Two new cytotoxic stilbenoid dimers isolated from Cajanus cajan.

Two new stilbenoid dimers, cajanstilbenoids A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan. Planar structures of these compounds were verified by NMR (1D and 2D) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS). Absolute configurations were assigned by comparing experimental and calculated electronic CD values. The cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 against human hepatoma (HepG2), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and human lung cancer (A549) cells were evaluated in vitro. Compound 1 showed strong cytotoxicity against all the tested cell lines (IC50 values: 2.14-2.56 µM), whereas compound 2 showed strong toxicity only against HepG2 (IC50 value: 5.99 µM) and A549 cells (IC50 value: 6.18 µM).

Inhibition of autophagy augments the anticancer activity of α-mangostin in chronic myeloid leukemia cells.

Natural products possessing anticancer activity have been extensively studied because of their low toxicity and potential effect. α-Mangostin, a component of Garcinia mangostana Linn, is a xanthone derivative shown to have antioxidant and antitumor properties. This study was carried out to investigate how to improve the anticancer effects of α-mangostin in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines bearing wild-type BCR-ABL or BCR-ABL-T315I mutation. We showed that α-mangostin inhibited cell proliferation of K562, KBM5 and KBM5-T315I cells in both a time- and dose-dependent manner. Significantly, α-mangostin increased the number of apoptotic cells and induced DNA fragmentation compared to control cells. Moreover, α-mangostin selectively inhibited proliferation in primary CML cells, while showing limited lethality in normal hematopoietic progenitors. Additionally, α-mangostin induced not only apoptosis but also autophagy in CML cells. α-Mangostin dramatically increased the expression levels of LC-3II, an autophagosome marker in mammals, and the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles (AVs). Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine enhanced α-mangostin-mediated cytotoxicity through increasing apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that targeting the autophagy pathway is a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance α-mangostin-induced apoptosis. Our study provides an approach for future studies to explore this combination for the treatment of CML.

Dibenzylbutane lignans from the stems of Schisandra bicolor.

Further investigation of the stems of Schisandra bicolor led to the isolation of a new dibenzylbutane lignan, named schibicolignan A (1), as well as five known compounds, namely bis[dibenzylbutane] (2), machilin A (3), macelignan (4), saururenin (5) and sphenanlignan (6). The structure of the new lignan was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Antioxidant activity of 1-6 was also evaluated.

A new xanthone from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana.

A new prenylxanthone, garcimangostanol (1), was isolated from the EtOAc-soluble partition of the ethanol extract of the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana L., along with three known compounds, namely 8-deoxygartanin (2), 1-isomangostin (3), and garcinone C (4). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of its 1D, 2D NMR and MS data. Compounds 1-4 exhibited either significant o r moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7, A549, Hep-G2 and CNEhuman cancer cell lines in vitro with IC50 values from 4.0 +/- 0.3 to 23.6+/- 1.5 microM by MTT colorimetric assay.

A new flavanocoumarin from the root of Flemingia philippinensis.

One new flavanocoumarin, flemicoumarin A (1) was isolated from the EtOAc-soluble partition of the root of Flemingia philippinensis, along with three known compounds, namely 4,2'-epoxy-4',5-dihydroxy-7,5'-dimethoxy-3-phenylcoumarin (2), kaempferol 6-C-glucoside (3) and dracocephaloside (4). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of its 1D, 2D NMR, CD and MS data. The structures of the known compounds were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1-4 exhibited inactivity against MCF-7, A549 and Hep-G2 human cancer cell lines in vitro by MTT colorimetric assay.

Two new lignans from the stems of Schisandra bicolor.

Two new lignans, named zuihonins E (1) and F (2), were isolated from the stems of Schisandra bicolor Cheng var. tuberculata Law. The structures of the new lignans were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, and MS experiments, and their absolute stereochemistry was determined by circular dichroism spectrum. Compounds 1 and 2 did not inhibit the growth of hepatoma carcinoma cell (HepG2), lung carcinoma cell (A549), and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines.

Interaction of pseudolaric acid B with the colchicine site of tubulin.

