was developed en route to new and significative N-arylated-dihydrobenzo[g]quinoline-5,10-diones using 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, a variety of aromatic aldehydes, and 4-(arylamino)furan-2(5H)-ones. A sequence of steps including Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, [1,3]-hydrogen shift, intramolecular cyclization and dehydration led to the formation of products. All the products were structurally characterized by spectroscopic techniques and assessed in terms of their cytotoxicity profile against four cancer cell lines (KB, HepG2, A549, and MCF7), and human embryonic kidney (Hek-293) cell lines.

Eleven undescribed alkaloids from the rhizomes of Sinomenium acutum and their IDO1 and TDO inhibitory activities

Eleven previously undescribed alkaloids, named sinometumines A-K, along with three known alkaloids, were isolated from the rhizomes of Sinomenium acutum. The chemical structures of these unreported compounds were established using extensive spectroscopic methods (IR, UV, HRESIMS, and NMR), and their absolute configurations were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy (ECD). Sinometumine D was the first aporphine-type derived alkaloid inner salt with a rearranged dibenzofuran ring backbone. Sinometumine E was a rare protoberberine-type alkaloid with a complex 6/6/6/6/6/6 hexacyclic skeleton. This was the first report of alkaloids with these two skeletons isolated from S. acutum. All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). Lysicamine possessed noteworthy inhibitory activities as an IDO1/TDO dual inhibitor with IC₅₀ values of 6.22 ± 0.26 μM and 23.76 ± 2.93 μM, respectively, and liriodenine revealed moderate dual inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 31.65 ± 4.44 μM and 15.64 ± 0.26 μM. The intermolecular interactions and binding modes between lysicamine and IDO1/TDO were elaborated by molecular docking studies.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Annonacae

In 1789, the Annonaceae family was catalogued by de Jussieu. It encompasses tropical and subtropical plants which are widespread in distribution across various continents such as Asia, South and Central America, Australia and Africa. The genus of Annona is one of 120 genera of the Annonaceae family and contains more than 119 species of trees and shrubs. Most species are found in tropical America, where over 105 species have been identified. Due to its edible fruits and medicinal properties, Annona is the most studied genus of Annonaceae family. To date, only a limited number of these species have economic value, including A. squamosa L. (sugar apple), A. cherimola Mill. (Cherimoya), A. muricata L. (guanabana or soursop), A. atemoya Mabb. (atemoya), a hybrid between A. cherimola and A. squamosa, A. reticulata L. (custard apple), A. glabra L. (pond-apple) and A. macroprophyllata Donn. Sm. (ilama). Phytochemically, several classes of secondary metabolites, including acetogenins, essential oils, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The pharmacological activities of Annona species leaves and seeds include antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Guaiane sesquiterpenes from the gorgonian Echinogorgia flora collected in the South China Sea

Echinoflorine (1), a new dimethylamino-substituted guaipyridine alkaloid with a novel γ-lactone-cyclohepta[c]pyridine fused skeleton, and three new guaiane sesquiterpene lactones, echinofloranolides A–C (2–4), together with eight known guaiane sesquiterpenes were isolated from the gorgonian Echinogorgia flora collected in the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, calculated ECD and DP4+ probability analyses.

Echinoflorine (1), a new dimethylamino-substituted guaipyridine alkaloid with a novel γ-lactone-cyclohepta[c]pyridine fused skeleton, and three new guaiane sesquiterpene lactones, echinofloranolides A–C (2–4), together with eight known guaiane sesquiterpenes were isolated from the gorgonian Echinogorgia flora collected in the South China Sea.

Enantioselective construction of substituted pyridine and a seven-membered carbocyclic skeleton: biomimetic synthesis of (-)-rupestine D, (-)-guaipyridine, (-)-epiguaipyridine, and (-)-cananodine and their stereoisomers

Guaipyridine alkaloids (-)-rupestine D, (-)-guaipyridine, (-)-epiguaipyridine, and (-)-cananodine together with two stereoisomers 8-epi-rupestine D and 5-epi-cananodine were synthesized enantioselectively from readily available citronellol. The key steps in this synthesis are (i) intermolecular opening of a trisubstituted epoxide for the formation of a chiral center at C-8; (ii) ring-closing metathesis for the construction of a seven-membered carbocyclic ring; and (iii) biomimetic cyclization of a 1,5-dicarbonyl compound for the construction of a pyridine-fused bicyclic skeleton.

