Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
: 20 | 50 | 100
1 - 20 de 13.049
1.
J Agric Food Chem ; 72(19): 10970-10980, 2024 May 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38708787

Eleven alkaloids (1-11) including seven new ones, 1-7, were isolated from the solid fermentation of Aspergillus fumigatus VDL36, an endophytic fungus isolated from the leaves of Vaccinium dunalianum Wight (Ericaceae), a perennial evergreen shrub distributed across the Southwest regions of China, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. The isolates were evaluated for in vitro antifungal activities against five phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Coriolus versicolor, Fusarium solani, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum). As a result, the new compounds fumigaclavine I (1), 13-ethoxycyclotryprostatin A (5), 13-dehydroxycyclotryprostatin A (6), and 12ß-hydroxy-13-oxofumitremorgin C (7) exhibited antifungal activities with MIC values of 7.8-62.5 µg/mL which were comparable to the two positive controls ketoconazole (MIC = 7.8-31.25 µg/mL) and carbendazim (MIC = 1.95-7.8 µg/mL). Furthermore, compounds 1 and 5 demonstrated potent protective and curative effects against the tomato gray mold in vivo. Preliminary structure-activity relationships of the tested indole diketopiperazine alkaloids indicate that the introduction of a substituent group at position C-13 enhances their biological activities.


Alkaloids , Aspergillus fumigatus , Endophytes , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Aspergillus fumigatus/drug effects , Endophytes/chemistry , Molecular Structure , Fusarium/drug effects , Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology , Fungicides, Industrial/chemistry , Plant Leaves/microbiology , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , China , Plant Diseases/microbiology
2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10424, 2024 05 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710752

The storage process has a significant impact on tea quality. Few is known about effect of storage on quality of oolong tea. This study aimed to assess the effect of different storage times on the key chemical components of oolong tea by measuring changes in catechin, free amino acid, and alkaloid content. Variation in the main substances was determined by principal component analysis and heat map analysis. The results revealed notable effects of the storage process on the levels of theanine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and glutamine. These findings suggest that these compounds could serve as indicators for monitoring changes in oolong tea quality during storage. Additionally, the study observed an increase in the antibacterial ability of tea over time. Correlation analysis indicated that the antibacterial ability against Micrococcus tetragenus and Escherichia coli was influenced by metabolites such as aspartic acid, threonine, serine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, ornithine, alanine, arginine, and EGCG. Overall, this study presents an approach for identifying key metabolites to monitor tea quality effectively with relatively limited data.


Alkaloids , Amino Acids , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Catechin , Tea , Catechin/analogs & derivatives , Catechin/pharmacology , Catechin/chemistry , Catechin/analysis , Tea/chemistry , Amino Acids/analysis , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/analysis , Alkaloids/chemistry , Food Storage/methods , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Camellia sinensis/chemistry
3.
Nat Prod Res ; 38(11): 1864-1873, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38739563

Phytochemical studies of the stems and leaves of Stephania dielsiana Y.C.Wu yielded two new aporphine alkaloids (1 and 5), along with six known alkaloids (2-4 and 6-8). Their structures were characterised based on analyses of spectroscopic data, including one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds against a small panel of tumour cell lines were assessed by MTS assay. Interestingly, compound 2 exhibited particularly strong cytotoxic activities against HepG2, MCF7 and OVCAR8 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 3.20 ± 0.18, 3.10 ± 0.06 and 3.40 ± 0.007 µM, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were carried out to explore the interactions and binding mechanisms of the most active compound (compound 2) with proteins. Our results contribute to understanding the secondary metabolites produced by S. dielsiana and provide a scientific rationale for further investigations of cytotoxicity of this valuable medicinal plant.


Alkaloids , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic , Aporphines , Molecular Docking Simulation , Plant Leaves , Plant Stems , Stephania , Aporphines/chemistry , Aporphines/pharmacology , Humans , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Plant Stems/chemistry , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Stephania/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry , Molecular Structure , Cell Line, Tumor , Hep G2 Cells , MCF-7 Cells , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
4.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 May 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38732250

One previously undescribed alkaloid, named penifuranone A (1), and three known compounds (2-4) were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium crustosum SCNU-F0006. The structure of the new alkaloid (1) was elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Four natural isolates and one new synthetic derivative of penifuranone A, compound 1a, were screened for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Bioassays revealed that penifuranone A (1) exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity in vitro by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 42.2 µM. The docking study revealed that compound 1 exhibited an ideal fit within the active site of the murine inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), establishing characteristic hydrogen bonds.


