Synthesis of aminomethyl linked (+)-usnic acid derivatives via the Mannich reaction and evaluation of their biological activities.

(+)-Usnic acid (UA), a natural dibenzofuran derivative, abundantly produced by lichens and possess wide number of biomedical applications including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anticancer activities. In the present study, as series of usnic acid derivatives (3a-3i) were synthesised using Mannich reaction assessed for their antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and anticancer activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity showed that compound 3d displayed potent antioxidant activity by scavenging the activities of DPPH and ABTS+. The compounds 3d and 3e showed potent cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cancer cells by arresting the cell cycle at S phase and regulating the Bax/BcL2 expression and subsequently induce the apoptosis. Overall, the results clearly indicated that (+)-usnic acid derivatives bearing secondary amines are useful scaffolds for the development of drug candidates for treatment of oxidative stress mediated cancer and metabolic disorders.

Chemical profiling and simultaneous quantification of major bioactive constituents from Cocculus hirsutus by UPLC-QqQ-MS.

Cocculus hirsutus is a widely used herb in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, five alkaloids (1-5), two flavonoids (6-7), one triterpenoid (8), and three steroids (9-10) were isolated from the roots of Cocculus hirsutus and further crude extract was analyzed by LC-Q-Tof-MS/MS in positive ionization mode leading to the identification of ten metabolites through comparison of exact molecular masses from their MS/MS spectra, mass fragmentation studies and with literature data. In addition, a method was developed and validated for the quantification of four bio-active compounds [Sinococuline (1), Magnoflorine (2), (E)-N-feruloyltyramine (3), and 20-Hydroxyecdysone (10)] using UPLC-QqQ-MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for the first time. The method has shown good linearity with correlation coefficients (r2) higher than 0.9916 for all four compounds. The intra- and inter-day precision were in the range of 0.3-6.1% and from 0.7% to 8.8%, respectively. The matrix effects of all the four analytes were found in the range of 94.7 ± 2.8-112.7 ± 3.7%. Overall, our study provides a reliable and rapid approach by hyphenated LC-MS/MS using high-resolution mass spectrometers for identification and quantification of bioactive constituents from the root extracts of Cocculus hirsutus.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel lipophilic 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole analogues of muramyl dipeptide as NOD2 agonists.

A focused library of six new 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole (2, 5-DST) analogues of N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine (MDP) as potential immunomodulators were synthesized by the bioisosteric replacement of α-amide of d-isoglutamine with 5-substituted tetrazole (5-ST). Another parameter 'lipophilicity' was also considered to improve the pharmacological properties of MDP through the alkylation of 5-substituted tetrazole during synthesis. In total, six 2, 5-DST analogues of MDP were synthesized and bio-evaluated for the study of human NOD2 stimulation activity in the innate immune response. Interestingly, among the varied lengths of the alkyl chain in 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole derivatives, the tetrazole analogues 12b bearing the -Butyl (C4) and 12c having -Octyl (C8) chain showed the best NOD2 stimulation potency equivalent with reference compound MDP. These analogues were evaluated for their adjuvanticity against dengue antigen and analogues 12b and 12c have elicited a potent humoral and cell mediated response.

A review on hydroxy anthraquinones from bacteria: crosstalk's of structures and biological activities.

Anthraquinones (AQ), unveiling large structural diversity, among polyketides demonstrate a wide range of applications. The hydroxy anthraquinones (HAQ), a group of anthraquinone derivatives, are secondary metabolites produced by bacteria and eukaryotes. Plant-based HAQ are well-studied unlike bacterial HAQ and applied as herbal medicine for centuries. Bacteria are known to synthesize a wide variety of structurally diversified HAQ through polyketide pathways using polyketide synthases (I, II & III) principally through polyketide synthase-II. The actinobacteria especially the genus Streptomyces and Micromonospora represent a rich source of HAQ, however novel HAQ are reported from the rare actinobacteria genera (Salinospora, Actinoplanes, Amycoloptosis, Verrucosispora, Xenorhabdus, and Photorhabdus. Though several reviews are available on AQ produced by plants and fungi, however none on bacterial AQ. The current review focused on sources of bacterial HAQ and their structural diversity and biological activities along with toxicity and side effects.

UPLC-MSE Guided Isolation of New Antifeedant Limonoids from Fruits of Trichilia connaroides.

