Studies on the constituents of Broussonetia species X. Six new alkaloids from Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb

Six new alkaloids, broussonetines W, X, M1, U1, J3, and J2 (1-6) were isolated from the branches of Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB. (Moraceae) as minor constituents. They were formulated as (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxy-methyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-17-(cyclohexy-2-on-1(6)-enyl)heptyllpyrrolidine (1), (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-17-(cyclohexy-2-on-1(6)-enyl)heptyl]pyrrolidine-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(9R)-9,13-dihydroxytridecyl]- pyrrolidine (3), (2S,3S,4S)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(10-oxo-13-hydroxytridecyl)-5- pyrroline (4), (2R)-2-[(IS,2S)-1,2-dihydroxy-8-1(2R,3R,4R,5R)-5-(2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-1-acetylpyrrolidinyl)loctyl]piperidine (5), (2R)-2-[(1S,2S)-1,2-dihydroxy-8-[(2R,3R, 4R,5R)-5-(2-hydroxymethy]-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidinyl)]octyl]piperidine (6).

[The medicine chest handed down in the Takaya family, doctors of Sendai-han]

There is a medicine chest with design of Chrysanthemums in Makie made for Edo-era and handed down in the Takaya family, doctors of Sendai-han. Many kinds of crude drugs, named by one Chinese character, are kept in this chest. They were classified into three types, namely, [Japanese characters]. Identification of these crude drugs was carried out and the meaning of the classification was brought up as a question.

Two new pyrrolidine alkaloids, radicamines A and B, as inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase from Lobelia chinensis Lour

Two new pyrrolidine alkaloids, radicamines A and B were isolated as inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase from Lobelia chinensis Lour. (Campanulaceae). Radicamines A and B were formulated as (2S,3S,4S,5S)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-pyrrolidine (1) and (2S,3S,4S,5S)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pyrrolidine (2) on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods.

Effects of fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids from Cimicifuga species on collagenolytic activity

The inhibitory collagenolytic activity (47-64% inhibition in 0.22-0.24 microM) of fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids A, B, and C, which are esters of fukiic acid (3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl tartaric acid) was more potent than that (20-37% inhibition in 0.23-0.24 microM) of cimicifugic acids D, E, F, which are esters of pscidic acid (4'-hydroxybenzyl tartaric acid). Since fukiic acid showed weaker inhibition, and caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid showed far weaker activities, the entire structures of fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids A, B, and C proved to be responsible for the inhibitory activities. Trypsin and pronase E hydrolyzed collagen nonselectively alone or in addition to collagenase. These collagenolytic activities were also inhibited by fukinolic acid. These results show that fukinolic acid may inhibit either the collagenolytic activities specific to collagenase or nonspecific to other emzymes. The present studies suggest the potential effect of fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids of Cimicifuga rhizomes in preventing collagen degradation by collagenases or collagenolytic enzymes under pathological conditions, wound healing, or inflammation.

[Studies on the constituents of Cimicifuga species]

The chemical constituents of Cimicifuga simplex and its related species were reexamined using HPLC and high resolution spectral analysis. From C. simplex, C. acerina and C. japonica, a new alkaloid, 59 new cycloartane triterpene glycosides and 11 new aromatic constituents were isolated with the previously reported compounds. The latter aromatic constituents were identified in HPLC analysis of the extracts from crude drugs due to C. dahurica, C. heracleifolia and C. foetida. Several interesting topics in this study are reviewed about separation of unstable and closely related compounds by HPLC, rearrangement reactions, chemical conversion for confirmation of absolute configuration, isomerism in NMR solutions, X-ray crystal analysis, spectral analysis of complicated structures, isolation of glycoside malonates, high yield of enzymatic hydrolysis, specific CD curve due to a cycloart-7-ene system, and so on. Biological activities of a major glycoside, cimicifugoside, a modified triterpene, acerinol, and benzyltartaric acid derivatives such as fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids were also mentioned.