Alkaloids , Nitric Oxide , Penicillium , Penicillium/chemistry , Penicillium/metabolism , Mice , Animals , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/isolation & purification , RAW 264.7 Cells , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism , Molecular Docking Simulation , Lipopolysaccharides , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Molecular Structure
5.
Molecules ; 29(9)2024 Apr 24.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731436

In our research, we explored a natural substance called Oxymatrine, found in a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, to fight against a common bird flu virus known as H9N2. This virus not only affects birds but can also pose a threat to human health. We focused on how this natural compound can help in stopping the virus from spreading in cells that line the lungs of birds and potentially humans. Our findings show that Oxymatrine can both directly block the virus and boost the body's immune response against it. This dual-action mechanism is particularly interesting because it indicates that Oxymatrine might be a useful tool in developing new ways to prevent and treat this type of bird flu. Understanding how Oxymatrine works against the H9N2 virus could lead to safer and more natural ways to combat viral infections in animals and humans, contributing to the health and well-being of society. The H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) is a persistent health threat because of its rapid mutation rate and the limited efficacy of vaccines, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapies. This study investigated the H9N2 AIV antiviral properties of Oxymatrine (OMT), a compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, particularly focusing on its interaction with pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). Employing an array of in vitro assays, including 50% tissue culture infectious dose, Cell Counting Kit-8, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot, we systematically elucidated the multifaceted effects of OMT. OMT dose-dependently inhibited critical antiviral proteins (PKR and Mx1) and modulated the expression of type I interferons and key cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-ß, IL-6, and TNF-α), thereby affecting TLR3 signaling and its downstream elements (NF-κB and IRF-3). OMT's antiviral efficacy extended beyond TLR3-mediated responses, suggesting its potential as a versatile antiviral agent. This study not only contributes to the growing body of research on the use of natural compounds as antiviral agents but also underscores the importance of further investigating the broader application of OMT for combating viral infections.


Alkaloids , Antiviral Agents , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype , Influenza in Birds , Quinolizines , Signal Transduction , Toll-Like Receptor 3 , Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/drug effects , Quinolizines/pharmacology , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Animals , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Toll-Like Receptor 3/metabolism , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza in Birds/drug therapy , Influenza in Birds/immunology , Dogs , Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells , Matrines
6.
Molecules ; 29(9)2024 Apr 25.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731459

Terpenoid alkaloids are recognized as a class of compounds with limited numbers but potent biological activities, primarily derived from plants, with a minor proportion originating from animals and microorganisms. These alkaloids are synthesized from the same prenyl unit that forms the terpene skeleton, with the nitrogen atom introduced through ß-aminoethanol, ethylamine, or methylamine, leading to a range of complex and diverse structures. Based on their skeleton type, they can be categorized into monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpene alkaloids. To date, 289 natural terpenoid alkaloids, excluding triterpene alkaloids, have been identified in studies published between 2019 and 2024. These compounds demonstrate a spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, analgesic, and cardioprotective effects, making them promising candidates for further development. This review provides an overview of the sources, chemical structures, and biological activities of natural terpenoid alkaloids, serving as a reference for future research and applications in this area.


Alkaloids , Terpenes , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Terpenes/chemistry , Terpenes/pharmacology , Humans , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Molecular Structure
7.
Molecules ; 29(9)2024 May 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731603

A new quinazolinone alkaloid named peniquinazolinone A (1), as well as eleven known compounds, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionamido)-N-methylbenzamide (2), viridicatin (3), viridicatol (4), (±)-cyclopeptin (5a/5b), dehydrocyclopeptin (6), cyclopenin (7), cyclopenol (8), methyl-indole-3-carboxylate (9), 2,5-dihydroxyphenyl acetate (10), methyl m-hydroxyphenylacetate (11), and conidiogenone B (12), were isolated from the endophytic Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6. The chemical structures of all the compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration at C-13 of peniquinazolinone A (1) was established by applying the modified Mosher's method. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 exhibited an optimal promoting effect on the seed germination of Rhodiola tibetica at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL, while the optimal concentration for compounds 4 and 9 to promote Rhodiola tibetica seed germination was 0.001 mg/mL. Compound 12 showed optimal seed-germination-promoting activity at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Compared with the positive drug 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 12 could extend the seed germination period of Rhodiola tibetica up to the 11th day.


