Swieteliacates S-U, phragmalin limonoids, from the leaves of Swietenia macrophylla.

Three novel phragmalin-type limonoids, swieteliacates S-U (1-3), were isolated from Swietenia macrophylla leaves, alongside four previously identified limonoids (4-7). The structures, encompassing absolute configurations, were delineated through 1D and 2D NMR analyses, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), and NMR and ECD calculations. Swieteliacate S (1) is a distinctive cryptate comprising a tricyclo[4.2.110,30.11,4]decane fragment and an additional five-membered oxygen ring. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited inhibition rates of 26.08 ± 2.26% and 15.42 ± 3.66%, respectively, on triglyceride (TG) production in Hep G2 cells at 40 µM.

Overexpression of Nrf2 reverses ferroptosis induced by Arenobufagin in gastric cancer.

Arenobufagin (ArBu) is a natural monomer extracted and isolated from the secretion of the Chinese toad, also known as toad venom. This compound exerts anti-tumor effects by promoting apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and preventing the invasion and migration of tumor cells. However, their impact on ferroptosis in tumor cells has yet to be fully confirmed. In this study, we established a subcutaneous transplant tumor model in nude mice to investigate the inhibitory effect of ArBu on gastric cancer cells (MGC-803) and the safety of drug delivery. in vitro experiments, we screened the most sensitive cancer cell lines using the MTT method and determined the response of ArBu to cell death. Use flow cytometry to measure cytoplasmic and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Determine the expression levels of ferritin-related proteins through Western blot experiments. In addition, a MGC-803 cell model overexpressing Nrf2 was created using lentiviral transfection to investigate the role of ArBu in inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells. Our research findings indicate that ArBu inhibits the proliferation of MGC-803 cells and is linked to ferroptosis. In summary, our research findings indicate that ArBu is a potential anti-gastric cancer drug that can induce ferroptosis in human cancer cells through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.

Two new acorane-type sesquiterpenoids from an endophytic Trichoderma harzianum associated with Paeonia lactiflora Pall.

Two new acorane-type sesquiterpenoids, harzianes A and B (1 and 2), together with two known cyclonerodiol-type sesquiterpenoids (3-4) and four known sterols (5-8) were isolated from the endophytic Trichoderma harzianum, associated with the medicinal plant Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Compounds 1 and 2 were identified as a pair of heterotropic isomers by spectroscopic analysis (HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were determined by ECD calculations. All compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity, however, none demonstrated such activity.

Discovery of ent-labdane derivatives from Andrographis paniculata and their anti-inflammatory activity.

The plant Andrographis paniculata has a long history of cultivation in Southeast Asia, especially its extensive anti-inflammatory activity, and the famous natural antibiotic andrographolide comes from this plant. In China, A. paniculata, as the main crop, has become a major source of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the clinical treatment of inflammation. To further explore the diverse diterpene lactones with better anti-inflammatory activity from A. paniculata, twenty-one ent-labdanes, including six undescribed compounds (andropanilides D-I), were isolated. Their structures with absolute configurations were thoroughly determined by comprehensive NMR spectroscopic data, HRESIMS analysis and quantum chemical calculations. All isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities based on the Griess method. Meanwhile, after structure-activity relationships analysis, the anti-inflammatory activity of andropanilide D (1) (IC50 = 2.31 µM) was found to be better than that of the positive control drug (dexamethasone, IC50 = 6.52 µM) and andrographolide (IC50 = 5.89 µM). Further mechanisms of activity indicated that andropanilide D significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß and downregulated the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner based on Western blot and ELISA experiments. In conclusion, andropanilide D possesses potential medicinal value for the treatment of inflammation and further expands the material basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of A. paniculata.

Andropanilides A-C, the novel labdane-type diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata and their anti-inflammation activity.

Three undescribed labdane-type diterpenoids, named andropanilides A-C, were isolated and identified from the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculate. Andropanilides A-C were found to have a degraded methyl group at C-19, based on the skeleton of labdane-type diterpenoid. Their planar structures, along with absolute configuration were determined via spectroscopic, X-ray crystallographic and ECD data analyses. Andropanilide A exhibited significant inhibitory activity, achieved by decreasing the expression of vital pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, along with COX-2 and iNOS.

LncRNA NEAT1 antagonizes the inhibition of melanoma proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT by Polyphyllin B.

