Alpinia hainanensis Rhizome Extract Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis: Active Ingredient Investigation and Evaluation.

Alpinia hainanensis is an important food spice and ethnic medicine in Southwest China. In this study, we found that the EtOAc-soluble fraction (AHE) of the A. hainanensis rhizome ethanol extract could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). To explore active constituents, five pairs of previously unreported enantiomers (1-5), together with nine known ones (6-14), were obtained. Structural characterization was achieved by comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 were new curcumin-butyrovanillone hybrids featuring a rare structural fragment of 2,3-dihyrofuran. The anti-inflammatory activities of isolates were evaluated, and the results indicated that compounds (-)-1, (-)-3, 6, 9, 11, and 12 significantly inhibited the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. These findings indicate the major active fraction of the A. hainanensis rhizome ethanol extract enriched with diarylheptanoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and their hybrid mixtures, which could be developed as a nutritional and dietary supplement for treating UC.

Plants for making wooden bowls and related traditional knowledge in the Gyirong Valley, Tibet, China.

BACKGROUND: The wooden bowl is an important symbol of the Tibetan cultures, yet, in China, little has been documented regarding the raw materials used to make these items as well as their cultural significance in Tibet. This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of plants used to make wooden bowls to understand their sustainability, cultural significance, and current status of related traditional knowledge in Gyirong Town, which is one of the most famous places for wooden bowl making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2021, key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observations were used to conduct ethnobotanical field surveys in Gyirong Valley. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. In this study, we utilized a use-report (UR) to reflect the number of mentions of a species by locals. RESULTS: Our results show that 16 different plants are used during the wooden bowl making process, of which nine are used as raw materials, three for dyeing, and four for varnishing. Although communities rely heavily on these plants, good management and collection methods were observed. We also documented the use of Fallopia denticulata as a red dye and four species of Impatiens as wood varnishes for the first time. CONCLUSION: The wooden bowl craftsmen and their housewives have a wealth of traditional knowledge of using plants to make wooden bowls in Gyirong Town. And the wooden bowls are now also offering benefits to the locals as well. The government and local people are committed to the protection and development of traditional knowledge related to wooden bowls, and this knowledge maintains a healthy degree of vitality. This research can provide insights into the vitality of traditional handicrafts that are facing challenges and promote their protection.

Structurally diverse limonoids and bio-active evaluation from Trichilia connaroides.

Four new limonoids, named as trichiconlide G (1), 2-hydroxyltrijugin F (2), 23-oxo-21-hydroxyltrijugin F (3), 21-oxo-23-hydroxyltrijugin F (4), along with sixteen known analogues (5-20) were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Trichilia connaroides. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic analyses, X-ray diffraction analysis, and TD-DFT-ECD calculations. Trichiconlide G (1) is one rare naturally occurring 1,2-seco phragmalin-type limonoid bearing a C-7/28 δ-lactone ring. Additionally, 2-hydroxyltrijugin F (2), 23-oxo-21-hydroxyltrijugin F (3), and 21-oxo-23-hydroxyltrijugin F (4) are three naturally occurring limonoids with a rare C-16/8 δ-lactone ring. All isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. None of compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines A-549, HepG2, 5-8F, Siha, and SCC-4 at the concentration of 40 µM. Compounds 16 and 17 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 28.45 ± 2.51 and 22.66 ± 2.01 µM, respectively.

Four new steroids from the leaves and twigs of Dysoxylum pallens and their cytotoxic activities.

Four previously undescribed steroids, identified as (3S,7S,8S,9S,10R,13S,14S,16S,17R,20S)-7α-methoxy-ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3ß,16ß,20-triol (1), ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3ß,7α,16ß-triol (2), ergosta-5,25-dien-3ß,7α,16ß,20-tetrol (3) and 7α,16ß,24α-trihydroxy-varninasterol (4), as well as five known analogues (5-9), were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Dysoxylum pallens Hiern (Meliaceae). Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis such as HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, UV, and IR. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Selected compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. Compounds 1, 2, and 8 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against HL-60, Hela, and HepG2 tumor cell lines with IC50 ranged from 11.09 to 17.51 µM.

Aspidoptoids A-D: Four New Diterpenoids from Aspidopterys obcordata Vine.

Four new diterpenoids, named aspidoptoids A-D (1-4), together with two known analogues (5-6) were isolated from Aspidopterys obcordata vine. Aspidoptoids A-B (1-2) are the first examples of phenylethylene-bearing 20-nor-diterpenoids of which aspidoptoid B (2) possesses a rare 3,10-oxybridge. Their structures and absolute configuration were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. In addition, all the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities and inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production.

Chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activities of Maqian (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum var. pubescens) bark extracts.

In this study, 44 compounds in the petroleum ether extract of Maqian (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum var. pubescens) bark, a traditional Dai herbal medicine, were identified by GC-MS. Major components included 3(2H)-benzofuranone, asarinin and (dimethoxymethyl)-3-methoxy-benzene. A total of 18 compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extracts of Maqian bark by column chromatography and identified by chemical and spectral analyses. Rhoifoline B, zanthoxyline dimethoxy derivative, N-nortidine, nitidine, decarine are the major alkaloids. Both the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant inhibition on NO production, which imply anti-inflammatory activity, in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells without cell toxicity. Decarine is the major anti-inflammatory constituent with NO IC50 values of 48.43 µM on RAW264.7 cells. The petroleum ether extract, the ethyl acetate extract and decarine showed anti-inflammatory activities through inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1ß production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells without cell toxicity too. Decarine showed anti-inflammatory activity on human colon cells by reducing IL-6 and IL-8 production in TNF-α+IL-1ß-induced Caco-2 cells. These results support the use of Maqian bark as a remedy for enteritis and colitis recorded by Dai medicine in China, and elucidate the major pharmacological compounds in Maqian bark.

