Four New Steroidal Saponins from the Roots of Dracaena cambodiana with NO Production Inhibition Activity in LPS Activated RAW 264.7 Cells.

Seven steroidal saponins including three new 16,23-cyclocholestanes (1-3) and one new pregane (4) were isolated from the roots of Dracaena cambodiana Pierre ex Gagnep. Their chemical structures were elucidated to be (23R,25R)-26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-16,23-cyclocholesta-5,17(20)-dien-22-one-3ß,16α,26-triol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), (23R,25R)-26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-16,23-cyclocholesta-5,17,20(22)-trien-3ß,22,26-triol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), (23R,25R)-16,23-cyclocholesta-5,16,20(22)-trien-3ß,22,26-triol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), 3ß-[(O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-gluco-pyranosyl)oxy]-pregna-5,17(20)-diene-16-one-20-carboxylic acid 4''''-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylisopentyl ester (4), cambodianoside A (5), diosbulbiside C (6), and diosbulbiside D (7), by IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 1 and 4-7 inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide activated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 19.03±1.84 to 67.92±3.81 µM, whereas compounds 2 and 3 were inactive with IC50 values over 100 µM.

Phytochemical constituents from Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. and their nitric oxide production inhibitory activities.

A new megastigmane glycoside, (3S,4R,7E)-megastigma-5,7-diene-9-one-3,4-diol 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1) and a new cyanogenic glycosyl derivative, (S)-2-(6'-O-R-rosmarinoyl-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-phenylacetonitrile (2) were isolated from the methanol extract of the Elsholtzia ciliata together with twelve known compounds, 1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene (3), citrusin C (4), 1,2-di-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-4-allylbenzene (5), manglieside B (6), 4-allyl-2-hydroxyphenyl 1-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (7), (-)-isolariciresinol 3α-ß-D-glucopyranoside (8), 7R,8R-threo-4,7,9-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-9'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (9), 7R,8R-threo-4,7,9,9'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-9'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (10), cedrusin-4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (11), icariside E3 (12), everlastoside L (13) and rosmarinic acid (14). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basic of extensive 1D and 2D-NMR experiments, as well as their mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of the compounds 1 and 2 were successfully indicated by both theoretical and calculated CD spectra. Compounds 3-7, 9 and 10 potential inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 6.71, 8.97, 12.38, 14.27, 16.13, 13.54, 16.27 µM, respectively, compared to that of the positive control of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA), IC50 = 32.51 µM.

Iridoid glycosides link with phenylpropanoids from Rehmannia glutinosa.

Two new iridoid glycosides link with phenylpropanoids, rehmanniosides G (1) and H (2) along with 11 known compounds, 6-O-(E)-caffeoylajugol (3), 6-O-(E)-feruloylajugol (4), verbasoside (5), jionoside C (6), acteoside (7), leucosceptoside A (8), brachynoside (9), jionoside B1 (10), jionoside A1 (11), isoacteoside (12) and isomartynoside (13) were isolated from the roots of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectra. Compounds 7 - 11 showed significant inhibitory α-glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 261.4 to 408.7 µM (acarbose, IC50 of 204.2 ± 19.9 µM).[Formula: see text].

Hippotulosas A-D: four new sesterterpenes from marine sponge Hippospongia fistulosa Lendenfeld, 1889.

Four new sesterterpenes, named as hippotulosas A-D (1-4), and a known sesterterpene furospinulosin-1 (5) were isolated from the marine sponge Hippospongia fistulosa by various chromatographic methods. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature.[Formula: see text].

Saurobacciosides A - C: three new glycosides from Sauropus bacciformis with their cytotoxic activity.

Three new glycosides, named as saurobaccioside A (1), saurobaccioside B (2), saurobaccioside C (3), together with five known magastigmanes, canangaionoside (4), (6S,9S)-roseoside (5), cucumegastigmane I (6), icariside B5 (7), linarionoside A (8) were isolated from the whole plant of Sauropus bacciformis (L.) Airy Shaw. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS and NMR) and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. The absolute configurations of compounds 2 and 3 were elucidated by experimental CD spectra. Compounds 1-8 were screened their cytotoxic activities towards CAL27 and MDAMB231 cancer cell lines. Compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity towards CAL27 and MDAMB231 cell lines with IC50 values of 3.21 ± 0.23 and 4.75 ± 0.17 µM, respectively, which were smaller than those of positive control capecitabine (IC50: 8.20 ± 0.75 and 5.20 ± 0.89 µM). Other compounds (2-8) were inactive.

Iridoids and cycloartane saponins from mussaenda pilosissima valeton and their inhibitory NO production in BV2 cells.

