Phytochemical, Geographical, and Pharmacological Retrospect of Genus Torilis.

BACKGROUND: Genus Torilis (Apiaceae) known as hedge parsley, encompasses 11-13 species distributed worldwide and shows potential pharmacological uses. Its phytochemical pattern is highly diversified including many phenolic and terpenic compounds. OBJECTIVE: This research-review provides new highlighting of structural organizations, structure-activity trends, taxonomical, tissue and geographical distribution of phytocompounds of Torilis genus from extensive statistical analyses of available data. METHODS: In extenso, exploration of documented literature and statistical data analyses were applied to update the phytochemical pool of the genus under several aspects including structural diversity, geographical distribution, biological compartmentations and pharmacological activities. RESULTS: Phytoconstituents were classified into homogeneous clusters that revealed to be associated with chemical constitutions (aglycone types, chemical groups) and distributions (through species, tissues, geographical). About bioactivities, terpenes were studied from a pharmacological point of view with relatively high frequencies for antifungal, antibacterial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. Preliminary structure-activity relationships were highlighted implying opposite effects between hydroxylation and methylation in favor of different activities. Crude extracts and isolated compounds have shown several biological activities (antibacterial, anticancer, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, etc.), thus providing authentic scientific proof for their diverse uses in folk medicines. CONCLUSION: The phytochemistry of the genus Torilis promises important perspectives in matters of pharmacological activities. These perspectives call for further investments in pharmacology because of (i) unbalance between phenolic and terpenic compounds according to the countries and (ii) more advanced current states of structural elucidations compared to biological evaluations.

Activation of a Sweet Taste Receptor by Oleanane-Type Glycosides from Wisteria sinensis.

The phytochemical study of Wisteria sinensis (Sims) DC. (Fabaceae), commonly known as the Chinese Wisteria, led to the isolation of seven oleanane-type glycosides from an aqueous-ethanolic extract of the roots. Among the seven isolated saponins, two have never been reported before: 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22-O-acetylolean-12-ene-3ß,16ß,22ß,30-tetrol, and 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylwistariasapogenol A. Based on the close structures between the saponins from W. sinensis, and the glycyrrhizin from licorice, the stimulation of the sweet taste receptor TAS1R2/TAS1R3 by these glycosides was evaluated.

Oleanane-type glycosides isolated from the trunk barks of the Central African tree Millettia laurentii.

Seven previously undescribed oleanane-type glycosides were isolated from the trunk barks of a Central African tree named Millettia laurentii De Wild (Fabaceae). After the extraction from the barks, the isolation and purification of these compounds were achieved using various solid/liquid chromatographic methods. Their structures were established mainly by 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC, HMBC) and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), as 3-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid, 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid, 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid, 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)]-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid, 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)]-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid, 3-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid, 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)]-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid. In addition, the cytotoxicity of six glycosides among the isolated ones, was evaluated against 4 T1 cell line from a mouse mammary gland tissue, using MTS method.

Triterpenoid Saponins from the Cultivar "Green Elf" of Pittosporum tenuifolium.

Four oleanane-type glycosides were isolated from a horticultural cultivar "Green Elf" of the endemic Pittosporum tenuifolium (Pittosporaceae) from New Zealand: three acylated barringtogenol C glycosides from the leaves, with two previously undescribed 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-ß-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and the known 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C (Eryngioside L). From the roots, the known 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid (Sandrosaponin X) was identified. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). According to their structural similarities with gymnemic acids, the inhibitory activities on the sweet taste TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor of an aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves and roots, a crude saponin mixture, 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and Eryngioside L were evaluated.

Steroidal glycosides from the Vietnamese cultivar Cordyline fruticosa "Fairchild red".

