Two new resin glycosides, muricatins XII and XIII, from the seeds of Ipomoea muricata

Two new resin glycosides, muricatins XII (1) and XIII (2), were isolated from the crude resin glycoside fraction of the seeds of Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. (Convolvulaceae), along with three known ones, muricatins V (3), VI (4), and IX (5). Compounds 1 and 2 contained new glycosidic acids, muricatic acids E (1a) and F (2a), respectively. The structures of these compounds were determined using data obtained from spectroscopy measurements and chemical evidence. The results suggested that 1 and 2 have macrolactone structures (jalapins). Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the crude resin glycoside fraction and 3-5 against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukaemia cells was evaluated. All tested samples demonstrated cytotoxic activities.

Screening of promising chemotherapeutic candidates from plants against human adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (VIII): six new withanolides from Physalis philadelphica

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of mature peripheral T-lymphocytes caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). There are an estimated 5-20 million HTLV-1-infected individuals worldwide. Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens used against other malignant lymphomas have been administered to patients with ATL, but the therapeutic outcomes of acute and lymphoma-type ATL remain extremely poor. In the course of our screening program for novel chemotherapeutic candidate compounds from plants against two human T-cell leukemia virus I-infected T-cell lines (MT-1 and MT-2), we screened 16 extracts obtained from different parts of 7 Solanaceae plants. We identified that the extracts of Physalis pruinosa and P. philadelphica showed potent anti-proliferative activity in MT-1 and MT-2 cells. In our previous study, we have isolated withanolides from extract of aerial parts of P. pruinosa and examined their structure-activity relationships. In addition, we are also investigating further structure-activity relationships about other withanolides from Solanaceae plants (Withania somnifera, Withania coagulans, Physalis angulate, Nicandra physalodes, Petunia hybrida, and Solanum cilistum). In this study, we attempted to isolate their active compounds against MT-1 and MT-2 from extracts of P. philadelphica. We identified 13 withanolides, including six newly isolated compounds [24R, 25S-4β, 16β, 20R-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2-en-5β, 6 β -epoxy-22,26-olide (1), 4β, 7β,20R-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2-en-5β, 6β -epoxy-22,26-olide (2), 17β,20 S-dihydroxywithanone (3), 2,3-dihydro-3β-methoxy-23β-hydroxywithaphysacarpin (4), 3-O-(4-rhamnosyl)glucosyl-physalolactone B (5), and 17R, 20R, 22S, 23S, 24R, 25R-4β, 5α, 6β, 20β, 22α -tetrahydroxy-16β, 23-diepoxy-1-oxowitha-2-en-26, 23-olide (6)], from the extract and examined the structure-activity relationships. The 50% effective concentration of withaphysacarpin (compound 7) [MT-1: 0.10 µM and MT-2: 0.04 µM] was comparable to that of etoposide [MT-1: 0.08 µM and MT-2: 0.07 µM]. Therefore, withanolides might be promising candidates for the treatment of ATL.

Garlicnin B1, an Active Cyclic Sulfide from Garlic, Exhibits Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Activities

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological activities of garlicnin B1, a cyclic sulfide compound found abundantly in garlic and structurally similar to onionin A1, which has been shown to possess strong anti-tumor effects. In vitro studies demonstrated that garlicnin B1 significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species triggered by hydrogen peroxide in colon cancer cells. In a mouse colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium, garlicnin B1 at a low dose (5 mg/kg) remarkably ameliorated the symptoms and pathological progression. Additionally, garlicnin B1 exhibited considerable tumoricidal activity with an IC50 value of ~20 μM, as observed in cytotoxicity assays. In vivo experiments using the mouse sarcoma S180 transplanted model and the azoxymethane (AOM) or DSS-induced colon cancer model showed that garlicnin B1 effectively suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, with marked inhibition at 80 mg/kg. These results suggest that garlicnin B1 has diverse functions that could be achieved by carefully manipulating the dosing regimen. We anticipate that garlicnin B1 has the potential to be used beneficially in the future for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, although further studies are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Four new resin glycosides, calyhedins VII-X, from the rhizomes of Calystegia hederacea

