C21 steroids from the roots of Marsdenia tenacissima.

A phytochemical investigation of the dichloromethane soluble fraction of the ethanolic extract obtained from the roots of Marsdenia tenacissima led to the discovery of the sixteen undescribed pregnane C21 steroids (1-16) and isolation of eleven known C21 steroidal analogues (17-27). Their chemical structures were elucidated by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and, high resolution-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and their absolute configurations were determined using electronic circular dichroism or single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The in vitro anti-proliferative effects of 1-16 were evaluated against HepG2 (human hepatocellular cancer), A549 (lung cancer), and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cell lines. Even though some of them showed moderate cytotoxic activities, marsectohexol derivative 12 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against A549 cells with an IC50 value of 5.2 µM.

Isolation and identification of 3,4-seco-labdane diterpenoids from Callicarpa nudiflora and investigation of their cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells.

Twenty-one previously undescribed compounds, including nineteen 3,4-seco-labdanes (nudiflopenes P-W, Y, AI-JI), one 3,4-seco-pimarane (nudiflopene X), and one labdane (nudiflopene Z), along with nine known compounds (one 3,4-seco-pimarane and eight 3,4-seco-labdanes) were isolated from the leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. Et Arn. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, configurations of the isolated compounds were determined by electronic circular dichroism, DP4+ probability analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. All undescribed compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells in vitro, among which compound 12 exhibited a moderate activity with an IC50 value of 27.8 µM.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Monoterpene and Sesquiterpene Glycosides from the Aqueous Extract of Artemisia annua L.

Artemisia annua L. is a Chinese medicinal herb, but the origin of its pharmacological properties, including its anti-inflammatory activity, remain unknown. In this study, five new monoterpene glycosides (1-5) and two new sesquiterpene glycosides (6 and 7) were isolated from the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of A. annua. The structures of these glycosides were determined using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and chemical hydrolysis methods. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by down-regulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Notably, all the new compounds significantly inhibited the expression of IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner.

Pentacyclic triterpenoids from spikes of Prunella vulgaris L. with thyroid tumour cell cytostatic bioactivities.

Five new triterpenoids, including four ursane types (1-4) and one oleanane type (5), together with 15 known ursane types pentacyclic triterpenoids (6-20) were isolated from the fruit spikes of Prunella vulgaris L., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Their structures were elucidated based on IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectroscopic data. The SW579 cell line was used to evaluate anti-thyroid cancer activities of (1-20). The results indicated that (7-9), (16), and (19) exhibited apparent inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 25.73-71.41 µM (cisplatin as positive control, IC50 14.49 ± 0.97 µM). Network pharmacology and molecular docking were also used for the prediction of the synergistic actions and the underlying mechanisms. Accordingly, four potential targets have been characterized.

Eucarbwenstols A-H, eight novel compounds from Eucalyptus robusta prevents MPC-5 injury via ROS modulation and regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential.

BACKGROUND: The damage of podocytes is a primary hallmark of lupus nephritis (LN). Therefore, finding an effective way to inhibit the podocyte injury is important for improving the survival and development of patients with LN. Eucalyptus robusta exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether Formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids (FPMs), which are specialized metabolites of the genus Eucalyptus, is an anti-inflammatory active ingredient of E. robusta remains to be determined. PURPOSE: This study asimed to identify novel FPMs from E. robusta and investigated their anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: Various separation methods were used to isolate and identify the compounds in the PE extract of E. robusta. The structures of the isolates were determined using 1D/2D NMR data and electron circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of the podocyte cell line, MPC-5, were assessed using a multifunctional microplate reader combined with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Eight novel FPMs (1-8, Eucarbwenstols A-H, Fig. 1) and 15 known FPMs (9-23) were purified from the PE extract of E. robusta. It is noteworthy that compound 1 possesses an unprecedented FPM carbon skeleton. Among these compounds, compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 showed the most promising potential for protecting MPC-5 cells because pretreatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines TGF-ß, IFN-α and IL-6 decreased ROS production and ameliorated the mitochondrial state. CONCLUSIONS: Our research contributes to the characterization of E. robusta constituents and highlights the anti-inflammatory effects of FPMs.