A phytochemical study of Cordyline fruticosa "Fairchild red" (Asparagaceae) from Vietnam, led to the isolation of fourteen steroidal glycosides, including twelve previously undescribed along with two known ones. Ten compounds were obtained by successive solid/liquid chromatographic methods from an aqueous-ethanolic extract of the roots, and four from the aerial parts. Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic analysis 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), as spirostanol glycosides, 5α-spirost-25(27)-ene-1ß,3ß,4α-triol 1-O-ß-D-fucopyranoside, 5α-spirost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,4α-triol 1-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside, 5α-spirost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,4α-triol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-fucopyranoside, 5α-spirost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,4α-triol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-(4-O-sulfo)-ß-D-fucopyranoside, 5α-spirost-25(27)-ene-1ß,3ß-diol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-fucopyranoside, and 5α-spirost-25(27)-ene-1ß,3ß-diol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside. Furostanol glycosides were also isolated as 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-5α-furost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,4α,22α,26-pentol 1-O-ß-D-fucopyranoside, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-22α-methoxy-5α-furost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,4α,26-tetrol 1-O-ß-D-fucopyranoside, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-5α-furost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,22α,26-tetrol 1-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-5α-furost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,22α,26-tetrol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-5α-furost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,22α,26-tetrol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-fucopyranoside, and 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-22α-methoxy-5α-furost-(25)27-ene-1ß,3ß,26-triol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-fucopyranoside. All the isolated compounds were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity against 4T1 cell line, from a mouse mammary gland tissue, using MTS method.

Anti-phytopathogen terpenoid glycosides from the root bark of Chytranthus macrobotrys and Radlkofera calodendron.

Chytranthus macrobotrys and Radlkofera calodendron are two Sapindaceae characterized by a lack of phytochemical data. Both root barks from the two Sapindaceae species were processed by ethanol extraction followed by the isolation of their primary constituents by liquid chromatography. This process yielded four previously undescribed terpenoid glycosides together with eight known analogues. Extracts and isolated compounds from C. macrobotrys and R. calodendron were then screened for antimicrobial activity against fifteen phytopathogens. The biological screening also involved extracts and pure compounds from Blighia unijugata and Blighia welwitschii, two Sapindaceae previously studied by our group. Phytopathogens were chosen based on their economic impact on agriculture worldwide. The selection was composed primarily of fungal species including; Pyricularia oryzae, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Zymoseptoria tritici, Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, Pythium spp., Trichoderma spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Furthermore, pure terpenoid glycosides were tested for the first time against wood-inhabiting phytopathogens such as; Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium minimum, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Eutype lata and Xylella fastidiosa. Raw extracts exhibited different levels of activity dependent on the organism. Some pure compounds, including 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin (α-hederin), 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin (macranthoside A) and 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin (clemontanoside C), exhibited significant growth inhibitions on Pyricularia oryzae, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Fomitiporia mediterranea and Zymoseptoria tritici. Monodesmoside triterpene saponins, in particular, exhibited MIC (IC100) values as low as 25 µg/ml and IC50 values as low as 10 µg/ml against these phytopathogens. Structure-activity relationships, as well as plant-microbe interactions, were discussed.

ß-Amyrin Synthase1 Controls the Accumulation of the Major Saponins Present in Pea (Pisum sativum).

The use of pulses as ingredients for the production of food products rich in plant proteins is increasing. However, protein fractions prepared from pea or other pulses contain significant amounts of saponins, glycosylated triterpenes that can impart an undesirable bitter taste when used as an ingredient in foodstuffs. In this article, we describe the identification and characterization of a gene involved in saponin biosynthesis during pea seed development, by screening mutants obtained from two Pisum sativum TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) populations in two different genetic backgrounds. The mutations studied are located in a gene designated PsBAS1 (ß-amyrin synthase1), which is highly expressed in maturing pea seeds and which encodes a protein previously shown to correspond to an active ß-amyrin synthase. The first allele is a nonsense mutation, while the second mutation is located in a splice site and gives rise to a mis-spliced transcript encoding a truncated, nonfunctional protein. The homozygous mutant seeds accumulated virtually no saponin without affecting the seed nutritional or physiological quality. Interestingly, BAS1 appears to control saponin accumulation in all other tissues of the plant examined. These lines represent a first step in the development of pea varieties lacking bitterness off-flavors in their seeds. Our work also shows that TILLING populations in different genetic backgrounds represent valuable genetic resources for both crop improvement and functional genomics.

