Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) inhibits HIV-1 infection through the activity of thiadiazole alkaloids in viral integration.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) has been traditionally used for centuries in the Central Andes region both as food and as medicine. In the last decades, its fertility enhancer properties have gained importance, with the majority of the scientific literature related to this topic. However, other traditional uses are less known as metabolic or infectious diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-infectious activity of L. meyenii, specifically in HIV-1 infection. There are previous reports of the transcriptional related activity of L. meyenii extracts in human T lymphocytes via transcription factors as NF-κB. Since T lymphocytes are the main target of HIV-1 infection and NF-κB is strongly involved in HIV-1 transcription, L. meyenii could display antiviral activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chromatography and spectroscopy techniques were used to isolate and identify the compounds in the active extracts. An antiviral assay system based on recombinant viruses was used to evaluate the anti-HIV activity. Cell toxicity was tested for all the extracts and compounds. Viral entry was studied using VSV-HIV chimera viruses and reverse transcription and viral integration were studied by qPCR of viral DNA in infected cells. Finally, viral transcription was studied in primary lymphocytes transfected with HIV-1 or NF-κB luciferase reporter plasmids. RESULTS: n-Hexane extracts of purple maca displayed anti-HIV activity in an in vitro assay. A bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of three thiadiazole alkaloids with antiviral activity. All the compounds were able to inhibit HIV infection of MT-2 cell lines and primary lymphocytes (PBMCs) with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. The mechanism of action differs between the three compounds: one of them showed activity on viral entry, and all the three compounds inhibited viral integration at low concentrations. Remarkably, none of the compounds inhibited reverse transcription or viral transcription. CONCLUSIONS: n-Hexane extracts of the purple ecotype of L. meyenii inhibit HIV-1 infection in vitro and three active thiadiazole alkaloids were isolated acting mainly on viral integration and viral entry.

Daphnane diterpenoid orthoesters with an odd-numbered aliphatic side chain from Daphne pedunculata.

Daphnane diterpenoids were recognized for their extensive range of potent biological activities. In the present study, phytochemical investigation including LC-MS/MS analysis resulted in the identification of five daphnane diterpenoid orthoesters (1-5). Among the five daphnane diterpenoids, two previously unreported compounds, daphnepedunins I and J (2 and 4) were isolated from Daphne pedunculata. The structure of new compounds was elucidated with extensive physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses. Their structure was characterized by the presence of an unusual odd-numbered aliphatic chain connected to an orthoester. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-HIV activity against HIV-1 infection of MT4 cells, and the results indicated that compound 1 showed the most potent anti-HIV activity with an IC50 value of 0.82 nM.

Chemical constituents from the leaves and branches of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne with their activation of latent HIV activities.

A new compound, named coniferin B (1), and fourteen known compounds were purified and identified from the leaves and branches of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne Meisn. Their chemical structures were elucidated through analyzing spectroscopic and HRESIMS data. Compounds 2, 3, 5, 7-9, 11, and 13 were isolated from this plant for the first time. All compounds were assayed for cytotoxicity and activation of latent HIV activity on NH2 cells. The results showed that all compounds did not produce cytotoxicity at 10.0 µM and compounds 1, 9-11 showed weak activating activity with activation folds of 4.88, 7.14, 5.3, and 6.97, respectively.

Tigliane-Type Diterpene Esters from the Fruits of Shirakiopsis indica and Their Anti-HIV Activity.

Four new diterpene esters, shirakindicans A-D (1-4), along with eight related known diterpene esters (5-12), were isolated from the fruits of the Bangladeshi medicinal plant Shirakiopsis indica. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Shirakindican A (1) was assigned as a tigliane-type diterpene ester possessing an unusual 6ß-hydroxy-1,7-dien-3-one structure, while shirakindican B (2) exhibits a tiglia-1,5-dien-3,7-dione structure. The anti-HIV activities of the isolated diterpene esters were evaluated and showed significant activities for sapintoxins A (5) and D (11), with EC50 values of 0.0074 and 0.044 µM, respectively, and TI values of 1 100 and 5 290. Sapatoxin A (12) also exhibited anti-HIV activity with an EC50 value of 0.13 µM and a TI value of 161.