Alkaloids , Penicillium , Quinazolinones , Rhodiola , Seeds , Penicillium/chemistry , Quinazolinones/chemistry , Quinazolinones/pharmacology , Rhodiola/chemistry , Rhodiola/microbiology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/isolation & purification , Germination/drug effects , Molecular Structure , Endophytes/chemistry
8.
Brain Res ; 1834: 148886, 2024 Jul 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38582413

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has few effective treatment options and continues to be a major global health concern. AD is a neurodegenerative disease that typically affects elderly people. Alkaloids have potential sources for novel drug discovery due to their diverse chemical structures and pharmacological activities. Alkaloids, natural products with heterocyclic nitrogen-containing structures, are considered potential treatments for AD. This review explores the neuroprotective properties of alkaloids in AD, focusing on their ability to regulate pathways such as amyloid-beta aggregation, oxidative stress, synaptic dysfunction, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. The FDA has approved alkaloids such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like galantamine and rivastigmine. This article explores AD's origins, current market medications, and clinical applications of alkaloids in AD therapy. This review explores the development of alkaloid-based drugs for AD, focusing on pharmacokinetics, blood-brain barrier penetration, and potential adverse effects. Future research should focus on the clinical evaluation of promising alkaloids, developing recently discovered alkaloids, and the ongoing search for novel alkaloids for medical treatment. A pharmaceutical option containing an alkaloid may potentially slow down the progression of AD while enhancing its symptoms. This review highlights the potential of alkaloids as valuable drug leads in treating AD, providing a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action and therapeutic implications.


Alkaloids , Alzheimer Disease , Neuroprotective Agents , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/therapeutic use , Animals , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Oxidative Stress/drug effects
9.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi ; 49(4): 868-883, 2024 Feb.
Article Zh | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38621894

Scorpio is a valuable Chinese animal medicine commonly used in clinical practice in China. It is the main drug in the treatment of liver wind internal movement caused by various reasons throughout the history of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with the effects of relieving wind and spasm, dredging collaterals, relieving pain, and eliminating toxin and mass. Scorpio is poisonous and often used as medicine after processing. There are records of its processing as early as the Song Dynasty. Afterward, there were more than 15 processing methods, including frying with vinegar, neat processing, and stir-frying. After processing, the fishy smell could be removed to correct the taste, and the toxicity could be reduced, which was beneficial to clinical application. At present, the main reported components in Scorpio are protein polypeptides, alkaloids, and lipids, with many pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-coagulation, anti-thrombosis, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-bacteria. In this study, the historical evolution of processing, chemical constituents, and pharmacological action of Scorpio were discussed in order to provide references for the related research on Scorpio.


Alkaloids , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Animals , Evolution, Chemical , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Alkaloids/pharmacology
10.
Mar Drugs ; 22(4)2024 Mar 22.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38667758

Nemertean worms contain toxins that are used to paralyze their prey and to deter potential predators. Hoplonemerteans often contain pyridyl alkaloids like anabaseine that act through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and crustacean chemoreceptors. The chemical reactivity of anabaseine, the first nemertean alkaloid to be identified, has been exploited to make drug candidates selective for alpha7 subtype nAChRs. GTS-21, a drug candidate based on the anabaseine scaffold, has pro-cognitive and anti-inflammatory actions in animal models. The circumpolar chevron hoplonemertean Amphiporus angulatus contains a multitude of pyridyl compounds with neurotoxic, anti-feeding, and anti-fouling activities. Here, we report the isolation and structural identification of five new compounds, doubling the number of pyridyl alkaloids known to occur in this species. One compound is an isomer of the tobacco alkaloid anatabine, another is a unique dihydroisoquinoline, and three are analogs of the tetrapyridyl nemertelline. The structural characteristics of these ten compounds suggest several possible pathways for their biosynthesis.


Alkaloids , Isoquinolines , Animals , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/isolation & purification , Isoquinolines/pharmacology , Isoquinolines/chemistry , Isoquinolines/isolation & purification , Invertebrates/chemistry , Pyridines/pharmacology , Pyridines/chemistry , Pyridines/isolation & purification , Receptors, Nicotinic/metabolism , Receptors, Nicotinic/drug effects , Molecular Structure
11.
Mar Drugs ; 22(4)2024 Apr 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38667790