Inhibition of the Akt/NF-κB pathway is involved in the anti-gastritis effects of an ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gastritis can lead to ulcers and the development of gastric cancer. The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Asteraceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is prescribed for the treatment of gastric disorders, hepatitis and rheumatism. Its bio-active compounds are considered to be particularly effective in this regard. However, the molecular processes of the herb's anti-inflammatory activity remain obscure. This study elucidates a mechanism upon which an ethanolic extract of this herb (Am-EE) exerts anti-inflammation effects in RAW264.7 macrophage cells (RAW cells) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and HCl Ethanol-stimulated gastritis rats. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-gastritis activities of Am-EE and explore the mode of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol (95%) was used to prepare Am-EE. The quality of the extract was monitored by HPLC analysis. The in vivo effects of this extract were examined in an HCl Ethanol-stimulated gastritis rat model, while LPS-stimulated RAW cells were used for in vitro assays. Cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) production were observed by MTT and Griess assays. Real-time PCR was used to examine mRNA expression. The PGE2 ELISA kit was employed to detect prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Enzyme activities and protein contents were examined by immunoblotting. Luciferase reporter gene assays (LRA) were employed to observe nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB activity. The SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States) application was used for statistical examination. RESULTS: HPLC analysis indicates that Am-EE contains atractylenolide-1 (AT-1, 1.33%, w/w) and atractylenolide-2 (AT-2, 1.25%, w/w) (Additional Figure. A1). Gastric tissue damage (induced by HCl Ethanol) was significantly decreased in SD rats following intra-gastric application of 35 mg/kg Am-EE. Indistinguishable to the anti-inflammation effects of 35 mg/kg ranitidine (gastric medication). Am-EE treatment also reduced LPS-mediated nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The mRNA and protein synthesis of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and NO synthase (iNOS) was down-regulated following treatment in RAW cells. Am-EE decreased NF-κB (p50) nuclear protein levels and inhibited NF-κB-stimulated LRA activity in RAW cells. Lastly, Am-EE decreased the up-regulated levels of phosphorylated IκBα and Akt proteins in rat stomach lysates and in LPS challenged RAW cell samples. CONCLUSION: Our study illustrates that Am-EE suppresses the Akt/IκBα/NF-κB pathway and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. These novel conclusions provide a pharmacological basis for the clinical use of the A. macrocephala rhizome in the treatment and prevention of gastritis and gastric cancer.

Diterpenoid glycosides from the flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge and their nitric oxide inhibitory activities.

Trolliusditerpenosides A-Q (1-17), seventeen new labdane-diterpenoid glycosides, were isolated from the dried flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge, a plant that has been commonly used as both an anti-inflammatory folk medicine and a healthcare tea for its therapeutic and anti-viral and antibacterial properties. Their structures were corroborated via comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages of all compounds (1-17) were evaluated in vitro. Compounds 3, 6, 7, and 11 displayed significant inhibitory activities against NO production, with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 ± 0.1 to 14.4 ± 0.2 µM. In addition, compounds 3, 6, 7, and 11 all down-regulated the mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2, and IL-1ß in RAW 264.7 cells mediated by LPS. These findings not only support the chemical context of genus Trollius but also the exploration of new chemical entities with pharmacological significance from this genus.

[Bibenzyls from Dendrobium officinale].

