Studies on the antioxidative activity of phloroglucinol derivatives isolated from hypericum species

Twenty-one phloroglucinol derivatives, belonging to 8 different carbon skeletons, were tested for their ability to influence the oxidative burst of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) after stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or opsonized zymosan (OZ). Results revealed a strong reduction of oxygen production by PMNs after stimulation with FMLP for the compounds ialibinone E ( 5), hyperguinone B ( 15) and hyperforin ( 21). The IC 50 values obtained were 2.5 microM ( 5), 3.3 microM ( 15) and 1.8 microM ( 21), respectively. Slight modifications of the substituents or variation of the stereochemistry resulted in a significant loss of activity. None of the active compounds showed antioxidative activity after stimulation with OZ. The influence of compounds 5, 15 and 21 on the production of oxygen radicals in an H 2 O 2 /horseradish peroxidase system was investigated and revealed potent activity only for compound 5 (IC 50 1 microM). The superoxide-scavenging properties of ialibinone E ( 5) and hyperguinone B ( 15) were additionally tested in a cytochrome c assay and only ialibinone E ( 5) was found to be significantly active at lower micromolar concentrations. Ialibinone E ( 5) was not active in a xanthine oxidase assay (urate formation) in concentrations up to 100 microM and its activity is therefore not attributable to the inhibition of this enzyme. It can be assumed that the activity of compounds 5 and 15 in the different cellular and enzymatic assays, is most likely caused by different and maybe specific mechanisms and cannot be explained by a radical scavenger activity alone. None of the active phloroglucinols showed cytotoxic effects against the PMNs.

Solubility of hypericin in methanol and methanol-pyridine

The solubility of hypericin in methanol and methanol-pyridine (99:1, v/v) was determined. The addition of pyridine turned out to enhance the solubility of hypericin. In pure methanol only 37.17 micrograms/ml could be dissolved. In comparison, 320.91 micrograms hypericin were soluble in one ml methanol-pyridine (99:1, v/v).

Iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides from Phlomis longifolia var. longifolia

From the aerial parts of Phlomis longifolia var. longifolia four iridoid glucosides, shanzhiside methyl ester (1), 5-deoxypulchelloside I (2), lamalbide (3), phlomiol (4) and three phenylethanoid glycosides, verbascoside (5), forsythoside B (6), leucosceptoside A (7) along with the caffeic acid ester, chlorogenic acid (8) were isolated. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic (UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR, FABMS) and chemical evidence. The structure elucidation of the iridoid compounds 2 and 3 are discussed in detail.

Ethnopharmacology of the Popoluca, Mexico: an evaluation

Medicinal plants are an essential part of indigenous pharmaceutical systems. We studied the medicinal plants used by the Popoluca of the Sierra Santa Marta (Eastern Mexico). This study is part of a series on the ethnopharmacology of various Macro-Mayan groups. During 16 months of ethnobotanical fieldwork, 614 taxa used medicinally and 4488 individual use-reports were documented. The data are analysed using the concept of the "healers' consensus" in order to identify culturally important medicinal plants. The medicinal uses of the plants were grouped into 13 illness categories. The responses for each species were summarized for each of the categories and were ordered by frequency of mention. The most frequently recorded medicinal plants of the Popoluca are Hamelia patens, used to stop bleeding from wounds, and Byrsonima crassifolia, used against diarrhoea. The high-ranked medicinal species were assessed pharmacognostically using published phytochemical and pharmacological data. Popoluca medicinal uses were fairly consistent with published data on active ingredients for those plants for which such data exist. However, data is still lacking for many other species. Toxicological studies are particularly scarce. This study will be used as a basis for subsequent studies on the pharmacology and phytochemistry of medicinal plant species.

Iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides from Phlomis tuberosa L

A new iridoid glucoside, 8-O-acetylshanzhiside (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Phlomis tuberosa, together with two known iridoid glucosides, shanzhiside methyl ester and lamalbide. The known phenylethanoid glycosides acteoside and forsythoside B were also obtained and characterized. The structure of 1 was determined by means of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic evidence.

