4-Quinolone alkaloids from Melochia odorata

Total Synthesis of Waltherione A, a Quinolone Alkaloid Fused with Oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

Waltherione A (1), a unique quinolone alkaloid fused with oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, was isolated originally from Waltheria douradinha and recently by us from a methanol extract of Melochia umbellata along with the related 3,4-dimethoxyquinoline paliasanines A-E. Compound 1 showed selective cytotoxicity against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines. Its interesting structural and biological features prompted several attempts at total synthesis and clarification of the absolute configuration, although none were successful to date. Now, we have accomplished the first total synthesis of 1 starting from commercially available benzosuberone in 21 steps as well as elucidated its absolute configuration.

Anti-inflammatory Quinoline Alkaloids from the Roots of Waltheria indica

Sixteen new quinoline alkaloids (1a-7, 8a, 9, 10, 13-15, 17, and 21) and 10 known analogs (8b, 11, 12, 16, 18-20, and 22-24), along with three known cyclopeptide alkaloids (25-27), were isolated from the roots of Waltheria indica. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed NMR and circular dichroism with computational support and mass spectrometry data interpretation. Anti-inflammatory potential of isolates was evaluated based on inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity with cell culture models. In the absence of cell growth inhibition, compounds 6, 8a, 9-11, 13, 21, and 24 reduced TNF-α-induced NF-κB activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 7.1 to 12.1 μM, comparable to the positive control (BAY 11-7082, IC₅₀ = 9.7 μM). Compounds 6, 8a, 8b, and 11 showed significant NO-inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.0 to 12.8 μM, being more active than the positive control (l-NMMA, IC₅₀ = 22.7 μM). Structure-activity relationships indicated that NO inhibitory activity was significantly affected by C-8 substitution. Inhibition of LPS-induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by 8b [(5S)-waltherione M, IC₅₀ 11.7 ± 0.8 μM] correlated with inhibition of iNOS mRNA expression. The biological potential of W. indica metabolites supports the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of inflammatory-related disorders.

Quinolone: a versatile therapeutic compound class

The discovery of nalidixic acid is one pinnacle in medicinal chemistry, which opened a new area of research that has led to the discovery of several life-saving antimicrobial agents (generally referred to as fluoroquinolones) for over decades. Although fluoroquinolones are frequently encountered in the literature, the utility of quinolone compounds extends far beyond the applications of fluoroquinolones. Quinolone-based compounds have been reported for activity against malaria, tuberculosis, fungal and helminth infections, etc. Hence, the quinolone scaffold is of great interest to several researchers in diverse disciplines. This article highlights the versatility of the quinolone pharmacophore as a therapeutic agent beyond the fluoroquinolone profile.

Hypervalent Iodine(III)-Promoted C3-H Regioselective Halogenation of 4-Quinolones under Mild Conditions

A simple and practical protocol for the C3-H regioselective halogenation of 4-quinolones by the action of potassium halide salt and PIFA/PIDA in good to excellent yields was developed. The current approach provides feasible access to the diversity of C3-halgenated 4-quinolones at room temperature with high regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance, from which bioactive compounds can be easily constructed. Moreover, the current method featured eco-friendly, operational convenience and is suitable for halogenation in a gram scale of 4-quinolones in water without sacrificing yields.

Synthesis, Fungicidal Activity, and Mechanism of Action of Pyrazole Amide and Ester Derivatives Based on Natural Products l-Serine and Waltherione Alkaloids

The development of new green fungicides based on the structural optimization of natural products can effectively solve the problems of low safety and high pathogen resistance of traditional fungicides. In this paper, based on pyrazole amide compound h-I-9 with excellent fungicidal activity discovered in the previous work, a series of l-serine-derived pyrazole amide and waltherione alkaloid-derived pyrazole ester derivatives were synthesized. The structures were successively identified by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The in vitro and in vivo fungicidal activity screening demonstrated that compound II-5 showed a good inhibition rate against Physalospora piricola. A transmission electron microscope and fluorescence microscope observation further revealed that compound II-5 may cause damage to the cell membranes and vacuoles, and the hyphae treated with II-5 could produce obvious and easily observed blue fluorescence. The succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzymatic activity and molecular docking simulation indicated that compounds I-3 and I-4 may be potential SDH inhibitors against Alternaria sp.