Four new resin glycosides with macrolactone structures (jalapins), namely, calyhedins VII (1)-X (4), were isolated from the rhizomes of Calystegia hederacea Wall. (Convolvulaceae). The structures of 1-4 were determined based on spectroscopic data. They were classified into three ring types: a 27-membered ring (1), a 22-membered ring (2, 3), and a 23-membered ring (4). Their sugar moieties were partially acylated using five organic acids, including (E)-2-methylbut-2-enoic acid, 2S-methylbutyric acid, and 2 R-methyl-3R-hydroxybutyric acid. Compound 4 was the first genuine resin glycoside with calyhedic acid F as the glycosidic acid component. Additionally, the cytotoxic activities of 1, 2, and 4 towards HL-60 human promyelocytic leukaemia cells were evaluated. All compounds demonstrated almost the same activity as the positive control, cisplatin.

Onionin A inhibits small-cell lung cancer proliferation through suppressing STAT3 activation induced by macrophages-derived IL-6 and cell-cell interaction with tumor-associated macrophage

Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-derived IL-6 is involved in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) progression and chemoresistance via the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to identify natural compounds that suppress cell-cell interactions between TAMs and SCLC cells by inhibiting STAT3 activation. We used a library of natural compounds to identify candidate agents possessing anti-SCLC effects by inhibiting macrophage-induced tumor proliferation. SBC-3 and SBC-5, human SCLC cell lines, were used for in vitro experiments. Furthermore, we assessed the efficacy of these candidate agents in a murine xenograft model of human SCLC. Among the natural compounds examined, onionin A (ONA) inhibited IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and SCLC cell proliferation. ONA also reduced the secretion of IL-6 from macrophages and interfered with the direct effect of cell-cell interactions between macrophages and SCLC cells. Furthermore, ONA administration suppressed tumor progression in a tumor-bearing mouse model. ONA was identified as the most useful candidate for targeting cell-cell interactions between cancer cells and TAMs for anti-SCLC therapy.

LC-MS/MS metabolomics profiling of Glechoma hederacea L. methanolic extract; in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo with in silico wound healing studies on Staphylococcus aureus infected rat skin wound

LC-MS/MS analysis of Glechoma hederacea L. methanolic extract (GHME), revealed the identification of 25 metabolites. Ursolic acid (1), 2α-hydroxyursolic acid or corosolic acid (2), 2β-hydroxyursolic acid or epi-corosolic (3), luteolin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) and rosmarinic acid (5) were isolated and identified using spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of GHME against multi drug resistance Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates was measured. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/ml. In vivo wound healing potential of 2%, and 5% GHME prepared hydrogels were criticized on Staphylococcus aureus infected wound rat model. 5% GHME prepared hydrogel treated group showed significant (p < 0.05) shrinkage of their colony forming unit/ml (CFU/ml) values in comparison with standard Fucidin. Meanwhile, wound closure associated with full re-epithelization and hair follicles proliferation was noticed after ten days of treatment. Finally, among the GHME isolated compounds, luteolin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) exhibited the highest molecular docking score (-9.6 kcal/mol) against matrix metalloproteinase-8 target (MMP-8).

Different effects on the tonus of colon and ileum isolated from mouse by resin glycoside (pharbitin) of Pharbitidis Semen

Background

Pharbitidis Semen (the seeds of Pharbitis nil), traditionally used as a purgative in Japan, China and Korea, contains a resin glycoside fraction named pharbitin, which is known as a purgative ingredient. Due to the complex nature of pharbitin, little is known about either the action on intestinal tension caused by resin glycoside itself or by its components.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the effects of pharbitin, the glycosidic acid fraction (pharbitic acid) and the aglycone fraction (phar-genin) generated from pharbitin on peristalsis of colon and ileum isolated from mice with the Magnus method.

Results

We demonstrated that pharbitin (3–30 μg/mL) concentration-dependently increased tonus of mice colon via acetylcholine receptors, its components phar-genin (1.27–12.7 μg/mL) and pharbitic acid (10–1000 μg/mL) also had the increment on colon tonus. On the other hand, ileum tension decreased in the presence of pharbitin.

Conclusions

The effects of resin glycoside of Pharbitidis Semen on colon tonus are different with those on ileum tonus isolated from mice. In the next step it is necessary to investigate details of its pharmacological mechanism.