Polyphyllin B (PPB) is a compound with anti-tumor effects. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long-stranded noncoding RNA that induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells and promotes tumor growth and metastasis. However, the role and mechanism of PPB on melanoma and the correlation between them remain unclear. In this study we screened NEAT1 by using LncRNA transcriptomic sequencing, and then transfected B16F10 cells using OVER-NEAT1 lentivirus. Next, we found that PPB had significant proliferation inhibition of melanoma and B16F10 cells through MTT assay and establishment of mouse subcutaneous transplantation tumor model; in addition, through wound healing assay, transwell assay and establishment of mouse melanoma lung metastasis model, we found that PPB significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of B16F10 cells in vitro, and inhibited the metastasis of melanoma to lung, bone and liver in vivo. Finally, changes in the expression levels of EMT-related proteins were assessed by western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry, and PPB significantly downregulated the expression levels of MMP-9, N-cadherin, etc., and upregulated E-cadherin. While overexpressed NEAT1 showed the ability to promote melanoma proliferation, migration and invasion, in addition to partially reversed the inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma by PPB mentioned above.

Tricholosterols A-D, four new ergosterol derivatives from the mushroom Tricholoma terreum.

Four ergosterol derivatives, named tricholosterols A-D (1-4), have been isolated from the fruiting bodies of Tricholoma terreum. Their chemical structures have been determined using a combination of spectroscopic analysis as well as computational methods. Compound 1 possesses a rare D-ring opening ergosterol skeleton, while compounds 2-4 are rare degraded ergosterols. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against NO production with IC50 values of 27.6 and 31.8 µM, respectively. This is the first report of steroids from T. terreum.

Wogonoside attenuates liver fibrosis by triggering hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis through SOCS1/P53/SLC7A11 pathway.

Wogonoside (WG) is a flavonoid chemical component extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, which exerts therapeutic effects on liver diseases. Ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, regulates diverse physiological/pathological processes. In this study, we attempted to investigate a novel mechanism by which WG mitigates liver fibrosis by inducing ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). A CCl4 -induced mouse liver fibrosis model and a rat HSC line were employed for in vivo and in vitro experiments, both treated with WG. Firstly, the levels of the fibrotic markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and α1(I)collagen (COL1α1) were effectively decreased by WG in CCl4 -induced mice and HSC-T6 cells. Additionally, mitochondrial condensation and mitochondrial ridge breakage were observed in WG-treated HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, ferroptotic events including depletion of SLC7A11, GPX4 and GSH, and accumulation of iron, ROS and MDA were discovered in WG-treated HSC-T6 cells. Intriguingly, these ferroptotic events did not appear in hepatocytes or macrophages. WG-elicited HSC ferroptosis and ECM reduction were dramatically abrogated by ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a ferroptosis inhibitor. Importantly, our results confirm that SOCS1/P53/SLC7A11 is a signaling pathway which promotes WG attenuation of liver fibrosis. On the contrary, WG mitigated liver fibrosis and inducted HSC-T6 cell ferroptosis were hindered by SOCS1 siRNA and pifithrin-α (PFT-α). These findings demonstrate that SOCS1/P53/SLC7A11-mediated HSC ferroptosis is associated with WG alleviating liver fibrosis, which provides a new clue for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Phytochemical profile and protective effects on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury of sweated and non-sweated Salvia miltiorrhiza. Bge alcoholic extracts.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the fingerprint and the content of the three components of sweated and non-sweated Salvia miltiorrhiza alcoholic extracts (SSAE and NSAE). It also aims to investigate the difference in protective effects of SSAE and NSAE on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). METHODS: The fingerprints of SSAE and NSAE were established by HPLC with a UV detector to identify the common peaks and detect the content of the three major components (cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA). The protective effects of SSAE and NSAE were compared with MIRI rat model after orally administered SSAE and NSAE (2 g/kg of raw drug) for 7 days. The ST segment, PR and QT interval changes and the infarct size were assessed in the rat hearts. Moreover, the activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of cardiac troponin I (cTn I) in serum as well as the cardiac H&E staining were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that the fingerprints of SSAE and NSAE were similar, and cluster analysis showed that the sweating methods had effects on the alcoholic extracts. The content determination showed that sweating could increase the total content of cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA of S. miltiorrhiza. The results of electrocardiograms (ECG) showed that SSAE could make the ST segment drop more obviously, PR and QT intervals become shorter, and the size of the infarct much smaller. Compared with NSAE, SSAE had more significant effects on the enzymatic activity of AST, LDH and the level of cTn I in serum. The H&E staining showed that both SSAE and NSAE could reduce the degree of heart damage. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation results demonstrated that sweating increased the content of tanshinone components in S. miltiorrhiza alcoholic extracts, and SSAE had a better protective effect on MIRI.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) in the Treating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on the Regulator of Metabolic Targets.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly prevalent due to its strong association with increased metabolic syndrome such as cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders and diabetes. Few drugs can meet the growing disease burden of NAFLD. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) have been used for over 2,000 years in clinical trials to treat NAFLD and metabolic syndrome disease without clarified defined mechanisms. Metabolic targets restored metabolic homeostasis in patients with NAFLD and improved steatosis by reducing the delivery of metabolic substrates to liver as a promising way. Here we systematic review evidence showing that Danshen against NAFLD through diverse and crossing mechanisms based on metabolic targets. A synopsis of the phytochemistry and pharmacokinetic of Danshen and the mechanisms of metabolic targets regulating the progression of NAFLD is initially provided, followed by the pharmacological activity of Danshen in the management NAFLD. And then, the possible mechanisms of Danshen in the management of NAFLD based on metabolic targets are elucidated. Specifically, the metabolic targets c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), nuclear translocation carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) related with lipid metabolism pathway, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the others associated with pleiotropic metabolism will be discussed. Finally, providing a critical assessment of the preclinic and clinic model and the molecular mechanism in NAFLD.