Straightforward Stereoselective Synthesis of Seven-Membered Oxa-Bridged Rings through In Situ Generated Cycloheptenol Derivatives

An iodine-mediated stereoselective synthesis of seven-membered oxa-bridged rings via in situ generated cycloheptenols was reported. This process was realized through the combination of C-C σ-bond cleavage and C-O bond-forming reactions in a one-pot fashion from simple and easily accessible raw materials. The formation of carbon radicals initiated by I₂ was the key to the reaction.

Photoredox halogenation of quinolones: the dual role of halo-fluorescein dyes

An efficient C-3 halogenation of quinolin-4-ones is reported with halogenated fluorescein dyes which serve both as a halogen source and photocatalyst. This reaction shows broad substrate scope and gives good to excellent yields of C-3 brominated/iodinated quinolones with eosin Y/rose bengal in green light under ambient conditions. The mechanistic investigations suggest a radical pathway involving the oxidative dehalogenation of the dye in the presence of air.

Progress of Plant Medicine Derived Extracts and Alkaloids on Modulating Viral Infections and Inflammation

Viral infectious diseases are serious threats to human health in both developing and developed countries. Although there is the continued development of new drugs from synthetic sources as antiviral agents, medicinal plants continue to provide the basic raw materials for some of the most important antiviral drugs. Alkaloids are a class of pharmacologically active plant compounds that are usually alkaline in nature. In this review, we tried to summarize recent progress in herb-based antiviral research, the advantages of using active plant compounds as antiviral agents, and the inflammatory responses initiated by alkaloids, based on the literature from 2009 to 2019, for the treatment of conditions, including influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus infections. Articles are retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using relevant keywords. In particular, the alkaloids from medicinal plants responsible for the molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory actions are identified and discussed. This review can provide a theoretical basis and approaches for using various alkaloids as antiviral treatments. More research is needed to develop alkaloidal compounds as antiviral therapeutic agents and potential regulators of the anti-inflammatory response.

Pyridine-4(1H)-one Alkaloids from Waltheria indica as Antitrypanosomatid Agents

Twelve new pyridine-4(1H)-one derivatives, namely, 8-demethoxywaltherione F (1), waltheriones R-V (2, 6, 7, 10, and 11), 1-methoxywaltherione O (3), (S)-15-hydroxywaltherione G (4), (8R)-8-hydroxywaltherione M (5), (9S,13S)-2-hydroxymethylwaltherione C (8), (9S,10S,13S)-10-hydroxywaltherione C (9), and (S)-13-methoxywaltherione V (12), as well as melovinone (13) and 5'-methoxywaltherione A (14) were isolated from the CH₂Cl₂ extract of the aerial parts of Waltheria indica. Their chemical structures were determined by means of a comprehensive analysis including ¹H NMR, DEPTQ, HSQC, HMBC, ¹H-¹H COSY, ROESY, and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations were assigned via comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD data. In addition, the isolated constituents as well as the known waltheriones M-Q were evaluated for their in vitro antitrypanosomal activity. Compounds 2, 5, and 7 as well as waltheriones M, P, and Q showed potent growth inhibition toward Trypanosoma cruzi with IC₅₀ values of 2.1, 0.8, 2.1, 1.3, 0.5, and 0.1 μM, respectively, and selectivity indices of >12, >33, >13, 5, 25, and 14. These findings further demonstrate that the waltheriones are a promising class of antichagasic compounds worthy of further investigations.