Minor cytotoxic and antibacterial compounds from the rhizomes of Amomum aculeatum

A new cytotoxic 1,7-dioxa-dispiro[5.1.5.2]pentadeca-9,12-dien-11-one derivative, aculeatin D, and a new alkenone, 5-hydroxy-hexacos-1-en-3-one, have been isolated as minor compounds from the rhizomes of Amomum aculeatum. Their structures have been determined mainly by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Aculeatin D showed high cytotoxicity against the KB and the L-6 cell line with IC(50) of 0.38 microg/ml and 1 microg/ml, respectively. Additionally, it revealed remarkable activity against two Plasmodium falciparum strains, as well as against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma cruzi. 5-Hydroxy-hexacos-1-en-3-one exhibited neither cytotoxic nor antiprotozoal activity, whereas antibacterial testing against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis showed moderate to strong activity for both compounds.

Flavonoid, iridoid, and lignan glycosides from Putoria calabrica

From the aerial parts of Putoria calabrica, two new flavonol triglycosides were isolated and their structures were elucidated as quercetin-3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside]-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1, calabricoside A) and quercetin-3-O-[4' "-O-caffeoyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside]-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2, calabricoside B). Additionally, seven iridoid and three lignan glycosides were isolated and characterized. Radical scavenging activities of all compounds were determined by quantifying their effects on luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence in formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) stimulated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Calabricoside A and B showed strong radical scavenging activity with IC(50) values of 0.25 and 0.3 microM, respectively.

New prenylated bi- and tricyclic phloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum papuanum

Five new prenylated tricyclic and three new bicyclic acylphloroglucinol derivatives have been isolated by bioactivity-guided fractionation of the petroleum ether extract of the dried aerial parts of Hypericum papuanum. The tricyclic compounds (1--5) were named papuaforins A--E. The bicyclic compounds were isolated together with their corresponding tautomers and were named hyperguinones A and B (6/6a,7/7a) and hyperpapuanone (8/8a), respectively. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity toward KB nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and the antibacterial activity of the isolated compounds were determined.

Pheophorbide A from Solanum diflorum interferes with NF-kappa B activation

Continuing our search for biogenic NF-kappa B inhibitors we investigated Solanum diflorum, used by the Istmo Sierra Zapotec Indians of Mexico in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. It became obvious very early that the active substance seems to be a degradation product of chlorophyll. Pheophorbide A was identified as one of the key compounds responsible for the NF-kappa B inhibitory activity. The compound interferes with NF-kappa B activation, was cytotoxic if exposed to light, but devoid of any cytotoxic activity in the dark.

Two novel cyclic peptides with antifungal activity from the cyanobacterium Tolypothrix byssoidea (EAWAG 195)

Two novel cyclic tridecapeptides, tolybyssidins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the culture medium of mass cultured cyanobacterium Tolypothrix byssoidea (EAWAG 195) by means of bioguided isolation. The gross structures of these peptides were determined by 1D and 2D NMR experiments and tandem mass spectrometry. Both peptides contain the nonnatural amino acid dehydrohomoalanine (Dhha) as well as proteinogenic amino acids albeit with D- or L-configuration. The compounds exhibit moderate antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans.

New tirucallane-type triterpenes from Dysoxylum variabile

Eight new tirucallane-type triterpenes, dyvariabilins A-H (1-8), three known tirucallanes, niloticin (9), dihydroniloticin (10), and tirucalla-7,24-diene-3 beta,23-diol (11), and two known sesquiterpenes, 1-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-3a-methyl-7-methyleneoctahydroinden-4-ol and (+)-aphanamol I, were isolated from the stem bark of Dysoxylum variabile. Tirucallanes 1 and 11 with an allylic hydroxy group in the side chain and dyvariabilin C (3) with an alpha-epoxy group at positions 7 and 8 showed high instability in acidic medium and formed five hitherto unknown semisynthetic tirucallanes. Dyvariabilins B (2) and C (3) as well as the mixtures of dyvariabilins E and F (5 and 6) and dyvariabilins G and H (7 and 8) showed weak cytotoxicity against KB cells.