In this study, Antarctic Latrunculia sponge-derived discorhabdin G was considered a hit for developing potential lead compounds acting as cholinesterase inhibitors. The hypothesis on the pharmacophore moiety suggested through molecular docking allowed us to simplify the structure of the metabolite. ADME prediction and drug-likeness consideration provided valuable support in selecting 5-methyl-2H-benzo[h]imidazo[1,5,4-de]quinoxalin-7(3H)-one as a candidate molecule. It was synthesized in a four-step sequence starting from 2,3-dichloronaphthalene-1,4-dione and evaluated as an inhibitor of electric eel acetylcholinesterase (eeAChE), human recombinant AChE (hAChE), and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), together with other analogs obtained by the same synthesis. The candidate molecule showed a slightly lower inhibitory potential against eeAChE but better inhibitory activity against hAChE than discorhabdin G, with a higher selectivity for AChEs than for BChE. It acted as a reversible competitive inhibitor, as previously observed for the natural alkaloid. The findings from the in vitro assay were relatively consistent with the data available from the AutoDock Vina and Protein-Ligand ANTSystem (PLANTS) calculations.


Acetylcholinesterase , Alkaloids , Butyrylcholinesterase , Cholinesterase Inhibitors , Electrophorus , Molecular Docking Simulation , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry , Animals , Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Butyrylcholinesterase/metabolism , Humans , Porifera/chemistry , Structure-Activity Relationship , Horses
12.
Molecules ; 29(7)2024 Apr 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38611869

The fascaplysin and homofascaplysin class of marine natural products has a characteristic 12H-pyrido[1,2-a:3,4-b']diindole pentacyclic structure. Fascaplysin was isolated in 1988 from the marine sponge Fascaplysinopsis bergquist sp. The analogs of fascaplysin, such as homofascaplysins A, B, and C, were discovered late in the Fijian sponge F. reticulate, and also have potent antimicrobial activity and strong cytotoxicity against L-1210 mouse leukemia. In this review, the total synthesis of fascaplysin and its analogs, such as homofascaplysins A, B, and C, will be reviewed, which will offer useful information for medicinal chemistry researchers who are interested in the exploration of marine alkaloids.


Alkaloids , Antineoplastic Agents , Biological Products , Carbolines , Indoles , Indolizines , Porifera , Quaternary Ammonium Compounds , Animals , Mice , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Bandages
14.
J Nat Prod ; 87(4): 1103-1115, 2024 Apr 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38600744

Twelve new alkaloids, scolopenolines A-L (1-7, 9-11, 13, 14), along with six known analogues, were isolated from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, identified by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum chemical and computational methods. Scolopenoline A (1), a unique guanidyl-containing C14 quinoline alkaloid, features a 6/6/5 ring backbone. Scolopenoline B (2) is a novel sulfonyl-containing heterodimer comprising quinoline and tyramine moieties. Scolopenoline G (7) presents a rare C12 quinoline skeleton with a 6/6/5 ring system. Alkaloids 1, 8, 10, and 15-18 display anti-inflammatory activity, while 10 and 16-18 also exhibit anti-renal-fibrosis activity. Drug affinity responsive target stability and RNA-interference assays show that Lamp2 might be a potentially important target protein of 16 for anti-renal-fibrosis activity.


Alkaloids , Animals, Poisonous , Chilopoda , Animals , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/isolation & purification , Molecular Structure , Arthropods/chemistry , Fibrosis/drug therapy , Kidney/drug effects , Quinolines/pharmacology , Quinolines/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Humans
15.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 9483, 2024 04 25.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38664520

The present study predicts the molecular targets and druglike properties of the phyto-compound piperine (PIP) by in silico studies including molecular docking simulation, druglikeness prediction and ADME analysis for prospective therapeutic benefits against diabetic complications. PIP was encapsulated in biodegradable polymer poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) to form nanopiperine (NPIP) and their physico-chemical properties were characterized by AFM and DLS. ∼ 30 nm sized NPIP showed 86.68% encapsulation efficiency and - 6 mV zeta potential, demonstrated great interactive stability and binding with CT-DNA displaying upsurge in molar ellipticity during CD spectroscopy. NPIP lowered glucose levels in peripheral circulation by > 65 mg/dL compared to disease model and improved glucose influx in alloxan-induced in vivo and in vitro diabetes models concerted with 3-folds decrease in ROS production, ROS-induced DNA damage and 27.24% decrease in nuclear condensation. The 25% increase in % cell viability and inhibition in chromosome aberration justified the initiation of p53 and PARP DNA repairing protein expression and maintenance of Hsp90. Thus, the experimental study corroborated well with in silico predictions of modulating the p53/PARP-1/Hsp90 axis, with predicted dock score value of - 8.72, - 8.57, - 8.76 kcal/mol respectively, validated docking-based preventive approaches for unravelling the intricacies of molecular signalling and nano-drug efficacy as therapeutics for diabetics.