Anti-HIV Compounds from the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Chaetomium globosum.

Chemical investigation on the deep-sea-derived fungus Chaetomium globosum led to the isolation of nine compounds. By extensive analyses of the 1D and 2D NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectra, their structures were elucidated as xylariol A (1), 1,3-dihydro-4,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methylisobenzofuran (2), epicoccone B (3), epicoccolide B (4), chaetoglobosin G (5), chaetoglobosin Fex (6), cochliodone A (7), cochliodone B (8), and chaetoviridin A (9), assorting as four phenolics (1-4), two cytochalosans (5-6), and three azaplilones (7-9). Compounds 1-3 were firstly reported from C. globosum. Under the concentrations of 20 µg/mL, 1, 2, and 3 exhibited potent in vitro anti-HIV activity with the inhibition rates of 70 %, 75 %, and 88 %, respectively.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of the Diterpenoids from the Genus Daphne.

There are abundant natural diterpenoids in the plants of the genus Daphne from the Thymelaeaceae family, featuring a 5/7/6-tricyclic ring system and usually with an orthoester group. So far, a total of 135 diterpenoids has been isolated from the species of the genus Daphne, which could be further classified into three main types according to the substitution pattern of ring A and oxygen-containing functions at ring B. A variety of studies have demonstrated that these compounds exert a wide range of bioactivities both in vitro and in vivo including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antifertility, neurotrophic, and cholesterol-lowering effects, which is reviewed herein. Meanwhile, the fascinating structure-activity relationship is also concluded in this review in the hope of providing an easy access to available information for the synthesis and optimization of efficient drugs.

Artapilosines A and B, Unusual Phenanthrene Derivatives Related to Aporphine Alkaloids from Artabotrys pilosus.

Two unusual phenanthrene derivatives related to aporphine alkaloids, artapilosines A (1) and B (2), as well as two biogenetically related known aporphine alkaloids, (-)-anonaine (3) and (-)-N-acetylanonaine (4), were separated and purified from Artabotrys pilosus. Artapilosine A (1) is the first compound representative of a new class of phenanthrene derivatives having an unprecedented carbon skeleton, in which the six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure in a typical aporphine alkaloid was substituted with a unique five-membered carbocyclic ring. This is the first report of the formation of a carbon-carbon bond between C-5 and C-6a in 1 with the loss of the nitrogen atom N-6 in the classic aporphine alkaloid. Artapilosine B (2) is a novel phenanthrene derivative having a hydroxyethyl as a substituent on the phenanthrene ring. Their chemical structures as well as absolute configurations were determined based on analysis of spectroscopic data. Additionally, the potential anti-HIV activities of all isolates 1-4 were appraised. Artapilosines A (1) and B (2) showed notable anti-HIV reverse transcriptase affects, with EC50 values of 20.93 and 125.29 nM, respectively. These results suggested that the discovery of these novel phenanthrene derivatives from A. pilosus with remarkable anti-HIV effects could be essentially important for the researching and developing of new anti-HIV agents.

Neochlorogenic acid: an anti-HIV active compound identified by screening of Cortex Mori [Morus Alba L. (Moraceae)].

CONTEXT: Chinese herbs such as Cortex Mori [Morus alba L. (Moraceae)] may inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but active compounds are unknown. OBJECTIVE: Screening of Cortex Mori and other herbs for anti-HIV active compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIV-1 virus (multiplicity of infection: 20), and herbs (dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, working concentrations: 10, 1, and 0.1 mg/mL) such as Cortex Mori, etc., were added to 786-O cells (105 cell/well). Zidovudine was used as a positive control. Cell survival and viral inhibition rates were measured. The herb that was the closest inactivity to zidovudine was screened. Mass spectrometry identified the active compounds in herbs (mobile phase: 0.05% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile, gradient elution, detection wavelength: 210 nm). The effect of the compounds on reverse transcriptase (RT) products were evaluated by real-time PCR. Gene enrichment was used to analyse underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: With a dose of 1 mg/mL of Cortex Mori, the cell survival rate (57.94%) and viral inhibition rate (74.95%) were closest to the effect of zidovudine (87.87%, 79.81%, respectively). Neochlorogenic acid, one of the active ingredients, was identified by mass spectrometry in Cortex Mori. PCR discovery total RT products of neochlorogenic acid group (mean relative gene expression: 6.01) significantly inhibited (control: 35.42, p < 0.0001). Enrichment analysis showed that neochlorogenic acid may act on haemopoietic cell kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor, sarcoma, etc., thus inhibiting HIV-1 infection. CONCLUSIONS: For people of low socioeconomic status affected by HIV, Chinese medicine (such as Cortex Mori) has many advantages: it is inexpensive and does not easily produce resistance. Drugs based on active ingredients may be developed and could have important value.

