Structurally Diverse Sesquiterpenoid Glycoside Esters from Pittosporum qinlingense with Anti-neuroinflammatory Activity

Thirteen new sesquiterpenoid glycoside esters, including 11 aromadendrane-type compounds, pitqinlingosides A-K (1-11), one cadinane-type compound, pitqinlingoside L (12), and one eudesmane-type compound, pitqinlingoside M (13), together with seven known analogues (14-20) were isolated from the twigs, fruits, and leaves of Pittosporum qinlingense. Structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and chemical methods. The absolute configuration was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography analysis or electronic circular dichroism spectra. Unusual glycoside esters are characterized by the presence of polyacylated β-d-fucopyranosyl, β-d-glucopyranosyl, and β-d-xylopyranosyl units. Pitqinlingosides A (1), B (2), D (4), and F (6), pittosporanoside A₁ acetate (14), and pittosporanoside A₁ (16) showed significant nitric oxide production inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.95 to 24.12 μM. Structure-activity relationships of the isolated compounds are discussed.

Triterpenoid Saponins from the Cultivar "Green Elf" of Pittosporum tenuifolium

Four oleanane-type glycosides were isolated from a horticultural cultivar "Green Elf" of the endemic Pittosporum tenuifolium (Pittosporaceae) from New Zealand: three acylated barringtogenol C glycosides from the leaves, with two previously undescribed 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C (Eryngioside L). From the roots, the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid (Sandrosaponin X) was identified. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). According to their structural similarities with gymnemic acids, the inhibitory activities on the sweet taste TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor of an aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves and roots, a crude saponin mixture, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and Eryngioside L were evaluated.

Berry fruits as source of pectin: Conventional and non-conventional extraction techniques

Three non-conventional extraction techniques (enzyme-assisted with cellulase, citric acid ultrasound-assisted and enzyme-ultrasound-assisted treatment) and conventional citric acid extraction were applied to obtain pectin from raspberry, blueberry, strawberry and redcurrant, and were compared in terms of extraction yields and physicochemical properties of the extracted pectins. Except for pectin from raspberry, conventional citric acid extraction led to the highest extraction yield (~8%) and, for the same berries, the lowest pectin recovery was found for the extraction with cellulase (~4%). Regarding the structural characteristics of pectins, enzymatically extracted pectins from redcurrant and strawberry exhibited the highest levels of galacturonic acid (≥73%) whereas, in general, this monosaccharide was found from 51 to 69% in the rest of samples. Although, ultrasound-assisted extraction did not improve pectin yield, it minimized the levels of "non-pectic" components leading to the obtainment of purer pectin. The different monomeric composition and the wide range of molecular weight of the obtained pectins pointed out their usefulness in different potential food applications (e.g., thickening, gelling ingredients) and biological activities. This has been evidenced by the differences found in their physicochemical and techno-functional characteristics. Finally, it can be considered that the berries here studied are efficient sources of pectin.

Rose Hips, a Valuable Source of Antioxidants to Improve Gingerbread Characteristics

The present study analyzes the complex of bioactive compounds from rose hips pulp powder (RHP) obtained after separating the seeds from Rosa canina L. in order to obtain the oil. The extract prepared from RHP was characterized in terms of the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, cinnamic acids, flavonols, carotenoids, but also the content of individual polyphenols and carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and CIELab color parameters. The effects of some salts, potentially present in foods, and pH variations were examined to predict possible interactions that could occur when adding rosehip pulp as a food component. The results turned out to be a high content of polyphenols, carotenoids and antioxidant activity. The main phenolic components are procyanidin B1, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, gallic acid, salicylic acid, and catechin. The carotenoid complex includes all-trans-β-carotene, all-trans-lycopene, zeaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, rubixanthin, cis-β-carotene, cis-γ-carotene and cis-lycopene. The addition of CaCl2 and NaCl to the RHP extract reduced the antioxidant activity and the strong acidic environment (pH to 2.5) decreased the antioxidant activity by 29%. The addition of rose hip powder to gingerbread has improved its general characteristics, and increased its antioxidant activity and microbiological stability, the effects of 4% RHP being the most important.

Highly potent radical scavenging-anti-oxidant activity of biologically reduced graphene oxide using Nettle extract as a green bio-genic amines-based reductants source instead of hazardous hydrazine hydrate

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is relied upon to be the most promising candidate for high-proficiency. Hydrazine is the most conventional efficient reducing agent that has been frequently used for reduction of graphene oxide, however, it is not environmentally safe due to its toxic nature, causing unsatisfactory defects on the basal plan of GO. Therefore, employing green and efficient reducing agents from natural sources like plant extracts has become the research interest for obtaining high quality reduced graphene oxide sheets in recent years. Here a one-step, easy, cost-effective and green synthesis method based on Nettle leaves' extract has been introduced as an effective reduction method of graphene oxide compared with the toxic and harmful Hydrazine hydrate substance. In this study, GO and rGO were obtained from various methods and characterized by Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Results of different analytical techniques revealed that the Nettle leaves' extract could successfully reduce GO sheets to high performance reduced graphene oxide with 79% efficiency in comparison with conventional Hydrazine hydrate. On the other side the rGO obtained by Nettle solution could scavenge the free radicals with 70% inhibition capacity at least concentration. Existence of Histamine and Serotonin and many other polyphenols as a part of Nettle leaves composition by following anti-oxidants mechanisms (H donation or electron transfer) promote the anti-oxidant functionality of Nettle leaves. So the highlighted achievement of this paper is to obtain a highly anti-oxidant green reduced graphene oxide with a wide applications i.e medical and polymer composite with UV-shielding activity.