Absorbance data of hypericin and pseudohypericin used as reference compounds for medicinal plant analysis

The evaluation of the absorbance data of hypericin and pseudohypericin revealed the molar/specific coefficients of absorbance in methanol-pyridine (99:1, v/v) at the maximum of the longest wavelength to be 51936/1030 and 43486/836, respectively. The absorbance data of hypericin were also determined in methanol. They were not significantly different from those in the presence of pyridine. The decrease of the coefficients by water addition was found to be the same for hypericin and pseudohypericin. It was concluded that hypericin and pseudohypericin reveal the same homoassociation behavior.

Iridoid glycosides from Globularia trichosantha

A new iridoid glycoside, deacetylalpinoside (2), was isolated from the aerial parts of Globularia trichosantha together with nine known iridoid glycosides: catalpol, 10-O-benzoyl-catalpol, aucubin, asperuloside, deacetylasperuloside, asperulosidic acid, scandoside, geniposidic acid, and alpinoside (1). From the underground parts of the same plant, two new bisiridoid glycosides, globulosides A (3) and B (4); a known iridoid glycoside, globularidin; a lignan glycoside, liriodendrin; and seven phenylethanoid glycosides, arenarioside, verbascoside (= acteoside), isoacteoside, crenatoside, isocrenatoside, and trichosanthosides A and B, were isolated. Compounds 2-4 are new iridoids containing an 8,9 double bond representing a rare carbon skeleton. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods.

Bisanthraquinone glycosides of Hypericum perforatum with binding inhibition to CRH-1 receptors

Four new bisanthraquinone glycosides, S-(+)-skyrin-6-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), R-(-)-skyrin-6-O-beta-glucopyranoside (2), S-(+)-skyrin-6-O-beta-xylopyranoside (3) and S-(+)-skyrin-6-O-beta-alpha-arabinofuranoside (4), have been isolated from an ethanol-water (1:1, v/v) dry extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR and mass spectrometry. Circular dichroism was used to determine their axial stereochemistry revealing 1 and 2 to be atropisomers. 1 and 2 inhibited [125I]sauvagine binding to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH-1) receptors.

Bioactive coumarin derivatives from the fern Cyclosorus interruptus

Three new coumarin derivatives, compounds 1-3, three new furanocoumarins, compounds 4-6, and a novel dioxocane derivative, compound 7, were isolated from the fern Cyclosorus interruptus (Willd.) H. Itô. Based on spectrometric and spectroscopic analysis (FAB or El mass spectrometry as well as 1D and 2D NMR experiments) their structures were characterised as 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-phenyl-8-(3-phenylpropionyl)-1-benzopyran-2-one (1), 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-phenyl-8-(3-phenyl-trans-acryloyl)-1- benzopyran-2-one (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-8-(2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionyl)-6-methyl-4-phenyl-1- benzopyran-2-one (3), 8-benzyl-5,8-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-phenylfuro[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2,9- dione (4), 8-benzyl-5,8 beta,9 beta-trihydroxy-6-methyl-4-phenyl-8,9-dihydro- furo[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2-one (5), 8-benzyl-5,8 beta,9 alpha-trihydroxy-6-methyl-4-phenyl-8,9-dihydro- furo[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2-one (6) and 5,11-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-phenyl-11-(1-phenylmethyl)-7,10-dioxocane [5,6-h]-1-benzopyran-2,12-dione (7). For these compounds we propose the trivial names interruptins A-F. Compounds 1, 5/6 and 7 showed antibacterial activity while compounds 1 and 2 were cytotoxic to a KB cell line.