Plant-Based Natural Products and Extracts: Potential Source to Develop New Antiviral Drug Candidates.

Viral infections are among the most complex medical problems and have been a major threat to the economy and global health. Several epidemics and pandemics have occurred due to viruses, which has led to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity rates. Natural products have always been an inspiration and source for new drug development because of their various uses. Among all-natural sources, plant sources are the most dominant for the discovery of new therapeutic agents due to their chemical and structural diversity. Despite the traditional use and potential source for drug development, natural products have gained little attention from large pharmaceutical industries. Several plant extracts and isolated compounds have been extensively studied and explored for antiviral properties against different strains of viruses. In this review, we have compiled antiviral plant extracts and natural products isolated from plants reported since 2015.

A Review on Phytochemicals of the Genus Maytenus and Their Bioactive Studies.

The genus Maytenus is a member of the Celastraceae family, of which several species have long been used in traditional medicine. Between 1976 and 2021, nearly 270 new compounds have been isolated and elucidated from the genus Maytenus. Among these, maytansine and its homologues are extremely rare in nature. Owing to its unique skeleton and remarkable bioactivities, maytansine has attracted many synthetic endeavors in order to construct its core structure. In this paper, the current status of the past 45 years of research on Maytenus, with respect to its chemical and biological activities are discussed. The chemical research includes its structural classification into triterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and alkaloids, along with several chemical synthesis methods of maytansine or maytansine fragments. The biological activity research includes activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as HIV inhibition, which can provide a theoretical basis for the better development and utilization of the Maytenus.

Lobostemon trigonus (Thunb.) H. Buek, a medicinal plant from South Africa as a potential natural microbicide against HIV-1.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: There have been different methods proposed to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1 and many of them have centered on the use of anti-retrovirals as microbicides. Given that a large section of the African population still relies on herbal medicine, Lobostemon trigonus (L. trigonus), a traditionally used medicinal plant in South Africa to treat HIV-1 was further investigated for its potential as a natural microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1. METHODS: The aerial parts of L. trigonus were oven-dried at 80 °C, ground, extracted with boiling water for 30 min and then filtered. The aqueous extract produced was then bioassayed using different HIV-1 inhibition assays. The active components were purified and chemically profiled using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-MS). The mechanism of HIV-1 inhibition was determined by fusion arrest assay and time of addition assay. Molecular modelling and molecular dynamic simulations, using Schrödinger, were used to better understand the molecule's mechanism of entry inhibition by evaluating their docking affinity and stability against the gp120 of HIV-1. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of this plant had a broad spectrum of activity against different subtypes of the virus; neutralizing subtype A, B and C in the TZM-bl cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.10 to 7.21 µg/mL. The extract was also inhibitory to the virus induced cytopathic effects in CEM-SS cells with an EC50 of 8.9 µg/mL. In addition, it inhibited infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and macrophages with IC50 values of 0.97 and 4.4 µg/mL, respectively. In the presence of vaginal and seminal simulants, and in human semen it retained its inhibitory activity albeit with a decrease in efficiency, by about 3-fold. Studies of the mode of action suggested that the extract blocked HIV-1 attachment to target cells. No toxicity was observed when the Lactobacilli strains, L. acidophilus, L. jensenii, and L. crispatus that populate the female genital tract were cultured in the presence of L. trigonus extract. UPLC-qTOF-MS analyses of the purified fraction of the extract, confirmed the presence of six compounds of which four were identified as rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids B and C and lithospermic acid. The additional molecular dynamic simulations provided further insight into the entry inhibitory characteristics of salvianolic acid B against the HIV-1 gp120, with a stable pose being found within the CD4 binding site. CONCLUSION: The data suggests that the inhibitory effect of L. trigonus may be due to the presence of organic acids which are known to possess anti-HIV-1 properties. The molecules salvianolic acids B and C have been identified for the first time in L. trigonus species. Our study also showed that the L. trigonus extract blocked HIV-1 attachment to target cells, and that it has a broad spectrum of activity against different subtypes of the virus; thus, justifying further investigation as a HIV-1 microbicide.