Boysenberry polyphenol inhibits endothelial dysfunction and improves vascular health

Endothelial cells have an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Age-related disorders (including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension) or aging per se induce endothelial dysfunction that predisposes to the development of atherosclerosis. Polyphenols have been reported to suppress age-related endothelial cell disorders, but their role in vascular function is yet to be determined. We investigated the influence of boysenberry polyphenol on vascular health under metabolic stress in a murine model of dietary obesity. We found that administration of boysenberry polyphenol suppressed production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased production of nitric oxide (NO) in the aorta. It has been reported that p53 induces cellular senescence and has a crucial role in age-related disorders, including heart failure and diabetes. Administration of boysenberry polyphenol significantly reduced the endothelial p53 level in the aorta and ameliorated endothelial cell dysfunction in iliac arteries under metabolic stress. Boysenberry polyphenol also reduced ROS and p53 levels in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while increasing NO production. Uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS monomer) is known to promote ROS production. We found that boysenberry polyphenol reduced eNOS monomer levels both in vivo and in vitro, along with an increase of eNOS dimerization. To investigate the components of boysenberry polyphenol mediating these favorable biological effects, we extracted the anthocyanin fractions. We found that anthocyanins contributed to suppression of ROS and p53, in association with increased NO production and eNOS dimerization. In an ex vivo study, anthocyanins promoted relaxation of iliac arteries from mice with dietary obesity. These findings indicate that boysenberry polyphenol and anthocyanins, a major component of this polyphenol, inhibit endothelial dysfunction and contribute to maintenance of vascular homeostasis.

South African medicinal plant extracts active against influenza A virus

BACKGROUND

Influenza infection remains a major health threat for animals and humans which crucially requires effective antiviral remedies. The usage of herbal medications as readily available alternatives for their compatibility with the body and fewer side effects compared to synthetic chemical treatments has become popular globally. The aim of this study was to investigate and screen in vitro anti-influenza activity of extracts of five South African medicinal plants, namely Tabernaemontana ventricosa, Cussonia spicata, Rapanea melanophloeos, Pittosporum viridiflorum and Clerodendrum glabrum, species which are used traditionally for the treatment of several diseases such as inflammatory and respiratory diseases.

METHODS

Methanol, ethanol (100% and 30%), acetone, hot and cold water extracts of the powdered plants leaves were obtained by standard methods. The cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT colorimetric assay on MDCK cells. The concentrations below CC₅₀ values were tested for antiviral activity against influenza A virus (IAV) in different combination treatments. The effect of extracts on viral surface glycoproteins and viral titer were tested by HI and HA virological assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Based on the applied methods, the most effective results against IAV were obtained from Rapanea melanophloeos methanol leaf extract (EC₅₀ = 113.3 μg/ml) and Pittosporum viridiflorum methanol, 100% and 30% ethanol and acetone leaf extracts (EC₅₀ values = 3.6, 3.4, 19.2, 82.3 μg/ml, respectively) in all types of combined treatments especially in pre- and post-penetration combined treatments with highly significant effects against viral titer (P ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The outcomes offer for the first time a scientific basis for the use of extracts of Rapanea melanophloeos and Pittosporum viridiflorum against IAV. It is worth focusing on the isolation and identification of effective active compounds and elucidating the mechanism of action from these species. However, Tabernaemontana ventricosa, Cussonia spicata and Clerodendrum glabrum leaf extracts were ineffective in vitro in this study.

Oleanane-type glycosides from Pittosporum tenuifolium "variegatum" and P. tenuifolium "gold star"

The phytochemical study of two cultivars of Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn, "variegatum" and "gold star", led to the isolation of eight oleanane-type glycosides: seven previously undescribed and a known one. Their aglycons are oxygenated oleanane derivatives as barringtogenol C, camelliagenin A, hederagenin, and 22α-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Their structures were established by 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry as 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-22-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-di-O-angeloylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22-O-angeloylcamelliagenin A, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22-O-[(6-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]camelliagenin A, 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucuronopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22α-hydroxyoleanolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester, and the known ilexoside XLIX. These results represent a significative contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Pittosporum, highlighting hederagenin-type saponins as chemotaxonomic markers of P. tenuifolium cultivars.

Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims (Pittosporaceae): A review on a useful medicinal plant native to South Africa and tropical Africa

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims, a Pittosporaceae species, is used extensively in African traditional medicine (ATM) by various tribes. This review is an appraisal of the information concerning the description, distribution, conservation status, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this species with the aim of reconciling it with its traditional use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A wide-ranging literature search was conducted using database platforms such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed and books including local reports and thesis submissions.

RESULTS

Ten categories to which P. viridiflorum finds use in traditional medicine (TM) were found, and they include well-being, wounds, treatment of veterinary ailments, gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted diseases, kidney, circulatory and inflammatory disorders, as well as diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and malaria. Pharmacological tests conducted include those investigating antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, antimalarial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and acaricidal properties. Promising activity was shown in a number of assays. Toxicological effects have also been reported from this species. However, it is recommended to conduct a detailed toxicological study, including genotoxicity, as this has not yet been evaluated. Compound(s) with antimalarial, anticancer and acaricidal properties have been isolated from P. viridiflorum.

CONCLUSIONS

The collective pharmacological and phytochemical properties of P. viridiflorum gives credence to the use of this plant species against various diseases in ATM, thus steering significant interest towards in vivo studies and further research.

Effects of the aqueous extract of Pittosporum mannii Hook. f. (Pittosporaceae) stem barks on spontaneous and spasmogen-induced contractile activity of isolated rat duodenum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pittosporum mannii Hook. f. (Pittosporaceae) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Cameroon for the treatment of many gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhea. To date, no pharmacological study on the antidiarrheal and the antispasmodic properties of this plant has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the relaxant activity of the aqueous extract of stem barks of P. mannii (PMAE) on rat duodenum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different concentrations of PMAE were tested separately (10-80 µg/mL) or cumulatively (5-80 µg/mL) on spontaneous and spasmogen (carbachol, histamine and KCl)-induced contractions of isolated rat duodenum strips.

