A new abietane diterpenoid from Lycopodium complanatum.

A new abietane diterpenoid, 1ß, 11-epoxyabieta-12-hydroxy-8, 11, 13-triene-7-one (1), along with three known compounds (2-4), was isolated from Lycopodium complanatum. Their structures were confirmed by the analysis of 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS data, and comparison with previous spectral data. All compounds were tested for inhibitory activities against A549, HepG2 and MCF-7 tumor cell lines. [Figure: see text].

Two New C21 Steroidal Glycosides from Selaginella Braunii Baker.

Two new C21 steroidal glycosides, brapreguanes A and B (1-2) were isolated from 75 % aqueous ethanol extract of Selaginella braunii Baker. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analyses (1D/2D NMR spectra and HR-ESI-MS). The absolute configurations of sugar were elucidated by enzymatic hydrolysis and GCMS analysis. In addition, all compounds were evaluated for the anti-proliferative activities against various human cancer cells in vitro. Compounds exhibited no inhibition to various human cancer cells.

Brasesquilignan A-E, Five New Furofurans Lignans from Selaginella braunii Baker.

Five new furofurans lignans, Brasesquilignan A-E (1-5), were isolated from the aqueous ethanol extract of Selaginella braunii Baker. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of NMR and HRESIMS data. Their absolute configurations were determined by CD spectra, enzymatic hydrolysis, and GCMS analysis. Furthermore, all compounds were evaluated for anti-proliferative activities against various human cancer cellsin vitro. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited weak inhibitorypotency against five human cancer cells.

Components identification and isomers differentiation in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) leaves by LC-MS.

A valid and reliable method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry using electrospray ionization was established to identify chemical constituents in the ethanol extract of pigeon pea leaves. A total of 58 compounds were detected both in positive and negative modes. Among them, 42 compounds, including 16 flavones, 1 flavonol, 5 flavanones, 9 isoflavones, 1 coumarin, 1 lactone, 6 stilbenes, 2 chalcones, and 1 other compound, were unambiguously identified or tentatively assigned in view of the retention time, the molecular formula, as well as the fragmentation patterns. Moreover, eight sets of isomers were differentiated by the ion trap mass spectrometry based on the fragment ion differences or the abundance differences of the same fragment ions. The energy-resolved mass spectrometry in light of the relative abundance of characteristic fragment ions was adopted in the study.

New prenylflavonol glycosides with xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus.

Eight new prenylflavonol glycosides (1-8), along with five known analogues (9-13) were isolated from the n-butanol extract of the dried leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (family Juglandaceae) for the first time. The structures of these compounds were characterized by comprehensive analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, UV data and acid hydrolysis. In bioassay, all these thirteen prenylflavonol glycosides exhibited inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. Especially compounds 2 and 7, showed outstanding IC50 values of 31.81 ± 2.20 and 29.71 ± 3.69 µM, respectively.

Separation of six compounds from pigeon pea leaves by elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography.

A valid and reliable method was established to separate six compounds from pigeon pea leaves via elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography. A solvent system composed of n-hexane/methanol/formic acid aqueous solution with pH = 3 (10:6:4, v/v) was screened to achieve satisfactory isolation from the ethanol extract of pigeon pea leaves. Four compounds, 9.2 mg of compound 1 (96.8%), 3.2 mg of 2 (88.0%), 6.2 mg of 4 (94.2%) and 25.2 mg of 5 (94.2%), were obtained by conventional elution from 100 mg of the precipitation fraction, respectively. Two compounds, 14.4 mg of 3 (96.3%) and 28.1 mg of 6 (96.6%), with high K values were obtained by the subsequent extrusion procedure. The compounds 1-6 were identified as 3-methoxy-5-(2-phenylethenyl)-phenol, pinostrobin chalcone, pinostrobin, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-(2-phenylvinyl)-benzoic acid, longistylin C and cajaninstilbene acid by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro antiproliferation activities of compounds 1, 5 and 6 against human hepatoma cell were evaluated and the half-maximum inhibitory concentrations were acquired.