Fifteen bibenzyls were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate extract of the stems of Dendrobium officinale by macroporous resin, MCI, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS column chromatographies, as well as preparative thin-layer chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structures of compounds were identified according to the spectra data of ~1H-NMR, ~(13)C-NMR, and MS, and the physical and physiochemical properties: dendrocandin X(1), 3,4'-dihydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybibenzyl(2), 6″-de-O-methyldendrofindlaphenol A(3), 3,4-dihydroxy-4',5-dimethoxybibenzyl(4), dendrosinen B(5), 3,4,4'-trihydroxy-5-methoxybibenzyl(6), 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybibenzyl(7), 3,4'-dihydroxy-5-methoxybibenzyl(8), moscatilin(9), gigantol(10), 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybibenzyl(11), 3,4',5-trihydroxy-3'-methoxybibenzyl(12), 3-O-methylgigantol(13), dendrocandin U(14), and dendrocandin N(15). Compound 1 was a novel compound. Compound 2 was isolated from Dendrobium species for the first time. Compounds 3-7 were isolated from D. officinale for the first time.

The anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, involves Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The dried rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thumb.) DC. (Compositae) has been prescribed in folk medicine for the management of various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatic diseases, gastritis and hepatitis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial properties of this herb remain elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we investigated the anti-gastritis activities of Al-EE (an ethanolic extract of the herb) and explored the mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethanolic extract of the Atractylodes lancea (Thumb.) DC. (Compositae) rhizome, Al-EE, was prepared with ethanol (95%) and quality controlled using HPLC analysis. To determine the in vivo effects of this extract, we utilised a HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis rat model. In vitro assays were carried out using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell model. MTT assays were used to examine cell viability, while Griess assays were carried out to measure nitric oxide (NO) production. Messenger RNA expression was examined by real-time PCR. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was examined using ELISA assays. To examine protein expression and enzymatic activities, we employed western blot analysis. Nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB activity was determined by Luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: The content of atractylenolide (AT)-1 and AT-2 in Al-EE was 0.45% and 5.07% (w/w), respectively (Supplementary Fig. 1). Al-EE treatment suppressed the production of NO and PGE2, reduced the mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, while also reducing the protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Furthermore, Al-EE inhibited the nuclear protein levels of NF-κB (p65) and NF-κB-driven luciferase reporter gene activity in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Critically, intra-gastric injection of Al-EE (25 mg/kg) attenuated HCl/EtOH-induced gastric damage in SD rats, while the phosphorylation of Akt and IκBα was suppressed by Al-EE in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: In summary, Al-EE has significant anti-gastritis effects in vivo and in vitro, which can be associated with the inhibition of the Akt/IκBα/NF-κB signalling pathway. This mechanistic finding provides a pharmacological basis for the use of the A. lancea rhizome in the clinical treatment of various inflammatory conditions.

Acylated iridoid glucosides from Pseudocaryopteris paniculata (C.B.Clarke) P.D.Cantino.

Phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate fraction of Pseudocaryopteris paniculata C.B.Clarke P.D.Cantino resulted in the identification of 26 undescribed iridoid glucosides (paniculosides A-Z), along with 7 known iridoid glucosides. Their structures were elucidated via two-dimensional nuclear-magnetic-resonance (2D-NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS), and chemical-hydrolysis methods. All isolated substances were analyzed for their cytoprotective effects against t-BHP-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. Among the tested compounds, paniculoside A, paniculoside I, paniculoside T, and paniculoside U exhibited moderate cytoprotective activities with IC50 values in the range of 11.72-34.22 µM against t-BHP-induced toxicity.

Chemical constituents from the roots of Lindera aggregata and their biological activities.

Three new benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, (1'S)-12'-hydroxyl-linderegatine (1), (1S)-5'-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl norreticuline (2), (1R, 1'R)-11,11'-biscoclaurine (3), along with 18 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). The absolute configurations of three new compounds were determined by comparing their experimental and calculated ECD for the first time. Compounds (4) and (9) showed cytotoxic activities against human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT-116), with IC50 values of 51.4 and 27.1 µM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds (10) and (11) showed inhibitory activities on nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 37.8 and 38.7 µM, respectively.