RESULTS

At concentrations ranging from 10 to 80 µg/mL, PMAE significantly decreased the tonus and the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. However, at high concentration (80 µg/mL), the extract elicited a transient relaxation was followed by a slight increase of tonus, while the amplitude remained lower compared to the normal spontaneous activity. The relaxant effect of the extract was not significantly affected in the presence of atropine (0.713 µg/mL) and promethazine (0.5 µg/mL). In addition, PMAE (20, 40, and 80 µg/mL) partially but significantly inhibited in a concentration related manner the contractions induced by carbachol (10(-9)-10(-4)M) and histamine (10(-9)-10(-4)M) on rat duodenum. PMAE (10-80 µg/mL) also significantly induced a concentration-dependent relaxation on KCl (20mM, 50mM, 10(-3)-6.10(-3)M)-induced contraction of rat duodenum.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that the aqueous extract of P. mannii stem barks possesses antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects at lower concentrations; therefore, supporting the use of the stem barks of this plant in the folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea. However, caution should be paid while using higher concentrations that instead might produce spasmogenic effect and might worsen the diarrheal condition. The relaxant effect of PMAE appears to be non-specific of muscarinic or histaminic receptors, but may involve at least in part a mechanism of inhibition of the Ca(2+) influx into the smooth muscle cells through voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels.

LAT Transport Inhibitors from Pittosporum venulosum Identified by NMR Fingerprint Analysis

(1)H NMR fingerprints were used as the guiding principle for the isolation of minor compounds related to the l-type amino acid transporter inhibitors venulosides A (1) and B (2). Two new monoterpene glycosides, namely, venulosides C (3) and D (4), were isolated from a Queensland collection of the plant Pittosporum venulosum. Compounds 3 and 4 were found to inhibit l-leucine transport in LNCaP cells with IC50 values of 11.47 and 39.73 μM, respectively. The venulosides are the first reported natural product inhibitors of leucine transport in prostate cancer cells, and the isolation of the minor compounds provides some early SAR information.

Quantitative flavonoid variation accompanied by change of flower colors in Edgeworthia chrysantha, Pittosporum tobira and Wisteria floribunda

The flavonoids in the flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha, Pittosporum tobira and Wisteria floribunda were isolated and identified. Quercetin and kaempferol 3-O-glucosides and 3-O-rutinosides were found in E. chrysantha, and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, 3-O-glucoside and 3-O-pentosylrhamnosylglucoside, kaempferol 3-O-robinobioside, 3-O-rutinoside, 3-O-glucoside and 3-O-pentosylrhamnosylglucoside, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside were isolated from P. tobira. Ten flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-sophoroside, 3-O-rutinoside, 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside and 3-O-glucoside, luteolin 5-O-glucoside, 7- O-glucoside and 7-O-hexoside, and apigenin 7-O-glucoside and 4'-O-hexoside were isolated from W floribunda. The major pigments of E. chrysantha were carotenoids. Their content decreased with the change in flower color to white from yellow via cream, and total flavonoid content also slightly decreased by ca. 0.8 in cream and ca. 0.9 fold in white flowers. In contrast with E. chrysantha, white flowers of P. tobira turn to cream and then yellow in which the major pigments are also carotenoids. In this species, both carotenoid and flavonoid contents are gradually increased from white to yellow flowers. Though the petal color of Wisteria floribunda is mauve, due to anthocyanin pigments, the yellow areas are due to carotenoids; these turn to white in the late flowering stage. However, their flavonoid contents were essentially the same among the yellow, cream and white spots of flags. Thus, it was shown by HPLC analysis of the flower flavonoids of E. chrysantha, P. tobira and W. floribunda, although the visible pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins are quantitatively varied, the quantitative variation in UV-absorbing substances, such as flavones and flavonols, differs with plant species.

Potent natural soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from Pentadiplandra brazzeana baillon: synthesis, quantification, and measurement of biological activities in vitro and in vivo

We describe here three urea-based soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors from the root of the plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana. The concentration of these ureas in the root was quantified by LC-MS/MS, showing that 1, 3-bis (4-methoxybenzyl) urea (MMU) is the most abundant (42.3 μg/g dry root weight). All of the ureas were chemically synthesized, and their inhibitory activity toward recombinant human and recombinant rat sEH was measured. The most potent compound, MMU, showed an IC₅₀ of 92 nM via fluorescent assay and a Ki of 54 nM via radioactivity-based assay on human sEH. MMU effectively reduced inflammatory pain in a rat nociceptive pain assay. These compounds are among the most potent sEH inhibitors derived from natural sources. Moreover, inhibition of sEH by these compounds may mechanistically explain some of the therapeutic effects of P. brazzeana.

Volatiles from Apple (Malus domestica) Eliciting Antennal Responses in Female Codling Moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Effect of Plant Injury and Sampling Technique

The antennal responses of codling moth females, Cydia pomonella, to volatiles from apple branches with green fruits were recorded by electroantennography coupled to gas chroma­ tography. The antennae strongly responded to 4,8-dimethyl-1,3(E),7-nonatriene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, (E)-β-farnesene, germacrene D, (Z,E)-α-farnesene, (E,E)-α -farnesene and methyl salicylate. These compounds were all present in volatile collections on Porapak Q from both living and cut branches. Analysis by the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) showed that the emission of some electrophysiologically active compounds increased after branches had been cut, especially 4,8-dim ethyl-1,3(E),7-nonatriene, linalool and (E,E)-α-farnesene. The identification of apple volatiles eliciting antennal responses is the first step towards the identification of compounds mediating host-finding and oviposition in codling moth females.