Calyhedins I-VI: Resin glycosides from the rhizomes of Calystegia hederacea

Six previously undescribed resin glycosides, calyhedins I-VI, were isolated from the rhizomes of Calystegia hederacea Wall., which are the first genuine resin glycosides isolated from C. hederacea. The structures of calyhedins I-VI were determined based on spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. All the compounds have macrolactone structures (jalapins), and their sugar moieties were partially acylated by five organic acids. Calyhedins I, II-V, and VI have 27-, 28-, and 23-membered rings, respectively, and calyhedins IV-VI are the first jalapins with a sugar chain consisting of seven monosaccharides. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity of calyhedins II and III toward HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells was evaluated. Both compounds demonstrated almost the same activity as the positive control, cisplatin.

Thiolane-type sulfides from garlic, onion, and Welsh onion

In this paper, we review our work in the last 10 years wherein we examined the sulfides in the acetone extracts of garlic (Allium sativum), onion (A. cepa), and Welsh onion (A. fistulosum), obtained and characterized the structures of new sulfides, three 3,4-dimethylthiolane-type sulfides from onion and Welsh onion, respectively, and four acyclic-type, nine 3,4-dimethyl- thiolane-type, four 2-methylthiolane (and thiane)-type, two 1,2-dithiolane-type, and two 2-oxothiolane-type sulfides, together with (E)-ajoene and one kujounin-type sulfide from garlic. During this process, structural corrections were made in onionin A group, garlicnin A, and garlicnin B group in some 3,4-dimethylthiolane-type sulfides. Next, hypothetical pathways for the production of the aforementioned sulfides were proposed. Furthermore, it was revealed that a typical 3,4-dimethylthiolane-type sulfide, onionin A1 obtained from onion, having the isomeric structure of garlicnin B1 obtained from garlic, decreased tumor proliferation and controlled tumor metastasis. These results showed that onionin A1 is an effective agent for controlling tumors, and that the antitumor effects observed in vivo are likely caused by reversing the antitumor immune system. Activation of the antitumor immune system by onionin A1 might be an effective adjuvant therapy for patients with osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer and other malignant tumors.

A New Glycosidic Acid, Muricatic Acid D, and Resin Glycosides, Muricatins X and XI, from the Crude Resin Glycoside Fraction of the Seeds of Ipomoea muricata

Alkaline hydrolysis of crude resin glycoside fraction of the seeds of Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. (Convolvulaceae) yielded a new glycosidic acid, muricatic acid D; three known glycosidic acids, namely, muricatic acids A, B, and C; and three known organic acids, namely, isobutyric, 2S-methylbutyric, and 2S-methyl-3S-hydroxybutyric acid. Two new genuine resin glycosides with macrolactone structures (jalapins), muricatins X and XI, were also isolated from the fraction. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic data and chemical evidence.

Utility of transcranial color flow imaging for detecting high risk morphology of patent foramen ovale in patients with cerebral infarction

Background

Micro-bubble test by using transcranial color flow imaging (TCCFI) is important as a screening evaluation for diagnosis of paradoxical cerebral embolism which requires the proof of right to left shunt at atrial septum. In addition, high risk features of patent foramen ovale (PFO) that may allow thrombus to easily pass through the PFO itself were previously reported. However, little is known about the association between the degrees on micro-bubble test by TCCFI and the features of high risk PFO.

Purpose

Our aim is to clarify the relationship between the degree of micro-bubble test in TCCFI and the morphology of PFO from transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods

Seventy-seven patients in whom cardiogenic embolism was strongly suspected by neurologists in Showa University from April to December in 2019 were retrospectively studied. 55 patients underwent both TCCFI and TEE with sufficient Valsalva stress. TCCFI grade of micro-bubble test was classified into 3 groups (A: none, B: small, and C: massive), in which signified “none” is no sign of micro-embolic signals (MES) within 30 seconds, “small” is 1 or more MES, and “massive” is so much MES look like a curtain (Figure). Evaluated high risk characteristics of PFO for cerebral embolism as previously reported were as follows; (1) tunnel height, (2) tunnel length, (3) total excursion distance into right and left atrium, (4) existence of Eustachian valve or Chiari network, (6) angle of PFO from inferior vena cava (7) large shunt (20 or more micro-bubbles).