UPLC-MSE guided isolation of CHCl3 extract from the fruits of Trichilia connaroides yielded two new mexicanolide-type limonoids trichanolide F (1) and trichanolide G (2) along with a known compound carapanolide U (3). The structures of the limonoids were characterized by extensive spectroscopic analysis (MS, IR, 2D NMR). These limonoids (1-3) were evaluated for their antifeedancy against Spodoptera litura F. To further explore and draw the meaningful structure activity relationship studies, secophragmalin-type limonoids, namely, secotrichagmalin B, C (4, 5) and semisynthetic derivatives (5a-5l) were also screened for antifeedancy. The results revealed that trichanolide F (1) displayed highest antifeedant index (AFI) and caused larval mortality at 24 h. Derivative 5b caused larval toxicity, whereas 3, 5a, 5d, and 5g lead to pupal mortality and 2, 5f, 5k, and 5l caused adult deformities. Overall, the study provided new insights into the antifeedant potential of isolated and chemically modified limonoids from T. connaroides for the control of spodopteran pests.

Secophragmalin-Type Limonoids from Trichilia connaroides: Isolation, Semisynthesis, and Their Cytotoxic Activities.

Two new secophragmalin-type limonoids, secotrichagmalins B (1) and C (2) along with two known compounds, were isolated from the fruits of Trichilia connaroides. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic (IR, MS, and 2D NMR) data and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In addition, semisynthetic derivatives (2a-2l) were efficiently synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity along with the isolated limonoids against a panel of human cancer cell lines. The results indicated that new analogues 2a, 2d, and 2e showed cytotoxicity on the DU145 cell line with IC50 values of 3.6, 4.2, and 5.2 µM, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that these analogues arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and markedly induced apoptosis.

Design, synthesis, molecular modelling, ADME prediction and anti-hyperglycemic evaluation of new pyrazole-triazolopyrimidine hybrids as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.

The aim of the present study is to design and synthesis of new pyrazole-triazolopyrimidine hybrids as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors. The target compounds 4a-n were synthesized by one-pot multicomponent approach with good yields and were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and finally by single crystal X-ray diffraction method (4j). All the newly-synthesized derivatives have been screened for their α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity and acarbose taken as a standard drug. Among all the tested compounds, 4h has displayed excellent α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity with IC50 value 12.45 µM to the standard drug acarbose (IC50: 12.68 µM). Similarly, the compounds 4f and 4l have exhibited potent activity with IC50 values 14.47 µM and 17.27 µM respectively. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of all the title compounds were established. The mode of binding interactions between the α-glucosidase enzyme and the compounds were studied. The drug-likeness properties (Lipinski parameters and in silico ADME properties) have predicted for the target compounds. The α-glucosidase inhibition, molecular docking and drug-likeness properties of the compounds 4h, 4f and 4l were suggested that these are promising hits for anti-diabetic activity.

Free radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory and anti-inflammatory constituents from Indian sedges, Cyperus scariosus R.Br and Cyperus rotundus L.

BACKGROUND: Cyperus scariosus R. Br and Cyperus rotundus L are widely used in ayurvedic preparation for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. The early literature, so far, does not indicate the presence of any bioactive principle isolated from these plants. OBJECTIVE: To identify free radical scavenging, anti-diabetic and anti- inflammatory principles from these two species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bioassay guided fractionation and isolation of active constituents was done by chromatographic techniques. They also evaluated their anti-oxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS. The anti-diabetic activity was screened by α- glucosidase and α- amylase assays. Also, the further evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity using THP-1 monocytic cells and in vivo anti- inflammatory activity, was confirmed by carrageenan induced rat paw edema as model. RESULTS: The activity guided isolation led to isolation of twelve compounds Which are: Stigmasterol[1], ß- sitosterol[2], Lupeol[3], Gallic acid[4], Quercetin[5], ß- amyrin[6], Oleanolic acid[7], ß- amyrin acetate[8], 4- hydroxyl butyl cinnamate[9], 4- hydroxyl cinnamic acid[10], Caffeic acid,[11] and Kaempferol[12] respectively. Among the isolates, the compounds 4 and 5 displayed potent radical scavenging activity with an IC50 values of 0.43 and 0.067 ΅g/ml. The compounds 4, 5 and 10 showed significant anti-diabetic activities. while lupeol[3] showed potent IL-1 ß activity inhibition in THP-1 monocytic cells and also displayed significant (p<0.0025) in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. CONCLUSION: Inbrief, we isolated twelve compounds from both the species. Collectively, our results suggested that aromatic compounds showed good anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activities. SUMMARY: The study investigates the free radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of constituents isolated from Indian sedges viz. C. scariosus and C. rotundus. The results indicated that phenolic compounds displayed potent fee radical scavenging activty and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity. While terpene constituent, Lupeol[3] showed good IL-1ß activity inhibition in THP-1 monocytic cells and also displayed significant (p<0.0025) in vivo anti inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw edema. However, further studies are required to know the exact molecular mechanism. Abbreviations used: DPPH: 2,2- Diphenyl-1-1-picryl hydrazyl, ABTS: 2,2-Azinobis-3-ethylbenzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, THP-1: Human leukaemia monocytic cell line, IL-1ß: Interleukin-1ß, IC50-Inhibitory concentration 50%.