Anti-inflammatory guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from the fruits of Pittosporum undulatum

Two unprecedented guaiane-type sesquiterpene glycosides (undulatumosides A and B) were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from the MeOH extract of Pittosporum undulatum fruits, along with six known compounds, including the guaiane isomers 5-guaien-11-ol and 4-guaien-11-ol. The structures of the compounds were established as 4-guaiene-11-O-β-d-(3'-angeloxy-6'-deoxy)-glucopyranoside and 1(5)-guaiene-11-O-β-d-(3'-angeloxy-6'-deoxy)-glucopyranoside by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D homo- and heteronuclear NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY), and HR-mass spectrometry. P. undulatum is a highly invasive weed that often outcompetes other plants, yet its fruits have become a traditional anti-inflammatory medicine in Azores. Therefore, aiming to investigate the claimed properties, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of guaiane-type sesquiterpenes was evaluated by analyzing their inhibitory effects on chemical mediators released by the LPS activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages cell line. In addition, the cytotoxicity of these compounds was also evaluated in this cell line. Undulatumoside A, 5-guaien-11-ol and 4-guaien-11-ol displayed anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 16.4, 8.1 and 7.2μM, respectively, comparable to that of the positive control, indomethacin (IC50=18.2 μM), with no cytotoxic effects (IC50 ≥ 198 μM). Furthermore, the same set of compounds was also assessed for anti-proliferative activity in lung large cell carcinoma COR-L23 and amelanotic melanoma C32 cells.

Triterpene glycosides from the leaves of Pittosporum angustifolium

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Pittosporum angustifolium resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of nine new triterpene saponins, named pittangretosides A-I (1-9), together with a known compound (10). Mainly by NMR and HRESIMS experiments, eight compounds were identified as A1-barrigenol glycosides (1-7, 10), whereas two compounds exhibited an unusual 17,22-seco-backbone of oleanolic acid (8, 9). All compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicities against human urinary bladder carcinoma cells (5637). Only compounds with an angeloyl-residue at C-22 of the aglycone (1-4 and 10) showed antiproliferative effects with IC50 values of 4.1, 5.2, 2.1, 17.9, and 2.4 µM, respectively.

[A new triterpenoid from Pittosporum glabratum Lindl]

The roots of Pittosporum glabratum Lindl. (Pittosporaceae) have been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, insomnia and hypertension. Only a few chemical or biological studies on P. glabratum have been reported. As part of our ongoing phytochemical research on this plant, four compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as 3beta, 6beta, 19alpha, 21alpha, 24-pentahydroxy-12-en-28-oleanolic acid (1), 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl siaresinolic acid (2), 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-(5-O-syringoyl)-apiofuranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenol-1-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) on the basis of physical evidence and spectroscopic analysis. Among them, compound 1 is a new triterpenoid, and compounds 2-4 are isolated from the genus Pittosporum for the first time.

Two new triterpenoid saponins from Pittosporum senacia Putterlick (Pittosporaceae)

From the branches of Pittosporum senacia Putterlick (Pittosporaceae), two new triterpenoid saponins, senaciapittosides A and B (1, 2), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS) and chemical evidence as 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-21-acetoxy R1-barrigenol (2). Compound 2 presents an unusual glycosylation at C-22 of its aglycone.

[A new triterpenoid fom Radix Pittospori]

To investigate chemical constituents from Radix Pittospori, chloroform extract of the roots was subjected to column chromatography with various chromatographic techniques. The structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical property and spectral analysis. Two triterpenoids were identified as 22-acetyl-21-(2-acetoxy-2-methylbutanoyl)-R1-barrigenol(1) and 3alpha-hydroxyl-20-demethylisoaleuritolic-14(15)-ene-28, 30-dioic acid (2). Compound 1 is a new triterpene and compound 2 is isolated from this plant for the first time.

Characterization of 14 raspberry cultivars by solid-phase microextraction and relationship with gray mold susceptibility

Fourteen raspberry varieties were evaluated over two cropping seasons by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thirty-six compounds were fully identified, and 10 more compounds were tentatively identified. Despite interannual variability, raspberry varieties can be divided in two main groups on the basis of terpenes and C-13 norisoprenoids. Susceptibility toward Botrytis cinerea , one of the most relevant pathogenic fungi for soft fruits during storage, was also evaluated. On the basis of volatile profiles, it was possible to highlight the relationship between different volatile compounds and resistance to B. cinerea. Volatile profiles and Botrytis susceptibility of the different raspberry varieties evaluated should assist future breeding programs.

A facile method for preparation of dye-doped silica-based raspberry-like microspheres and fluorescent films

Fluorescent silica microspheres encapsulating dye molecules have been demonstrated to be very useful in a variety of applications in biological fields due to its excellent properties such as high fluorescent intensity because thousands of dye molecules can be concentrated to respond fluorescent signals at the same time. Herein, we present a facile method for preparing raspberry-like dye-doped silica microspheres (RLDDSM) and RLDDSM film with dual-size hierarchical surfaces by the utility of poly(vinylpyridine) (PVP) as the only employed adhesives. Importantly, in comparison to one of the dye-doped silica particles, the fluorescent signals of RLDDSM can be greatly enhanced to possess higher fluorescent intensity. Additionally, the surface morphology and the fluorescent intensity of RLDDSM can be well controlled by changing experimental parameters.

Phthalides from Pittosporum illicioides var. illicioides with inhibitory activity on superoxide generation and elastase release by neutrophils

Six new phthalides, (S)-3-ethyl-7-hydroxy-6-methoxyphthalide (1), (S)-3-ethyl-7-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxyphthalide (2), (S)-3-ethyl-5,6,7-trimethoxyphthalide (3), (R)-3-ethyl-7-hydroxy-6-methoxyphthalide (4), (Z)-3-ethylidene-7-hydroxy-6-methoxyphthalide (5), and (Z)-3-ethylidene-6,7-dimethoxyphthalide (6), have been isolated from the root of Pittosporum illicioides var. illicioides, together with seven known compounds. The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Compounds 1-4 exhibited inhibition (IC50<or=29.8 microM) of superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils in response to formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited fMLP/CB-induced elastase release with IC50 values of 38.6+/-4.3 and 33.9+/-3.9 microM, respectively.