Paliasanines A-E, 3,4-Methylenedioxyquinoline Alkaloids Fused with a Phenyl-14-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane Unit from Melochia umbellata var. deglabrata

Five new quinoline alkaloids, paliasanines A-E (1-5), and 17 known compounds (6-22) were isolated from a methanol extract of Melochia umbellata var. deglabrata leaves. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analysis of HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-5 are the first naturally occurring 3,4-methylenedioxyquinolines incorporating an oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane unit. Compounds 6 and 7 displayed selective cytotoxicity (IC50 5.9-8.4 μM) against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines, while compounds 1-5 were not active. Compounds 1-3 did not exhibit an anti-HIV effect in MT4 cells, although the related quinolone derivative waltherione A exhibited significant activity. These preliminary results indicate that the 3-methoxy-4-quinolone skeleton might be preferred for both antiproliferative and anti-HIV activities.

Gold(iii)-catalyzed azide-yne cyclization/O-H insertion cascade reaction for the expeditious construction of 3-alkoxy-4-quinolinone frameworks

A gold-catalyzed 6-endo-dig azide-yne cyclization/O-H insertion cascade reaction of azide-tethered alkynes with alcohols has been developed, and it provides an expeditious access to 3-alkoxy-4-quinoline derivatives in good to high yields under mild and neutral reaction conditions with broad substrate generality. The utility of this method is emphasized by a scalable experiment and concise total synthesis of a bioactive natural product Leiokinine A, and other bioactive quinoline analogs.

Cooperative Catalysis for the Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective [4+3]-Cycloannulation of ortho-Quinone Methides and Carbonyl Ylides

We describe herein a highly diastereo- and enantioselective [4+3]-cycloannulation of ortho-quinone methides and carbonyl ylides to furnish functionalized oxa-bridged dibenzooxacines with excellent yields and stereoselectivity in a single synthetic step. The combination of rhodium and chiral phosphoric acid catalysis working in concert to generate both transient intermediates in situ provides direct access to complex bicyclic products with two quaternary and one tertiary stereogenic centers. The products may be further functionalized into valuable and enantiomerically highly enriched building blocks.

4-Oxoquinoline Derivatives as Antivirals: A Ten Years Overview

4-Oxoquinoline derivatives constitute an important family of biologically important substances, associated with different bioactivities, which can be synthesized by different synthetic methods, allowing the design and preparation of libraries of substances with specific structural variations capable of modulating their pharmacological action. Over the last years, these substances have been extensively explored by the scientific community in efforts to develop new biologically active agents, with greater efficiency for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Viral infections have been one of the targets of these studies, although to a lesser extent than other diseases such as cancer and bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the literature provides examples that corroborate with the fact that these substances may act on different pharmacological targets in different viral pathogens. This review provides a compilation of some of the major studies published in recent years showing the discovery and/or development of new antiviral oxoquinoline agents, highlighting, whenever possible, their mechanisms of action.

Cyclopropanation–ring expansion of 3-chloroindoles with α-halodiazoacetates: novel synthesis of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid and norfloxacin

We present a short and efficient way of synthesizing two synthetically versatile 4-quinolone-3-carboxylate building blocks by cyclopropanation-ring expansion of 3-chloroindoles with α-halodiazoacetates as the key step. This novel transformation was applied towards the synthesis of the antibiotic drug norfloxacin.

Control of root-knot nematodes using Waltheria indica producing 4-quinolone alkaloids

BACKGROUND

Waltheria indica exhibited strong nematocidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita, a causal agent of root-knot nematode disease. This study aimed to characterize the nematocidal metabolites and to evaluate the efficacy of the formulated extract of W. indica in the biological control of M. incognita under both pot and field conditions.

RESULTS

Three 4-quinolone alkaloids, 5'-methoxywaltherione A, waltherione A and waltherione C, were isolated and characterized as nematocidal metabolites. 5'-Methoxywaltherione A and waltherione A caused high mortality in juveniles of Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne hapla, M. incognita and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, whereas waltherione C exhibited significant nematocidal activity against only root-knot nematodes. In pot experiments, application of a wettable powder-type formulation of the ethyl acetate extract of W. indica (W. indica WP20) at 26.7, 53.4 and 106.8 mg a.i. kg^-1 soil significantly reduced the formation of galls and egg masses on the roots of tomato plants in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, application of 20 mg a.i. per plant W. indica WP20 effectively reduced gall formation on the roots of melon plants and population density of nematode in soil compared with untreated control under field conditions.