Results

Of all TCCFI-positive patients (n=32; Group B=19, Group C=13) with cerebral embolism, PFOs were detected in 23 patients in TEE. Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity of TCCFI to PFO were 87% and 63% (AUC=0.75, p&lt;0.001, respectively). Interestingly, all 13 patients (Group C) had manifest PFOs. Moreover, group C include 2 patients with platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome in which hypoxia in the sitting position becomes apparent. Among PFO-positive patients, tunnel height, length, total excursion distance into right and left atrium, and large shunt in TEE were significantly larger in Group C than Group B (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions

Micro-bubble test by using TCCFI may have screening advantages in predicting paradoxical cerebral embolism, high-risk morphology of PFO, and platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

A new steroidal glycoside from the fruits of Solanum myriacanthum

A new cholestane-type steroidal glycoside, solamyriaside A (1), was isolated from the fruits of Solanum myriacanthum Dunal (Solanaceae), along with two known steroidal glycosides, namely, solaviaside A (2) and aculeatiside A (3), and three known steroidal alkaloid glycosides, namely, solamargine (4), khasianine (5) and solasonine (6), which were isolated for the first time from this plant. Based on spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence, 1 was determined to be 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-22R,25R-cholest-5-ene-3β,16α,22,26-tetraol 26-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. The cytotoxic activity of 1-6 against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukaemia cells was examined. Compounds 4-6 showed cytotoxic activity. Among them, 4 exhibited the strongest activity with an IC₅₀ value of 4.64 ± 0.17 μM, similar to the activity of cisplatin, a positive control.

Two new triterpenoids from the leaves and stems of Lantana camara

Two new oleanane-type triterpenoids with an epoxy bridge between C-3 and C-25, named lantacamaric acids A and B, were isolated from the leaves and stems of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae). In addition, seven known triterpenoids, two known iridoid glycosides, four known phenylethanoid glycosides, one known flavonoid glycoside, and one known cyanogenic glycoside were isolated. Their structures were determined based on the spectroscopic data. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activities of the isolated triterpenoids toward HL-60 cells were examined. The IC₅₀ values of all compounds were obtained and ranged from 1.16 to 68.4 μM, with three compounds exhibiting stronger activities than the positive control, cisplatin. In addition, the structure-activity relationship was investigated.

Two New Triterpene Glycosides in the Roots of Uraria crinita

Two new triterpene glycosides, 24-deoxyoxytrogenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)[β-D-glucopyranosyl]-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside and sophoradiol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside with four known glycosides were isolated from a Chinese natural medicine, the roots of Uraria crinita (L.) DESV. Their structures were determined by chemical and spectral methods.

Competitive Inhibition of Mammalian Hyaluronidase by Tomato Saponin, Esculeoside A

Esculeoside A, a glycoside of spirosolane-type, is identified as a major component in ripe tomato fruits. Our previous study showed that esculeoside A inhibited hyaluronidase activity in vitro and ameliorated experimental dermatitis in vivo. The aim of this present study is to investigate the inhibition mode on mammalian hyaluronidase by esculeoside A. Measured by a modified Morgan-Elson method, the present kinetic analysis of the hydrolysis reaction using hyaluronic acid revealed that no significant difference was observed in velocity maximum Vmax, and Michaelis-Menten constant Km was shown as 0.74 mM in the absence of esculeoside A, was increased as 1.32 and 1.98 mM with 3 and 30 μM of esculeoside A, respectively. Thus suggested that the inhibition mode on hyaluronidase by esculeoside A was competitive. This competitive inhibition on hyaluronidase activity may become valuable in the amelioration of mice experimental dermatitis by esculeoside A.