Radical scavenger activity of phenylethanoid glycosides in FMLP stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: structure-activity relationships

Radical scavenger activities of 21 phenylethanoid glycosides, including 15 ester derivatives of caffeic, ferulic, vanillic and syringic acid as well as 6 deacyl derivatives were determined by quantifying their effects on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) stimulated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). All phenylethanoids acylated with phenolic acids showed strong antioxidant activity whereas the deacyl derivatives were more than 30-fold less active. Therefore, the antioxidant activity is mainly related to the number of aromatic methoxy and hydroxy groups and the structure of the acyl moiety (C6-C1 or C6-C3). In contrast, modification of the sugar chain or replacement of hydroxy groups by methoxy groups in the acyl or the phenylethanoid moiety is of minor importance. The position of the acyl moiety is without significance. Free caffeic, ferulic, vanillic and syringic acid are less active compared to the phenylethanoid derivatives. This points to the importance of dissociation and lipophilicity of these acids in a cellular test system.

Pharmacological activities of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in vitro

The pharmacological effects of ethanolic Vitex agnus-castus fruit-extracts (especially Ze 440) and various extract fractions of different polarities were evaluated both by radioligand binding studies and by superfusion experiments. A relative potent binding inhibition was observed for dopamine D2 and opioid (micro and kappa subtype) receptors with IC50 values of the native extract between 20 and 70 mg/mL. Binding, neither to the histamine H1, benzodiazepine and OFQ receptor, nor to the binding-site of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter, was significantly inhibited. The lipophilic fractions contained the diterpenes rotun-difuran and 6beta,7beta-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-dien . They exhibited inhibitory actions on dopamine D2 receptor binding. While binding inhibition to mu and kappa opioid receptors was most pronounced in lipophilic fractions, binding to delta opioid receptors was inhibited mainly by a aqueous fraction. Standardised Ze 440 extracts of different batches were of constant pharmacological quality according to their potential to inhibit the binding to D2 receptors. In superfusion experiments, the aqueous fraction of a methanolic extract inhibited the release of acetylcholine in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the potent D2 receptor antagonist spiperone antagonised the effect of the extract suggesting a dopaminergic action mediated by D2 receptor activation. Our results indicate a dopaminergic effect of Vitex agnus-castus extracts and suggest additional pharmacological actions via opioid receptors.

New antibacterial metabolites from the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune(EAWAG 122b)

Two new compounds, a diterpenoid and an anthraquinone, as well as an indane derivative, which is reported as a natural product for the first time, have been isolated from the cells of the cultured cyanobacterium Nostoc commune (EAWAG 122b) by means of bioguided isolation. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. All isolates exhibit antibacterial activity.

Cytotoxic cardenolides and antibacterial terpenoids from Crossopetalum gaumeri

From the methanol extract of the roots of (Crossopetalum gaumeri, four new highly cytotoxic cardenolides, securigenin-3beta-O-beta-6-deoxyguloside (2), 19-hydroxy-sarmentogenin-3beta-O-beta-6-deoxyguloside (4), sarmentogenin-3beta-O-[alpha-allosyl-(1-->4)-beta-6-deoxy alloside] (5), and securigenin-3beta-O-[alpha-allosyl-(1-->4)-beta-6-deoxyal loside] (6) were isolated. The dichloromethane extract afforded the new diterpene 3,15-dihydroxy-18-norabieta-3,8,11,13-tetraene (7) as well as the new triterpene 2,3,7-trihydroxy-6-oxo-1,3,5(10),7-tetraene-24-nor-friedelane-29-o ic acid methylester (11). The new terpenoids lack cytotoxicity and the antibacterial activity is moderate to low.

Quantitative high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of diterpenoids in agni-casti fructus

Pharmacological data have indicated that part of the dopaminergic activity of Vitex agnus-castus is attributed to the labdan diterpenoids found in the fruits. Therefore an analytical method for the standardization of rotundifuran (1), vitexilactone (2) and 6 beta,7 beta-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-diene (3) was developed. Because of the time-consuming and expensive isolation of the diterpenoids, p-cymene was chosen as an internal standard. The concentration of rotundifuran in different extracts and trade samples of the drug varies between 0.04 and 0.30% in the drug and between 1.04 and 2.23% in the extract. The concentration of vitexilactone was generally lower between 0.016 and 0.167% for the drug and between 0.34 and 1.01% for the extract. The determined concentration of 6 beta,7 beta-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-diene in the drug was in the range of 0.02 and 0.10% and in the extract in the range of 0.18 and 0.80%. Determination of the factors of correction of p-cymene gave 5.63 for rotundifuran, 2.73 for vitexilactone and 3.74 for 6 beta,7 beta-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-diene.