CONCLUSION

W. indica can be used as an effective botanical nematicide in the eco-friendly control of root-knot nematode disease. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

New alkaloids and isocoumarins from the marine gorgonian-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501

Two new β-carboline alkaloids, aspergillspins A-B (1-2), three new quinolone alkaloids, aspergillspins C-E (3-5), and two new isocoumarins, aspergillspins F-G (6-7), together with four known alkaloids were isolated from the marine gorgonian-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of several chiral carbons in 2 and 3 were further established by quantum chemical calculations of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Their cytotoxic and antibacterial activities were also evaluated.

Synthesis and X-ray study of dispiro 8-nitroquinolone analogues and their cytotoxic properties against human cervical cancer HeLa cells

A series of unique dispiro analogues containing an oxindole pyrrolidine 8-nitroquinolone hybrid has been obtained through a one-pot three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated in situ from the condensation of isatins and benzylamine with (E)-3-arylidene-2,3-dihydro-8-nitro-4-quinolones. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques and by X-ray diffraction studies of their regio- and stereochemistry. All the synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa. The compounds have exhibited potent inhibition against human cervical cancer cells and insignificant toxicity to normal cells. The compounds 6d, 6a, 6h, 6b, and 6e induced apoptosis of HeLa cells, through ROS influx. The expression levels of proteins involved in the mitochondrion-related pathways were detected, and Western blot analysis showed that apoptosis occurred via activation of caspase-3.

Biologically active quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids part II

To follow-up on our prior Part I review, this Part II review summarizes and provides updated literature on novel quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids isolated during the period of 2009-2016, together with the biological activity and the mechanisms of action of these classes of natural products. Over 200 molecules with a broad range of biological activities, including antitumor, antiparasitic and insecticidal, antibacterial and antifungal, cardioprotective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-asthma, antitussive, and other activities, are discussed. This survey should provide new clues or possibilities for the discovery of new and better drugs from the original naturally occurring quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids.

Catalytic Enantioselective Intermolecular [5 + 2] Dipolar Cycloadditions of a 3-Hydroxy-4-pyrone-Derived Oxidopyrylium Ylide

The first catalytic enantioselective [5 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition of a 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone-derived oxidopyrylium ylide is described. These studies leveraged the recently recognized ability of oxidopyrylium dimers to serve as the source of ylide, which was found to be key to increasing yields and achieving enantiomeric excesses up to 99%. General reaction conditions were identified for an array of α,β-unsaturated aldehyde dipolarophiles. Reaction products possess four stereocenters, and subsequent reduction introduced a fifth contiguous stereocenter with total stereocontrol.

Synthesis of first ever 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid-appended spirooxindole-pyrrolidine derivatives and their biological applications

A series of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid-containing spirooxindole-pyrrolidine derivatives was synthesized via multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylides with new (E)-4-oxo-6-(3-phenyl-acryloyl)-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acids in good yields with high regioselectivity. The cycloadducts were characterized by analytical and spectral data including [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy. The structure of one of the compounds (8a) was investigated theoretically by computational techniques. DFT studies support the proposed mechanism for this cycloaddition reaction. Furthermore, antibacterial activities of the new compounds were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Compounds 8f, 8m and 8p showed potent inhibition activities against selected bacteria. The in vitro cytotoxicity of spirooxindole derivatives (8a-r) was evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Among the various compounds tested, compound 8f [Formula: see text] showed significant cytotoxic activity compared to the standard drug doxorubicin [Formula: see text].

Double heteroannulation of S,N-acetals: a facile access to quinolone derivatives

A library of 3-aryl-4-quinolones and their benzo-fused heterocycles was synthesized from single S,N-acetal precursors.

