Triterpenoids as novel natural inhibitors of human cathepsin L.

Cathepsins L (catL) and B play an important role in tumor progression and have been considered promising therapeutic targets in the development of novel anticancer agents. Using a bioactivity-guided fractionation, a series of triterpenoids was identified as a new class of competitive inhibitors towards cathepsin L with affinity values in micromolar range. Among the 14 compounds evaluated, the most promising were 3-epiursolic acid (3), 3-(hydroxyimino)oleanolic acid (9), and 3-(hydroxyimino)masticadienoic acid (13) with IC50 values of 6.5, 2.4, and 2.6 µM on catL, respectively. Most of the evaluated triterpenoids do not inhibit cathepsin B. Thus, the evaluated compounds exhibit a great potential to help in the design of new inhibitors with enhanced potency and affinity towards catL. Docking studies were performed in order to gain insight on the binding mode and SAR of these compounds.

Acridone alkaloids as potent inhibitors of cathepsin V.

Cathepsin V is a lysosomal cysteine peptidase highly expressed in thymus, testis and corneal epithelium. Eleven acridone alkaloids were isolated from Swinglea glutinosa (Bl.) Merr. (Rutaceae), with eight of them being identified as potent and reversible inhibitors of cathepsin V (IC(50) values ranging from 1.2 to 3.9 µM). Detailed mechanistic characterization of the effects of these compounds on the cathepsin V-catalyzed reaction showed clear competitive inhibition with respect to substrate, with dissociation constants (K(i)) in the low micromolar range (2, K(i)=1.2 µM; 6, K(i)=1.0 µM; 7, K(i)=0.2 µM; and 11, K(i)=1.7 µM). Molecular modeling studies provided important insight into the structural basis for binding affinity and enzyme inhibition. Experimental and computational approaches, including biological evaluation, mode of action assessment and modeling studies were successfully employed in the discovery of a small series of acridone alkaloid derivatives as competitive inhibitors of catV. The most potent inhibitor (7) has a K(i) value of 200 nM.

Effect of triterpenoids and limonoids isolated from Cabralea canjerana and Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae) against Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith).

The activities of two triterpenoids, ocotillone and cabraleadiol, and four limonoids, methyl angolensate, 3-beta-deacetylfissinolide, 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin, and beta-photogedunin, isolated from arillus of Carapa guianensis and fruits and seeds of Cabralea canjerana (Meliaceae), were evaluated against the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Gedunin was used as a positive control. 7-Deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin and beta-photogedunin reduced the pupal weight as occurred with gedunin. Cabraleadiol, 3-beta-deacetylfissinolide, and 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin prolonged the larval phase similar to the control (gedunin) of approximately 1.2 days at 50.0 mg kg(-1). The highest insecticidal activity was obtained for beta-photogedunin.

Solution phase synthesis of a combinatorial library of chalcones and flavones as potent cathepsin V inhibitors.

Cathepsin V is a papain-like cysteine protease. It is involved in the control of human T cells (responsible for cell immunity), and presents the largest elastolytic activity among the proteolytic enzymes. Therefore, cathepsin V is a potential molecular target for the treatment of atherosclerosis. In the present work, natural flavonoids were screened against cathepsin V, and two flavones were identified as potent inhibitors of cathepsin V. On the basis of this result, a combinatorial library of chalcones and flavones was prepared, in solution phase employing a scavenger reagent, and fully evaluated.

Chemical characterization of Azadirachta indica grafted on Melia azedarach and analyses of azadirachtin by HPLC-MS-MS (SRM) and meliatoxins by MALDI-MS.

INTRODUCTION: Melia azedarach adapted to cool climates was selected as rootstocks for vegetative propagation of Azadirachta indica. Cleft grafting of A. indica on M. azedarach rootstock showed excellent survival. Little is known about the chemistry of grafting. OBJECTIVE: The roots, stems, leaves and seeds of this graft were examined in order to verify if grafted A. indica would produce limonoids different from those found in non-grafted plants. Intact matured fruits were also studied to verify if they were free of meliatoxins. METHODOLOGY: After successive chromatographic separations the extracts afforded several limonoids. HPLC-MS/MS and MALDI-MS were used to develop sensitive methods for detecting azadirachtin on all aerial parts of this graft and meliatoxins in fruits, respectively. RESULTS: The stem afforded the limonoid salannin, which was previously found in the oil seeds of A. indica. Salannin is also found in the root bark of M. azedarach. Thus, the finding of salannin in this study suggests that it could have been translocated from the M. azedarach rootstock to the A. indica graft. HPLC-MS/MS analyses showed that azadirachtin was present in all parts of the fruits, stem, flowers and root, but absent in the leaves. The results of MALDI-MS analyses confirmed the absence of meliatoxins in graft fruits. CONCLUSION: This study showed that A. indica grafted onto M. azedarach rootstock produces azadirachtin, and also that its fruits are free of meliatoxins from rootstocks, confirming that this graft forms an excellent basis for breeding vigorous Neem trees in cooler regions.