Design, Synthesis and Characterization of HIV-1 CA-Targeting Small Molecules: Conformational Restriction of PF74.

Small molecules targeting the PF74 binding site of the HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) confer potent and mechanistically unique antiviral activities. Structural modifications of PF74 could further the understanding of ligand binding modes, diversify ligand chemical classes, and allow identification of new variants with balanced antiviral activity and metabolic stability. In the current work, we designed and synthesized three series of PF74-like analogs featuring conformational constraints at the aniline terminus or the phenylalanine carboxamide moiety, and characterized them using a biophysical thermal shift assay (TSA), cell-based antiviral and cytotoxicity assays, and in vitro metabolic stability assays in human and mouse liver microsomes. These studies showed that the two series with the phenylalanine carboxamide moiety replaced by a pyridine or imidazole ring can provide viable hits. Subsequent SAR identified an improved analog 15 which effectively inhibited HIV-1 (EC50 = 0.31 µM), strongly stabilized CA hexamer (ΔTm = 8.7 °C), and exhibited substantially enhanced metabolic stability (t1/2 = 27 min for 15 vs. 0.7 min for PF74). Metabolic profiles from the microsomal stability assay also indicate that blocking the C5 position of the indole ring could lead to increased resistance to oxidative metabolism.

Bioactive tetrahydrofuran lignans from roots, stems, leaves and twigs of Anogeissus rivularis.

Four previously undescribed tetrahydrofuran lignans, named anorisols A-D (1-4) and fourteen known compounds (5-18) were isolated from the roots, stems, leaves and twigs of Anogeissus rivularis. The chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data and by comparison with the literature data. The absolute configurations of 1-4 were established by comparison of the experimental ECD spectra with the calculated ECD spectra. Some isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity as well as anti-HIV-1 activity employing reverse transcriptase (RT) and syncytium reduction assays using the ΔTat/RevMC99 virus in 1A2 cell line systems. Compound 6 displayed the most potent activity in syncytium inhibition assay with effective concentration at 50% (EC50) value of 13.3 µM (SI >3.0). In the reverse transcriptase assay, compound 1 exhibited moderate activity with IC50 value of 213.9 µM.

Boesenmaxane Diterpenoids from Boesenbergia maxwellii.

Three new diterpenoids, boesenmaxanes A-C (1-3), with an unprecedented core skeleton consisting of an unusual C-C bond between C-12 and an exo-cyclic methylene C-13, were isolated from the rhizome extracts of Boesenbergia maxwellii. The structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction data. Electronic circular dichroism spectra were used to determine the absolute configuration. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects, anti-HIV activity, and antimicrobial activity. Boesenmaxanes A and C (1 and 3) showed significant inhibitory activity in the syncytium reduction assay, with EC50 values of 55.2 and 27.5 µM, respectively.

Anti-HIV Tigliane Diterpenoids from Wikstroemia scytophylla.

During a chemical investigation of Wikstroemia scytophylla, three new [wikstrocins A-C (1-3)] and three known tigliane diterpenoids (4-6) were isolated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated from extensive physiochemical and spectroscopic analysis. The correlations between the ECD Cotton effects and B ring structures of tiglianes were also evaluated. The isolated compounds were assessed for their anti-HIV activity against HIV-1 infection of MT4 cells, and two compounds (4 and 6) showed potent anti-HIV activity with IC50 values of 3.8 and 12.8 nM, respectively.

Bioactive daphnane diterpenes from Wikstroemia chuii with their potential anti-inflammatory effects and anti-HIV activities.