Caryopincaolide M, a rearranged abietane diterpenoid with new skeleton and a new iridoid from Caryopteris incana.

Caryopincaolide M (1), a new rearranged abietane diterpenoid with an unusual pent-4-enoic acid group on a 6/6/5 tricyclic ring system, and 7-epi-8-dehydroxypatriscabrol (3), a new iridoid, together with 17 known compounds, have been isolated from the whole plant of Caryopteris incana (Thunb.) Miq. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1-D and 2-D NMR, IR, and mass spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against enzyme α-glucosidase, and the results showed that only 1 has moderate inhibitory activity against enzyme α-glucosidase with IC50 at 528.3 ± 12.37 mg/L.

An ethanol extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis exerts anti-gastritis activities and inhibits Akt/NF-κB signaling.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) kodiz (Compositae) has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and stomach ache, but scanted report has been issued on its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY: Here, we investigated the anti-gastritis activities and explored the mechanism of action of an ethanolic extract of the herb (Ac-EE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ac-EE was prepared with 95% ethanol. To determine its in vivo effects, we employed an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis rat model. We used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage model for in vitro assays. Griess and MTT assays were used to measure nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability, respectively. We used real-time PCR to determine mRNA levels. To measure prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production we used a PGE2 EIA kit. To estimate protein levels and enzyme activities, we employed immunoblotting. Luciferase assays were used to examine nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB activities. RESULTS: Intragastric administration of Ac-EE (30 mg/kg) ameliorated HCl/EtOH-induced stomach tissue damages in SD rats. Ac-EE inhibited the levels of NO and PGE2, down regulated mRNA and protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Ac-EE suppressed the nuclear level of NF-κB (p50), and inhibited NF-κB luciferase activity. The Phosphorylation of Akt and IκBα was also inhibited by Ac-EE both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: Ac-EE treatment exerts an anti-gastritis effect in rats. Inhibition of the Akt/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway is associated with this effect, providing a pharmacological basis for the clinical application of the rhizome of A. chinensis in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

A new highly oxygenated pregnane and two new 5-hydroxymethylfurfural derivatives from the water decoction of Poria cocos.

A new highly oxygenated pregnane steroid, pregn-7-ene-2ß,3α,15α,20-tetrol (1) and two new 5-hydroxymethylfurfural derivatives, (5-formylfuran-2-yl)methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate (2) and (5-formylfuran-2-yl)methyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate (3), together with four known compounds, were isolated from the water decoction of Poria cocos. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 showed moderate inhibitory activity and a known compound (3S,6S)-3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-6-(phenylmethyl)-2,5-piperazinedione (5) showed weak inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, respectively.

Nepetaefolins A-J, Cytotoxic Chinane and Abietane Diterpenoids from Caryopteris nepetaefolia.

Nepetaefolins A-J (1-10) and seven known compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Caryopteris nepetaefolia. The absolute configurations of 1-3 were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic data. Compounds 6 and 7, with IC50 values of 6.3-9.0 µM, showed higher cytotoxicity than paclitaxel in one non-small-cell lung cancer, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model when tested using PDX models and the adenosine triphosphate-tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA).

New Iridoid Glucosides from Caryopteris incana (Thunb.) Miq. and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities.

In our continued investigations of the plant Caryopteris incana, five new iridoid glucosides 1-5, including two cis-trans-isomers, 3 and 4, along with six known compounds 6-11, were isolated from the n-butyl alcohol (n-BuOH) soluble fraction of whole dried material of Caryopteris incana. Their structures were established by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS). Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for their yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Among these compounds, 4-8 and 10 exhibited potent inhibition of α-glucosidase.

[Chemical constituents from Crotalaria sessiliflora L.].