Anti-Influenza Virus Activity and Chemical Components from the Parasitic Plant Cuscuta japonica Choisy on Dimocarpus longans Lour

Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is a parasitic weed damaging many plants and agricultural production. The native obligate parasite Cuscuta japonica Choisy (Japanese dodder) parasitizes Dimocarpus longans Lour., Ficus septica Burm. F., Ficus microcarpa L.f., Mikania micrantha H.B.K. and Melia azedarach Linn, respectively. Five Japanese dodders growing on different plants exhibit slightly different metabolites and amounts which present different pharmacological effects. Among these plants, a significant antiviral activity against influenza A virus (IAV) was found in Japanese dodder parasitizing on D. longans Lour. (CL). To further explore methanol extract components in Japanese dodder (CL), four undescribed aromatic glycosides, cuscutasides A–D (compounds 1–4) were isolated, together with twenty-six known compounds 5–30. The chemical structures of 1–4 were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic techniques. The eighteen isolated compounds were evaluated for antiviral activity against IAV activity. Among them, 1-monopalmitin (29) displayed potent activity against influenza A virus (A/WSN/1933(H1N1)) with EC₅₀ 2.28 ± 0.04 μM and without noteworthy cytotoxicity in MDCK cells. The interrupt step of 29 on the IAV life cycle was determined. These data provide invaluable information for new applications for this otherwise harmful weed.

Anti-Infective and Anti-Cancer Properties of the Annona Species: Their Ethnomedicinal Uses, Alkaloid Diversity, and Pharmacological Activities

Annona species have been a valuable source of anti-infective and anticancer agents. However, only limited evaluations of their alkaloids have been carried out. This review collates and evaluates the biological data from extracts and purified isolates for their anti-infective and anti-cancer activities. An isoquinoline backbone is a major structural alkaloid moiety of the Annona genus, and more than 83 alkaloids have been isolated from this genus alone. Crude extracts of Annona genus are reported with moderate activities against Plasmodium falciparum showing larvicidal activities. However, no pure compounds from the Annona genus were tested against the parasite. The methanol extract of Annona muricata showed apparent antimicrobial activities. The isolated alkaloids from this genus including liriodenine, anonaine, asimilobine showed sensitivity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Other alkaloids such as (+)-Xylopine and isocoreximine indicated significant anti-cancer activity against A549 and K-562 cell lines, respectively. This review revealed that the alkaloids from Annona genus are rich in structural diversity and pharmacological activities. Further exploration of this genus and their alkaloids has potential for developing novel anti-infective and anticancer drugs.

Structure elucidation and NMR assignment of two new eudesmane derivatives from Merremia yunnanensis

Two new eudesmane derivatives, 1α,6β,9β-trihydroxy-eudesm-3-ene-1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and 1α,6β,9β-trihydroxy-eudesm-3-ene-1-(6-cinnamoyl)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2) were discovered from Merremia yunnanensis. The structures were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data including HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR. It should be noted that this is the first report about structure elucidation and NMR assignment of compounds from M. yunnanensis.

GC-MS investigation and antiproliferative activities of extracts from male and female flowers of Schinus molle L

The aim of this study is to define chemical composition and antiproliferative activity of several compounds isolated from Schinus molle male and female flowers on human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and human leukemia (HL60) cell lines. Three extracts obtained by using solvents with different polarities (petroleum ether, diethyl ether and acetone) were characterized by GC/MS analysis revealing qualitative and quantitative differences in the chemical composition of male and female flowers. Nineteen components were identified and both flower extracts were dominated by the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons fraction, mainly elemol, followed by bicyclic sesquiterpenes and by a smaller amount of monoterpenes. The biological activities of the extracts were evaluated by dose-dependent viability assay on two different cell lines and HL60 cells resulted more sensitive to the treatment. The presence of compounds at low concentration with a well-established cytotoxic activity such as β-elemene, β-caryophyllene and γ-eudesmol could exert a synergistic cytotoxic effect.