Changes in penile length after radical prostatectomy: effect of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy

Although reports have shown evidence for penile length (PL) shortening after radical prostatectomy (RP), the association between neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (NADT) and PL after RP has yet to be determined. This study evaluates chronological changes in PL after NADT and RP. Stretched PLs (SPLs) of 143 patients, 41 of whom had undergone NADT, were measured before, 10 days after, and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after RP. Chronological erectile function and testosterone levels were then evaluated. SPL was shortest 10 days after RP in both the NADT (-) and NADT (+) groups and gradually recovered in length thereafter. SPL in the NADT (-) group was significantly longer than that in the NADT (+) group before RP. However, no significant differences in SPLs were found between both groups 6 months after RP. Although all subjects in the NADT (+) group had testosterone levels of <50 ng/dL before RP, such levels increased after RP. Before RP, the NADT (-) group was found to have significantly better erectile function than the NADT (+) group. However, differences in erectile function between the NADT (-) and NADT (+) groups after RP were not significant. This report is the first to show that among patients with prostate cancer, those who underwent NADT had greater PL recovery after RP than those who did not. Data regarding PL recovery after NADT and RP obtained in this study could be useful for patients with prostate cancer who plan to undergo such procedures.

Tomato juice saponin, esculeoside B ameliorates mice experimental dermatitis

Background: Allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis have recently increased. A naturally occurring glycoside, Esculeoside B, has been identified as a major component in tomato juice from the can. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effects of esculeoside B on experimental dermatitis mice.Results: Oral treatment with 10 mg/kg of esculeoside B on the experimental dermatitis mice for 4 weeks significantly decreased the skin clinical score of 2.0 compared to the control score of 5.0. Furthermore, the scratch frequency of mice treated with esculeoside B was lower compared to the control group. Overall, the administration of esculeoside B significantly inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation and demonstrated a tendency to decrease in IL-4 production. For example, the 121.2 pg/ml in the control group decreased to 96.1 pg/ml. There was also a decrease in serum IgE levels from 928.0 ng/ml in the control group to 687.8 ng/ml.Conclusion: Our study is the first to demonstrate how tomato juice saponin or esculeoside B may ameliorate mice experimental dermatitis by the inhibition of T cell proliferation.Keywords: tomato juice; experimental atopic dermatitis; IgE; cytokine; tomato saponin; esculeoside B

Antitumor Sulfur Compounds from Allium Species (Onion, Welsh Onion, and Garlic)

Sulfur compounds obtained from onion, Welsh onion, and garlic are reviewed. A major component (onionin A1) depressed tumor progression and metastasis in both osteosarcoma and ovarian cancer-bearing mouse models.

Effects of testosterone replacement therapy on metabolic syndrome among Japanese hypogonadal men: A subanalysis of a prospective randomised controlled trial (EARTH study)

We investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on metabolic factors among hypogonadal men with a metabolic syndrome. From the study population of the EARTH study, which was a randomised controlled study in Japan, 65 hypogonadal patients with a metabolic syndrome, comprising the TRT group (n = 32) and controls (n = 33), were included in this study analysis. The TRT group was administered 250 mg of testosterone enanthate as an intramuscular injection every 4 weeks for 12 months. Waist circumference, body mass index, body fat volume and blood pressure were measured in all patients at baseline and at 12 months. In addition, blood biochemical data, including total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), HDL cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, were also evaluated. Changes in these categories from baseline to 12 months were compared between the TRT and control groups, with significant differences observed in waist circumference, body fat percentage, FPG, TG and HbA1c levels. No significant differences were observed in other parameters. TRT for 1 year was associated with improvements in some metabolic factors among Japanese men with hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome.

Acylated Glycosidic Acid Methyl Esters Generated from the Convolvulin Fraction of Rhizoma Jalapae Braziliensis by Treatment with Indium(III) Chloride in Methanol

Four hexaglycosides of methyl 3S,12S-dihydroxyhexadecanoate (1-4) were provided after treatment of the crude convolvulin fraction from Rhizoma Jalapae Braziliensis (the root of Ipomoea operculata (GOMES) MART., Convolvulaceae) with indium(III) chloride in methanol. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Their sugar moieties were partially acylated with organic acids including (3S,9R)-3,6:6,9-diepoxydecanoic (exogonic) acid, (E)-2-methylbut-2-enoic (tiglic) acid, and isovaleric acid.

A New Resin Glycoside, Muricatin IX, from the Seeds of Ipomoea muricata

A new resin glycoside, named muricatin IX (1), was isolated from the seeds of Ipomoea muricata (L.) JACQ. (Convolvulaceae). The structure of 1 was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence. Compound 1 is the first representative of resin glycosides in which an organic acid connects the sugar moiety and the aglycone moiety to form macrocyclic ester ring.