New Selaginellin derivatives from Selaginella tamariscina.

Two new selaginellin derivatives selaginellin P (1) and selaginellin Q (2) were isolated from Selaginella tamariscina. The structures of 1 and 2 were established as 2,4'-dihydroxy-4-methyl-3-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethynyl]biphene (1) and 2,4'-dihydroxy-3-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethynyl]biphene (2) on the basis of spectroscopic means including HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR experiments.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety Profile, and Tolerability of Tetramethylpyrazine Nitrone Tablets After Single and Multiple Ascending Doses in Healthy Chinese Volunteers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone (TBN) is a novel tetramethylpyrazine derivative armed with a strong free radical scavenging nitrone moiety. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and tolerability of TBN tablets after a single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending doses (MAD) in healthy Chinese volunteers. METHODS: This phase I, single-center, open-label study was conducted in China. The SAD portion consisted of four cohorts with dose levels of 400-1800 mg. The MAD portion included three cohorts in which subjects received doses of 600-1800 mg twice daily for 7 days (13 consecutive doses). The third portion was a randomized, two-period, crossover design to assess the influence of food with a single dose of TBN tablets (1200 mg). The safety profile was evaluated by monitoring adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiograms, physical examinations, and laboratory test results. RESULTS: Fifty-two healthy subjects aged 18 to 45 years with a body mass index between 19.0 and 26.0 kg/m2 were enrolled. After a single dose of TBN, the median time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was 2.48-3.24 h and the mean half-life (t1/2) was 1.28 to 2.10 h across all doses. In the MAD study, the median Tmax was 2.48 to 3.48 h. In the 400-1800 mg dose range, there was a tendency for less than proportional increases in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to time of last measurable concentration (AUC0-t), and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC0-inf) in both single- and multiple-dose periods. A significantly higher TBN exposure was observed in females than males in both a single and multiple doses of the 600 mg and 1200 mg groups, with a geometric mean female-to-male ratio of 138.69-203.18%. Food decreased the Cmax and AUC0-t of TBN to 45.19% and 59.73%, respectively. Each dose group reached a steady state after 4 days. No drug accumulation was observed. Two subjects had drug-related AEs. A decreased neutrophil count and drug eruption in the SAD portion (1200 mg group) and an increased alanine aminotransferase level in the food effect group were found. All AEs were mild and tolerable (CTCAE grade 1) and resolved without any medical intervention. CONCLUSION: TBN tablets had a good safety profile and were well tolerated in healthy Chinese volunteers. Steady-state concentrations were reached after 4 consecutive days of oral administration. The results of this phase I study will provide guidance for the design of future TBN clinical studies. CHINESE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ChiCTR1900022092.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence study of montelukast sodium oral soluble film and chewable tablet in healthy Chinese volunteers: randomized trials under fasting and fed conditions.

Background: The oral soluble film (OSF) is a new drug delivery system. Whether montelukast sodium OSF has similar pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and bioequivalence to chewable tablet (CT) should be investigated. Methods: This study, conducted at Haikou People's Hospital, consisted of two trials: a randomized, open-label, single-dose, 3-sequence, 3-period crossover trial under fasting conditions and a randomized, open-label, single-dose, 2-sequence, 2-period crossover trial under fed conditions. Healthy volunteers were randomized 1:1:1 to receive single-dose oral montelukast sodium OSF without water, OSF, or CT with water in the fasting trial, and 1:1 to receive OSF or CT with water in the fed trial in each period, with a 7-day washout period. Randomization was performed according to random number tables generated using computer. Blood samples were collected over a 24-h period. Plasma drug concentrations were tested using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The primary PK parameters were maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) from t=0 to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t), and AUC from t=0 to infinity (AUC0-∞). The other PK parameters included time to Cmax (Tmax), terminal elimination rate constant (λz), and half-life (t1/2). Safety was also assessed. Analysis of variance on log-transformed primary PK parameters was applied to analyze the bioequivalence between the OSF and CT. The bioequivalence margin was 80-125%. Results: From November 2018 to January 2019, 30 subjects were included in each trial. The PK parameters between OSF and CT were numerically similar. All 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratio (GMR) for the primary PK parameters fell within 80-125%, confirming the bioequivalence of montelukast sodium OSF and CT under fasting and fed conditions. In the fasting trial, 6 (20%) adverse events (AEs) were reported, including 3 (10%) cases after OSF administration without water and 3 (10%) after OSF administration with water, with no serious AEs. No AEs were recorded in the fed trial. Conclusions: Montelukast sodium OSF is bioequivalent to CT, with acceptable safety. The OSF is an alternative option of CT. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT05528198 (the fasting trial) and NCT05531994 (the fed trial).