Facile Synthesis of Pyridines from Propargyl Amines: Concise Total Synthesis of Suaveoline Alkaloids

A general and efficient protocol was developed for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines from propargyl amines and unsaturated carbonyl compounds through a tandem condensation/alkyne isomerization/6π 3-azatriene electrocyclization sequence. This process was found to be applicable to a wide range of readily available substrates (30 examples, up to 95 % yield) and could be readily performed on a preparative (20 g) scale. By taking advantage of this method for late-stage pyridine incorporation, we successfully completed the collective total synthesis of suveoline, norsuveoline, and macrophylline.

Total synthesis of rupestine G and its epimers

Rupestine G is a guaipyridine sesquiterpene alkaloid isolated from Artemisia rupestris L. The total synthesis of rupestine G and its epimers was accomplished employing a Suzuki reaction to build a terminal diene moiety. The diene was further elaborated into the desired guaipyridine structure by a ring-closing metathesis reaction. Over all, rupestine G and its three epimers were obtained as a mixture in a sequence of nine linear steps with 18.9% yield. Rupestine G and its optically pure isomers were isolated by chiral preparative HPLC and fully characterized by 1H ,13C NMR, HRMS, optical rotation value, and experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy.

Synthesis of cananodine by intramolecular epoxide opening

Cananodine is a guaipyridine alkaloid with activity against liver cancer. Cananodine was synthesized using a remarkable intramolecular opening of a trisubstituted epoxide as the key step in construction of the seven-membered carbocycle of the target. The epoxide opening strategy allows all four stereoisomers of cananodine to be prepared.

Facile total synthesis of lysicamine and the anticancer activities of the RuII, RhIII, MnII and ZnII complexes of lysicamine

Lysicamine is a natural oxoaporphine alkaloid, which isolated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs and has been shown to possess cytotoxicity to hepatocarcinoma cell lines. Reports on its antitumor activity are scarce because lysicamine occurs in plants at a low content. In this work, we demonstrate a facile concise total synthesis of lysicamine from simple raw materials under mild reaction conditions, and the preparation of the Ru(II), Rh(III), Mn(II) and Zn(II) complexes 1–4 of lysicamine (LY). All the compounds were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESI-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compared with the free ligand LY, complexes 2 and 3 exhibited superior in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG2 and NCI-H460. Mechanistic studies indicated that 2 and 3 blocked the cell cycle in the S phase by decreasing of cyclins A2/B1/D1/E1, CDK 2/6, and PCNA levels and increasing levels of p21, p27, p53 and CDC25A proteins. In addition, 2 and 3 induced cell apoptosis via both the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway and the death receptor pathway. in vivo study showed that 2 inhibited HepG2 tumor growth at 1/3 maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and had a better safety profile than cisplatin.

Constituents of Cypriol Oil (Cyperus scariosus R.Br.): N-Containing Molecules and Key Aroma Components

Cypriol oil, the essential oil from Cyperus scariosus R.Br., has been investigated to reveal minor nitrogen-containing molecules and minor components responsible for the odor. A total of 21 nitrogenous components are reported, of which epi-guaipyridine (32 mg/kg), guaia-9,11-dienpyridine (9 mg/kg), and cananodine (10 mg/kg) were the most abundant. A new ketone, cyperen-8-one, with a significant woody, ambery odor could also be isolated and identified along with a novel lactone, cyperolactone, and an alcohol. Rotundone was found to have the highest odor-activity value of the measured compounds and, together with the other ketones, contributes to the woody-amber character of cypriol oil.

New sesquiterpenoid glycoside and phenylpropanoid glycosides from the tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus

A new sesquiterpenoid glycoside, cryptomeridiol 11-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d- glucopyranoside (1), two new phenylpropanoid glycosides, 3,4-dihydroxy-allylbenzene 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-4-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), and 3,4,5-trihydroxy-allylbenzene 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), along with four known phenylpropanoid glycosides (4-7), were isolated from the tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus. Compounds 4-7 were obtained from the genus Ophiopogon for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS.