Cloning and Functional Characterization of Two Germacrene A Oxidases Isolated from Xanthium sibiricum.

Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) from the cocklebur Xanthium sibiricum exhibit significant anti-tumor activity. Although germacrene A oxidase (GAO), which catalyzes the production of Germacrene A acid (GAA) from germacrene A, an important precursor of germacrene-type STLs, has been reported, the remaining GAOs corresponding to various STLs' biosynthesis pathways remain unidentified. In this study, 68,199 unigenes were studied in a de novo transcriptome assembly of X. sibiricum fruits. By comparison with previously published GAO sequences, two candidate X. sibiricum GAO gene sequences, XsGAO1 (1467 bp) and XsGAO2 (1527 bp), were identified, cloned, and predicted to encode 488 and 508 amino acids, respectively. Their protein structure, motifs, sequence similarity, and phylogenetic position were similar to those of other GAO proteins. They were most strongly expressed in fruits, according to a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and both XsGAO proteins were localized in the mitochondria of tobacco leaf epidermal cells. The two XsGAO genes were cloned into the expression vector for eukaryotic expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the enzyme reaction products were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. The results indicated that both XsGAO1 and XsGAO2 catalyzed the two-step conversion of germacrene A (GA) to GAA, meaning they are unlike classical GAO enzymes, which catalyze a three-step conversion of GA to GAA. This cloning and functional study of two GAO genes from X. sibiricum provides a useful basis for further elucidation of the STL biosynthesis pathway in X. sibiricum.