Chemical constituents from Waltheria indica exert in vitro activity against Trypanosoma brucei and T. cruzi

Six extracts from the roots and the aerial parts of Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) were screened for their in vitro antitrypanosomal activity towards Trypanosoma brucei brucei STIB 427 strain, T. brucei rhodesiense STIB 900 and Trypanosoma cruzi Tulahuen C4. The dichloromethane extract from the roots showed the highest activity against T. cruzi (IC50=0.74 μg/mL) as well as a good selectivity index (SI value of 35). Based on these results, this extract was fractionated and led to the isolation of three alkaloids (adouetin X (1), waltheriones A (2) and C (3)) and three pentacyclic triterpene derivatives (betulinic acid (4), 3β-acetoxy-27-trans-caffeoyloxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid methyl ester (5) and 3β-acetoxy-27-cis-caffeoyloxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid methyl ester (6)) identified by 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR and MS analyses. Among these, waltherione C exhibited the highest and selective antitrypanosomal activity towards T. cruzi (IC50=1.93 μM) with low cytotoxicity (IC50=101.23 μM), resulting in a selectivity index value of 52. Waltherione C conforms to hit activity criteria with respect to T. cruzi as required by the WHO/TDR.

Rh(III) and Ru(II)-catalyzed site-selective C-H alkynylation of quinolones

C2- and C5-alkynylated quinolone scaffolds are core structures of numerous biologically active molecules. Utilizing TIPS-EBX as an alkynylating agent, we have developed an efficient and site-selective C5 alkynylation of 4-quinolones that is directed by the weakly coordinating carbonyl group. In addition, Ru(II) catalyzed C2-selective alkynylation was successfully realized via N-pyrimidyl group-directed cross-couplings to access valuable C2-alkynylated 4-quinolones. This strategy provides direct access to the C2 or C5 alkynylated 4-quinolones. Furthermore, the reaction was applied to isoquinolones for C3-selective alkynylation.

Nematicidal activities of 4-quinolone alkaloids isolated from the aerial part of Triumfetta grandidens against Meloidogyne incognita

The methanol extract of the aerial part of Triumfetta grandidens (Tiliaceae) was highly active against Meloidogyne incognita, with second-stage juveniles (J2s) mortality of 100% at 500 μg/mL at 48 h post-exposure. Two 4-quinolone alkaloids, waltherione E (1), a new alkaloid, and waltherione A (2), were isolated and identified as nematicidal compounds through bioassay-guided fractionation and instrumental analysis. The nematicidal activities of the isolated compounds against M. incognita were evaluated on the basis of mortality and effect on egg hatching. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited high mortalities against J2s of M. incognita, with EC50 values of 0.09 and 0.27 μg/mL at 48 h, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 also exhibited a considerable inhibitory effect on egg hatching, which inhibited 91.9 and 87.4% of egg hatching, respectively, after 7 days of exposure at a concentration of 1.25 μg/mL. The biological activities of the two 4-quinolone alkaloids were comparable to those of abamectin. In addition, pot experiments using the crude extract of the aerial part of T. grandidens showed that it completely suppressed the formation of gall on roots of plants at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL. These results suggest that T. grandidens and its bioactive 4-quinolone alkaloids can be used as a potent botanical nematicide in organic agriculture.

Validation of Antiviral Potential of Herbal Ethnomedicine

Natural products are the basis of treatment since the dawn of human civilization, and modern medicine has gradually developed, over the years, by scientific and observational efforts from traditional medicine. Today most of the synthetic drugs showed adverse and unacceptable side effects, however, impressive bioactivities with reduced toxicities were reported for many botanicals against several chronic or difficult-to-treat diseases. A whole range of viral diseases including human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Rabies, Dengue, and Herpes need effective drugs. Considerable research has been carried out on the pharmacognosy, chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutics of traditional medicines of diverse cultures, and many pharmaceutical companies have renewed their strategies for antiviral drug development where no effective drugs or vaccine exist. Thus, phytochemicals with antiviral potentials need to be studied in depth with standardization, chemical isolation, effectivity, molecular mechanism, along with in vivo toxicity and efficacy to reduce cost and time. This review will portray the scientific approaches and methodologies used for the development of antiviral leads from traditional medicines against selected genetically and functionally diverse viral infections.