We purified pseudolaric acid B (PAB) from the root and stem bark of Pseudolarix kaempferi (Lindl.) Gorden. Confirming previous findings, we found that the compound had high nanomolar IC50 antiproliferative effects in several cultured cell lines, causing mitotic arrest and the disappearance of intracellular microtubules. PAB strongly inhibited tubulin assembly (IC50, 1.1 µM) but weakly inhibited the binding of colchicine to tubulin, as demonstrated by fluorescence and with [³H]colchicine. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that the mechanism of inhibition was competitive, with an apparent K(i) of 12-15 µM. Indirect studies demonstrated that PAB bound rapidly to tubulin and dissociated more rapidly from tubulin than the colchicine analog 2-methoxy-5-(2',3',4'-trimethoxyphenyl)tropone, whose complex with tubulin is known to have a half-life of 17s at 37 °C. We modeled PAB into the colchicine site of tubulin, using the crystal structure 1SA0 that contains two αß-tubulin heterodimers, both bound to a colchicinoid and to a stathmin fragment. The binding model of PAB revealed common pharmacophoric features between PAB and colchicinoids, not readily apparent from their chemical structures.

Polyprenylated isoflavanone and isoflavonoids from Ormosia henryi and their cytotoxicity and anti-oxidation activity.

A rare naturally-occurring polyprenylated isoflavanone, designated ormosinol (1), and a new isoflavonoid glycoside, named ormosinoside (2), along with 21 known compounds were isolated from the root bark of Ormosia henryi Prain. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined as 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxyl-6,8,5'-tri-(γ,γ-dimethylallyl)isoflavanone and isoprunetin-7-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of a combination of 1D-, 2D-NMR and mass spectroscopic measurements. Compound 1 showed significant anti-oxidation activity against DPPH radicals (IC(50) 28.5 µM) and cancer cell line (A549, LAC, and HepG2) growth inhibitory activity with IC(50) ranging from 4.25 to 7.09 µM, while compound 2 found to be inactive to both testing systems.

Herbal hepatotoxicity by kava: update on pipermethystine, flavokavain B, and mould hepatotoxins as primarily assumed culprits.

Herbal hepatotoxicity by the anxiolytic kava (Piper methysticum Forst. f.) emerged unexpectedly and was observed in a few patients worldwide. Liver injury occurred after the use of traditional aqueous kava extracts in the South Pacific region and of acetonic and ethanolic extracts in Western countries in rare cases, suggesting that the solvents used play no major causative role. In this review, we discuss actual pathogenetic issues of kava hepatotoxicity with special focus on developments regarding pipermethystine, flavokavain B, and mould hepatotoxins as possible culprits. There is abundant data of in vitro cytotoxicity including apoptosis by pipermethystine and flavokavain B added to the incubation media, yet evidence is lacking of in vivo hepatotoxicity in experimental animals under conditions similar to human kava use. Furthermore, in commercial Western kava extracts, pipermethystine was not detectable and flavokavain B was present as a natural compound in amounts much too low to cause experimental liver injury. There is concern, however, that due to high temperature and humidity in the South Pacific area, kava raw material might have been contaminated by mould hepatotoxins such as aflatoxins after harvest and during storage. Whether kava hepatotoxicity may be due to aflatoxicosis or other mould hepatotoxins, requires further studies.

Kava and kava hepatotoxicity: requirements for novel experimental, ethnobotanical and clinical studies based on a review of the evidence.