Studies on the constituents of Cimicifuga species. XXVIII. Cycloart-7-enol glycosides from the underground parts of Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk

Four new cycloart-7-ene triterpenol arabinosides, bugbanosides C-F, were isolated from the underground parts of Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk. (Ranunculaceae). The structures were elucidated as 12beta-acetoxy-3beta,15alpha,-24R,25-tetrahydroxy-16,23-dione-cycloart-7-ene 3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside, 12beta-acetoxy-24R,25-epoxy-3beta,15alpha-dihydroxy-16,23-dione-cycloart-7-ene 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, 12beta-acetoxy-24R,25-epoxy-3beta-hydroxy-16,23-dione-cycloart-7-ene 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, and 16,23R:16,24S-diepoxy-3beta,12beta,15alpha,25-tetrahydroxy-cycloart-7-ene 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. The circular dichroism (CD) of bugbanosides C-F showed strong negative maxima at 214-217 nm due to a cycloart-7-ene system, as well as other cycloart-7-ene triterpenes. The CD data showed to be useful in determining basic skeletons, including absolute stereostructures of cycloart-7-ene triterpenes.

Studies on the constituents of Broussonetia species VIII. Four new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines R, S, T, and V and a new pyrroline alkaloid, broussonetine U, from Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb

Four new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines R, S, T, and V and a new pyrroline alkaloid, broussonetine U were isolated from the branches of Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB. (Moraceae) in low yield. Broussonetines R, S and T were formulated as (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-3-[6-(4-hydroxybutyl)-cyclohexy-2-on-1(6)-enyllpropyl] pyrrolidine (1), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(1R,10S)-1,10,13-trihydroxytridecyl] pyrrolidine (2), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(1R,5S)-1,5, 13-trihydroxy-10-oxo-tridecyl] pyrrolidine (3). And broussonetines U and V were proposed to be (2S,3S,4S)-2-hydroxymethyl-3, 4-dihydroxy-5-(9-oxo-13-hydroxytridecyl)-5-pyrroline (4), (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)-9-oxo-13-hydroxy-3-tridecenyl] pyrrolidine (5), respectively, by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

The biosynthesis of broussonetines: origin of the carbon skeleton

Broussonetines are glycosidase-inhibitory alkaloids obtained from Broussonetia kazinoki. Feeding experiments using [1-13C]glucose and 13C-NMR spectroscopic studies showed that broussonetines are biosynthesized through routes similar to those of sphingosine and phytosphingosine.

Studies on the constituents of Broussonetia species. VII. Four new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines M, O, P, and Q, as inhibitors of glycosidase, from Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB

Four new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines M, O, P, and Q, were isolated from the branches of Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB, (Moraceae). Broussonetines M, O, P, and Q were formulated as (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(10S)-10,13-dihydroxy-tri decyl]pyrrolidine (1), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)9-oxo-13-hydroxy-3- tridecenyl]pyrrolidine (2), (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)10-oxo-13-hydroxy-3-++ +tridecenyl]pyrrolidine (3), and (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2-hydroxymethyl-3-hydroxy-4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy++ +)-5-[10-oxo-13-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)tridecyl]pyrrolidine (4) respectively, by spectroscopic and chemical methods. 1-4 inhibited beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-mannosidase.

Phylogenetic relationship of six Glycyrrhiza species based on rbcL sequences and chemical constituents

The nucleotide sequences of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit gene (rbcL) of Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, G. inflata, G. echinata, G. macedonica and G. pallidiflora have been determined to construct their phylogenetic tree. Based on these sequences, the six Glycyrrhiza species were divided into two groups: three, G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata, which produce glycyrrhizin as a major saponin, and the others, G. echinata, G. macedonica and G. pallidiflora, which produce macedonoside C as a major saponin. Among the three glycyrrhizin-producing species, only two nucleotide substitutions were observed between the rbcL sequences of G. glabra and G. uralensis, and the sequence of G. uralensis was identical to that of G. inflata, indicating that G. uralensis and G. inflata are closely related. Among the three macedonoside C-producing species, only one nucleotide substitution was observed between those of G. echinata and G. macedonica, indicating that these two species are also closely related.