Koumine, Humantenine, and Yohimbane Alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans.

Nine new alkaloids of the koumine (1-4), humantenine (5-7), and yohimbane (8, 9) types as well as 12 known analogues were isolated from the leaves and vine stems of Gelsemium elegans. Compound 1 is the first N-4-demethyl alkaloid of the koumine type, compound 7 is the first nor-humantenine alkaloid, and compounds 8 and 9 are the first N-1-oxide and the first seco-E-ring alkaloids, respectively, of the yohimbane type. Compounds 1 and 7 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines with IC50 values in the range 4.6-9.3 µM.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil from Maqian (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum var. pubescens) in Xishuangbanna, SW China.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Maqian (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum var. pubescens Huang) is widely consumed as an indigenous remedy for digestive disorders, detoxification, detumescence and analgesia by the ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna, SW China. A related species, Huajiao (Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc.), has similar uses in traditional Chinese medicine. We aimed to scientifically validate the traditional uses by investigating and comparing the chemical composition, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils of Maqian and Huajiao. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Essential oils were collected from the fruits of Maqian and Huajiao by simultaneous distillation extraction and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. To assess antimicrobial activity, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) against 7 microbial strains, including 5 food-borne pathogens, were evaluated by serial dilution with a standardized microdilution broth methodology. For anti-inflammatory activity, the cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) production were determined on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by MTS assay and the Griess reagent system, respectively. RESULTS: The essential oil from Maqian is rich in limonene (67.06%) and has strong antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens and spoilage organisms, with MIC ranging from 64 to1024µg/ml and MBC ranging from 64 to 2048µg/ml. It also showed anti-inflammatory activity by significantly inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells at 0.04‰ without effects on cell viability. Furthermore, it showed relatively stronger antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities than the essential oil from Huajiao. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings not only justify the use of Maqian as an indigenous remedy for digestive disorders, detoxification, detumescence and analgesia, but also suggest that it could be promoted as a preferred substitute for Huajiao.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Allium hookeri consumed in Xishuangbanna, southwest China.

The essential oil from the rhizomes of Allium hookeri Thwaites, obtained by simultaneous distillation extraction, was analyzed by GC-MS. Di-2-propenyl trisulfide (31.8%), diallyl disulfide (28.4%), and dipropyl trisulfide (8.4%) were the main constituents among the thirteen identified components. The essential oil showed strong activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans with MIC (the minimal inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimal bactericidal concentration) values ranging from 32-64 microg/mL. These results suggest that the essential oil from the rhizomes of A. hookeri could be used as a potential antimicrobial ingredient in the food industry.

Limonoids from the Leaves and Twigs of Walsura yunnanensis.

Nine new cedrelone limonoids, namely, walsuranolide B (1), 11ß-hydroxy-23-O-methylwalsuranolide (2), yunnanolide A (3), yunnanol A (4), 11ß-hydroxyisowalsuranolide (5), 11ß-hydroxy-1,2-dihydroisowalsuranolide (6), 1α,11ß-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroisowalsuranolide (7), 11ß-hydroxy-1α-methoxy-1,2-dihydroisowalsuranolide (8), and yunnanolide B (9), together with a new cycloartane triterpenoid, (24S*,25R*)-cycloartane-3ß,24,25,26-tetrol (10), were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Walsura yunnanensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with literature data. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines with IC50 values in the range 2.2-4.2 µM.

Flavonoids from twigs of Millettia pubinervis.

A new flavone, 3-methoxy-5-hydroxy-[2",3":7,8] furanoflavone, pubinerone (1), was isolated from the twigs of Millettia pubinervis Kurz, together with ten known flavonoids, karanjin (2), kanjone (3), 3,6-dimethoxy-[2",3":7,8] furanoflavone (4), pongaglabrone (5), pongapin (6), pongaflavone (7), 3,6-dimethoxy- 6",6"-dimethylchromene-[2",3":7,8] flavone (8), pongachromene (9), 3,6-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-6",6"-dimethylchromene-[2",3":7,8] flavone (10) and demethoxykanugin (11). This is the first phytochemical investigation of this plant. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, including 1D and 2D NMR and HREIMS analysis. The cytotoxicity of 1 against five human cancer cell lines; HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW480, was evaluated, but it was inactive (IC50 > 40 µM).

Gelsemium alkaloids, immunosuppressive agents from Gelsemium elegans.

Bioassay-guided isolation of the stems of Gelsemium elegans has led to the isolation of two new Gelsemium alkaloids, 21-(2-oxopropyl)-koumine (1) and 11-methoxygelselegine (2), and two known alkaloids, koumine (3) and gelselegine (4). The structures of 1-2 were determined by spectroscopic (for both) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for 1) analysis. All compounds isolated were evaluated for their potential as immunosuppressive agents and the data suggested that Gelsemium alkaloids of different structural types possibly have potential as immunosuppressive agents.