Anti-African trypanocidal and antimalarial activity of natural flavonoids, dibenzoylmethanes and synthetic analogues.

OBJECTIVES: The known anti-protozoal activity of flavonoids has stimulated the testing of other derivatives from natural and synthetic sources. METHODS: As part of our efforts to find potential lead compounds, a number of flavonoids isolated from Neoraputia paraensis, N. magnifica, Murraya paniculata, (Rutaceae), Lonchocarpus montanus, L. latifolius, L. subglaucescens, L. atropurpureus, L. campestris, Deguelia hatschbachii (Leguminosae), dibenzoylmethanes from L. subglaucescens and synthetic analogues were tested for in-vitro activity against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream form trypomastigotes. An assay with KB cells has been developed in order to compare in-vitro cytotoxicity of flavonoids with a selective action on the parasites. KEY FINDINGS: Thirteen of the compounds tested had IC50 values ranging from 4.6 to 9.9 microm against T. brucei rhodesiense. In contrast, a small number of compounds showed significant activity against P. falciparum; seven of those tested had IC50 values ranging from 2.7 to 9.5 microm. Among the flavones only one had IC50 < 10 microm (7.6 microm), whereas against T. brucei rhodesiense seven had IC50 < 10 microm. Synthetic dibenzoylmethanes were the most active in terms of number (five) of compounds and the IC50 values (2.7-9.5 microm) against P. falciparum. CONCLUSIONS: Dibenzoylmethanes represent a novel class of compounds tested for the first time as antimalarial and trypanocidal agents.

Limonoids of the phragmalin type from Swietenia macrophylla and their chemotaxonomic significance.

Species of Swietenia elaborate limonoid chemistry along only one route, which leads to the mexicanolide type in most species and the phragmalin type in S. mahogani. A hexane extract from leaves of S. macrophylla afforded six new phragmalins with a 8,9,30-ortho-ester unit, namely, 6-O-acetylswietephragmin E (1), 3beta-O-destigloyl-3beta-O-benzoyl-6-O-acetylswietephragmin E (2), 12alpha-acetoxyswietephragmin C (3), 3beta-O-destigloyl-3beta-O-benzoyl-12alpha-acetoxyswietephragmin C (4), 12alpha-acetoxyswietephragmin D (5), and 3beta-O-destigloyl-3beta-O-benzoyl-12alpha-acetoxyswietephragmin D (6). This appears to be the first record of phragamalins from S. macrophylla, and this study shows the potential of tricyclic [3.3.1(2,10).1(1,4)]-decane limonoids as taxonomically useful chemical markers in the Meliaceae.

Bioactivity of extracts and isolated compounds from Vitex polygama (Verbenaceae) and Siphoneugena densiflora (Myrtaceae) against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The effects of crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds from Vitex polygama Cham. and Siphoneugena densiflora Berg were evaluated on the development of Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith, a destructive insect pest of corn and several other crops. The extracts and fractions were incorporated into an artificial diet at 1 mg g(-1) and offered to the insect during its larval stage. Length and viability of larval and pupal stages as well as pupal weight were assessed. Isolated compounds were tested through superficial contamination of the diet at 0.1 mg g(-1). Weight and viability of ten-day-old larvae were determined. Methanolic and hydroalcoholic S. densiflora extracts caused 100% larval mortality, while leaf and fruit hydroalcoholic extracts from V. polygama were the most active. Among the isolated compounds, flavonoids presented the best insecticidal results, and tannins the best larval growth inhibition.

Alkaloids from Spathelia excelsa: their chemosystematic significance.

The methanol extract from the leaves of Spathelia excelsa yielded six alkaloids: 2-(12-oxo-tridecanyl)-3-methoxy-4-quinolone, 2-(10-hydroxy-10-methyldodecanyl)-3-methoxy-4-quinolone, 2-(11-hydroxy-11-methyldodecanyl)-3-methoxy-4-quinolone, 2-(12-hydroxytridecanyl)-3-methoxy-4-quinolone, 7-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-4-quinolone and 6-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-4-quinolone, in addition to the known 3-O-beta-d-glucopiranosylsitosterol and (-)-epicatechin. The 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones in S. excelsa display strong similarities with those in Dictyolomatoideae, which contains several 2-alkyl-4-quinolones. The data reported herein thus provide firm support for placing Spathelioideae close to or within the Dictyolomatoideae.