Pittosporumxanthins, cycloaddition products of carotenoids with alpha-tocopherol from seeds of Pittosporum tobira

A series of carotenoid-alpha-tocopherol cycloaddition products, named pittosporumxanthins B1 ( 3), B2 ( 4), C1 ( 5), C2 ( 6), A3 ( 7), and A4 ( 8), were isolated from the seeds of Pittosporum tobira. The structures were determined to be cycloaddition products of 9' Z-antheraxanthin at the 11' and 12' positions with alpha-tocopherol ( 3 and 4), 9' Z-neoaxanthin with alpha-tocopherol ( 5 and 6), and 9 Z-violaxanthin with alpha-tocopherol ( 7 and 8) on the basis of a detailed analyses of MS and NMR spectroscopic data. The configurations of the carotenoid end groups in the pittosporumxanthins were determined by a modified Mosher's method. Compounds 3, 5, and 7 were assigned (11' R,12' S) and 4, 6, and 8 (11' S,12' R) absolute configurations using CD measurements.

[Study of differentation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of differentiation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL.

METHODS

Cell differentiation was analyzed by using Wrigh-Giemsa staining to observe the morphology changes of cells with microscope, NBT reductant test, surface differentiation antigen (CD11b and CD14) test in HL-60 cells treated by different doses (1 x 10(-5) - 5 x 10(-4) ng/ml) of SPGL at the 3th day.

RESULTS

The morphological changes showed cell differentiation characteristics; NBT reductant was significantly increased, and the number of NBT positive cells were related to dose of SPGL (in dose-dependent manner); Expression of CD11b and CD14 increased obviously.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the effect of differentiation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL and it induces the cells to differentiate along the monocyte and granulocyte lineage.

[Study on purification of total flavonoids from Rosa laevigata with macroporous resin column chromatography]

OBJECTIVE

To Study the technologic conditions of purifying total Rosa laevigata by AB-8 pocket.

METHODS

Extracting flavonoids from Rosa laevigata with 70% alcohol, the thick flavonoid powder were obtained and the content of pure flavonoids in it could be determinated using spectrophotometry. Taking the adsorption of the AB-8 pocket to Rosa flavonoids as the research object, the factors that affected the AB-8 resin static absorption and desorption were studied preliminarily.

RESULTS

The result showed that the effect was perfect when the flavononid concentration in the liquid was 0.3 mg/ml, the loading amount was 120 mg with the adsorption-power 1 ml/ min; And the volume of 70% alcohol was eluant 5 BV with desorption-power 1 ml/min. The pure flavonoid content in thick flavonoid powder was 25.2% and it reached 42.2% after being purified by the AB-8 pocket adsorption resin.

CONCLUSION

It proved AB-8 pocket adsorption resin have a better effect on purification of the flavononids of Rosa laevigata.

Triterpenoids from Gouania ulmifolia

Two new triterpenoids, named gouanic acid A (1) and gouanic acid B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Gouania ulmifolia, along with six known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry. The new compounds did not show significant antimicrobial activities.

Cytotoxic farnesyl glycosides from Pittosporum pancheri

Bioassay guided purification of the ethanolic extract of the bark of New Caledonian Pittosporum pancheri Brongn. and Gris (Pittosporaceae) led to the isolation and characterization of two new farnesyl monoglycosides, pancherins A and B. The structure of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic studies. The new compounds displayed a significant activity in the in vitro cytotoxic assay against KB cancer cell line, and pancherin A inhibits weakly farnesyl protein transferase.

Blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, red raspberry, and strawberry extracts inhibit growth and stimulate apoptosis of human cancer cells in vitro

Berry fruits are widely consumed in our diet and have attracted much attention due to their potential human health benefits. Berries contain a diverse range of phytochemicals with biological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-neurodegerative, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, extracts of six popularly consumed berries--blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, red raspberry and strawberry--were evaluated for their phenolic constituents using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) detection. The major classes of berry phenolics were anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, ellagitannins, gallotannins, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. The berry extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral (KB, CAL-27), breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29, HCT116), and prostate (LNCaP) tumor cell lines at concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 micro g/mL. With increasing concentration of berry extract, increasing inhibition of cell proliferation in all of the cell lines were observed, with different degrees of potency between cell lines. The berry extracts were also evaluated for their ability to stimulate apoptosis of the COX-2 expressing colon cancer cell line, HT-29. Black raspberry and strawberry extracts showed the most significant pro-apoptotic effects against this cell line. The data provided by the current study and from other laboratories warrants further investigation into the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of berries using in vivo models.

Kaurene diterpenes from Laetia thamnia inhibit the growth of human cancer cells in vitro

Four ent-kaurene diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of Laetia thamnia L.: ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1a), ent-3beta-hydroxykaur-16-ene (2), ent-kaur-16-en-3alpha,19-diol (3a), and ent-17-hydroxykaur-15-en-19-oic acid (4). The methyl ester (1b) of compound 1a and the acetate diester (3b) of compound 3a were prepared, and all compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human prostate (22Rv1, LNCaP), colon (HT29, HCT116, SW480, SW620), and breast (MCF-7) tumor cells at concentrations ranging from 6 to 50microg/mL. The kaurenes showed activity in all cell lines tested, with the prostate cells demonstrating the most sensitivity as follows: 22 Rv1 cells towards 1a (IC(50) 5.03microg/mL) and 1b (IC(50) 6.81microg/mL), and LNCaP towards 2 (IC(50) 12.83microg/mL) and 4 (IC(50) 17.63microg/mL).

Isolation and identification of a novel flavonoid from Penthorum chinense P

A novel flavonoid, pinocembrin-7-O-[3''-O-galloyl-4'',6''-hexahydroxydiphenoyl]-beta-glucose (1) was isolated from the whole plant of Penthorum chinense P., along with four known compounds, pinocembrin-7-O-beta-glucoside, quercitrin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside and gallic acid. The structures were established by spectroscopic analysis.