Cleistopholine isolated from Enicosanthellum pulchrum exhibits apoptogenic properties in human ovarian cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cleistopholine is a natural alkaloid present in plants with numerous biological activities. However, cleistopholine has yet to be isolated using modern techniques and the mechanism by which this alkaloid induces apoptosis in cancer cells remains to be elucidated.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

This study aims to isolate cleistopholine from the roots of Enicosanthellum pulchrum by using preparative-HPLC technique and explore the mechanism by which this alkaloid induces apoptosis in human ovarian cancer (CAOV-3) cells in vitro from 24 to 72 h. This compound may be developed as an anticancer agent that induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Cytotoxicity was assessed via the cell viability assay and changes in cell morphology were observed via the acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) assay. The involvement of apoptotic pathways was evaluated through caspase analysis and multiple cytotoxicity assays. Meanwhile, early and late apoptotic events via the Annexin V-FITC and DNA laddering assays, respectively. The mechanism of apoptosis was explored at the molecular level by evaluating the expression of specific genes and proteins. In addition, the proliferation of CAOV-3-cells treated with cleistopholine was analysed using the cell cycle arrest assay.

RESULTS

The IC50 of cleistopholine (61.4 µM) was comparable with that of the positive control cisplatin (62.8 µM) at 24 h of treatment. Apoptos is was evidenced by cell membrane blebbing, chromatin compression and formation of apoptotic bodies. The initial phase of apoptosis was detected at 24 h by the increase in Annexin V-FITC binding to cell membranes. A DNA ladder was formed at 48 h, indicating DNA fragmentation in the final phase of apoptosis. The mitochondria participated in the process by stimulating the intrinsic pathway via caspase 9 with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and an increase in cytochrome c release. Cell death was further validated through the mRNA and protein overexpression of Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 9 in the treated cells compared with the untreated cells. In contrast, Bcl-2, Hsp70 and survivin decreased in expression upon cleistopholine treatment. Cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 phase and cell population percentage significantly increased to 43.5%, 45.4% and 54.3% in time-dependent manner in the cleistopholine-treated CAOV-3 cells compared with the untreated cells at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicated that cleistopholine can be a potential candidate as a new drug to treat ovarian cancer disease.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang)

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata Hook. F. & Thomson) is one of the plants that are exploited at a large scale for its essential oil which is an important raw material for the fragrance industry. The essential oils extracted via steam distillation from the plant have been used mainly in cosmetic industry but also in food industry. Traditionally, C. odorata is used to treat malaria, stomach ailments, asthma, gout, and rheumatism. The essential oils or ylang-ylang oil is used in aromatherapy and is believed to be effective in treating depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Many phytochemical studies have identified the constituents present in the essential oils of C. odorata. A wide range of chemical compounds including monoterpene, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids have been isolated from this plant. Recent studies have shown a wide variety of bioactivities exhibited by the essential oils and the extracts of C. odorata including antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, antivector, insect-repellent, antidiabetic, antifertility and antimelanogenesis activities. Thus, the present review summarizes the information concerning the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of C. odorata. This review is aimed at demonstrating that C. odorata not only is an important raw material for perfume industry but also considered as a prospective useful plant to agriculture and medicine.

Naturally occurring plant isoquinoline N-oxide alkaloids: their pharmacological and SAR activities

The present review describes research on novel natural isoquinoline alkaloids and their N-oxides isolated from different plant species. More than 200 biological active compounds have shown confirmed antimicrobial, antibacterial, antitumor, and other activities. The structures, origins, and reported biological activities of a selection of isoquinoline N-oxides alkaloids are reviewed. With the computer program PASS some additional SAR (structure-activity relationship) activities are also predicted, which point toward new possible applications of these compounds. This review emphasizes the role of isoquinoline N-oxides alkaloids as an important source of leads for drug discovery.