Triterpene saponins from the fruits of Hedera helix

Six triterpene saponins, including two new compounds, were isolated from the fruits of Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae). The structures of the new compounds, named helixosides A and B, were established as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, respectively, on the basis of chemical and spectral data.

Novel extracellular diterpenoids with biological activity from the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune

Five novel extracellular metabolites with an unprecedented diterpenoid skeleton, 5-[(5-carboxy-2-hydroxy)benzyl]-11-hydroxymethyl-2,5,6,8a, 11-pentamethyldodecahydrocyclopenta<a>naphthalene (1), 5-[(5-carboxy-2-hydroxy)benzyl]-11-formyl-2,5,6,8a, 11-pentamethyl-dodecahydrocyclopenta<a>naphthalene (2), 5-[(5-carboxy-2-hydroxy)benzyl]-11-carboxy-2,5,6,8a, 11-pentamethyl-dodecahydrocyclopenta<a>naphthalene (3), 5-[(5-carboxy-2-hydroxy)benzyl]-11-dihydroxymethyl-2,5,6,8a, 11-pentamethyldodecahydrocyclopenta<a>naphthalene (4), and 5-[(5-carboxy-2-hydroxy)benzyl]-11-acetyl-2,5,6, 8a-tetramethyldodecahydrocyclopenta<a>naphthalene (5), have been isolated from the culture medium of the terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc commune by means of bioguided isolation. The molecules were designated as comnostins A-E. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR and mass spectrometry. The relative stereochemistry of comnostin A was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. All comnostins showed antibacterial activities. Additionally, cytotoxic and molluscicidal activities were found for comnostin B.

New phloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum papuanum

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the petroleum ether extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum papuanum led to the isolation of five new tricyclic phloroglucinol derivatives. On the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments as well as MS studies, their structures were elucidated as the C-3 epimers of 8-hydroxy-4,4, 7-trimethyl-9-(2-methylpropionyl)-3-(1-methylvinyl)-5beta -H-tricyclo[ 5.3.1.0(1,5)]undec-8-ene-10,11-dione (1,2); the C-3 epimers of 8-hydroxy-4,4, 7-trimethyl-9-(2-methylbutyryl)-3-(1-methylvinyl)-5beta-H-++ +tricyclo[5. 3.1.0(1,5)]undec-8-ene-10,11-dione (3, 4), and 8-hydroxy-4,4, 7-trimethyl-9-(2-methylpropionyl)-5beta-H-tricyclo[5.3 .1.0(1, 5)]undec-8-ene-10,11-dione (5), and their corresponding tautomers (1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a). Compounds 1/1a-5/5a were named ialibinones A-E, respectively. Compounds 1/1a-4/4a showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Micrococcus luteus.

New triterpenoids with antibacterial activity from Zizyphus joazeiro

The stem bark of the Brazilian medicinal plant Zizyphus joazeiro C. Mart. was phytochemically investigated. Three known compounds (betulinic, ursolic and alphitolic acid) and three new derivatives of betulinic acid, 7 beta-(4-hydroxybenzoyloxy)-betulinic acid, 7 beta-(4-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzoyloxy)-betulinic acid and 27-(4-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzoyloxy)-betulinic acid which showed a considerable activity against Gram-positive bacteria were isolated from the dichloromethane extract. The structures were established on the basis of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Phenylvaleric acid and flavonoid glycosides from Polygonum salicifolium

(3R)-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyloxy-5-phenylvaleric acid (1), (3R)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-5-phenylvaleric acid n-butyl ester (2), and a new dihydrochalcone diglycoside 4'-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-glucopyranosyl]oxy-2'-hydroxy-3', 6'-dimethoxydihydrochalcone (3), together with six known flavonoid glycosides [kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (= astragalin) (4), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (= isoquercitrin) (6), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (= hyperoside) (7), quercetin-3-O-(2''-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), and quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (9)] were isolated from the aerial parts of Polygonum salicifolium. The structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was performed by spectroscopic (UV, IR, ESI-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR), chemical (methylation, enzymatic hydrolysis, partial synthesis), and chromatographic methods (HPLC, Chiralcel OD). The flavonoid glycosides (4-9) demonstrated scavenging properties toward the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical in TLC autographic assays.