In this study, we isolated and purified the extracts of the whole plant of Crotalaria sessiliflora L. by column chromatographic.Twelve compounds were isolated and identified as followings: sessiliflorin B(1), quercetin (2), kaempferol (3), soyasapogenol B(4), fernenol (5), neoechinulin A(6), ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (7), ethyl caffeate (8), 5,7-dihydroxychromone(9), crotadihydrofuran A(10), butesuperin B(11) and aurantiamide acetate(12).Compound 1 is a new compound, compound 3-12 were isolated from the plant for the first time.

[Separation and authentication of tilianin and quality standards of semen of Dracocephalum moldavia].

Tilianin was separated and authenticated from the seeds of Dracocephalum moldavia, a Uygur medicine, by chromatographic technique and spectroscopic method. The purity of tilianin is more than 98% determined by HPLC area normalization method. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) method was used to separate tilianin from D. moldavia by mixture of chloroform-methanol (5: 1) as a developing solvent on high performance silicagel precoated plate (SGF254) and using aluminium trichloride as a chromogenic agent for qualitative identification of D. moldavia. To establish a HPLC method for quantitative analysis of D. moldavia, tilianin was used as a Quantitative marker and separated on a C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 µm) column with acetonitrile-01% formic acid (25: 75) as the mobile phase and detected at 330 nm. The calibration curve of tilianin displayed ideal linearity over the range of 0.617 2-123.44 µg x mL(-1) with a regression equation of Y = 33.773X - 0.824 8 (r = 1). The average recovery of tilianin was 101.0% with RSD of 3.7%. The RSD values of intra-day and inter-day precision were less than 2%. The content of tilianin in 4 batches of the authenticated semen of D. Moldavia was between 0.016 and 0.187 mg x g(-1). The qualitative and quantitative method established is suitable for the quality evaluation and assessment of semen of D. Moldavia.

Diterpenoids from the Whole Plant of Lagochilus platyacanthus.

Five new diterpenoids, lagoditerpenes A-E (1-3, 5, 6), along with ten known compounds were isolated from the herb of Lagochilus platyacanthus. The absolute structures of 1-4 and 6 were unequivocally elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses in association with single-crystal X-ray diffraction, in which compounds 1 and 2 were the epimers at C-13. Furthermore, in in vitro assays, compounds 1, 2 and 6 showed moderate hemostatic activities by shortening the values of activated partial thromboplastin time.

Norisoboldine, an Anti-Arthritis Alkaloid Isolated from Radix Linderae, Attenuates Osteoclast Differentiation and Inflammatory Bone Erosion in an Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Dependent Manner.

Norisoboldine (NOR), the primary isoquinoline alkaloid constituent of the root of Lindera aggregata, has previously been demonstrated to attenuate osteoclast (OC) differentiation. Accumulative evidence has shown that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in regulating the differentiation of various cells, and multiple isoquinoline alkaloids can modulate AhR. In the present study, we explored the role of NOR in the AhR signaling pathway. These data showed that the combination of AhR antagonist resveratrol (Res) or α-naphthoflavone (α-NF) nearly reversed the inhibition of OC differentiation through NOR. NOR could stably bind to AhR, up-regulate the nuclear translocation of AhR, and enhance the accumulation of the AhR-ARNT complex, AhR-mediated reporter gene activity and CYP1A1 expression in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that NOR might be an agonist of AhR. Moreover, NOR inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65, resulting in the evident accumulation of the AhR-NF-κB-p65 complex, which could be markedly inhibited through either Res or α-NF. Although NOR only slightly affected the expression of HIF-1α, NOR markedly reduced VEGF mRNA expression and ARNT-HIF-1α complex accumulation. In vivo studies indicated that NOR decreased the number of OCs and ameliorated the bone erosion in the joints of rats with collagen-induced arthritis, accompanied by the up-regulation of CYP1A1 and the down-regulation of VEGF mRNA expression in the synovium of rats. A combination of α-NF nearly completely reversed the effects of NOR. In conclusion, NOR attenuated OC differentiation and bone erosion through the activation of AhR and the subsequent inhibition of both NF-κB and HIF pathways.