Plant-derived juvenile hormone III analogues and other sesquiterpenes from the stem bark of Cananga latifolia

Juvenile hormone III (JH III) is a larval metamorphosis-regulating hormone present in most insect species. JH III was first isolated from the plant, Cyperus iria L., but the presence of JH III has not been reported in other plant species. In the present study, proof of the existence of JH III and its analogues from Cananga latifolia was established. From an aqueous MeOH extract of C. latifolia stem bark, six compounds were isolated along with nine known compounds. These were identified by using spectroscopic analyses as: (2E,6E,10R)-11-butoxy-10-hydroxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6-dienoic acid methyl ester, (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyl-10-oxododeca-2,6-dienoic acid methyl ester, (2E)-3-methyl-5-[(1S,2R,6R)-1,2,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexyl]-pent-2-enoic acid methyl ester, 1β-hydroxy-3-oxo-4β, 5α,7α-H-eudesmane 11-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, 4-epi-aubergenone 11-O-2',3'-di-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside and 4-epi-aubergenone 11-O-2',4'-di-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside. Three of the previously known compounds, (2E,6E,10R)-10-hydroxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,11-trienoaic acid methyl ester, (2E,6E,10R)-10,11-dihydroxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6-dienoic acid and (2E,6S)-3-methyl-6-hydroxy-6-[(2R,5R)-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-hex-2-enoaic acid methyl ester have now been found in a plant species. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (UPLC-QTOF/MS) analysis of the chemical constituents of C. latifolia showed that several were predominant in the sub-fractions of a C. latifolia stem bark extract.

Two anti-inflammatory steroidal saponins from Dracaena angustifolia Roxb

Two new steroidal saponins, named drangustosides A–B (1–2), together with eight known compounds 3–10 were isolated and characterized from the MeOH extract of Dracaena angustifolia Roxb. The structures of compounds were assigned based on 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, including HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY. Compounds 1 and 2 showed anti-inflammatory activity by superoxide generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB.

Toona sinensis Roem leaf extracts improve antioxidant activity in the liver of rats under oxidative stress

Toona sinensis Roem (TS) is an herbal plant widely cultivated in Asia. Recently, several antioxidant compounds in TS leaf (TSL) extracts were chemically identified including quercetin, gallic acid, and others. However, in vivo experiments regarding the antioxidative function of TSL are limited. In this study, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with oxidative stress were successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (1mmol/kg BW) and fed with different TSL extracts for in vivo antioxidation evaluation. Among the TSLs tested in this study, TSL6 exhibited the best antioxidative effects which increased the enzyme activities of catalase, cupper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and Glutathione S transferase (GST) activities in liver compared to those in TSL-2 and TSL-2P groups. In conclusion, we provide the strong in vivo evidences for the first time that TSL extracts ameliorate the antioxidant enzymes (AOEs) activity in liver and is beneficial for the hepatic detoxification.

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 3-pyridyl triflates with 1-alkenyl-2-pinacol boronates

Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-type couplings of 3-pyridyl triflates with alkenyl pinacol boronates proceed in good to excellent yield. Optimized conditions use Pd(PPh(3))(4) (10 mol %) as catalyst with K(3)PO(4) (3 equiv) as base in dioxane.

Alkaloids from the bark of Guatteria hispida and their evaluation as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents

Phytochemical investigation of the bark of Guatteria hispida afforded three new alkaloids, 9-methoxy-O-methylmoschatoline (1), 9-methoxyisomoschatoline (2), and isocerasonine (3), along with 10 known alkaloids, 8-oxopseudopalmatine (4), O-methylmoschatoline (5), lysicamine (6), liriodenine (7), 10-methoxyliriodenine (8), nornuciferine (9), anonaine (10), xylopine (11), coreximine (12), and isocoreximine (13). The major compounds, 2, 6, 12, and 13, showed significant antioxidant capacity in the ORAC(FL) assay. Compounds 5, 6, and 7 were active against S. epidermidis and C. dubliniensis, with MIC values in the range 12.5-100 microg mL(-1).