Triterpene glycosides from Blighia welwitschii and evaluation of their antibody recognition capacity in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) in a multifactorial autoimmune disease in which reliable biomarkers are needed for therapeutic monitoring and diagnosis. Autoantibodies (autoAbs) are known biomarker candidates although their detection in biological fluids requires a thorough characterization of their associated antigens. Over the past twenty years, a reverse chemical-based approach aiming to screen putative autoantigens has underlined the role of glycans, in particular glucose, in MS. Despite the progress achieved, a lack of consensus regarding the nature of innate antigens as well as difficulties proposing new synthetic glucose-based structures have proved to be obstacles. Here is proposed a strategy to extend the current methodology to the field of natural glycosides, in order to dramatically increase the diversity of glycans that could be tested. Triterpene saponins from the Sapindaceace family represent an optimal starting material as their abundant description in the literature has revealed a prevalence of glucose-based oligosaccharides. Blighia welwitschii (Sapindaceae) was thus selected as a case study and twelve triterpene saponins were isolated and characterized. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as mass spectrometry, revealing seven undescribed compounds. A selection of natural glycosides exhibiting various oligosaccharide moieties were then tested as antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to recognize IgM antibodies (Abs) in MS patients' sera. Immunoassay results indicated a correlation between the glycan structures and their antibody recognition capacity, allowing the determination of structure-activity relationships that were coherent with previous studies. This approach might help to identify sugar epitopes putatively involved in MS pathogenesis, which remains poorly understood.

A review on the phytopharmacological studies of the genus Polygala.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Polygala, the most representative genus of the Polygalaceae family, comprises more than 600 species from all over the world of which around 40 are distributed in China, some of them, being used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. AIM OF THE REVIEW: We intend to discuss the current knowledge about the traditional uses, and the newest phytochemical and pharmacological achievements with tentative elucidation of the mechanism of action on the genus Polygala covering the period 2013-2019 to provide a scientific support to the traditional uses, and to critically analyze the reported studies to obtain new insights for further researches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were systematically collected from the scientific electronic data bases including SciFinder, Scopus, Elsevier, PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS: This literature overview reported several traditional uses of different species of Polygala, mainly against wounds, inflammation, cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders. P. altomontana, P caudata, P. flavescens, P. glomerata, P. japonica, P. molluginifolia, P. sibirica, P. tenuifolia are the main species which have been studied in the last few years. Phytochemical studies showed that they contain triterpene saponins, triterpenes, terpenoids, xanthones, flavonoids, coumarins, oligosaccharide esters, styryl-pyrones, benzophenones, and polysaccharides. Pharmacological in vitro and in vivo studies and proposal of the mechanisms of action indicated that pure constituents and extracts of Polygala ssp exhibited significant anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiischemic, antidepressant, sedative, analgesic, antiatherosclerosis, antitumor and enzyme inhibitory properties. CONCLUSION: This review on traditional uses and phytopharmacological potential of the genus Polygala revealed updated insights which can be explored for further mechanism-based pharmacological activities and structure/activity relationships studies and a better comprehension of the development of Chinese medicine preparations. However some pharmacological studies showed several gaps such as incomplete methodologies and ambiguous findings. More high scientific quality preclinical studies with pharmacokinetic considerations will be required in the future to assess the traditional uses of some species of this genus. This might lead to efficacy and safety issues in clinical trials and to potential medicinal applications.

Cytotoxic glycosides from the roots of Weigela x "Bristol Ruby".