Kava hepatotoxicity is a well described disease entity, yet there is uncertainty as to the culprit(s). In particular, there is so far no clear evidence for a causative role of kavalactones and non-kavalactone constituents, such as pipermethystine and flavokavain B, identified from kava. Therefore, novel enzymatic, analytical, toxicological, ethnobotanical and clinical studies are now required. Studies should focus on the identification of further potential hepatotoxic constituents, considering in particular possible adulterants and impurities with special reference to ochratoxin A and aflatoxins (AFs) producing Aspergillus varieties, which should be urgently assessed and published. At present, Aspergillus and other fungus species producing hepatotoxic mycotoxins have not yet been examined thoroughly as possible contaminants of some kava raw materials. Its occurence may be facilitated by high humidity, poor methods for drying procedures and insufficient storage facilities during the time after harvest. Various experimental studies are recommended using aqueous, acetonic and ethanolic kava extracts derived from different plant parts, such as peeled rhizomes and peeled roots including their peelings, and considering both noble and non-noble kava cultivars. In addition, ethnobotanical studies associated with local expertise and surveillance are required to achieve a good quality of kava as the raw material. In clinical trials of patients with anxiety disorders seeking herbal anxiolytic treatment with kava extracts, long-term safety and efficacy should be tested using traditional aqueous extracts obtained from peeled rhizomes and peeled roots of a noble kava cultivar, such as Borogu, to evaluate the risk: benefit ratio. Concomitantly, more research should be conducted on the bioavailability of kavalactones and non-kavalactones derived from aqueous kava extracts. To be on the side of caution and to ensure lack of liver injury, kava consuming inhabitants of the kava producing or importing South Pacific islands should undergo assessment of their liver function values and serum aflatoxin levels. The primary aim is to achieve a good quality of kava raw material, without the risk of adulterants and impurities including ochratoxin A and AFs, which represent the sum of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. Although it is known that kava may naturally be contaminated with AFs, there is at present no evidence that kava hepatotoxicity might be due to aflatoxicosis. However, appropriate studies have yet to be done and should be extended to other mould hepatotoxins, with the aim of publishing the obtained results. It is hoped that with the proposed qualifying measures, the safety of individuals consuming kava will substantially be improved.

Flavokawain B, the hepatotoxic constituent from kava root, induces GSH-sensitive oxidative stress through modulation of IKK/NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Kava (Piper methysticum Foster, Piperaceae) organic solvent-extract has been used to treat mild to moderate anxiety, insomnia, and muscle fatigue in Western countries, leading to its emergence as one of the 10 best-selling herbal preparations. However, several reports of severe hepatotoxicity in kava consumers led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and authorities in Europe to restrict sales of kava-containing products. Herein we demonstrate that flavokawain B (FKB), a chalcone from kava root, is a potent hepatocellular toxin, inducing cell death in HepG2 (LD(50)=15.3 ± 0.2 µM) and L-02 (LD(50)=32 µM) cells. Hepatocellular toxicity of FKB is mediated by induction of oxidative stress, depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), inhibition of IKK activity leading to NF-κB transcriptional blockade, and constitutive TNF-α-independent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, namely, ERK, p38, and JNK. We further demonstrate by noninvasive bioluminescence imaging that oral consumption of FKB leads to inhibition of hepatic NF-κB transcriptional activity in vivo and severe liver damage. Surprisingly, replenishment with exogenous GSH normalizes both TNF-α-dependent NF-κB as well as MAPK signaling and rescues hepatocytes from FKB-induced death. Our data identify FKB as a potent GSH-sensitive hepatotoxin, levels of which should be specifically monitored and controlled in kava-containing herb products.

Isolation and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of triterpenoids and a monoterpenoid glycoside from Harpagophytum procumbens.

A new triterpenoid glycoside, designated harproside (1), and a new iridoid glycoside, named pagide (2), along with six known triterpenoids (3-8), were obtained from the tubers of Harpagophytum procumbens D. C. (devil's claw), and their structures were established through chemical methods and spectroscopic analyses. In an in vitro assay, the six triterpenoids showed anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 3, 7, and 8 showed significant inhibitory activity against neutrophil respiratory burst stimulated by PMA, while compounds 4, 5, and 6 showed marginal inhibitory activity.

A new coumarin from Sarcandra glabra.

Sarcandracoumarin (1), the first coumarin having a 1-phenylethyl substituent at the C-3 position, was isolated along with eleven known phenolic compounds from the water extract of Sarcandra glabra. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compound 1 exhibited moderate or weak cytotoxicity against several tumor cell lines.

Heteroatom-containing antibacterial phenolic metabolites from a terrestrial Ampelomyces fungus.

Two new sulfur-containing phenolic compounds, 7-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-2H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-3-one (1) and 2,5-dihydroxy-3-methanesulfinylbenzyl alcohol (2), along with two known compounds, 3-chloro-2,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol (3) and 2-hydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid (4), were isolated from the mycelial solid culture of a soil-derived Ampelomyces fungus by antibacterial assay-guided fractionation. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-3 showed structure and microbial dependent antibacterial activities.

A triterpene glycoside from black cohosh that inhibits osteoclastogenesis by modulating RANKL and TNFalpha signaling pathways.