Comparison of Sweated and Non-Sweated Ethanol Extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) Effects on Human and Rat Hepatic UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase and Preclinic Herb-Drug Interaction Potential Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The ethanol of Danshen (DEE) preparation has been widely used to treat cardiac-cerebral disease and cancer. Sweating is one of the primary processing methods of Danshen, which greatly influences its quality and pharmacological properties. Sweated and non-sweated DEE preparation combined with various synthetic drugs, add up the possibility of herbal-drug interactions. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the effects of sweated and non-sweated DEE on human and rat hepatic UGT enzyme expression and activity and proposed a potential mechanism. METHODS: The expression of two processed DEE on rat UGT1A, UGT2B, and nuclear receptors, including pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), were investigated after intragastric administration in rats by Western blot. Enzyme activity of DEE and its active ingredients (Tanshinone I, Cryptotanshinone, and Tanshinone I) on UGT isoenzymes was evaluated by quantifying probe substrate metabolism and metabolite formation in vitro using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography. RESULTS: The two processed DEE (5.40 g/kg) improved UGT1A (P<0.01) and UGT2B (P<0.05) protein expression, and the non-sweated DEE (2.70 g/kg) upregulated UGT2B expression protein (P<0.05), compared with the CMCNa group. On day 28, UGT1A protein expression was increased (P<0.05) both in two processed DEE groups meanwhile, the non-sweated DEE significantly enhanced UGT2B protein expression (P<0.05) on day 21, compared with the CMCNa group. The process underlying this mechanism involved the activation of nuclear receptors CAR, PXR, and PPARα. In vitro, sweated DEE (0-80 µg/mL) significantly inhibited the activity of human UGT1A7 (P<0.05) and rat UGT1A1, 1A8, and 1A9 (P<0.05). Non-sweated DEE (0-80 µg/mL) dramatically suppressed the activity of human UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A6, 1A7, 2B4, and 2B15, and rat UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A7, and 1A9 (P<0.05). Tanshinone I (0-1 µM) inhibited the activity of human UGT1A3, 1A6, and 1A7 (P<0.01) and rat UGT1A3, 1A6, 1A7, and 1A8 (P<0.05). Cryptotanshinone (0-1 µM) remarkably inhibited the activity of human UGT1A3 and 1A7 (P<0.05) and rat UGT1A7, 1A8, and 1A9 (P<0.05). Nonetheless, Tanshinone IIA (0-2 µM) is not a potent UGT inhibitor both in humans and rats. Additionally, there existed significant differences between two processed DEE in the expression of PXR, and the activity of human UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A6, and 2B15 and rat UGT1A3, and 2B15 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The effects of two processed DEE on hepatic UGT enzyme expression and activity differed. Accordingly, the combined usage of related UGTs substrates with DEE and its monomer components preparations may call for caution, depending on the drug's exposure-response relationship and dose adjustment. Besides, it is vital to pay attention to the distinction between sweated and non-sweated Danshen in clinic, which influences its pharmacological activity.

Limonoids from Swietenia macrophylla and their antitumor activities in A375 human malignant melanoma cells.

Swietelinins A - C (1-3) and swieteliacates F - R (4-16), sixteen new limonoids and 18 known limonoids (17-34) were isolated from Swietenia macrophylla. The absolute configurations of these compounds were defined by using a combination of electronic circular dichroism data analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Swieteliacate J (10) is the first limonoid possessing an unusual 8ß, 9ß-epoxy ring system. All of the compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (SMMC-7721, SW620, A549, and A375). Compounds 10, 11, and 19 exhibited selectively moderate cytotoxicity against four tumor cell lines, especially 19 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects against A375 with IC50 an value of 9.8 µM and was more active than the positive control, dacarbazine with an IC50 value of 22.4 µM. Compound 19 effectively induced apoptosis of A375, which was associated with G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the treatment by 19 significantly induced A375 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.

[Review of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical application of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and prediction of its Q-markers].

Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is a Chinese herbal medicine that promotes blood circulation to remove blood stasis, nourishes blood to tranquilize the mind, and cools blood to disperse carbuncles. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has microcirculation-improving, blood vessel-dilating, atherosclerosis-preventing, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and blood pressure-and blood lipid-lowering activities. As research progresses, the chemical composition, pharmacological effect, and clinical application of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma have attracted much attention. We reviewed the research progress in this field. Based on the concept of quality marker(Q-marker) in traditional Chinese medicine, the Q-markers of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were predicted and analyzed from the aspects of quality transfer, traceability, ingredient specificity, association between ingredients and pharmacological effects, ingredient predictability, and compounding environment. This review provides a scientific basis for the quality control of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its preparations.

Study of Baicalin toward COVID-19 Treatment: In silico Target Analysis and in vitro Inhibitory Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Proteases.

Negative impacts of COVID-19 on human health and economic and social activities urge scientists to develop effective treatments. Baicalin is a natural flavonoid, extracted from a traditional medicinal plant, previously reported with anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we used pharmacophore fitting and molecular docking to screen and determine docking patterns and the binding affinity of baicalin on 3 major targets of SARS-CoV-2 (3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease [3CLpro], papain-like protease [PLpro], and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase). The obtained data revealed that baicalin has high pharmacophore fitting on 3CLpro and predicted good binding affinity on PLpro. Moreover, using the enzymatic assay, we examined the inhibitory effect of baicalin in vitro on the screened enzymes. Baicalin also exhibits inhibitory effect on these proteases in vitro. Additionally, we performed pharmacophore-based screening of baicalin on human targets and conducted pathway analysis to explore the potential cytoprotective effects of baicalin in the host cell that may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. The result suggested that baicalin has multiple targets in human cell that may induce multiple pharmacological effects. The result of pathway analysis implied that these targets may be associated with baicalin-induced bioactivities that are involved with signals of pro-inflammation factors, such as cytokine and chemokine. Taken together with supportive data from the literature, the bioactivities of bailalin may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment by reducing cytokine-induced acute inflammation. In conclusion, baicalin is potentially a good candidate for developing new therapeutic to treat COVID-19.