Seven oleanane-type glycosides were extracted and isolated by various chromatographic methods from the roots of Weigela x "Bristol Ruby" (1-7), six previously undescribed (1-6) and a known one (7). Their structures were assigned by spectroscopic analysis mainly 2D NMR and mass spectrometry (ESIMS). Selected triterpenoid glycosides (1-3, 6, 7) displayed a good cytotoxic activity against a mouse colon cancer cell line CT26.

Updated insights into the mechanism of action and clinical profile of the immunoadjuvant QS-21: A review.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine adjuvants are compounds that significantly enhance/prolong the immune response to a co-administered antigen. The limitations of the use of aluminium salts that are unable to elicite cell responses against intracellular pathogens such as those causing malaria, tuberculosis, or AIDS, have driven the development of new alternative adjuvants such as QS-21, a triterpene saponin purified from Quillaja saponaria. PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to attempt to clarify the mechanism of action of QS-21 through either receptors or signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo with special emphasis on the co-administration with other immunostimulants in new adjuvant formulations, called adjuvant systems (AS). Furthermore, the most relevant clinical applications will be presented. METHODS: A literature search covering the period 2014-2018 was performed using electronic databases from Sci finder, Science direct, Medline/Pubmed, Scopus, Google scholar. RESULTS: Insights into the mechanism of action of QS-21 can be summarized as follows: 1) in vivo stimulation of Th2 humoral and Th1 cell-mediated immune responses through action on antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T cells, leading to release of Th1 cytokines participating in the elimination of intracellular pathogens. 2) activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse APCs with subsequent release of caspase-1 dependent cytokines, Il-1ß and Il-18, important for Th1 responses. 3) synthesis of nearly 50 QS-21 analogs, allowing structure/activity relationships and mechanistic studies. 4) unique synergy mechanism between monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL A) and QS-21, formulated in a liposome (AS01) in the early IFN-γ response, promoting vaccine immunogenicity. The second part of the review is related to phase I-III clinical trials of QS-21, mostly formulated in ASs, to evaluate efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of adjuvanted prophylactic vaccines against infectious diseases, e.g. malaria, herpes zoster, tuberculosis, AIDS and therapeutic vaccines against cancer and Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSION: The most advanced phase III clinical applications led to the development of two vaccines containing QS-21 as part of the AS, the Herpes Zoster vaccine (HZ/su) (Shingrix™) which received a license in 2017 from the FDA and a marketing authorization in the EU in 2018 and the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix™) against malaria, which was approved by the EMA in 2015 for further implementation in Sub-Saharan countries for routine use.

Hederagenin glycosides from the fruits of Blighia unijugata.

A phytochemical investigation of Blighia unijugata led to the isolation of eleven hederagenin glycosides. Among these compounds, six are previously undescribed, two are described in their native forms for the first time and three are known whereas firstly isolated from Blighia unijugata. The structure of the undescribed compounds was elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR and mass spectrometry analyses as 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-3-O-acetyl-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-3-O-acetyl-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester and 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester. These results revealed the existence of several conserved structural features that could be used as chemotaxonomic markers for the Blighia genus such as the glycosidic sequence 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl, the occurrence of 3-O-acetylated ß-D-glucopyranosyl units and the systematic presence of hederagenin as aglycone.

Steroidal saponins from the aerial parts of Cordyline fruticosa L. var. strawberries.

A new sulfated steroidal derivative (fruticogenin A: 1-sulfo-australigenin-3-sodium sulphate, 1) and three new steroidal saponins named fruticoside K (3-sulfo-spirostan-25(27)-ene-1ß,3ß-diol-1-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-fucopyranoside], 2), fruticoside L (3-sulfo-spirostan-25(27)-ene-1ß,3ß,6α-triol-1-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-fucopyranoside], 3) and fruticoside M (spirostan-25(27)-ene-1ß,3α-diol-1-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside], 4) were isolated from the aerial parts of Cordyline fruticosa L. var. strawberries. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR data, mass spectrometry and chemical methods. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against melanoma (A375), breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and colon carcinoma (HCT116) human tumor cell lines.

