New steroids from the pericarps of Datura metel L

Three new steroids (1-3) and 13 reported analogs (4-16) were extracted from Datura metel L. pericarps. Structure analysis of these extracted compounds was performed by 1 D-NMR and 2 D-NMR spectroscopy, and their spectra were compared with those of similar compounds previously described in the literature. The extracted steroids (1-3) and known compounds (4-16) were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 5, 7, 9, 12 and 15 showed potential anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 less than 35 μM, while compounds 3 and 11 showed weak anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 less than 100 μM.

The genus Datura L. (Solanaceae): A systematic review of botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology

The genus Datura has been used as an important traditional medicine in China, as well as in other countries worldwide. This review summarizes the latest progress and perspective of the genus Datura, from the aspects of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Up to May 2022, literatures were collected from online scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, CNKI, ACS, and Web of Science, and information was also obtained from "Flora Republicae Populairs Sinicae", Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classic books, and Ph.D. and M. Sc. dissertations. Studies on chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicity are mainly focused on D. metel, D. stramonium, and D. inoxia. Furthermore, 496 compounds have been discovered from the genus Datura, including withanolides, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, steroids, amino acids, aromatics, and aliphatics. Among them, withanolides and alkaloids are two main active constituents. Pharmacological activities of extracts and compounds have been studied from the aspects of antitumor, antiinflammation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, analgesic, hypoglycemic and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities, as well as the effects on central nervous system and immune system. Modern pharmacological studies have provided more clues to elucidate the traditional usages. The toxicity of the genus Datura is noteworthy, especially the potential toxicity on organs. This review would provide a comprehensive and constructive overview for new drug development and utilization of the genus Datura.

Cytotoxic polyhydroxylated pregnane glycosides from Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta

Fourteen new polyhydroxylated pregnane glycosides, cissasteroid A-N (1-14), and five known analogues (15-19), were isolated from the dried whole plant of Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta. Their structures and stereochemistry were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data, chemical hydrolysis, and ECD measurements. All the compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines, and inhibitory activity against NO release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Compared with cisplatin, compound 7 showed more potent cytotoxicities against the HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480 cell lines, with IC50 values of 2.19, 14.38, 2.00, 7.58, and 7.44 μM, respectively. The preliminary study of structure-activity relationship indicated that benzoic acid esterification at C-20 may have a negative effect on the cytotoxic activity of polyhydroxylated pregnane derivatives in these five human cancer cell lines. These results revealed the potential of compound 7 as an ideal antitumor lead compound.

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.

UPLC-MS/MS Identification and Quantification of Withanolides from Six Parts of the Medicinal Plant Datura Metel L

Withanolides from six parts (flower, leaf, stem, root, seed, and peel) of Datura metel L. (D metel L.) obtained from ten production areas in China were identified and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. A total of 85 withanolides were characterized for the first time using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS system. Additionally, a simultaneous, rapid and accurate measurement method was developed for the determination of 22 bioactive withanolides from ten production areas with the UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS system. The results show the total withanolide content is highest in the leaves (155640.0 ng/g) and lowest in the roots (14839.8 ng/g). Compared with other production areas, the total content of plants from Dujiangyan was the highest at 82013.9 ng/g (value range of ten areas: 82013.9–42278.5 ng/g). The results also show significant differences in the distribution of withanolides in the different plant parts, as well as across different production areas. This is a breakthrough report providing a simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of 22 withanolides in D. metel L. It could be the basis for the more rational use of various parts of D. metel L., and the expansion of medicinal resources. This work also lays a solid foundation for research on the quality control of D. metel L.