Vasoactive effects of cimicifugic acids C and D, and fukinolic acid in cimicifuga rhizome

Vasoactive effects of cimicifugic acids A-E, fukinolic acid and fukiic acid isolated from Cimicifuga plants were investigated using rat aortic strips. Cimicifugic acid D and fukinolic acid at 3x10(-4) M caused a sustained, slowly developing relaxation of aortic strips precontracted with norepinephrine (NE) in preparations with or without endothelium. Cimicifugic acid C inversely caused a weak contraction. Cimicifugic acids A, B and E and fukiic acid showed no vasoactivity at 3x10(-4) M. Cimicifugic acids A-E and fukinolic acid are esters between cinnamic acids and the hydroxyl group of benzyltartaric acids. For the manifestation of vasoactivity in the rat aorta, it is concluded that in the cinnamic acid moiety, a caffeoyl group might be necessary for the relaxation activity, and the p-coumaroyl group causes contraction. Concentration response curves for the Ca2+-induced contracture of depolarized aortic strips with isotonic high K+ were not affected by cimicifugic acid D or fukinolic acid. The Ca2+-induced contraction of aortic strips, preincubated with 10(-6) M NE in the presence of 10(-6) M nicardipine and 0.01 mM EGTA in Ca2+-free solution, were inhibited by cimicifugic acid D and fukinolic acid. These results indicated that the inhibition by cimicifugic acid D and fukinolic acid of the NE-induced contraction of rat aorta are attributable to the suppression of Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space enhanced by NE.

Studies on inhibitory activities of fukiic acid esters on germination, alpha-amylase and carboxypeptidase A

Fukinolic acid (1) and cimicifugic acid A (2), caffeic acid analogs, as well as rosmarinic acid (3) and caffeic acid (4) showed inhibition on seed germination and seedling growth. The potency of 1 and 2 was comparable with that of 3. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed strong inhibitory activities as well as 3 and 4 on alpha-amylase. The activity of 1 was higher than that of acarbose used as a positive control, and its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 2.41 x 10(-5) M. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed inhibitory activities strong as 3 and stronger than 4 on carboxypeptidase A. The activities of 1 and 2 were higher than that of 1, 10-phenanthroline used as a positive control.

Antimalarial activity and nucleoside transport inhibitory activity of the triterpenic constituents of Cimicifuga spp

The in vitro antimalarial activity against human malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum, FCR-3 strain) was examined using 59 triterpenoids obtained during studies on the triterpenic constituents of Cimicifuga spp. The 50% effective concentration values (EC50) of 25 active triterpenoids were 1.0-3.0 microM, and 19 of the compounds had a common 16, 23:23, 26:24, 25-triepoxy group in the side-chain moieties. Among the active triterpenoids, 9 also showed significant inhibition of nucleoside transport in mouse splenocytes. A relationship between the antimalarial activity and the inhibition of nucleoside transport involving these triterpenoids is discussed.

Studies on the constituents of Broussonetia species. III. Two new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines G and H, as inhibitors of glycosidase, from Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb

Two new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetines G and H, were isolated from the branches of Broussonetia kazinoki SIEB. (Moraceae). Broussonetines G and H were formulated as 2 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 alpha, 4 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-(1-hydroxy- 6:10;10:13-diepoxytridecyl)-pyrrolidine (1) and 2 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 alpha, 4 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-(1-hydroxy- 5:9;9:13-diepoxytridecyl)-pyrrolidine (2), respectively, by spectroscopic methods. 1 and 2 inhibited beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-mannosidase.

Saikosaponin homologues from Verbascum spp. The structures of mulleinsaponins I-VII

From the aerial parts of Verbascum (V.) sinaiticum, V. thapsiforme, V. fruticulosum and Celsia roripifolia, seven new saikosaponin homologues, called mulleinsaponins I-VII, having 13,28-epoxy-olean-11-ene skelton were isolated together with eight known saikosaponin homologues, 3-O-beta-D-fucopyranosyl saikogenin F, saikosaponin a, desrhamnosylverbascosaponin, songarosaponins C, D, mimengoside A and buddlejasaponins I, IV. The structures of mulleinsaponins I-VII were characterized as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyronosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-6-deoxy- saikogenin F, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D - fucopyranosyl-16-deoxysaikogenin F, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D - fucopyranosyl-saikogenin F, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-be ta -D-fucopyranosyl-21 beta-hydroxysaikogenin F, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta- D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-21 beta-acetoxysaikogenin F, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D- fucopyranosyl-16 beta-acetoxysaikogenin F and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranosylsaikogeni n F 16-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, from chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Studies on the constituents of Broussonetia species. II. Six new pyrrolidine alkaloids, broussonetine A, B, E, F and broussonetinine A and B, as inhibitors of glycosidases from Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb

Six new pyrrolidine alkaloids called broussonetine A, B, E, F, and broussonetinine A and B were isolated from the branches of Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb. (Moraceae). Broussonetine A, B, E and F were formulated as 2 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 beta-hydroxy-5-alpha- (10-oxo-13-hydroxytridecyl)-pyrrolidine-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-(9-oxo-13-hydroxytridecyl)-pyrrolidine-4-O-beta-D-glucopy ran oside (2), 2 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 alpha,4 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-(1,13-dihydroxy-10-oxo-tridecyl)-pyrrolidine (3), and 2 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 alpha,4 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-(1,13-dihydroxy-9-oxo-tridecyl)-pyrrolidine (4), respectively. Broussonetinine A and B (5 and 6) were also isolated and identified as the aglycones of 1 and 2. 3 and 4 exhibited a strong inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-mannosidase, while 5 and 6 showed a strong inhibition of beta-galactosidase and alpha-mannosidase.

Studies on the constituents of Cimicifuga species. XIX. Eight new glycosides from Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk

Eight new glycosides were isolated from Cimicifuga simplex (Ranunculaceae), and their structures were determined to be 23-O-acetyl-7-8-didehydroshengmanol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosi de (1), 24-epi-24-O-acetyl-7,-8- didehydrohydroshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), 7,8-didehydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galacytopyranoside (3), 24-epi-24-O-acetylhydroshengmanol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4), cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5), 25-O-methylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (6), 25-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (7) and 25-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8). Genuine aglycones were obtained by the hydrolysis of 1--7 with lactase F[Amano] and of 8 with cellulase T[amano]4. Acerinol was prepared from 7,8-didehydrocimigenol and showed antilipemic effects.

Phytogrowth-inhibitory activities of sulfur-containing compounds. II. The inhibitory activities of thiosalicylic acid and dihydro-2(3H)-thiophenone-related compounds on plant growth

Thiosalicylic acid (I) showed rather strong inhibitory activity on the growth of roots of all plants treated except Abelmoschus esculentus Moench at the concentration of 5.0 x 10(-4) M. This compound strongly inhibited the growth of the root of Echinochloa utilis Ohwi et Yabuno even at the low concentration of 5.0 x 10(-5) M. Dihydro-2(3H)-thiophenone (VII) also exhibited inhibitory activity on the growth of roots of all plants treated except Glycine max Merrill. Both compounds inhibited the germination of seeds of some plants at the concentration of 1.0 x 10(-3) M. In I-related compounds (I-V), methyl acetylthiosalicylate (IV) had the strongest inhibitory activity, while in VII-related compounds (VII-XI), 4-hydroxy-2(5H)-thiophenone (VIII) showed the most potent inhibitory activity. The amount of chlorophyll in the cotyledon of Brassica campestris L. subsp. rapa Hook. f. et Anders treated with all compounds except tetrahydrothiophene (XI) was lower than that of the control group.

5-Lipoxygenase inhibitors isolated from the mushroom Boletopsis leucomelas (Pers.) Fayod

Terphenyl compounds, tentatively named Bl-I (1), Bl-II (2), Bl-III (3), Bl-IV (4) and Bl-V (5), showing 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity have been isolated from the mushroom Boletopsis leucomelas (Pers.) Fayod. On the basis of physico-chemical and spectral evidence, they were concluded to be a series of cycloleucomelone-leucoacetates.