Steroidal glycosides from Ornithogalum dubium Houtt.

The phytochemical study of Ornithogalum dubium Houtt. (Asparagaceae) led to the isolation of five undescribed steroidal glycosides together with two known ones. Their structures were established by using NMR analysis and mass spectrometry as (25R)-3ß-hydroxyspirost-5-en-1ß-yl O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, (25S)-3ß-hydroxyspirost-5-en-1ß-yl O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, (22S)-16ß-[(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)oxy]-22-hydroxycholest-5-en-3ß-yl O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, (22S,23S)-1ß,3ß,11α,16ß,23-pentahydroxy-5α-cholest-24-en-22ß-yl ß-D-glucopyranoside, (22S,23S)-3ß-[(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-22,23-dihydroxy-5α-cholest-24-en-16ß-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside. Their cytotoxic activities against two human cells, a lung carcinoma A-549 and a promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell lines, were evaluated by using the XTT method. The results showed no significant cytotoxicity on the tested cells. The influence of the potentiation of cisplatin cytotoxicity in A-549 cells was also investigated and a slight effect was observed only for the (25R) spirostane-type derivative.

Isolation and identification of new anthraquinones from Rhamnus alaternus L and evaluation of their free radical scavenging activity.

From the butanolic and the ethyl acetate extracts of Rhamnus alaternus L root bark and leaves, three new anthraquinone glycosides, alaternosides A-C (1,4,6,8 tetrahydroxy-3 methyl anthraquinone 1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-4,6-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1); 1,2,6,8 tetrahydroxy-3 methyl anthraquinone 8-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 1, 6 dihydroxy-3 methyl 6 [2'-Me (heptoxy)] anthraquinone (3)) were isolated and elucidated together with the two known anthraquinone glycosides, Physcion-8-O-rutinoside (4) and emodin-6-O-α-L-rhamnoside (5) as well as with the known kaempferol-7-methylether (6), ß-sitosterol (7) and ß-sitosterol-3-O-glycoside (8). Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods (1D-, 2D-NMR and FAB-MS). Free radical scavenging activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by their ability to scavenge DPPH. free radicals. Compounds (3), (4) and (6) showed the highest activity with IC50 values of 9.46, 27.68 and 2.35 µg/mL, respectively.

Terpenoid glycosides from the root's barks of Eriocoelum microspermum Radlk. ex Engl.

Eight undescribed triterpenoid saponins together with a known one, and two undescribed sesquiterpene glycosides were isolated from root's barks of Eriocoelum microspermum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D experiments in combinaison with mass spectrometry as 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin, 1-O-{ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)}-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(2E,6E)-farnes-1-ol, 1-O-{ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)}-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(2E,6E)-farnes-1-ol. These results represent a contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Eriocoelum highlighting farnesol glycosides as chemotaxonomic markers of the subfamily of Sapindoideae in the family of Sapindaceae.

Oleanane-type glycosides from the roots of Weigela florida "rumba" and evaluation of their antibody recognition.

Three triterpene glycosides were isolated from the roots of Weigela florida "rumba" (Bunge) A. DC.: two previously undescribed 3-O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)]-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid (1) and 3-O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid (2), and one isolated for the first time from a natural source 3-O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid (3). Their structures were elucidated mainly by 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) and mass spectrometry. Compounds 2 and 3 were further evaluated as antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to recognize IgM antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' sera.

New perspectives for natural triterpene glycosides as potential adjuvants.