A phytochemical investigation on the stems and leaves of Wikstroemia chuii resulted in the isolation of three new daphnane diterpenes, wikstroechuins A-C (1-3), together with eight known analogues (4-11). The structures of new daphnane diterpenes (1-3) were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods and the known daphnane diterpenes (4-11) were identified by comparing their observable spectroscopic data with those reported spectral data in the literature. The anti-inflammatory effects as well as anti-HIV activities in vitro of all isolated daphnane diterpenes 1-11 were assessed. As a consequence, daphnane diterpenes 1-11 displayed remarkable inhibitory activities on NO (nitric oxide) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells showing IC50 values in the range of 0.12 ± 0.03 to 10.58 ± 0.16 µM. Meanwhile, daphnane diterpenes 1-11 displayed significant anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) effects showing EC50 values ranging from 0.09509 to 8.62356 µM. These research results indicated that the discovery of these new daphnane diterpenes with remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV activities from W. chuii, especially these new ones, could be extremely meaningful to the discovery of new anti-inflammatory agents and anti-HIV drugs as well as their potential practical values in the health and pharmaceutical products.

Isolation, Structural Elucidation, and Anti-HIV Activity of Daphnane Diterpenoids from Daphne odora.

Five new [daphneodorins D-H (1, 5, and 10-12)] and seven known daphnane diterpenoids (2-4 and 6-9) were isolated from Daphne odora. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive physicochemical and spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-HIV activity against HIV-1 infection of MT4 cells. Nine daphnane diterpenoid orthoesters (1-9) showed potent anti-HIV activity with EC50 values of 1.5-7.7 nM.

Anti-Vpr activities of homodrimane sesquiterpenoids and labdane diterpenoids from Globba sherwoodiana rhizomes.

Two new homodrimane sesquiterpenoids, globbatones A and B (1 and 2), and one 16-norlabdane diterpenoid, globbatone C (3), together with two new naturally occurring, (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-olide (4) and γ-bicyclohomofarnesen-12-ol (5), and one known homodrimane sesquiterpenoid (6), nine known labdane diterpenoids (7-15), and one isospongian diterpenoid (16), were isolated from the chloroform extract of Globba sherwoodiana rhizomes. The structures of the new compounds 1-3 were elucidated based on 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. The chloroform extract of G. sherwoodiana rhizomes and 10 µM concentrations of some of its constituents 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, and 14 showed the moderate anti-Vpr activities, without cytotoxic effects on the TREx-HeLa-Vpr cell line.

Bioactive prenylated coumarins as potential anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV agents from Clausena lenis.

The phytochemical study on the stems of Clausena lenis resulted in the isolation of three new prenylated coumarins, clauselenins A-C (1-3), together with nine known prenylated coumarins (4-12). The chemical structures of new prenylated coumarins (1-3) were elucidated by means of comprehensive spectral analyses and the known compounds (4-12) were determined by means of comparing their experimental spectral data with those described data in the literatures. All isolated prenylated coumarins were assessed for their anti-inflammatory effects together with anti-HIV activities in vitro. Prenylated coumarins 1-12 displayed remarkable inhibitory effects against nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro with the IC50 values which are comparable to hydrocortisone. Meanwhile, prenylated coumarins 1-12 exhibited considerable anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activities possessing EC50 values in the range of 0.17-9.08 µM. These findings indicate that the isolation and identification of these prenylated coumarins with pronounced anti-inflammatory effects as well as anti-HIV activities separated from the stems of C. lenis could be of great significance to the development of new anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV agents and their potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

New azaphilones, phomopsones A-C with biological activities from an endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. CGMCC No.5416.

Three undescribed azaphilones, phomopsones A-C (1-3) and two known azaphilones (4-5) were isolated from the culture of endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. CGMCC No.5416 from the stems of Achyranthes bidentata. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR), and the absolute configurations were determined by CD spectroscopy. Compounds 2 and 3 showed significant inhibitory activities against HIV-1 with against HIV-1 with IC50 values of 7.6 and 0.5 µmol/L, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 also displayed moderate cytotoxicity with CC50 values of 3.2-303 µmol/L against A549, MDA-MB-231 and PANC-1 cell lines. Moreover, compound 3 can induce the early apoptosis of PANC-1 cancer cells with the apoptosis rate of 28.54%.