Phenylethanoid glycosides from Globularia trichosantha

Five phenylethanoid glycosides, crenatoside (= oraposide) (1), verbascoside (= acteoside) (2), trichosanthoside A (3), rossicaside A (4), and trichosanthoside B (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of Globularia trichosantha. Compounds 3 and 5 are new natural compounds, and their structures were established as 3, 4-dihydroxy-beta-phenylethoxy-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha -L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 3, 4-dihydroxy-beta-phenylethoxy-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alph a-L -rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-4-O-caffeoyl -beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively. The structures of all compounds were established by spectral evidence. Compounds 1-5 also demonstrated scavenging properties toward the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical in TLC autographic assays.

Iridoid glycosides of Leonurus persicus

Two new iridoid glucosides, 6-O-acetylajugol (1) and 7, 8-epoxy-8-epi-loganic acid (2), together with five known iridoid glucosides, galiridoside (3), ajugoside (4), 10-deoxygeniposidic acid (5), 7-deoxy-8-epi-loganic acid (6), and 8-O-acetylharpagide (7), have been isolated from the aerial parts of Leonurus persicus. Leucosceptoside A (8), eugenyl beta-rutinoside (9), and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (10) were also isolated. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. The structure of 3 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Antimicrobial activity of compounds (1-10) was also evaluated against a panel of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and two strains of fungi.

A novel extracellular diterpenoid with antibacterial activity from the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune

A novel extracellular metabolite with an unprecedented diterpenoid skeleton, 8-[(5-carboxy-2-hydroxy)benzyl]-2-hydroxy-1,1,4a,7, 8-pentamethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,6,7,8,8a,9,10,10a-dodecahydrophenanthrene , has been isolated from the culture medium of the terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc commune Vaucher (EAWAG 122b) by means of bioguided isolation. The molecule was designated as noscomin. The structure was determined by spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR and mass spectrometry. Noscomin exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli.

Acylated flavonol glycosides from leaves of Stenochlaena palustris

From the leaves of Stenochlaena palustris five new O-acylated flavonol glycosides, stenopalustrosides A-E (1-5), have been isolated along with five known compounds, kaempferol 3-O-(3' '-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-(6' '-O-E-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-(3' ',6' '-di-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-(3' '-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), kaempferol 3-O-(6' '-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (9); and kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10). The structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR. Compounds 1-4 showed significant antibacterial activities against Gram-positive strains. The structural difference between the isolated antibacterial and nonantibacterial compounds is discussed.

Medicinal plants in Mexico: healers' consensus and cultural importance

Medicinal plants are an important element of indigenous medical systems in Mexico. These resources are usually regarded as part of a culture's traditional knowledge. This study examines the use of medicinal plants in four indigenous groups of Mexican Indians, Maya, Nahua, Zapotec and - for comparative purposes - Mixe. With the first three the methodology was similar, making a direct comparison of the results possible. In these studies, the relative importance of a medicinal plant within a culture is documented using a quantitative method. For the analysis the uses were grouped into 9-10 categories of indigenous uses. This report compares these data and uses the concept of informant consensus originally developed by Trotter and Logan for analysis. This indicates how homogenous the ethnobotanical information is. Generally the factor is high for gastrointestinal illnesses and for culture bound syndromes. While the species used by the 3 indigenous groups vary, the data indicate that there exist well-defined criteria specific for each culture which lead to the selection of a plant as a medicine. A large number of species are used for gastrointestinal illnesses by two or more of the indigenous groups. At least in this case, the multiple transfer of species and their uses within Mexico seems to be an important reason for the widespread use of a species. Medicinal plants in other categories (e.g. skin diseases) are usually known only in one culture and seem to be part of its traditional knowledge.