Morphological and Chemoprofile (Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-mass Spectroscopy) Comparisons of Cyperus scariosus R. Br and Cyperus rotundus L.

BACKGROUND: Cyperus scariosus (CS) R.Br and Cyperus rotundus (CR) L. belongs to Cyperaceae family which is well-reputed in the traditional systems of medicine. Although they grow in different agro-climatic conditions, they are often considered to be synonymous with each other. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to systematically classify both the species CS and CR through their morphological features and chemical profiling using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and thin layer chromatography patterns of the rhizome extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A method (LC-MS analysis) has been developed on Agilent LC-MSD Trap SL mass spectrometer equipped with Waters HR C18 column (3.9 mm × 300 mm, 6 µm) using isocratic elution with acetonitrile and water (70:30% v/v ratio). GC-MS analysis was performed on a Shimadzu GC-MS-QP 2010 equipped with DB-5 capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm). RESULTS: Chemoprofiling of CS and CR using LC-MS and GC-MS suggested that these two are different based on their deferential spectral pattern, however, some of the common peaks were found in both the species. In addition, we also performed the preliminary phytochemical investigation of hexane and chloroform extracts of these species, which led to the isolation of stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol and lupeol as major constituents in CS. CONCLUSION: In summary, we have developed optimal chromatographic conditions (LC-MS and GC-MS) and morphological profiles to classify both the species, that is, CS and CR. Collectively, our analytical results coupled with the morphological data clearly suggested that CS and CR are morphologically different. SUMMARY: The huge demand for herbal medicine has put pressure on the supply of natural resources which ultimately results in use of substandard materials or substitution and adulteration. The medicinal plants, Cyperus rotundus L and Cyperus scariosus R.Br which belongs to cyperaceae family and extensively used in the traditional systems of medicine. Although these two species are grown in different soil conditions, Cyperus scariosus R.Br often treated as synonymous of Cyperus rotundus. Thus, the present study was undertaken to classify these two species systematically using the modern analytical techniques as a powerful tools. Further, we also carried out the preliminary phytochemical investigation of hexane and chloroform extracts of cyperus scariosus rhizomes, which resulted in the isolation of three compounds namely Sitosterol, Stigmasterol and Lupeol.

Antioxidant, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic effects of icetexanes isolated from stem-bark of Premna tomentosa.

The study investigates the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antiproliferative effects of novel icetexane diterpenoids (ice 1-4) isolated from hexane extract of stem bark of Premna tomentosa. A549, HT-29, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, A431 cells were used to assess the antiproliferative activity by MTT assay. Cell death induced by apoptosis was determined by morphological assessment studies using acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining (dual staining), mitochondrial potential measurement by JC-1 staining, and cell cycle analysis by propidium iodide staining method by Muse cell analyser. Anti oxidant activity was investigated by in vitro assays such as DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide scavenging activities. Hepatoprotective activity was determined in vitro with HepG2 cells and in vivo by tBHP induced hepatic damage mice model. Based on the in vitro cytotoxic assays and morphological assessment studies using fluorescence microscopic study (acridine orange and ethidium bromide double staining) and mitochondrial potential measurements, it was found that ice 2 and 3 possess good antiproliferative effect via mitochondrial mediated apoptosis in human lung and breast cancer cells. Results of in vitro antioxidant studies demonstrated that ice-4 has showed good antioxidant activity. The restoration of serum levels of SGOT, SGPT and ALKP, liver GSH status and reduction or inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver of tBHP intoxicated mice after administration of ice-4 at dose of 250mg/kg indicated its potential use for hepatoprotective activity.