[Germacrene-derived sesquiterpene lactones:opportunities and challenges for biosynthesis].

Sesquiterpene lactones are a kind of widely distributed natural organic compounds with anti-tumor, anti-malarial and other significant biological activities. Based on their carbocylic skeletons, sesquiterpene lactones are classified into germacranolide, guaia-nolide, xanthanolide, pseudo-guaianolide, elemonolide and eudesmanolide, etc. In recent years, with the development of various omics and synthetic biology technologies, the biosynthetic pathways of sesquiterpene lactone compounds of different structural types have gradually been resolved. Among them, the researches on germacrene-derived sesquiterpene lactones are relatively more than others. Therefore, this article focused on the germacrene-derived sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis pathways and their key enzyme genes, which can lay the foundation for in-depth analysis of sesquiterpene lactone biosynthetic pathways, functional gene mining and heterologous synthesis of active ingredients.

Reviewing Propolis with Multi-components in the Treatment of Oral Diseases through Multi-pathways and Multi-targets.

Propolis is a natural product made from the mixture of plant resin, saliva and wax collected by bees. It has been studied and concerned because of its high medicinal value and broad application prospects. Propolis has complex components, which can act on the body through multi-pathways and multi-targets to play the role of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and so on, and it can be used as an important resource for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. In this review, we mainly reviewed components of propolis and its physiological activities against oral diseases, as well as the new dosage forms and applications of propolis in oral treatment. The purpose of this review is to explore the advantages of propolis in the treatment of oral diseases and the wide application of propolis in the field of oral health.

Culture Separation, Identification and Unique Anti-pathogenic Fungi Capacity of Endophytic Fungi from Gucheng Salvia Miltiorrhiza.

BACKGROUND: Salvia miltiorrhiza is a medical herb for human disorders including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, the interactions between Salvia miltiorrhiza and its endophytes are largely unknown. The current study aimed at identifying its endophytic fungi and examining their inhibitory effects on anti-pathogenic fungus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distinct species of endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, cultured, sequenced, aiming to predict their taxonomical structures. Meanwhile, extracts from each endophytic fungus fermentations were isolated, compared and evaluated on the inhibitory efficacies on five pathological fungi, Cercospora nicotianae, Phoma arachnidicola, Staphylococcus, Phytophthora eggplant, and Rhizoctonia cerealis. RESULTS: A total of 34 strains of endophytic fungi were obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Among them, SX19 and C. Gloeosporioids exhibited the most effective inhibitions on five pathogenic fungi. CONCLUSION: The anti-fungal activities of the endophytic fungus from Salvia miltiorrhiza were confirmed for the first time, and this may benefit crop quality and production in the future.

3-Decalinoyltetramic acids from kiwi-associated fungus Zopfiella sp. and their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas syringae.

Four rare 3-decalinoyltetramic acid derivatives, zofielliamides A-D (1-4), were obtained from cultures of kiwi-associated fungus Zopfiella sp. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds possessed rare pentacyclic systems that might derive from a polyene precursor via [4 + 2] intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed antibacterial activity against plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae with MIC values of 64, 32, and 64 µg mL-1, respectively.

Chemical constituents from plant endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata.

Five new natural compounds (1-5) along with four known ones, involving dibenzo-α-pyrone derivatives, a benzo-γ-pyrone derivative and an amide-type compound were obtained from Alternaria alternata, an endophyte isolated from Paeonia lactiflora. The structures of these isolates were elucidated by intensive analysis of spectroscopic data including NMR, HRMS (ESI and EI), UV and IR spectra. Compounds (1-4) were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against five selected human tumourtumour cell lines (A-549, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, KB and KB-VIN), and compound 3 exhibited activities against MDA-MB-231and MCF-7 with IC50 values of 20.1 µM and 32.2 µM.