Medical ethnobotany of the Zapotecs of the Isthmus-Sierra (Oaxaca, Mexico): documentation and assessment of indigenous uses

The Zapotec inhabitants of the Sierra de Oaxaca foothills (Mexico) live in an area of great botanic diversity. In daily subsistence and in response to illness, plants play a major role. An inventory of the Zapotec medicinal ethnobotany was carried out during 17 months of fieldwork. A total of 3611 individual responses concerning medicinal and non-medicinal uses for 445 different species of plants were documented. For the subsequent semi-quantitative analysis of data, the uses were grouped into ten categories and the responses for each species were summed up in each of these ten groups to yield rank-ordered lists. For the high rank-ordered and, hence, culturally important species, an assessment of the therapeutic potential was conducted using ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological data in the literature. Studies confirming the attributed properties or a scientific explanation of therapeutic use, as well as toxicological data, are still lacking for many of these species. The quantitative approach described will be the basis for future studies on the pharmacology and phytochemistry of Zapotec medicinal species. Finally, these data should also serve as a basis for biodiversity conservation and community development.

Gibbilimbols A-D, cytotoxic and antibacterial alkenylphenols from Piper gibbilimbum

Fractionation of the petroleum ether extract from the leaves of Piper gibbilimbum collected in Papua New Guinea afforded four new alkenylphenols, gibbilimbols A-D (1-4). The structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Gibbilimbols A-D were found to be toxic to brine shrimp with an LC50 of approximately 5 microg/mL. Gibbilimbols A-D were further found to be cytotoxic toward KB nasopharyngal carcinoma cells (ED50 7.8-2.1 microg/mL). All isolates also showed antibacterial activity toward Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus.

Triterpene saponins from Scabiosa rotata

Four new allose-containing triterpenoid saponosides, scabriosides A, B, C and D were isolated from the roots of Scabiosa rotata. Their structures were established as 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-28-O-[beta-D-allopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-pomolic acid, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-allopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-pomolic acid, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-allopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-pomolic acid, and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-allopyranosyl(1-->6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-pomolic acid, respectively, by the help of spectral evidence (IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR, FAB-MS).

Phytochemical and biological investigation of Begonia heracleifolia

From the rhizomes of Begonia heracleifolia six known cucurbitacins ( 1- 6) were isolated. Based on spectral data (1D and 2D (1)H-, (13)C-NMR, ESI- and CI-MS) the structures were established as cucurbitacin B ( 1), cucurbitacin D ( 2), 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D ( 3), 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin F ( 4), 2- O-beta-glucopyranosyl-cucurbitacin B ( 5), and 2- O-beta-glucopyranosyl-cucurbitacin D ( 6). Four of them ( 3- 6) were so far not reported as constituents of Begonia spp. Varyingly strong antiproliferative activity towards tumor and immune cells was observed for three compounds ( 1 - 3), due to different structural features.

Dammarane Triterpenes from the Leaves of Securinega melanthesoides

Two new dammarane triterpenoids, trans-securinegin [(20S)-24-methylidenedammarane-3alpha-yl(2E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenate (1)] and cis-securinegin [(20S)-24-methylidenedammarane-3alpha-yl(2Z)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenate (2)], were isolated from the leaves of Securinega melanthesoides, along with the known compound bergenin. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, mainly 2D NMR techniques.

Cycloartane triterpene glycosides from the roots of Astragalus melanophrurius

From the roots of Astragalus melanophrurius eight known saponins (1-8) were isolated. Based on spectral data (IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and FABMS), the structures were established as astrasieversianins II (1) and X (4), astragalosides I (2), II (3), IV (5) and VI (7), and cyclocanthosides E (6) and G (8). The isolates were evaluated in a broad range of bioassay systems and found to be inactive. Modest antibacterial activity was observed, however, as was immunomodulatory activity, as indicated by stimulation of isolated human lymphocytes.