Two new triterpenoid glycosides from leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus.

Two dammarane glycosides (1-2) were isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. The structures of new compounds were established by application of spectroscopic methods, including one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR, HRESIMS, and chemical hydrolysis. When evaluated against seven human cancer cell lines, the two compounds exhibited selective cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells.[Formula: see text].

Four new prenylflavonol glycosides from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus.

Four new prenylflavonol glycosides (1-4) along with two known analogues (5-6) were isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus for the first time. The structures of these compounds were characterized by comprehensive analysis of 1 D, 2 D NMR, HRESIMS, UV data and enzymatic hydrolysis. In bioassays, compounds 1-4 were evaluated for inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase (XOD) and effects on the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, compounds 1 and 2 showed outstanding XOD inhibitions with IC50 values of 18.16 ± 3.91 and 37.65 ± 5.67 µM, and exhibited inhibitions against LPS-induced NO production with IC50 values of 80.50 ± 3.09 and 82.28 ± 2.87 µM.

Identification of the human liver cytochrome P450 isoenzymes responsible for the 5-methylhydroxylation of the novel anti-fibrotic drug AKF-PD.

Identification of cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYPs) involved in flourofenidone (5-methyl-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-[1H]-pyridone, AKF-PD) 5-methylhydroxylation was carried out using human liver microsomes and cDNA-expressed human CYPs (supersomes). The experiments were performed in the following in vitro models: (A) a study of AKF-PD metabolism in liver microsomes: (a) correlations study between the rate of AKF-PD 5-methylhydroxylation and activity of CYPs; (b) the effect of specific CYPs inhibitors on the rate of AKF-PD 5-methylhydroxylation; (B) AKF-PD biotransformation by cDNA-expressed human CYPs (1A2, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, 2E1, 3A4). In human liver microsomes, the formation of AKF-PD 5-methylhydroxylation metabolite significantly correlated with the caffeine N3-demethylase (CYP1A2), chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylase (CYP2E1), midazolam 1'- hydroxylase (CYP3A4), tolbutamide 4-hydroxylase (CYP2C9), and debrisoquin 4-hydroxylase (CYP2D6) activities. The production of AKF-PD 5-methylhydroxylation metabolite was completely inhibited by a-naphthoflavone (a CYP1A2 inhibitor) with the IC50 value of 0.12 µM in human liver microsomes. The cDNA-expressed human CYPs generated different amounts of AKF-PD 5-methylhydroxylation metabolites, but the preference of CYP isoforms to catalyze AKF-PD metabolism was as follows: 2D6 > 2C19 > 1A2 > 2E1 > 2C9 > 3A4. The results demonstrated that CYP1A2 is the main isoform catalyzing AKF-PD 5-methylhydroxylation while CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2E1, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 are engaged to a lesser degree. Potential drug-drug interactions involving CYP1A2 may be noticed when AKF-PD is used combined with CYP1A2 inducers or inhibitors.

Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel-based drug delivery system for local cancer therapy.

Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel has been regarded as attractive drug delivery system, which displays a sol-gel phase transition upon injection in response to temperature. Recently, thermosensitive hydrogel has become a matter of importance in cancer therapy, providing high local drug concentration, sustained release characteristics, minimal invasiveness, and low systemic toxicities. Here, we review the extensive application of thermosensitive hydrogel in local cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, chemo-photothermal combined therapy, and chemo-/immuno- combined therapy.

Cyclocarioside O-Q, three novel seco-dammarane triterpenoid glycosides from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus.

Three previously undescribed seco-dammarane triterpenoid glycosides O-Q (1-3) along with two known compounds (4 and 5) were isolated and characterized from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. Their structures were determined by comprehensive analysis of 1 D, 2 D NMR and HRESIMS data. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against human pancreatic tumor (ASPC-1), human gastric carcinoma (SNU5), liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG-2) and human colon tumor (HCT116) cell lines. Among them cyclocarioside P (2) showed somewhat inhibitory activity towards those tumor cells.

Carboxymethyl flavonoids and a chromone with antimicrobial activity from Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.

Five new carboxymethyl flavonoids named 5-carboxymethyl-3', 4', 7-trihydroxyflavone (1), (2S)- 5-carboxymethyl-3', 4', 7-trihydroxyflavonone (2a), (2R)-5-carboxymethyl-3', 4', 7-trihydroxyflavonone (2b), (2S)-5-carboxymethyl-4', 7-dihydroxyflavonone (3), 5- carbomethoxymethyl-4', 7-dihydroxyflavone (4), and a new chromone named 5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone (5), together with two known compounds 5-carboxymethyl-4'-hydroxyflavone-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (6), 5-carboxymethyl-4', 7-dihydroxyflavone (7) were isolated from Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. Their structures including absolute configuration were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. What's worth mentioning is that a carboxymethyl substituent appeared at the C-5 position of all isolated compounds, only recently discovered in genus Selaginella. Compounds 2a and 2b were identified as a pair of chiral isomers; compound 5 was discovered as the first chromone comprising a carboxymethyl side chain. Furthermore, all compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against various Gram-positives and Gram-negatives, and compared to the reference drugs amoxicillin and norfloxacin. As a result, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited as potent antimicrobial agents with a broad spectrum, and compound 5 appeared as the most promising one to combat Gram-positives.

New isoindolinones from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceum.

Hericium erinaceus is a well-known medicinal and edible mushroom, which is considered as a potential source to obtain antitumor candidates. In this work, five new isoindolinones, named erinaceolactams A-E (1-5), along with five known compounds (6-10), were isolated from 70% ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus. The structures of new compounds were validated by HRESIMS and 1D, 2D NMR. It's worth mentioning that there are two pairs of isomers included in the new compounds. Moreover, their cytotoxicity against metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7221 and MHCC-97H were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 6 and 7 exhibited promising inhibitory potency against the growth of two cell lines.

Evaluation of 6ß-Hydroxycortisol and 6ß-Hydroxycortisone as Biomarkers for Cytochrome P450 3A Activity: Insight into Their Predictive Value for Estimating Oral Immunosuppressant Metabolism.

The combined clearance of endogenous 6ß-hydroxycortisol and 6ß-hydroxycortisone is suggested biomarker for in vivo cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity. We aimed to determine whether the combined clearance of these two markers together with information of biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) of drugs could be used to predict CYP3A-mediated metabolism of immunosuppressants. The BCS of drug formulations were determined based on the solubility and permeability. Sixty-seven healthy subjects were divided into three groups and group 1 (n = 23), 2 (n = 22), and 3 (n = 22) received oral single dose of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus, respectively. Blood and urine samples were gathered at various times. The combined clearance of 6ß-hydroxycortisol and 6ß-hydroxycortisone correlated significantly with cyclosporine pharmacokinetics (p < 0.001) after oral dose of a BCS 1 formulation, whereas no relationships were seen after administration of tacrolimus and sirolimus formulations, both of which belonged to BCS 2. Regarding the biopharmaceutical characteristics, the endogenous CYP3A biomarker explains 74.5% of variability in oral cyclosporine clearance between individuals.