Isolation of cytotoxic substance, kalafungin from an alkalophilic actinomycete, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. prasina

An alkalophilic actinomycete, strain OPC-553 regarded as Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. prasina, produced the cytotoxic substance, TS-1, which showed a marked inhibitory activity against L5178Y mouse leukemic cell in vitro. The cytotoxicity of TS-1 on this cell was very strong and its ID50 was 0.018 micrograms/ml. Through direct comparison of its spectral data with those of an authentic sample, TS-1 was identified as the antifungal antibiotic, kalafungin, already isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces tanashiensis. However, the isolation of kalafungin from an alkalophilic actinomycete and its cytotoxicity are reported for the first time in this paper.

Fasciculic acids A, B and C as calmodulin antagonists from the mushroom Naematoloma fasciculare

Three new fasciculol esters, fasciculic acids A (1), B (2) and C (3), having potent calmodulin antagonistic activity were isolated from the toxic mushroom Naematoloma fasciculare (Fr.) Karst. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence.

Effect of thiouracil in modifying folate function in severe vitamin B12 deficiency

The effects of thiouracil in correcting defects in folic acid function produced by B12 deficiency were studied. Addition of the thyroid inhibitor, thiouracil, to a low methionine diet containing B12, increased the oxidation of [2-14C]histidine to carbon dioxide, and increased liver folate levels. Addition of 10% pectin to the diet accentuated B12 deficiency as evidenced by a greatly decreased rate of histidine oxidation (0.19%) and an increased excretion of methylmalonic acid. Addition of thiouracil to the diet restored folate function as measured by increased histidine oxidation and increased liver folate levels similar to that produced by addition of methionine to a B12-deficient diet. Thiouracil decreased methylmalonate excretion, and increased hepatic levels of B12 in animals on both B12-deficient and -supplemented diets. Hepatic methionine synthase was increased by thiouracil, which may be the result of the elevated B12 levels. S-Adenosylmethionine and the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase were also increased by thiouracil. Thus it is possible that the effect of thiouracil in increasing folate function consists both in the effect of thiouracil in decreasing levels of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and also in its action in increasing S-adenosylmethionine which exerts a feedback inhibition of this enzyme.

Effect of high levels of dietary folic acid on folate metabolism in vitamin B12 deficiency

The effect of administering high levels of folic acid to vitamin B12-deficient animals was studied. In B12 deficiency histidine oxidation is decreased. This is the result of both decreased liver folate levels and increases in the proportion of methyltetrahydrofolates. The purpose of this study was to determine if the addition of very high levels of folic acid to B12-deficient diets could increase liver folates and thereby restore histidine oxidation. Rats were fed a soy protein B12-deficient diet containing 10% pectin which has been shown previously to accelerate B12 depletion. When this diet was supplemented with B12 and folic acid, histidine oxidation was 5.4% in 2 h and the livers contained 3.49 micrograms of folate/g. In the absence of B12, the histidine oxidation rate was 0.34% and the liver folate level was 1.33 micrograms/g. When 200 mg/kg of folic acid was added to the B12-deficient diet there was no increase in histidine oxidation (0.35%) but the liver folates were increased to 3.68 micrograms which is about the same as that with B12 supplementation. The percentage tetrahydrofolate of the total liver folates was the same with and without a high level of dietary folic acid. Thus there was an increase in the absolute level of tetrahydrofolate without any increase in folate function as measured by histidine oxidation. Red cell folate levels were the same with and without B12, which is in contrast to the markedly lower liver folate levels in B12 deficiency. These data suggest a difference between B12 regulation of folate metabolism in the liver and in the bone marrow.

Experiments on the biological activities of various fractions of the folic acid antagonist "X-methyl" folic acid

A crude synthetic preparation called crude "X-methyl" folate has previously been shown to function as a folate antagonist for rats and chicks. This product has been shown to contain two folate antagonists: 9-methyl folate, present as 6% by weight of the product and which has low activity as a folate antagonist for Streptococcus faecalis, and pyrrofolic acid, a compound present in small amounts (0.04%), but having high anti-folate biological activity for S. faecalis. These experiments deal with the antifolate activity of these two fractions for the rat as measured by their effects on histidine oxidation. Rats were fed a purified diet based on 20% vitamin-free casein and containing 1.0% sulfasuxidine. When this diet was supplemented with a marginal amount of folic acid (0.3 mg per kg diet), the addition of 4 g of crude antagonist decreased histidine oxidation and decreased liver folate levels. The addition of 240 mg of pure 9-methyl folic acid (amount of 9-methyl folic acid in 4 g of crude) produced similar decreases in histidine oxidation and liver folate levels. A concentrate of pyrrofolic acid (equivalent to 4 g of crude) free of 9-methyl folic acid produced no decrease in histidine oxidation and minimal changes in liver folate. This indicates that the folate antagonist activity observed previously with animals is probably due to the 9-methyl folic acid component rather than to the pyrrofolic acid activity.