Triterpene saponins from Cyclamen coum var. coum

From the tubers of Cyclamen coum (Primulaceae) three new saponins, cyclaminorin (1), cyclacoumin (3) and mirabilin lactone (4) were isolated together with a known saponin, deglucocyclamin (2). The structures of the new compounds were established as 13 beta,28-epoxy-3 beta-(([beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) oxy) 16 alpha-hydroxy-olean-30-al (1), 13 beta,28-epoxy-3 beta-((([beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy)-16 alpha,23-dihydroxy-olean-30-al (3) and 16 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-((([beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1-->6)]-beta D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4))- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)-oxy) olean-12-eno-30,28-lactone (4). Structure elucidattions were accomplished using both spectral (NMR, MS, IR) and chemical methods.

Triterpene saponins from Cyclamen mirabile and their biological activities

Six saponins, cyclaminorin (1), deglucocyclamin (2), cyclacoumin (3), cyclamin (4), isocyclamin (5), and mirabilin (6) were isolated from the tubers of Cyclamen mirabile. Compound 6 is a new natural compound, and its structure was established as 3-[O-beta-[[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- [beta-D-glycopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-[be ta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-3 beta,16 alpha,28-trihydroxyolean-12-en-30-oic acid (6). The structure elucidation of this compound was accomplished using both spectral and chemical methods. Antimicrobial and uterocontractile activities of the saponins were also investigated.

Leonticins D-H, five triterpene saponins from Leontice kiangnanensis

Five new triterpene saponins, leonticins D-H, were isolated from the tubers of Leontice kiangnanensis. Based on a combination of chemical degradation and spectroscopic analysis (negative ion FAB mass spectrometry and 2D NMR experiments), their structures were characterized as 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-caulophyllogenin 28 -O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6-beta-D- glucopyranoside, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl -(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alph a-L -arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- (1-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-echinocystic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.

Leonticins A-C, three octasaccharide saponins from Leontice kiangnanensis

Three octasaccharide saponins, leonticins A, B, and C (1-3), were isolated from the tubers of Leontice kiangnanensis. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of chemical degradation and spectral methods including negative FABMS and NMR measurements as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl (1-->3)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyloleanoli c acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosylechinocystic++ + acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), respectively. The complete assignments of the proton and carbon resonances for 1-3 were achieved based on extensive 2D NMR analysis (DQF-COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC).

Antibacterial hydroperoxysterols from Xanthosoma robustum

Three new hydroperoxysterols, 24-hydroperoxy-4 alpha, 14 alpha- dimethylcholesta-8,25-dien-3 beta-ol, 25-hydroperoxy-4 alpha, 14 alpha-dimethylcholesta-8,23-dien-3 beta-ol and 25-hydroperoxycycloart-23-en- 3 beta-ol, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Xanthosoma robustum, besides 24-hydroperoxycycloart-25-en-3 beta-ol, 4 alpha, 14 alpha-dimethylcholesta-8,24-dien-3 beta-ol and cycloartenol. Additionally, the two new diols, 4 alpha, 14 alpha-dimethylcholesta-8,25-dien-3 beta, 24-diol and 4 alpha, 14 alpha-dimethylcholesta-8,23-dien-3 beta, 25-diol were obtained from the first two hydroperoxysterols, respectively, by reduction with triphenylphosphine. The structures have been defined by chemical and spectroscopic studies. The four hydroperoxysterols exhibited antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus.

Biological screening of traditional medicinal plants from Papua New Guinea

Based on ethnopharmacological literature, 17 species of medicinal plants used in the traditional medicine in Papua New Guinea were collected. Extracts of different polarities were tested in a preliminary biological screening for their antimicrobial (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus and Penicillium oxalicum) and molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata as well as for their toxicity to brine shrimp. The pretreated plant extracts were also investigated for their ability to inhibit protein kinase C and tyrosine-specific protein kinase of epidermal growth factor receptor. Furthermore, all plants were screened for the presence of alkaloids.