One new iridoid glycoside (1), shanzhiside N-L-phenylalanyl ester along with seven known compounds, mussaenoside (2), shanzhiside methyl ester (3), barlerin (4), mussaendodise G (5), mussaendodise U (6), mussaendodise P (7), and mussaglaoside B (8) have been isolated from Mussaenda pilosissima Valeton. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, 1 D-, 2 D-NMR, and mass spectra. Compounds 1-7 showed significant inhibitory activity on LPS-stimulated NO production in BV2 cells with the IC50 values ranging from 43.5 to 65.2 µM.

Oleanane-type Saponins from Glochidion hirsutum and Their Cytotoxic Activities.

Five new oleanane-type saponins, hirsutosides A - E, were isolated from the leaves of Glochidion hirsutum (Roxb.) Voigt. Their structures were elucidated as 21ß-benzoyloxy-3ß,16ß,23,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (1), 21ß-benzoyloxy-3ß,16ß,23,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (2), 21ß-benzoyloxy-3ß,16ß,23,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-6-acetyl-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)]-ß-d-glucopyranoside (3), 21ß-benzoyloxy-3ß,16ß,23,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-〈-l-arabinopyranoside (4), and 21ß-benzoyloxy-3ß,16ß,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-al 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (5). All isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activities on four human cancer cell lines, HepG-2, A-549, MCF-7, and SW-626 using the SRB assay. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 showed significant cytotoxic activities against all human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.4 to 10.2 µm. Compound 3 containing acetyl group at glc C(6″) exhibited weak cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 47.0 to 54.4 µm.

Two New Compounds from the Leaves of Glochidion obliquum.

Using combined chromatographic methods, two new compounds, 6ß,9ß:9,13-diepoxymegastig-4-en-3ß-ol (1), 5a,6a-epoxy D:C-friedoolean-8-en-3ß-ol (2) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Glochidion obliquum Decne. Their structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra and in comparison with those reported in the literature.

Oleanane-type Triterpene Saponins from Glochidion glomerulatum.

Two new oleanane-type triterpene saponins, named glomeruloside I (1) and glomeruloside II (2), were isolated from the leaves of Glochidion glomerulatum (Miq.) Boerl. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, MS data, and chemical methods.

Oleanane-type saponins from Glochidion glomerulatum and their cytotoxic activities.

Eight oleanane-type saponins, glomerulosides A-H, were isolated from leaves of Glochidion glomerulatum. All isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity on four human cancer cell lines, A-549, HT-29, OVCAR, and MCF-7. Glomerulosides C and E, which contain a benzoyloxy group at C-22, showed significant cytotoxic activities against the A-549, HT-29, and OVCAR cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 5.9 to 9.8µM. Glomeruloside A showed cytotoxicity on HT-29 and OVCAR cell lines with IC50 values of 7.3 and 6.6µM, respectively. Moreover, glomeruloside B exhibited significant activity on A-549 and HT-29 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 9.7 and 7.5µM. In contrast, glomerulosides F-H, lacking a benzoyloxy group, showed only moderate cytotoxic activity.

Ent-Kaurane diterpenes from Annona glabra and their cytotoxic activities.

A new ent-kaurane glycoside, annoglabasin H (1), and three known ent-kauranes, annoglabasin E (2), annoglabasin B (3), and 19-nor-ent-kaurent-4-ol-17-oic acid (4) were isolated from the fruits of Annona glabra. Their structures were determined by the combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, as well as by comparison with the NMR data reported in the literature. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated on four human cancer cell lines, LU-1, MCF-7, SK-Mel2, and KB. Compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity on all tested human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.7 to 4.6 µM.

Cytotoxic oleane-type triterpene saponins from Glochidion eriocarpum.

The anticancer activity of ten compounds from the aerial parts of Glochidion eriocarpum were evaluated on two human cancer cell lines, HL-60 and HCT-116. Compounds 1-4 displayed highly potent cytotoxic activity on the HCT-116 cancer cell line with IC(50) values ranging of 0.41∼1.16 µM. Compounds 1-4 significantly inhibited the HL-60 cell line with IC(50) values ranging of 4.51∼6.33 µM. These results suggested that the benzoyl group at the C-22 position in oleane-type triterpene saponins was essential for cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. Moreover, compounds 2 and 3 showed more potent cytotoxicity than compounds 1 and 4 against HL-60 and HCT-116 cells. With respect to the mechanism underlying cytotoxicity, compounds 1-4 increased chromatin condensation, a typical apoptotic characteristic in HL-60 and HCT-116 cells. In the mechanism of apoptosis induction, compounds 1-4 reduced Bcl-2 expression, whereas the expression of Bax was increased compared to controls in HCT-116 cells. In addition, compounds 1-4 decreased the level of procaspase-3. The cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a vital substrate of effector caspase, was observed in HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, the induction of apoptosis was also accompanied by an activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase in HCT-116 cells. These findings provide evidence demonstrating that the pro-apoptotic effects of compounds 1-4 are mediated through the activation of ERK and p38 in HCT-116 cells.