Alkaloids , Benzodioxoles , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins , Hyperglycemia , Molecular Docking Simulation , Piperidines , Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 , Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer , Polyunsaturated Alkamides , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1/metabolism , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , Animals , Piperidines/pharmacology , Piperidines/chemistry , Benzodioxoles/pharmacology , Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer/chemistry , Hyperglycemia/drug therapy , Hyperglycemia/metabolism , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/administration & dosage , Polyunsaturated Alkamides/pharmacology , Polyunsaturated Alkamides/chemistry , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism , Alloxan , Rats , Humans , Male , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Mice , Nanoparticles/chemistry , DNA Damage/drug effects
16.
PLoS One ; 19(4): e0298201, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38626042

Covid-19 disease caused by the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus is a serious and threatening global health issue declared by the WHO as an epidemic. Researchers are studying the design and discovery of drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to its high mortality rate. The main Covid-19 virus protease (Mpro) and human transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are attractive targets for the study of antiviral drugs against SARS-2 coronavirus. Increasing consumption of herbal medicines in the community and a serious approach to these drugs have increased the demand for effective herbal substances. Alkaloids are one of the most important active ingredients in medicinal plants that have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, seven alkaloid ligands with Quercetin nucleus for the inhibition of Mpro and TMPRSS2 were studied using computational drug design including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MD). Auto Dock software was used to evaluate molecular binding energy. Three ligands with the most negative docking score were selected to be entered into the MD simulation procedure. To evaluate the protein conformational changes induced by tested ligands and calculate the binding energy between the ligands and target proteins, GROMACS software based on AMBER03 force field was used. The MD results showed that Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A form stable complexes with Mpro and TMPRSS2. Prolinalin-A indicated an acceptable inhibitory effect on Mpro, whereas it resulted in some structural instability of TMPRSS2. The total binding energies between three ligands, Prolinalin-A, Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A and two proteins MPro and TMRPSS2 are (-111.235 ± 15.877, - 75.422 ± 11.140), (-107.033 ± 9.072, -84.939 ± 10.155) and (-102.941 ± 9.477, - 92.451 ± 10.539), respectively. Since the binding energies are at a minimum, this indicates confirmation of the proper binding of the ligands to the proteins. Regardless of some Prolinalin-A-induced TMPRSS2 conformational changes, it may properly bind to TMPRSS2 binding site due to its acceptable binding energy. Therefore, these three ligands can be promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.


Alkaloids , COVID-19 , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Quercetin/pharmacology , Molecular Docking Simulation , Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism , Protease Inhibitors/chemistry , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemistry
17.
PLoS One ; 19(4): e0301660, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38626146

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. Rauwolfia polysaccharide (Rau) has therapeutic effects on colitis in mice, but its mechanism of action needs to be further clarified. In the study, we explored the effect of Rau on the UC cell model induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: We constructed a UC cell model by stimulating HT-29 cells with LPS. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to induce mice to construct an animal model of UC. Subsequently, we performed Rau administration on the UC cell model. Then, the therapeutic effect of Rau on UC cell model and was validated through methods such as Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), Muse, Quantitative real­time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The results showed that Rau can promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of the HT-29 cells-induced by LPS. Moreover, we observed that Rau can inhibit the expression of NOS2/JAK2/STAT3 in LPS-induced HT-29 cells. To further explore the role of NOS2 in UC progression, we used siRNA technology to knock down NOS2 and search for its mechanism in UC. The results illustrated that NOS2 knockdown can promote proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of LPS-induced HT-29 cells by JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments, we observed that the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway can inhibit the effect of Rau on DSS-induced UC model. CONCLUSION: In short, Rauwolfia polysaccharide can inhibit the progress of ulcerative colitis through NOS2-mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway. This study provides a theoretical clue for the treatment of UC by Rau.


Alkaloids , Colitis, Ulcerative , Colitis , Rauwolfia , Animals , Mice , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Colitis/metabolism , Colitis, Ulcerative/chemically induced , Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy , Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics , Dextran Sulfate/toxicity , Disease Models, Animal , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Polysaccharides/metabolism
18.
Molecules ; 29(7)2024 Apr 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38611859

A novel Lycopodium alkaloid, lycocasine A (1), and seven known Lycopodium alkaloids (2-8), were isolated from Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides. Their structures were determined through NMR, HRESIMS, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 features an unprecedented 5/6/6 tricyclic skeleton, highlighted by a 5-aza-tricyclic[6,3,1,02,6]dodecane motif. In bioactivity assays, compound 1 demonstrated weak inhibitory activity against acid-sensing ion channel 1a.


