Genus Castanopsis: A review on phytochemistry and biological activities.

Genus Castanopsis are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, comprising about 120 species. Some species from Castanopsis have been used as folk medicines in Asia. Phytochemistry investigations of the different plant parts of Genus Castanopsis have disclosed the presences of natural products including phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, and essential oils. Phenolics exist in Castanopsis species widely, particularly, triterpene ellagitannins were found to be potential chemotaxonomic marks of this geuns. The crude extracts and chemical constituents from Castanopsis have extensive biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, etc. In conclusion, the phytochemistry and biological activities of genus Castanopsis make it a promising source of natural products for drug discovery and development. This review collected the literatures published prior to 2023 on the traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivties of the genus Castanopsis by searching from several scientific databases, such as Elsevier, Sci-finder, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Baidu Scholar. The main purpose of this systematic review is to provide the available information for relevant scholars to understand the progress in phytochemistry and biological activies of the genus Castanopsis and help the further development of this genus.

Isolation of Two New Phenolic Glycosides from Castanopsis chinensis Hance by Combined Multistep CC and HSCCC Separation and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity.

The characteristics of high polarity and susceptibility to oxidation in phenolic glycosides increase the difficulty of their separation from natural products. In the present study, two new phenolic glycosides with similar structures were isolated from Castanopsis chinensis Hance using a combination of multistep CC and high-speed countercurrent chromatography. Preliminary separation of the target fractions was carried out by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography (100-0% EtOH in H2O). High-speed countercurrent chromatography with an optimized solvent system of N-Hexane/Ethyl acetate/Methanol/Water (1:6:3:4, v/v/v/v) with a satisfactory stationary phase retention and separation factor was used for further separation and purification of the phenolic glycosides. Consequently, two new phenolic glycoside compounds were obtained with purities of 93.0% and 95.7%. 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and optical rotation were employed to identify their structures, which were assigned as chinensin D and chinensin E. The antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of these two compounds were evaluated using a DPPH antioxidant assay and a α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. Both compounds showed good antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 54.5 ± 0.82 µg/mL and 52.5 ± 0.47 µg/mL. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the compounds was poor. The successful isolation and structure identification of the two new compounds provides materials not only for a systematic isolation method of phenolic glycosides with similar structures, but also for the screening of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Castanopsis fordii Hance (Fagaceae).

Castanopsis fordii Hance 1884 is a typical evergreen broad-leaved forest plant in the south subtropical and middle subtropical regions of China. It has high utilization value in wood production and soil erosion protection. Here, we first reported and characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of C. fordii based on Illumina paired-end sequencing data. The complete cp genome sequence of C. fordii was 160,853 base pairs (bp) in length which contained two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,699 bp separated by a large single-copy (LSC) and a small single copy (SSC) of 90,474 bp and 18,981 bp, respectively. The cpDNA contained 129 genes, comprising 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the plastome was 36.8%. Phylogenetic analysis base on 14 chloroplast genomes indicated that C. fordii was closely related to the species C. tibetana and C. concinna in Fagaceae.

Two truxinate derivatives and a phenyldilactone from the leaves of Castanopsis eyrei.

Phytochemical investigation of the Leaves of Castanopsis eyrei led to the isolation of two new natural truxinate derivatives and a new phenyldilactone. The structures of the new natural compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence as 3,3',4,4'-tetrahydroxy-ß-truxillic acid (1), 3,3',4,4'-tetrahydroxy-δ-truxillic acid (2), 3'-hydroxymaysedilactone A (3). Establishment of a Caenorhabditis elegans lipid metabolism model using GFP and mCherry fluorescently labeled lipid droplets to screen compound 3 for its activity in reducing lipid accumulation.

Two new isoflavones from the barks of Dalbergia hancei Benth.

Two new isoflavone compounds, Dalhancei A (1) and Dalhancei B (2), along with a known compound epicatechin (3) were isolated from 80% methanol extract of the barks of Dalbergia hancei Benth. The structures of compounds 1-3 were elucidated by comparison with the literature and physical data analysis, including optical rotation, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weak inhibitory activity against tyrosinase at 16.22 mmol/L, with inhibition rates of 42.23 ± 0.18% and 45.68 ± 0.17%, respectively; compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with the inhibition rate of 43.72 ± 0.22% at 5.41 mmol/L, compounds 2 and 3 had better α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than compound 1 with IC50 values of 0.90 ± 0.18 and 0.41 ± 0.17 mmol/L, respectively.