Evaluation of flavonols and derivatives as human cathepsin B inhibitor.

Cathepsin B (catB) is a cysteine protease involved in tumour progression and represents a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Among the 15 evaluated extracts from cerrado biome, Myrcia lingua Berg. (Myrtaceae) extract demonstrated to be a source of compounds with potential to inhibit catB. Using bioactivity-guided fractionation, we have found flavonols as inhibitors and also some other derivatives were obtained. From the evaluated compounds, myricetin (5) and quercetin (6) showed the most promising results with IC50 of 4.9 and 8.2 µM, respectively, and mode of inhibition as uncompetitive on catB. The results demonstrated polyhydroxylated flavonols as promising inhibitors of catB.

Alkaloids from Dictyoloma vandellianum: their chemosystematic significance.

The dichloromethane extract from leaves of Dictyoloma vandellianum afforded five alkaloids 2-(14'-hydroxy-14',15'-dimethylhexadecanyl)-4-quinolone, 2-(12'-hydroxy-12'-methyltridecanyl)-3-methoxy-4-quinolone, 2-(12'-hydroxy-12'-methyltridecanyl)-4-quinolone, 2-(14'-hydroxy-14',15'-dimethylhexadecanyl)-3-methoxy-4-quinolone, 6-methoxydictyolomide A, besides the known alkaloid 8-methoxyflindersine and beta-sitosterol. The presence of 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones in D. vandellianum shows strong similarities with the Zanthoxyleae, which contains several 2-alkyl-4-quinolones. Thus, the Dictyolomatoideae apparently occupies a position between the proto-Rutaceae genera and the Spathelioideae, but close to the Zanthoxyleae.

New spirorotenoids from Tephrosia candida.

The ethyl acetate extract of roots of Tephrosia candida afforded three new spirorotenoids belonging to a new class of spirocompounds, named tephrospirolactone, tephrospiroketone I, and tephrospiroketone II. The structures of these compounds were determined mainly based on spectral analysis. The only known spirorotenoid described in the literature is amorphispironone, isolated from Amorpha fruticosa.

Methyl angolensate changes in Khaya ivorensis after fungal infection.

Khaya ivorensis with and without symptoms of stem and branch cankers, caused by Botryosphaeria rhodina were examined in order to determine whether the secondary metabolites in this plant were associated with a chemical defense response. This study provides evidence that the limonoid methyl angolensate (MA) is present at higher concentrations in K. ivorensis with symptoms of stem cankers rather than in the plants without symptoms. A rapid, sensitive and selective HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method (using selected reaction monitoring--SRM--mode) was developed for quantification of MA in all aerials parts of such plants, with a good linearity over a range of 0.1-20.0 g/kg, with r(2)>0.996+/-6.1%. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were less than 0.03 g/kg and 0.08 g/kg, respectively. Relative Standard Deviations (RSDs) ranged from 1.7% to 19.2% for all matrices. While the MA concentration did not change in the stem bark, its amounts increased nearly fourfold in stems and by 20% in leaves, when plants with symptoms were compared with those without symptoms. These data suggest that MA plays a role in plant-pathogen interactions, probably as a phytoanticipin.

Chemical characterization of Citrus sinensis grafted on C. limonia and the effect of some isolated compounds on the growth of Xylella fastidiosa.

Citrus sinensis grafted on C. limonia produces a considerable number of compounds that are not common in both plants developed from germination of seeds. The chemical profile of scion and rootstock differ notably for absence in the form of flavonoids and coumarins containing C5 prenyl groups attached to the carbon atoms of aromatic and heterocyclic systems or to oxygen. Only linear pyranocoumarins xanthyletin and xanthoxyletin were found in scion. This observation indicates that the prenylated compounds once biosynthesized in the roots could have been translocated to other organs. Xylella fastidiosa colonizes the xylem of plants causing diseases on several economically important crops such as citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). A number of flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, dihydrocinnamic acid derivative, anacardic acid, triterpenes, and limonoids were tested for in vitro activity on the growth of Xylella fastidiosa. Azadirachtin A was the most active. Hesperidin, which occurs in great amounts in cells of the mesophyll of the affected leaves with CVC, showed a moderate activity suggesting that it can act as a good barrier for small-size colonies from X. fastidiosa.