Oleanane-type triterpene saponins from the bark of Aralia elata and their NF-κB inhibition and PPAR activation signal pathway.

Two new oleanane-type triterpene saponins, tarasaponin IV (1) and elatoside L (2), and four known; stipuleanoside R(2) (3), kalopanax-saponin F (4), kalopanax-saponin F methylester (5), and elatoside D (6) were isolated from the bark of Aralia elata. Kalopanax-saponin F methyl ester was isolated from nature for the first time. Their chemical structures were elucidated using the chemical and physical methods as well as good agreement with those of reported in the literature. Oleanane-type triterpene saponins are the main component of A. elata. All compounds were investigated the anti-inflammatory activity. We measured their inhibition of NF-κB and activation of PPARs activities in HepG2 cells using luciferase reporter system. As results, compounds 2 and 4 were found to inhibit NF-κB activation stimulated by TNFα in a dose-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 4.1 and 9.5 µM, respectively, when compared with that of positive control, sulfasalazine (0.9 µM). Compounds 2 and 4 also inhibited TNFα-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA. Furthermore, compounds 1-6 were evaluated PPAR activity using PPAR subtype transactivation assays. Among of them, compounds 4-6 significantly increased PPARγ transactivation. However, compounds 4-6 did not activate in any other PPAR subtypes.

Inhibitory activity of Plantago major L. on angiotensin I-converting enzyme.

Eight compounds were isolated from methanol extract of Plantago major L. leaves and investigated for their ability to inhibit angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity. Among them, compound 1 showed the most potent inhibition with rate of 28.06 ± 0.21% at a concentration of 100 µM. Compounds 2 and 8 exhibited weak activities. These results suggest that compound 1 might contribute to the ability of P. major to inhibit the activity of angiotensin I- converting enzyme.

Phenylpropanoids from the leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum and their antioxidant activity.

By various chromatographic methods, one new phenylpropanoid, acanthopanic acid (1), and three known compounds, 1,2-O-dicaffeoylcyclopenta-3-ol (2), (4S)-α-terpineol 8-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), and rutin (4), were isolated from the methanol extract of the Acanthopanax koreanum leaves. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated by the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) radical scavenging 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. Among them, compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed significant scavenging capacity with IC(50) values of 3.8, 2.6, and 2.9 µM, respectively, and compound 3 showed weak scavenging capacity with the inhibition rate of 37% at 40 µM.

Triterpenoids from aerial parts of Glochidion eriocarpum.

From the aerial parts of Glochidion eriocarpum, a new triterpene, glochieriol (1), three new triterpenoid saponins, glochieriosides C - E (2 - 4), together with four known triterpenes (glochidonol, glochidiol, lupeol, and 3-epi-lupeol) were isolated by using combined chromatographic separations. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, including FTICR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR.

New triterpenoid saponins from Glochidion eriocarpum and their cytotoxic activity.

Combined chromatographic methods led to the isolation of two new triterpenoid saponins, glochieriosides A and B (1, 2), from the aerial parts of Glochidion eriocarpum, along with three known triterpenes, glochidone (3), lup-20(29)-en-3beta,23-diol (4), and lup-20(29)-en-1beta,3beta-diol (5). The structures of the new saponins were determined to be 22beta-benzoyloxy-3beta,16beta,28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] (1) and 22beta-benzoyloxy-3beta,16beta,28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranoside] (2). The structural elucidation was accomplished by using a combination of the 1D-NMR (1H-, 13C-NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) 90 degrees , and DEPT 135 degrees ), 2D-NMR (1H-1H correlation spectroscopy, heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, and rotating frame Overhouser effect spectroscopy), ESI-MS, and HR-FAB-MS experiments. Glochieriosides A and B exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HL-60, HT-29, MCF-7 and SK-OV-3 human cancer cell lines with the IC50 values of 5.5, 6.8, 29.1, and 22.7 microM for glochierioside A, respectively, and 6.6, 18.6, 36.1, and 16.0 microM for glochierioside B. Glochidone was less active with IC50 values greater than 100 microM while lup-20(29)-en-1beta,3beta-diol was moderately active with IC50 values of 43.3, 67.0, 66.1, and 48.0 microM, respectively.