Triterpene hexahydroxydiphenoyl ester and phenol glucosides from the leaves of Castanopsis eyrie (Champ. ex Benth.) Hutch.

As a part of our systematic study on Castanopsis genus (Fagaceae), one new triterpene hydrolysable tannin (1) and two new phenol glucosides (2 and 3) were isolated from the leaves of Castanopsis eyrei (Champ. ex Benth.) Hutch. Compound 1 was identified as a triterpene hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) ester. This type of compounds has only been isolated from Castanopsis genus. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by the combination of spectroscopic analysis (MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR) and chemical evidence.

Ursolic acid-piperazine-dithiocarbamate ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes induced necroptosis in MGC-803 cells.

Three ursolic acid-piperazine-dithiocarbamate ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes Ru1-Ru3 were designed and synthesized for evaluating antitumor activity. All the complexes exhibited high in vitro cytotoxicity against MGC-803, T24, HepG2, CNE2, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, A549, and A549/DDP cell lines. Ru1, Ru2, and Ru3 were 11, 8 and 10 times, respectively, more active than cisplatin against A549/DDP. An in vivo study on MGC-803 xenograft mouse models demonstrated that representative Ru2 exhibited an effective inhibitory effect on tumor growth, showing stronger antitumor activity than cisplatin. Biological investigations suggested that Ru2 entered MGC-803 cells by a clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway, initially localizing in the lysosomes and subsequently escaping and localizing in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial swelling resulted in vacuolization, which induced vacuolation-associated cell death and necroptosis with the formation of necrosomes (RIP1-RIP3) and the uptake of propidium iodide. These results demonstrate that the potential of Ru2 as a chemotherapeutic agent to kill cancer cells via a dual mechanism represents an alternative way to eradicate apoptosis-resistant forms of cancer.

Structural Characterization and Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Polyphenols and Depsidone Derivatives from Melastoma malabathricum subsp. normale.

The roots of Melastoma malabathricum subsp. normale (D. Don) Karst. Mey have been used in traditional ethnic medicine systems in China to treat inflammation-triggered ailments, such as trauma, toothache, and fever. Therefore, the aim of this study is to screen for compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in the title plant. The extract of M. malabathricum subsp. normale roots was separated using various chromatographic methods, such as silica gel, ODS C18, MCI gel, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, as well as semi-preparative HPLC. One new complex tannin, named whiskey tannin D (1), and an undescribed tetracyclic depsidone derivative, named guanxidone B (2), along with nine known polyphenols (2-10) and three known depsidone derivatives (12-14) were obtained from this plant. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR and CD experiments in conjunction with HR-ESI-MS data. All these compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Moreover, compounds 1-4, 8, and 10-14 were obtained for the first time from the genus Melastoma, and compounds 1, 2, and 11-14 have not been reported from the family Melastomataceae. This is the first report of complex tannin and depsidone derivatives from M. malabathricum subsp. normale, indicating their chemotaxonomic significance to this plant. Compounds 1-12 were investigated for their anti-inflammatory activities on the production of the nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and compounds 1, 11, and 12 showed anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 6.46 ± 0.23 µM, 8.02 ± 0.35 µM, and 9.82 ± 0.43 µM, respectively. The structure-activity relationship showed that the catechin at glucose C-1 in ellagitannin was the key to its anti-inflammatory activity, while CH3O- at C-16 of aromatic ring A in depsidone derivatives had little effect on its anti-inflammatory activity. The study of structure-activity relationships is helpful to quickly discover new anti-inflammatory drugs. The successful isolation and structure identification of these compounds, especially complex tannin 1, not only provide materials for the screening of anti-inflammatory compounds, but also provide a basis for the study of chemical taxonomy of the genus Melastoma.

Three new compounds from the leaves of Castanopsis tibetana Hance.

Three new compounds (6S,9S)-6'-galloyl-roseoside (1), purpurogallin ethyl carboxylate (2), and tibetana A (3) were isolated from 80% methanol extract of the leaves of Castanopsis tibetana Hance. Their structures were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic methods and chemical data, including optical rotation, UV, MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR spectra. Compounds 1 and 3 were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Structural Characterization and Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities of Polyphenols from Melastoma normale.