Hepatoprotective effects of Pittosporum neelgherrense Wight&Arn., a popular Indian ethnomedicine

The stem bark of Pittosporum neelgherrense Wight&Arn. is used by the Kani and Malapandaram tribes of Kerala as an effective antidote to snake bite and for the treatment of various hepatic disorders. In the present study, the effect of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Pittosporum neelgherrense was studied against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-, d-galactosamine (D-GalN)- and acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained against liver damage induced by all the three liver toxins, as evident from decreased levels of serum enzymes, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and an almost normal architecture of the liver in the treated groups, compared to the toxin controls. Thus the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver diseases.

Disappearance of fenhexamid residues during wine-making process

The main objective of this work was the study the influence of different wine-making techniques on the pesticide residue elimination from grapes to wine. In order to that, the maceration time effect (6 and 15 days) was studied on the final fenhexamid residue content in wine. And also, the influence of a prefermentative maceration at low temperatures (5 and 15 degrees C during three days of the maceration period) on the residue disappearance was determined in both maceration times. Determination of the residues of fenhexamid was made by GC-ECD, following extraction by an on-line micro method, with a mixture of acetone/dichloromethane (50/50 V/V) as extractant. The maceration time does not produce significant differences in the final pesticide content in wine. However, if the prefermentative temperature increases, there is a high elimination of the fungicide residues. The highest fungicide elimination was obtained in wines with long maceration and a prefermentation at 5 degrees C.

Therapeutic effects of glucosides of Cheanomeles speciosa on collagen-induced arthritis in mice

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic effect of the glucosides of Cheanomeles speciosa (GCS) on the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice.

METHODS

Mice were divided randomly into six groups, including normal, CIA, CIA+GCS (60, 120, and 240 mg/kg) and CIA plus glucosides of Tripterygium wilfordii (GTW) groups. CIA model was based on mice. The effect of GCS in CIA mice was measured by paw-swelling, arthritis scores, and histopathological assessment of synovium. Indices of thymus and spleens were measured. Thymocytes and splenocytes proliferation, activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were assayed by MTT and [(3)H]TdR method. The level of anti-collagen type II (CII) antibody in serum and prostaglandin E (PGE) in ankle were assayed by ELISA and ultraviolet spectrophotometer method, respectively.

RESULTS

The onset of paw-swelling was on d 24 after injection of emulsion. The peak of secondary inflammation appeared on d 36 and then declined after d 40. GCS and GTW significantly reduced paw-swelling and arthritis scores, reduced the increase of spleen indices of CIA mice, suppressed the ConA or LPS-induced thymocyte or spleen cell proliferation, and the production of IL-1 and IL-2 in CIA mice. GCS reduced the level of anti-CII antibody and PGE. Histological pathology analysis demonstrated that the synovium of CIA mice was hyperplastic, pannus was formed, and inflammatory cells infiltrated into synovium. The pathological changes were significantly reduced by GCS.

CONCLUSION

GCS had anti-inflammatory effect on CIA mice, which might be related to the modification of the abnormal immunological function of CIA mice.

Volatile constituents of the flower and fruit oils of Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) Ait. grown in Iran

The volatile components of the flower and fruit oils from Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) Ait. grown in Iran, obtained through hydrodistillation, were analyzed by GC/MS. Sixteen compounds (representing 90.7% of the oil) and seventeen constituents (representing 89.9% of the oil) were identified in the flower and fruit oils, respectively. While the flower oil contained a-pinene (38.6%), n-nonane (11.8%), (E)-nerolidol (9.0%) and (E)-beta-ocimene (7.7%), the fruit oil contained a-pinene (30.2%), n-nonane (12.2%), germacrene-D (12.0%), a-cubebene (7.6%) and beta-cubebene (5.1%) as the main compounds.

Purification and pH stability characterization of a chymotrypsin inhibitor from Schizolobium parahyba seeds

Schizolobium parahyba chymotrypsin inhibitor (SPCI) was completely purified as a single polypeptide chain with two disulfide bonds, by TCA precipitation and ion exchange chromatography. This purification method is faster and more efficient than that previously reported: SPCI is stable from pH 2 to 12 at 25 degrees C, and is highly specific for chymotrypsin at pH 7-12. It weakly inhibits elastase and has no significant inhibitory effect against trypsin and alpha-amylase. SPCI is a thermostable protein and resists thermolysin digestion up to 70 degrees C.

Aromatic Components of the Leaves of the New Zealand Lemonwood Tree Pittosporum eugenioides

The major aromatic components of the essential leaf oil of the New Zealand lemonwood tree Pittosporum eugenioides are octyl acetate (33%), terpinen-4-ol (13%), decanol (6%) and (Z)-hex-3-enol (5%). These products are responsible for the characteristic Citrus-like aroma which is detected when the leaves are crushed, a phenomenon which provided the species with its common name. The major component of the oil, octyl acetate is also an abundant component of the essential oils of Heracleum and Boswellia species.