Anti-hyaluronidase Activity in Vitro and Amelioration of Mouse Experimental Dermatitis by Tomato Saponin, Esculeoside A

The increasing incidence of atopic dermatitis during recent decades has prompted the development of safe and effective agents for prevention of atopic diseases. Esculeoside A, a glycoside of spirosolane type, is identified as a major component in ripe tomato fruits. The present study investigated the effects of esculeoside A and its aglycon esculeogenin A on hyaluronidase activity in vitro and antiallergy in experimental dermatitis mice. Esculeogenin A/esculeoside A (esculeogenin A equivalent) with an IC50 of about 2 μM/9 μM dose-dependently inhibited hyaluronidase activity measured by a modified Morgan-Elson method. Oral treatment with esculeoside A 10 mg/kg of experimental dermatitis mice for 4 weeks significantly decreased the skin clinical score to 2.5 without any detectable side effects compared with 6.75 of the control. The scratching frequency of esculeoside A 100 mg/kg application was decreased significantly as 107.5 times compared with 296.67 times of the control. Thus, the present study showed that esculeoside A/esculeogenin A significantly blocks hyaluronidase activity in vitro and that esculeoside A ameliorates mouse experimental dermatitis.

A new triterpenoid glycoside from the leaves and stems of Duranta repens

A new triterpenoid glycoside (1) was isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves and stems of Duranta repens L. (Verbenaceae) along with 14 known compounds consisting of eight triterpenoids, four iridoids, one phenylethanoid glycoside and one flavonoid. The chemical structure of 1 was determined to be bayogenin 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranoside]-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→5)-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl] ester, based on spectroscopic data. In addition, the inhibitory effects of the isolates on lipoxygenase activity were examined. Among them, acteoside and apigenin resulted in 94 ± 3.6% and 82 ± 4.7% inhibition, respectively, at 0.5 mM.

Four new acylated glycosidic acid methyl esters isolated from the convolvulin fraction of seeds of Quamoclit pennata after treatment with indium(III) chloride in methanol

Four new acylated glycosidic acid methyl esters were isolated after treatment of the crude ether-insoluble resin glycoside (convolvulin) fraction obtained from the seeds of Quamoclit pennata BOJER (Convolvulaceae) with indium(III) chloride in methanol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical conversions.

Calysolins X-XIII, resin glycosides from Calystegia soldanella, and their antiviral activity toward herpes simplex virus

Four new resin glycosides having macrolactone structures (jalapins), named calysolins X (1)-XIII (4), were isolated from the leaves, stems, and roots of Calystegia soldanella ROEM. et SCHULT. (Convolvulaceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence. The sugar moieties of 1-4 were partially acylated by some organic acids, including tiglic acid, 2S-methylbutyric acid, and 2S,3S-nilic acid. Additionally, the antiviral activity of 1-4 toward herpes simplex virus type 1 was evaluated. All the compounds showed antiviral activity.

A new hemiterpene glycoside from the ripe tomatoes

A new hemiterpene glycoside (1) was isolated from ripe tomatoes (the fruit of Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanaceae) along with eight known compounds. The chemical structure of 1 was determined to be 2-methylbutan-1-ol β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside, based on spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence. In addition, the radical-scavenging activities of the isolated compounds on the free radical of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl were examined. Among the tested compounds, tryptophan, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid and dihydro-p-coumaryl alcohol γ-O-β-d-glucopyranoside demonstrated 42.0%, 50.1% and 76.0% scavenging activities, respectively, at a concentration of 0.5 mM.

Five new resin glycoside derivatives isolated from the convolvulin fraction of seeds of Quamoclit pennata after treatment with indium(III) chloride in methanol

Three new acylated methyl glycosides and two new acylated glycosidic acid methyl esters were isolated after treatment of the crude ether-insoluble resin glycoside (convolvulin) fraction from seeds of Quamoclit pennata BOJER (Convolvulaceae) with indium(III) chloride in methanol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical conversions.

