[Research progress on cycloartane triterpenoids of Actaea].

The genus Actaea plants are widely distributed in China, and the cycloartane triterpenoids are the characteristic constituents of this genus. They are divided into types of cimigenol, hydroshengmanol, shengmanol, cimiacerogenin, acteol, 16, 23-diketo, foetidonol, dahurinol, etc. Cycloartane triterpenoids show many biological activities, such as cytotoxicity, anti-osteoporosis, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-nucleoside transport, neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, antibacterial activities. The present paper reviewed the distribution of the plant resources of Actaea, chemical structures and biological activities of cycloartane triterpenoids, aiming to provide a reference for the further research in the future.

A,D-seco-limonoids from the stems of Clausena emarginata.

Twelve new A,D-seco-limonoids, clauemargines A-L (1-12), and three known analogues were isolated from the stems of Clausena emarginata. The absolute configurations of 1 and 5 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography and ECD spectroscopy, respectively. Compounds 1, 2, 8-10, and 13 showed moderate inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production (IC50 values<10 µM).

Anti-inflammatory amide alkaloids from the stems of Clausena emarginata.

Two new amide alkaloids, clauemaramide A (1) and clauemaramide B (2), and three known analogs were isolated from the stems of Clausena emarginata. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were confirmed by CD spectroscopy. Compound 3 showed moderate inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production (IC59 value = 4.9 µM).

A pair of diastereoisomeric C-glucofuranosyl flavones from the flowers of Gypsophila oldhamiana.

Two new C-glucofuranosyl flavones apigenin 6-C-ß-glucofuranoside (1) and apigenin 6-C-α-glucofuranoside (2) together with four known compounds (3-6) were isolated from the flowers of Gypsophila oldhamiana. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. These compounds were evaluated for the cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines and did not exhibit any significant bioactivities (IC50 values > 10 µM).

Novel nortriterpenoids with new skeletons and limonoids from the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa and their bioactivities.

Two novel nortriterpenoids together with 7 known compounds were isolated from the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 is the first example of triterpenoid with a 27 (17 â†’ 12)-abeo-five-ring skeleton. In turn, compound 2 possesses a unique C/D/E linear fused ring system and a methyl on C-21. Plausible biogenetic pathway for the new compounds 1 and 2 are also proposed. Compound 1 exhibited significantly antitumor activity against A549 and LoVo cells with IC50 values of 2.0 µM and 1.9 µM, respectively. Colony formation inhibition, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis of compound 1 were also evaluated. Compound 2, 6, 7 and 9 showed potent neuroprotective activities against serum-deprivation induced P12 cell damage.

Hepatoprotective pyranocoumarins from the stems of Clausena emarginata.

Seven pyranocoumarins, clauemarmarins A-G, along with 6 known analogues were isolated from the stems of Clausena emarginata. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute stereochemistries at C-6″ of clauemarmarin B, C and D and the absolute configurations of clauemarmarin E, F and G were determined by ECD experiments. Compounds clauemarmarin C, D and two known analogues exhibited hepatoprotective activities against DL-galactosamine-induced damage in WB-F344 cells at the concentration of 10 µM.

Clauemarazoles A-G, seven carbazole alkaloids from the stems of Clausena emarginata.

Seven new carbazole alkaloids, clauemarazoles A-G, together with 19 known analogues were isolated from the stems of Clausena emarginata. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1a, 1b, 5a, and 5b were confirmed by their ECD spectroscopy. Compounds 4, 13, 15, and 17 exhibited inhibitory abilities on LPS-induced NO production. Compounds 10-12, 20, 22, and 24 displayed hepatoprotective effects against DL-galactosamine-induced damage in WB-F344 cells.