Poisoning by hallucinogenic mushroom hikageshibiretake (Psilocybe argentipes K. Yokoyama) indigenous to Japan

Five cases of poisoning by indigenous mushroom Hikageshibiretake (Psilocybe argentipes) are reported. As this mushroom contains psilocybin, in general, clinical features were similar to those seen by pure psilocybin. Acute toxic stuporous state with complete amnesia in the culminating period occurred in one case, psychedelic state with dreamy consciousness in one case and psychotic adverse reactions with vivid visual hallucinations with consciousness in three cases. There were accompanied with anxiety and panic reactions to subjective experiences. Though these toxic effects were usually short-lived, for management of such patients it is important to recognize that horrible emotional reactions and other harmful behavioral problems can also occur.

Comparison of folic acid coenzyme distribution patterns in patients with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and methionine synthetase deficiencies

Folic acid coenzyme distribution patterns were examined in the liver and kidney of two patients with homocystinuria due to different inborn errors of metabolism affecting the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. One patient, with severe mental retardation (and death at 3 1/2 yr), had greatly reduced levels of methylenetetrahydrofolic acid (THF) reductase in fibroblasts as well as in liver and kidney. Chromatographic separation of folate coenzymes in liver showed an abnormal pattern with THF as the main component and almost no methyl-THF but total folate was normal. The other patient, who was dystrophic, microcephalic, and had megaloblastic anemia died at age 4 months. He had reduced levels of methionine synthetase in liver and kidney due to a defect of intracellular cobalamin metabolism. Chromatographic analysis of his tissues showed methyl-THF to be the principal folate form and a markedly reduced total folate. These results support the "methyl-THF trap" hypothesis and offer information with respect to the possible therapy of these two disorders.

Selective inhibition of nucleoside transport into mouse lymphoma L-5178Y cells by cimicfugoside

Cimicifugoside, a triterpenoid from Cimicifuga simplex, is a potent inhibitor of thymidine-3H uptake by Raji cells, L-cells cl 1D cells, HeLa S3 cells and L-5178Y cells without affecting the growth rate of any cell type tested. It has also inhibited the uptake of purine and pyrimidine ribosides and deoxyribosides of adenosine, inosine, uridine and nucleoside analogs in L-5178Y cells. It did not inhibit phosphorylation of thymidine or adenosine, or the transport of nucleic acid bases, sugars, amino acids and arabinosyl analogs of nucleosides. The results suggest that cimicifugoside is a potent and selective inhibitor of nucleoside transport at the plasma membrane site of mammalian cells.

Structure-activity relationships for the inhibition of formation of acid-fastness im mycobacterial organisms by coumarins and cinnamates

The relationships between the structure and inhibitory activity against the formation of acid-fastness in mycobacterial organisms were investigated in naturally occurring or synthetic coumarins and cinnamates. The presence of an OH-group at C7 in the coumarin nucleus proved to be essential for the inhibitory activity. Likewise, the presence of a para-OH-group in cinnamates is also essential. Reduction of a conjugated alpha, beta-double bond in both series resulted in a decrease of the ininhibitory activity. Shortening of the side chain of cinnamates resulted in total loss of the activity. The grouping -C-C-CO2R appeared to be necessary for retaining the inhibitory activity.

Specific inhibition of formation of acid-fastness in mycobacteria by 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid

3,3'-Di-O-methylellagic acid obtained from Euphorbia adenochlora selectively inhibited the formation of acid-fastness in mycobacteria without retardation of their growth. Gross reductions in contents of wax D, cord factor and free mycolic acids were found in the nonacid-fast bacilli compared with the normal ones.