New sesquiterpenoids with neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo from the Picrasma chinensis.

Three undescribed sesquiterpenes, designed as pichinenoid A-C (1-3), along with nine known ones (4-12) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Picrasma chinensis. The new isolates including their absolute configurations were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments, as well as comparison with literature data. Structurally, compounds 1 and 2 are descending sesquiterpenes, while pichinenoid C (3) is a rare sesquiterpene bearing a 2-methylenebut-3-enoic acid moiety at the C-6 side chain. All the isolated compounds were tested for their neuroprotective effects against the H2O2-induced damage on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and most of them showed moderate neuroprotective activity. Especially, compounds 1, 3-5, and 7 showed a potent neuroprotective effect at 25 or 50 µM. Moreover, the neuroprotective effects of compounds 1 and 4 were tested on a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model. Results of western blot and immunofluorescence indicated that compound 4 significantly counteract the toxicity of MPTP, and reversed the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (ST) of the mouse brain. Interestingly, western blot data suggested compound 4 also enhanced B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expressions in the brain tissues from MPTP damaged mouse.

The genome sequence of the tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, 1916.

We present a genome assembly from an individual Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Sapindales; Simaroubaceae). The genome sequence is 939 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies are 661.1 kilobases and 161.1 kilobases long, respectively.

Discovery of Michael reaction acceptors from the leaves of Ailanthus altissima by a modified tactic.

Structural characteristics-guided investigation of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle resulted in the isolation and identification of seven undescribed potential Michael reaction acceptors (1-7). Ailanlactone A (1) possesses an unusual 1,7-epoxy-11,12-seco quassinoid core. Ailanterpene B (6) was a rare guaianolide-type sesquiterpene with a 5/6/6/6-fused skeleton. Their structures were determined through extensive analysis of physiochemical and spectroscopic data, quantum chemical calculations, and single crystal X-ray crystallographic technology using Cu Kα radiation. The cytotoxic activities of isolates on HepG2 and Hep3B cells were evaluated in vitro. Encouragingly, ailanaltiolide K (4) showed significant cytotoxicity against Hep3B cells with IC50 values of 1.41 ± 0.21 µM, whose covalent binding mode was uncovered in silico.

Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots and their potential inhibitory activity against human benign prostatic hyperplasia cells (BPH-1) and testosterone-induced BPH rat model.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland, because of hormonal changes in aging males which contribute significantly to excessive proliferation over apoptosis of prostatic cells. The anti-proliferative and induced apoptotic activities of Eurycoma longifolia quassinoids on cancer cell lines could be promising therapeutic targets on BPH. Hitherto, no report of the quassinoids against BPH problem was available. In this study, a systematic phytochemical fractionation of the root extract, TAF2 was performed, which led to the discovery of nine previously described C20 quassinoids (1-9). Two undescribed C20 (10 and 12) and one undescribed (11) C19 quassinoids were identified by detailed NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. Their absolute configurations were assigned by ECD spectral analysis. The quassinoids (1-12) were tested for inhibitory activity against the proliferation of human BPH-1 and human skin Hs27 fibroblast cells cultured in vitro. 1, 2 and 3 at 10 µM significantly reduced BPH-1 cell viability and were cytotoxic to Hs27 fibroblast cells. 2 was selected for further study of anti-BPH activity against testosterone induced BPH rats. At 5 mg/kg, 2 reduced the rat prostatic weight and prostatic index, consistent with the decrease in papillary acini number and epithelial thickness of the prostate tissues. These quassinoids may be potential anti-BPH compounds that require further studies.

Chemical constituents from the twigs and leaves of Picrasma quassioides.

Two new compounds, including a norsesquiterpenoid, annuionone H (1), and a quassinoid, picraqualide G (2), along with eleven known compounds (3-13), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Picrasma quassioides. Comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and NMR calculation with DP4+ analysis were used to identify their structures. Moreover, of all these compounds, compound 4 showed a week inhibition rate in the anti-inflammatory screening results against mouse macrophage J774A.1 cell.

Cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts and compounds of Brucea antidysenterica (Simaroubaceae) towards multifactorial drug-resistant human cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a global health concern and constitutes an important barrier to increasing life expectancy. Malignant cells rapidly develop drug resistance leading to many clinical therapeutic failures. The importance of medicinal plants as an alternative to classical drug discovery to fight cancer is well known. Brucea antidysenterica is an African medicinal plant traditionally used to treat cancer, dysentery, malaria, diarrhea, stomach aches, helminthic infections, fever, and asthma. The present work was designed to identify the cytotoxic constituents of Brucea antidysenterica on a broad range of cancer cell lines and to demonstrate the mode of induction of apoptosis of the most active samples. METHODS: Seven phytochemicals were isolated from the leaves (BAL) and stem (BAS) extract of Brucea antidysenterica by column chromatography and structurally elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. The antiproliferative effects of the crude extracts and compounds against 9 human cancer cell lines were evaluated by the resazurin reduction assay (RRA). The activity in cell lines was assessed by the Caspase-Glo assay. The cell cycle distribution, apoptosis via propidium iodide (PI) staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) through 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) via 2´,7´-dichlorodihydrofluoresceine diacetate (H2DCFH-DA) staining, were investigated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Phytochemical studies of the botanicals (BAL and BAS) led to the isolation of seven compounds. BAL and its constituents 3, (3-(3-Methyl-1-oxo-2-butenyl))1H indole (1) and hydnocarpin (2), as well as the reference compound, doxorubicin, had antiproliferative activity against 9 cancer cell lines. The IC50 values varied from 17.42 µg/mL (against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells) to 38.70 µg/mL (against HCT116 p53-/- colon adenocarcinoma cells) for BAL, from 19.11 µM (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 47.50 µM (against MDA-MB-231-BCRP adenocarcinoma cells) for compound 1, and from 4.07 µM (against MDA-MB-231-pcDNA cells) to 11.44 µM (against HCT116 p53+/+ cells) for compound 2. Interestingly, hypersensitivity of resistant cancer cells to compound 2 was also observed. BAL and hydnocarpin induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells mediated by caspase activation, the alteration of MMP, and increased ROS levels. CONCLUSION: BAL and its constituents, mostly compound 2, are potential antiproliferative products from Brucea antidysenterica. Other studies will be necessary in the perspective of the discovery of new antiproliferative agents to fight against resistance to anticancer drugs.

Brujavanoids A-U, structurally diverse apotirucallane-type triterpenoids from Brucea javanica and their anti-inflammatory effects.

Extensive phytochemical investigation on the methanol extract of the inflorescences, twigs, and leaves of Brucea javanica led to the isolation and identification of 27 triterpenoids, including 21 previously undescribed ones, named brujavanoids A-U (1-21). Their structures were determined based on comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Of these compounds, brujavanoid A (1) represents the first apotirucallane-type triterpenoid with a novel 19(10 â†’ 9)abeo motif, and brujavanoids B and C (2-3) are the first apotirucallane-type triterpenoids with a rarely occurring 14-hydorxy-15,16-epoxy fragment. All the isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effect in an LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells model. Furthermore, the most active one, brujavanoid E (5), can suppress the transcriptional expression of typical pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the LPS- activated RAW264.7 cells.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. 1844 (Simaroubaceae).

Picrasma quassioides is a member of the Simaroubaceae family and is widely used as a medicinal plant. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genome of P. quassioides. The chloroplast genome is 160,015 bp in length, with a large single-copy region of 87,136 bp, a small single-copy region of 18,069 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 27,405 bp. It contains a total of 110 unique genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. quassioides clustered well with Simaroubaceae plants, Eurycoma longifolia, Leitneria floridana, and Ailanthus latissimus.

A New C22-Quassinoid with Anti-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Activity from Seeds of Brucea javanica.

An undescribed C22-quassinoid named sergeolide A (1) and fifteen known quassinoids (2-16) were obtained from the seeds of Brucea javanica (Simaroubaceae). All chemical structures were established based on spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction analysis. Sergeolide A (1) is the first example of a naturally occurring C22-quassinoid bearing a butenolide group fused the A ring of the bruceolide skeleton from Brucea genus. And this is the first report of the NMR data for desmethyl-bruceines B (2) and C (3) and the crystal structure for bruceolide (11). In addition, all isolates were evaluated for their anti-pancreatic adenocarcinoma activity by measuring the growth inhibitory of the MIA PaCa-2 cell lines. Consequently, compounds 1, 7-10, and 12-16 exhibited potent anti-pancreatic cancer activity in vitro (IC50 =0.054∼0.357 µM).

Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic effects of the methanol extract, canthinone alkaloids, squalene- and protolimonoid-type triterpenes from Homalolepis suffruticosa roots.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Different species of the Simaroubaceae family are used in traditional medicine to treat malaria. Among these is Homalolepis suffruticosa (syn. Simaba suffruticosa and Quassia suffruticosa), which is native to Central Brazil and popularly known as calunga. However, there is a lack of investigation concerning its antimalarial effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic effects of the isolated metabolites and methanol extract from H. suffruticosa roots as well as to conduct the dereplication of this extract aiming to characterize its metabolic profile by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methanol extract of the H. suffruticosa roots and six isolated compounds were evaluated against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain by the PfLDH method and cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells by the MTT assay. Dereplication of the extract was performed by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. RESULTS: The six isolated compounds disclosed high to moderate antiplasmodial activity (IC50 0.0548 ± 0.0083 µg/mL to 26.65 ± 2.40 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity was in the range of CC50 0.62 ± 0.33 µg/mL to 56.43 ± 2.54 µg/mL, while 5-metoxycantin-6-one proved to be the most potent constituent of the six assayed ones. The methanol extract of the roots showed high in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC50 1.88 ± 0.56 µg/mL), moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 41.93 ± 2.30 µg/mL), and good selectivity index (SI = 22.30). Finally, C20 quassinoids and canthin-6-one alkaloids were putatively identified in the H. suffruticosa methanol extract by LC-MS. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the isolated compounds, mainly the 5-metoxycantin-6-one and the methanol extract from H. suffruticosa roots, disclose good antiplasmodial activity, supporting the ethnopharmacological history of the Simaroubaceae species as traditional antimalarial drugs.