Alkaloids , Lycopodiaceae , Lycopodium , Acid Sensing Ion Channels , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Azacitidine
19.
Molecules ; 29(8)2024 Apr 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38675664

The integration of a multidimensional treatment dominated by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including enhanced chemotherapy and synergistically amplification of oxidative damage, into a nanoplatform would be of great significance for furthering accurate and effective cancer treatment with the active ingredients of TCM. Herein, in this study, we designed and synthesized four matrine-proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) (depending on different lengths of the chains named LST-1, LST-2, LST-3, and LST-4) based on PROTAC technology to overcome the limitations of matrine. LST-4, with better anti-tumor activity than matrine, still degrades p-Erk and p-Akt proteins. Moreover, LST-4 NPs formed via LST-4 self-assembly with stronger anti-tumor activity and glutathione (GSH) depletion ability could be enriched in lysosomes through their outstanding enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Then, we synthesized LST-4@ZnPc NPs with a low-pH-triggered drug release property that could release zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) in tumor sites. LST-4@ZnPc NPs combine the application of chemotherapy and phototherapy, including both enhanced chemotherapy from LST-4 NPs and the synergistic amplification of oxidative damage, through increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by photodynamic therapy (PDT), causing an GSH decrease via LST-4 mediation to effectively kill tumor cells. Therefore, multifunctional LST-4@ZnPc NPs are a promising method for killing cancer cells, which also provides a new paradigm for using natural products to kill tumors.


Alkaloids , Glutathione , Indoles , Isoindoles , Matrines , Quinolizines , Reactive Oxygen Species , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Quinolizines/chemistry , Quinolizines/pharmacology , Glutathione/metabolism , Humans , Animals , Indoles/chemistry , Indoles/pharmacology , Mice , Cell Line, Tumor , Zinc Compounds/chemistry , Organometallic Compounds/chemistry , Organometallic Compounds/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Photochemotherapy/methods , Proteolysis , Nanoparticles/chemistry
20.
Pestic Biochem Physiol ; 200: 105814, 2024 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38582586

To explore active natural products against tobacco powdery mildew caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum, an extract from the fermentation of endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus 0338 was investigated. The mechanisms of action for active compounds were also studied in detail. As a result, 14 indole alkaloid derivatives were isolated, with seven being newly discovered (1-7) and the remaining seven previously described (8-14). Notably, compounds 1-3 are rare linearly fused 6/6/5 tricyclic prenylated indole alkaloids, with asperversiamide J being the only known natural product of this kind. The isopentenyl substitutions at the 5-position in compounds 4 and 5 are also rare, with only compounds 1-(5-prenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-propan-2-one (8) and 1-(6-methoxy-5-prenyl-1H-indol3-yl)-propan-2-one currently available. In addition, compounds 6 and 7 are new framework indole alkaloid derivatives bearing a 6-methyl-1,7-dihydro-2H-azepin-2-one ring. The purified compounds were evaluated for their activity against G. cichoracearum, and the results revealed that compounds 7 and 9 demonstrated obvious anti-G. cichoracearum activities with an inhibition rate of 82.6% and 85.2%, respectively, at a concentration of 250 µg/mL, these rates were better than that of the positive control agent, carbendazim (78.6%). The protective and curative effects of compounds 7 and 9 were also better than that of positive control, at the same concentration. Moreover, the mechanistic study showed that treatment with compound 9 significantly increased the structural tightness of tobacco leaves and directly affect the conidiospores of G. cichoracearum, thereby enhancing resistance. Compounds 7 and 9 could also induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR), directly regulating the expression of defense enzymes, defense genes, and plant semaphorins, which may further contribute to increased plant resistance. Based on the activity experiments and molecular dockings, the indole core structure may be the foundation of these compounds' anti-G. cichoracearum activity. Among them, the indole derivative parent structures of compounds 6, 7, and 9 exhibit strong effects. Moreover, the methoxy substitution in compound 7 can enhance their activity. By isolating and structurally identifying the above indole alkaloids, new candidates for anti-powdery mildew chemical screening were discovered, which could enhance the utilization of N. tabacum-derived fungi in pesticide development.


Alkaloids , Aspergillus fumigatus , Neoprene , Nicotiana , Indole Alkaloids/pharmacology , Indole Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology
...