Polyphenols, widely distributed in the genus Melastoma plants, possess extensive cellular protective effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-obesity, which makes it a potential anti-inflammatory drug or enzyme inhibitor. Therefore, the aim of this study is to screen for the anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities of compounds from title plant. Using silica gel, MCI, ODS C18, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, as well as semipreparative HPLC, the extract of Melastoma normale roots was separated. Four new ellagitannins, Whiskey tannin C (1), 1-O-(4-methoxygalloyl)-6-O-galloyl-2,3-O-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-ß-d-glucose (2), 1-O-galloyl-6-O-(3-methoxygalloyl)-2,3-O-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-ß-d-glucose (3), and 1-O-galloyl-6-O-vanilloyl-2,3-O-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-ß-d-glucose (4), along with eight known polyphenols were firstly obtained from this plant. The structures of all isolates were elucidated by HRMS, NMR, and CD analyses. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW2 64.7 cells, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-4, unfortunately, none of them exhibit inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production, their IC50 values are all > 50 µM. Anti-tyrosinase activity assays was done by tyrosinase inhibition activity screening model. Compound 1 showed weak tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 426.02 ± 11.31 µM. Compounds 2-4 displayed moderate tyrosinase inhibitory activities with IC50 values in the range of 124.74 ± 3.12-241.41 ± 6.23 µM. The structure-activity relationships indicate that hydroxylation at C-3', C-4', and C-3 in the flavones were key to their anti-tyrosinase activities. The successful isolation and structure identification of ellagitannin provide materials for the screening of anti-inflammatory drugs and enzyme inhibitors, and also contribute to the development and utilization of M. normale.

A new flavane acid from the fruits of Illicium verum.

A new compound, illiciumflavane acid (1), along with 13 known compounds (2-14), were isolated from the fruits of Illicium verum Hook. F. Their structures were elucidated through various spectroscopic methods, including 1D NMR ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR), 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) and HRMS. The stereochemistry at the chiral centres was determined using CD spectrum as well as analyses of coupling constants and optical rotation data. Cytotoxicity evaluation of four compounds showed that illiciumflavane acid and (E)-1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene exhibited potential against A549 activities with IC50 values of 4.63 µM and 9.17 µM, respectively.

[GC-MS analysis of chemical components of volatile oil from Viburnm schensianum leaf and their antibacterial activity].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical constituents of the volatile oil from Viburnm schensianum leaves and investigate their antibacterial activity in vitro. METHODS: The volatile oil from Viburnm schensianum leaves were extracted by steam distillation. The chemical compositions were separated and analyzed by GC-MS. Their relative percentage content were calculated with peak area normalization method. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the volatile oil and Ciprofloxacin to the five kinds of experimental strains. RESULTS: 54 compounds were isolated and 45 compounds were identified. The volatile oil showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 0. 032 mg/mL. CONCLUSION: The main chemical constituents of the volatile oil are n-hexadecanoic acid (29.24%), 4-methy-l--(1-methylethyl)-bicyclo [3.1.0] hex-3-en-2-one (5.71%), 3-methyl-4-isopropylphenol (5.68%)and linolenyl alcohol (4.84%). The volatile oil has strong antibacterial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus.

Effect of Sophora flavescens on non-specific immune response of tilapia (GIFT Oreochromis niloticus) and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae.

The paper describes the effect of a diet supplemented with the Chinese traditional herbal medicine Sophora flavescens on the immunity and disease resistance of an Oreochromis niloticus GIFT strain. Experimental diets containing 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.100%, 0.200%, and 0.400% S. flavescens, as well as a control group without S. flavescens were used. We tested the non-specific humoral immune responses (lysozyme, antiprotease, and complement) and cellular immune responses (reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species production and myeloperoxidase), as well as disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae. S. flavescens supplementation at all dose significantly enhanced serum lysozyme, antiprotease, and natural hemolytic complement activity. Similarly, all S. flavescens doses enhanced cellular myeloperoxidase activity. The increased production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen intermediates by peripheral blood leucocytes was observed in most of the treatment groups throughout the test period. The fish fed 0.100% S. flavescens had a percent mortality of 21.1% and a relative percent survival of 73.3% compared with the group fed the basal diet during the S. agalactiae challenge. The results suggest that S. flavescens can be recommended as a tilapia feed supplement to enhance fish immunity and disease resistance against S. agalactiae.