BACKGROUND: Triterpene glycosides are a vast group of secondary metabolites widely distributed in plants including a high number of biologically active compounds. The pharmacological potential is evaluated by using many bioassays particularly in the field of cancerology, immunology, and microbiology. The adjuvant concept is well known for these molecules in vaccines, but there is little preclinical evidence to support this concept in the management of cancer, infections and inflammation. PURPOSE: We aim to review some examples of triterpene glycosides from natural sources which exhibit adjuvant activity when they are co-adminitered with anticancer drugs, targeted toxins, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory drugs and with antigens in vaccines. METHODS: The scientific literature on the adjuvant potential of triterpene glycosides covering mainly the last two decades has been identified by using relevant key words in the databases, using the online service such as Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar. RESULTS: We divided these findings in four kind of examples, the combination of triterpene glycosides (1) with chemotherapeutic agents in conventional tumor therapies and with targeted toxins, (2) with antimicrobial drugs, (3) with antiinflammatory drugs, and (4) with an antigen in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Pharmacological studies have revealed that some triterpene glycosides co-administered with anticancer drugs such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, 5-fluorouracyl, mitoxantrone exhibited increased cytotoxicity in tumor cells better than when the drugs were administered alone. However in vivo toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are required before the combination strategy can be applied into clinical practice. Other studies showed that combined application of triterpene glycosides with targeted toxins resulted in the increased efficacy of the toxin, simultaneously reducing the dosage, and side effects. It was also shown that the co-administration of the triterpenoids with corticosteroids synergistically inhibited the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan in rats. The search for new alternative adjuvants in vaccines in comparison with the aluminium salts inducing only a Th2-type immune response resulted in the discovery of the promising purified fraction QS-21 from Quillaja saponaria, which has been used in the development of a variety of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Over 120 clinical trials for around 20 vaccine indications in infectious diseases, cancer, degenerative disorders have been reported involving more than 50,000 patients. CONCLUSION: This review summarized the successfull in vitro and in vivo studies showing that this combination approach of triterpene glycosides co-adminitered with anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drug may provide an exciting road for further developments in the treatment of some cancers, parasitic and inflammatory diseases and in the rational design of vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer. From a clinical point of view, the potential benefit of QS-21, a promising triterpene glycoside from Quillaja saponaria has been highlighted in several vaccine clinical trials with a favorable ratio efficacy/toxicity.

Triterpene saponins from Billia rosea.

Five previously undescribed triterpene saponins, billiosides A-E, and a known analogue, were isolated from the seeds of Billia rosea (Planch. & Linden) C. Ulloa & P. Jørg. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC) and mass spectrometry as (3ß,21ß,22α)-3-[(2-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-21-[((2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxyocta-2,7-dienoyl)oxy]-22-(acetyloxy)-24-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, (3ß,21ß,22α)-3-[(2-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-21,22-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-yl O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, (3ß,21ß,22α)-3-[(2-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-D-xylopyranosyl)oxy]-21,22-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-yl O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, (3ß,21ß,22α)-3-[(2-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-21,22-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-yl O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, (3ß,21ß,22α)-3-[(2-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-21,22-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-yl O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and dipteroside A. Billiosides B and C exhibited moderate effects when tested as hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase inhibitors and as glucose intestinal absorption inhibitors, using in situ rat intestinal segments.

Oleanane-type glycosides from Pittosporum tenuifolium "variegatum" and P. tenuifolium "gold star".

The phytochemical study of two cultivars of Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn, "variegatum" and "gold star", led to the isolation of eight oleanane-type glycosides: seven previously undescribed and a known one. Their aglycons are oxygenated oleanane derivatives as barringtogenol C, camelliagenin A, hederagenin, and 22α-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Their structures were established by 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry as 3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)]-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-22-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)]-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-di-O-angeloylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)]-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22-O-angeloylcamelliagenin A, 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-22-O-[(6-O-acetyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]camelliagenin A, 3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosylhederagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22α-hydroxyoleanolic acid 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester, and the known ilexoside XLIX. These results represent a significative contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Pittosporum, highlighting hederagenin-type saponins as chemotaxonomic markers of P. tenuifolium cultivars.