Taxonomic discrimination of higher plants by pyrolysis mass spectrometry

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PyMS) is a rapid, simple, high-resolution analytical method based on thermal degradation of complex material in a vacuum and has been widely applied to the discrimination of closely related microbial strains. Leaf samples of six species and one variety of higher plants (Rosa multiflora, R. multiflora var. platyphylla, Sedum kamtschaticum, S. takesimense, S. sarmentosum, Hepatica insularis, and H. asiatica) were subjected to PyMS for spectral fingerprinting. Principal component analysis of PyMS data was not able to discriminate these plants in discrete clusters. However, canonical variate analysis of PyMS data separated these plants from one another. A hierarchical dendrogram based on canonical variate analysis was in agreement with the known taxonomy of the plants at the variety level. These results indicate that PyMS is able to discriminate higher plants based on taxonomic classification at the family, genus, species, and variety level.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from invasive species of the Azores, Hedychium gardnerianum and Pittosporum undulatum

The compositions of the essential oils from the leaves and flowers of Hedychium gardnerianum and from the leaves of Pittosporum undulatum growing on San Miguel Island (Azores) were investigated, and the compounds were identified by GC-MS analyses. The oils in the leaves and flowers of H. gardnerianum were rich in alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and alpha-cadinol, whereas that from P. undulatum was found to contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and alkanes, of which the sesquiterpenes, calamenene (41.4%), farnesol (10.9%), spathulenol (5.6%) and beta-selinene (5.2%) and the diterpene (8beta,13beta)-kaur-16-ene (10.7%) were the major components. Their potential antimicrobial activities were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and those with the highest activities against S. aureus and S. epidermis were from H. gardnerianum; none had activity against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the essential oils from Pittosporum undulatum had good antithrombin activity whereas that from H. gardnerianum did not.

Two biflavonoids from Ouratea flava stem bark

In a chemical investigation on the stem bark of Ouratea flava, two biflavonoids: 1-[3-(2,4-dihydroxy-benzoyl)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-benzofuran-7-yl] -3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl) -propenone (flavumone A) and 3-(2,4-dihydroxy-benzoyl)-4-hydroxy-2,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl) -7,8- dihydro-furo[2,3-f]chromen-9-on (flavumone B) were isolated along with five known flavonoids. Their structures were established by various analyses including 2D-NMR spectroscopy.

Pentacyclic triterpenes from Chrysobalanaceae species: cytotoxicity on multidrug resistant and sensitive leukemia cell lines

Plants are known as important source in the search for new anti-cancer agents. Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of leaves and fruits from Licania tomentosa Bench and leaves from Chrysobalanus icaco L. resulted in the isolation of betulinic, oleanolic and pomolic acids. These triterpenoids inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of K562, an erythroleukemia cell line. Most importantly, they also inhibited the proliferation of Lucena 1, a vincristine-resistant derivative of K562 that displays several multidrug resistance (MDR) characteristics. Taken together, our findings emphasize the anti-tumor activity of these triterpenes on leukemia cell lines and call attention to their potential as anti MDR agents.

Natural PTP1B inhibitors from Broussonetia papyrifera

Two new compounds, 8-(1,1-dimethylallyl)-5'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflanvonol (1), 3'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3',4',7-trihydroxyflavane (2) and three known compounds 3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone (3), uralenol (4), broussochalcone A (5) were isolated from the roots of Broussonetia papyrifera, and their structures determined by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1, 3, 4 and 5 significantly show the inhibitory activities against the PTP1B enzyme.

Isolation of a novel legumin-like lectin with potent hemagglutinating activity from seeds of the Chinese chestnut Castanea mollisima

A novel mannose- and glucose-specific lectin with high hemagglutinating activity was isolated from seeds of the Chinese chestnut Castanea mollisima. The lectin possessed a molecular mass of 140 kDa and was made up of two subunits, one with a molecular mass of 31 kDa and another with a molecular mass of 32 kDa. They exhibited substantial homology in N-terminal sequence to the storage protein legumin. The lectin was unstable in the presence of acid and alkali and at temperatures above 50 degrees C, but it was unaffected by various salts. The lectin was purified with a procedure involving ion exchange chromatography on CM-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose and Resource Q and gel filtration on Superose 12.

Antimalarial compounds from Parinari capensis

The antimalarial activity of the raw petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of the stems of Parinari capensis (Chrysobalanceae) was determined. Phytochemical investigation of these extracts led to the isolation of three diterpene lactones that possess antimalarial activity with IC(50) values of 0.54, 0.67, and 1.57 microg/mL. Although their antimalarial activity is promising, the toxicity profiles of these diterpene lactones prevent further biological evaluation. They could however be used effectively as lead compounds in the synthesis of novel antimalarial agents.

Menthone and isomenthone biosynthesis in Pelargonium tomentosum Jacq

Pelargonium tomentosum was fed with aqueous solutions of different deuterium labelled monoterpenoid precursors. After headspace extraction with solid phase microextraction (SPME) the essential oil was analyzed with enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (enantio-MDGC/MS). Labelled piperitone with different enantiomeric distributions led to labelled (-)-isomenthone and labelled (+)-menthone in the same ratio as genuine (-)-isomenthone and (+)-menthone. Furthermore, labelled pulegone, piperitenone, piperitole and citronellyl glycopyranoside were investigated.

Proteins from Mucuna pruriens and enzymes from Echis carinatus venom: characterization and cross-reactions

Mucuna pruriens seeds have been widely used against snakebite in traditional medicine. The antivenin property of a water extract of seeds was assessed in vivo in mice. The serum of mice treated with extract was tested for its immunological properties. Two proteins of Echis carinatus venom with apparent molecular masses of 25 and 16 kDa were detected by Western blot analysis carried out using IgG of mice immunized with extract or its partially purified protein fractions. By enzymatic in-gel digestion and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of immunoreactive venom proteins, phospholipase A(2,) the most toxic enzyme of snake venom, was identified. These results demonstrate that the observed antivenin activity has an immune mechanism. Antibodies of mice treated with non-lethal doses of venom reacted against some proteins of M. pruriens extract. Proteins of E. carinatus venom and M. pruriens extract have at least one epitope in common as confirmed by immunodiffusion assay.

Triacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols in berries and seeds of two subspecies (ssp. sinensis and mongolica) of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides)

Berries and seeds of two subspecies (ssp. sinensis and mongolica) of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) were compared in terms of triacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. The berries of ssp. mongolica contained less oleic acid (4.6 vs 20.2%, p < 0.001) and more palmitic (33.9 vs 27.4%, p < 0.01) and palmitoleic (32.8 vs 21.9%, p < 0.05) acids in triacylglycerols than those of ssp. sinensis. The proportions of linoleic acid (32.1 vs 22.2%, p < 0.01, in berries; 47.7 vs 42.7%, p < 0.05, in seeds) and palmitic acid (21.1 vs 16.4%, p < 0.001, in berries; 17.0 vs 14.1%, p < 0.05, in seeds) in glycerolphospholipids were higher in ssp. mongolica than in ssp. sinensis, and vice versa with oleic acid (4.3 vs 18.5% in berries, 10.0 vs 22.2% in seeds, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid was also found in the glycerophospholipids of ssp. sinensis berries (16.2 vs 10.1%, p < 0.001). alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols constituted 93-98% of total tocopherols and tocotrienols in seeds, and alpha-tocopherol alone constituted 76-89% in berries. The total contents of tocopherols and tocotrienols varied within the ranges of 84-318 and 56-140 mg kg(-1) in seeds and whole berries, respectively. The seeds of ssp. mongolica were a better source of tocopherols and tocotrienols than those of ssp. sinensis (287 vs 122 mg kg(-1), p < 0.001). The compositional differences between the two subspecies should be considered when the berries are bred and exploited for nutritional purposes.

Pyrolysis of lignin in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide: a convenient method for S/G ratio determination

Pyrolysis-gas chromatography in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) was applied to the determination of the ratio of the abundances of the syringyl beta-aryl ether subunits to those of the guaiacyl equivalents (S/G) in lignin. Diazomethane-methylated kenafs (Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa) and beech (Fagus crenata) in situ lignins were employed. Relative abundances of pyrolysis products derived from the guaiacyl and syringyl beta-aryl ether subunits were determined. The S/G ratios for in situ lignins were obtained with average 3.1% relative standard deviation for a minimum of six repeated runs. The S/G ratios determined by pyrolysis in the presence of TMAH agreed well with those determined by thioacidolysis, with a significant linear regression (R(2) = 0.9867). The results showed that pyrolysis with TMAH is an effective tool for obtaining information on the S/G ratio for in situ lignins.

Isolectins I-A and I-B of Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia. Crystal structure of metal-free GS I-B(4) and molecular basis for metal binding and monosaccharide specificity

Seeds from the African legume shrub Griffonia simplicifolia contain several lectins. Among them the tetrameric lectin GS I-B(4) has strict specificity for terminal alpha Gal residues, whereas the closely related lectin GS I-A(4) can also bind to alpha GalNAc. These two lectins are commonly used as markers in histology or for research in xenotransplantation. To elucidate the basis for the fine difference in specificity, the amino acid sequences of both lectins have been determined and show 89% identity. The crystal structure of GS I-B(4), determined at 2.5-A resolution, reveals a new quaternary structure that has never been observed in other legume lectins. An unexpected loss of both Ca(2+) and Mn(2+) ions, which are necessary for carbohydrate binding in legume lectins, may be related to a particular amino acid sequence Pro-Glu-Pro in the metal binding loop. Comparison with demetallized concanavalin A reveals a different process for the loss of metal ions and for the subsequent loss of carbohydrate binding activity. The GS I-A x alpha GalNAc and GS I-B x alpha Gal complexes were constructed using homology modeling and docking approaches. The unusual presence of an aromatic amino acid at position 47 (Tyr in I-A and Trp in I-B) explains the strong preference for alpha-anomeric sugars in both isolectins. Alteration at one amino acid position, Ala(106) in I-A versus Glu(106) in I-B, is the basis for the observed specificities toward alpha GalNAc and alpha Gal.

The xenograft antigen bound to Griffonia simplicifolia lectin 1-B(4). X-ray crystal structure of the complex and molecular dynamics characterization of the binding site

The shortage of organs for transplantation into human patients continues to be a driving force behind research into the use of tissues from non-human donors, particularly pig. The primary barrier to such xenotransplantation is the reaction between natural antibodies present in humans and Old World monkeys and the Gal alpha(1-3)Gal epitope (xenograft antigen, xenoantigen) found on the cell surfaces of the donor organ. This hyperacute immune response leads ultimately to graft rejection. Because of its high specificity for the xenograft antigen, isolectin 1-B(4) from Griffonia simplicifolia (GS-1-B(4)) has been used as an immunodiagnostic reagent. Furthermore, haptens that inhibit natural antibodies also inhibit GS-1-B(4) from binding to the xenoantigen. Here we report the first x-ray crystal structure of the xenograft antigen bound to a protein (GS-1-B(4)). The three-dimensional structure was determined from orthorhombic crystals at a resolution of 2.3 A. To probe the influence of binding on ligand properties, we report also the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on this complex as well as on the free ligand. The MD simulations were performed with the AMBER force-field for proteins augmented with the GLYCAM parameters for glycosides and glycoproteins. The simulations were performed for up to 10 ns in the presence of explicit solvent. Through comparison with MD simulations performed for the free ligand, it has been determined that GS-1-B(4) recognizes the lowest energy conformation of the disaccharide. In addition, the x-ray and modeling data provide clear explanations for the reported specificities of the GS-1-B(4) lectin. It is anticipated that a further understanding of the interactions involving the xenograft antigen will help in the development of therapeutic agents for application in the prevention of hyperacute xenograft rejection.

Nigrumin-5-p-coumarate and nigrumin-5-ferulate, two unusual nitrile-containing metabolites from black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed

Two novel nitrile-containing compounds, nigrumin-5-p-coumarate and nigrumin-5-ferulate, together with six known flavonoids, were isolated from the seed of black currant (Ribes nigrum). The chemical structures of nigrumin-5-p-coumarate and 5-ferulate were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy as 2-trans-p-coumaroyloxymethyl-4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-2(E)-butenenitrile and 2-trans-feruloyloxymethyl-4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-2(E)-butenenitrile, respectively.