Triterpenoids from the fruits and leaves of the blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) and their inhibitory activities on foam cell formation in human monocyte-derived macrophage

From the methanol extract of the fruits of the blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis Port.), four triterpenoids - pomolic acid (1), tormentic acid (2), euscaphic acid (3) and 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid (4) - were isolated, while six triterpenoids - 2, 3, myrianthic acid (5), ziyu glycoside II (6), sericic acid (7) and 19-hydroxy-2,3-secours-12-ene-2,3,28-trioic acid 3-methyl ester (8) - were obtained from the methanol extract of the leaves of this plant. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral data. Compounds 1-8 were examined for their inhibitory activities on foam cell formation in human monocyte-derived macrophages induced by acetylated low-density lipoproteins at a 50 μM concentration. Among the tested compounds, 1 showed the strongest activity, with the inhibitory effect being 90%. The inhibitory activities of 2-8 were evaluated to be 30%, 32%, 33%, 4%, 48%, 4% and 24%, respectively. Further, the structure-activity relationship of these compounds was investigated.

Conversion of tomato saponins to pregnane derivatives

Here reports new conversions methods of tomato saponins, esculeoside A (1) and a mixture of esculeosides B-1 (2) and B-2 (3), (the latter two were obtained from tomato cans) into pregnane derivative (5) by an alkal treatment followed by acid treatment. Compound 1 or a mixture of 2 and 3 were each refluxed with 1 N KOH to afford a characteristic pyridine steroidal glycoside (4), which was then treated with 2 N HCl-MeOH to afford a pregnane derivative, 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregn-16-en-20-one (5). The results of the above two reactions indicated that tomato saponins are chemically closely related to pregnane hormones. We assume that the assimilated tomato saponins via the small intestine are metabolized into pregnane derivatives, demonstrating various bioactivities such as anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, and anti-menopausal disorder activities.

Three acylated glycosidic acid methyl esters and two acylated methyl glycosides generated from the convolvulin fraction of seeds of Quamoclit pennata by treatment with indium(III) chloride in methanol

Treatment of the ether-insoluble resin glycoside (convolvulin) fraction from seeds of Quamoclit pennata (Convolvulaceae) with indium(III) chloride in methanol provided three oligoglycosides of hydroxy fatty acid (glycosidic acid) methyl esters and two methyl glycosides, which were partially acylated by a glycosidic acid, 7S-hydroxydecanoic acid 7-O-β-D-quinovopyranoside (quamoclinic acid B) and/or two organic acids, (E)-2-methylbut-2-enoic (tiglic) acid and/or 3R-hydroxy-2R-methylbutyric (nilic) acid. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical conversions.

Cyclic sulfoxides garlicnins B2, B3, B4, C2, and C3 from Allium sativum

Several novel sulfides, called garlicnins B2 (1), B3 (2), B4 (3), C2 (4), and C3 (5), were isolated from acetone extracts of garlic, Allium sativum L. and characterized. These garlicnins are capable of suppressing M2 macrophage activation and they have a novel skeleton of cyclic sulfoxide. The structures of the former 3 and latter of 2 were deduced to be 2-(sulfenic acid)-5-(allyl)-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrothiophene-S-oxides and 2-(allyldithiine)-5-(propenylsulfoxide)-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrothiophene-S-oxides, respectively. The mechanism of the proposed production of these compounds is discussed. The identification of these novel sulfoxides from garlic accumulates a great deal of new chemistry in the Allium sulfide field, and future pharmacological investigations of these compounds will aid the development of natural, healthy foods and anti-cancer agents that may prevent or combat disease.

Saponins esculeosides B-1 and B-2 in Italian canned tomatoes

Italian canned tomatoes contain the tomato glycosides esculeosides B-1 (1, 0.0052%) and B-2 (2, 0.0068%) without esculeoside A. Herein, the structure of esculeoside B-1 (1) is characterized to be 3-O-β-lycotetraosyl (5S,22R,23S,25S)-22,26-epimino-16β,23-epoxy-3β,23,27-trihydroxycholestane 27-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. We hypothesized that these substances might be derived from esculeoside A when the cans are prepared with treatment in boiling water. To confirm that hypothesis, we refluxed esculeoside A with water for 6.5 h, providing esculeosides B-1 (1) and B-2 (2) in yields of 25.8% and 31.0%, respectively.