Osteoporosis is a major age-related source of morbidity and mortality. Increased bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts is central to its pathogenesis. Cytokines, particularly RANKL and TNFalpha, are often increased under pathologic conditions, leading to enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Black cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa L), a popular herbal supplement for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, was recently shown to have the beneficial effect of preventing bone loss. Here, we demonstrate that 25-acetylcimigenol xylopyranoside (ACCX), a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from black cohosh, potently blocks in vitro osteoclastogenesis induced by either RANKL or TNFalpha. This blockage of osteoclastogenesis elicited by ACCX results from abrogation of the NF-kappaB and ERK pathways induced by either RANKL or TNFalpha, respectively. Importantly, this compound attenuates TNFalpha-induced bone loss in vivo. Therefore, ACCX represents a potential lead for the development of a new class of antiosteoporosis agents.

Cimicifugadine from Cimicifuga foetida, a new class of triterpene alklaoids with novel reactivity.

[structure: see text] An unprecedented triterpene alkaloid glycoside, designated cimicifugadine (1), with a pyridine ring incorporated to a cycloartane triterpenoid nucleus, was isolated from the roots of Cimicifuga foetida. Its structure was established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic measurements and chemical transformation with the absolute configuration at C-24 determined to be S by a modified Mosher method. It demonstrated a novel reactivity in mild acidic media whereby the cyclopropane ring is opened followed by the formation of two isomeric conjugated trienes.

Cimicifoetisides A and B, two cytotoxic cycloartane triterpenoid glycosides from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida, inhibit proliferation of cancer cells.

Two new cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides, namely cimicifoetisides A (1) and B (2), along with seven known compounds cimigenol, 25-O-acetylcimigenol, cimigenol 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, 12beta-hydroxycimigenol 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, cimigenol 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, 25-deoxyshengmanol 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside and cimilactone A, were isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida. Their structures were elucidated as cimigenol 3-O-(2'-O-acetyl)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1) and 25-O-acetylcimigenol 3-O-(2'-O-acetyl)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (2). Both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against rat EAC (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma) and MDA-MB-A231 (human breast cancer) cells with IC50 values of 0.52 and 6.74 microM for 1, and 0.19 and 10.21 microM for 2, suggesting their potential for further investigation as anti-cancer agents.

Iridoid glycosides from Harpagophytum procumbens D.C. (devil's claw).

Iridoid glycosides, harprocumbide A (6''-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosylharpagoside, 1) and harprocumbide B (6''-O-(cis-p-coumaroyl)-procumbide, 2) were isolated from the tubers of Harpagophytum prucumbens D.C., along with nine known iridoid glycosides 6-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosylharpagoside (3), and harpagoside (4), harpagide (5), 8-cinnamoylmyoporoside (6), 8-O-feruloylhapagide (7), procumbide (8), 6''-O-(p-coumaroyl)-procumbide (9), 8-O-(p-coumaroyl)-harpagide (10) and 8-O-(cis-p-coumaroyl)-harpagide (11). Compound 10 showed marginal inhibition activity against macrophages respiratory burst.

Skeleton-rearranged pentacyclic diterpenoids possessing a cyclobutane ring from Euphorbia wallichii.

[structure: see text] Two novel rearranged trachylobane diterpenoids, designated as wallichanol A (2) and wallichanol B (3), consisting of an unprecedented pentacyclic skeleton named wallichane with a cyclobutane ring, and a new ent-trachylobane diterpenoid, 3-oxo-ent-trachyloban-17-oic acid (1), were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia wallichii. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of 2D-NMR spectroscopic data, with the stereochemistry of 1 confirmed by X-ray crystallographic study. All of these compounds potently block osteoclastogenesis in vitro, suggesting a potential therapeutic application in prevention of osteoporosis.

Cucurbitacins and cucurbitane glycosides: structures and biological activities.

The natural cucurbitacins constitute a group of triterpenoid substances which are well-known for their bitterness and toxicity. Structurally, they are characterized by the tetracyclic cucurbitane nucleus skeleton, namely, 19-(10-->9beta)-abeo-10alpha-lanost-5-ene (also known as 9beta-methyl-19-norlanosta-5-ene), with a variety of oxygen substitutions at different positions. According to the characteristics of their structures, cucurbitacins are divided into twelve categories. The biological effects of the cucurbitacins are also covered.