Quassinoids from the Roots of Eurycoma longifolia and Their Anti-Proliferation Activities.

A phytochemical investigation on the roots of medicinal plant Eurycoma longifolia resulted in the isolation of 10 new highly oxygenated C20 quassinoids longifolactones G‒P (1-10), along with four known ones (11-14). Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were unambiguously elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallographic data. Notably, compound 1 is a rare pentacyclic C20 quassinoid featuring a densely functionalized 2,5-dioxatricyclo[5.2.2.04,8]undecane core. Compound 4 represents the first example of quassinoids containing a 14,15-epoxy functionality, and 7 features an unusual α-oriented hydroxyl group at C-14. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-proliferation activities on human leukemia cells. Among the isolates, compounds 5, 12, 13, and 14 potently inhibited the in vitro proliferation of K562 and HL-60 cells with IC50 values ranging from 2.90 to 8.20 µM.

Structure elucidation and absolute configuration determination of C26, C27 and C30 tirucallane triterpenoids from the leaves of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn.

Seven undescribed tirucallane-type triterpenoids, kumunorquassins A‒E and kumuquassins K and L, along with nine known analogues, have been isolated from the leaves of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The absolute configuration of cornusalterin J was unequivocally determined by X-ray diffraction based on its p-bromobenzoate derivative. A brief approach was presented in our study, which could rapidly and conveniently determine the relative and absolute configurations of OCH3-23 of kumuquassin L and cornusalterins J, H and G depending on the chemical shift differences (Δδ) of C-24 and C-25 and the chemical shifts of C-23, H-23 and H-24. In addition, the cytotoxicities of these compounds against two human tumour cell lines (HepG2 and Hep3B) were evaluated.

The identification of alkaloids from the stems of Picrasma quassioides via computer-assisted structure elucidation and quantum chemical calculations.

Four new alkaloids (1-4) and one known alkaloid were isolated from the stems of Picrasma quassioides. The structures of these isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, a combination of computer-assisted structure elucidation software (ACD/Structure Elucidator) and gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculation of 1 D NMR data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Hep3B cells. However, they did not show obvious inhibitory activities.[Figure: see text].

Bruceadysentoside A, a new pregnane glycoside and others secondary metabolites with cytotoxic activity from brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (simaroubaceae).

The chemical investigation of the root barks leaves and stem barks of Brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (Simaroubaceae) led to the isolation of a new pregnane glycoside, named Bruceadysentoside A or 3-O-ß-L-arabinopyranosyl-pregn-5-en-20-one (1) together with seventeen known compounds. Their structures were established from spectral data, mainly HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR and by comparison with literature data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 were tested in vitro for their effects on the viability of two different human cancer cell lines, namely prostate PC-3 adenocarcinoma cells and colorectal HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells. No substantial activities were recorded for 2, 10, 12 and 13 (up to 10 µM concentration). 1, 5 and 8 did not show strong anti-proliferative effects up to 100 µM, however, 6 exhibited a stronger anti-proliferative effect with IC50 values of ∼ 100 µM against PC-3 and ∼ 200 µM against HT-29.

Structure elucidation of a new terpenylated coumarin with the combination of CASE algorithms and DFT/NMR approach.

One new terpenylated coumarin ailanthuscoumarin was isolated from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. The high oxidation of the compound led to the difficulty of structure elucidation by 2D-NMR spectra. Its structure was determined with the aid of computer-assisted structure elucidation (CASE) expert systems and Gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations. The absolute configuration of ailanthuscoumarin was determined by the comparison between the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The anti-hepatoma activity of ailanthuscoumarin against two human hepatoma cells (Hep3B, HepG2) was also reported.

Two Novel Quassinoid Glycosides with Antiviral Activity from the Samara of Ailanthus altissima.

Phytochemistry investigations on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a Simaroubaceae plant that is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine, have afforded various natural products, among which C20 quassinoid is the most attractive for their significant and diverse pharmacological and biological activities. Our continuous study has led to the isolation of two novel quassinoid glycosides, named chuglycosides J and K, together with fourteen known lignans from the samara of A. altissima. The new structures were elucidated based on comprehensive spectra data analysis. All of the compounds were evaluated for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity, among which chuglycosides J and K exhibited inhibitory effects against the virus multiplication with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 56.21 ± 1.86 and 137.74 ± 3.57 µM, respectively.

Phytochemistry, Traditional Use and Pharmacological Activity of Picrasma quassioides: A Critical Reviews.

Picrasma quassioides is a member of the Simaroubaceae family commonly grown in the regions of Asia, the Himalayas, and India and has been used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various illnesses such as fever, gastric discomfort, and pediculosis. This study aims to critically review the presence of phytochemicals in P. quassioides and correlate their pharmacological activities with the significance of its use as traditional medicine. Data were collected by reviewing numerous scientific articles from several journal databases on the pharmacological activities of P. quassioides using certain keywords. As a result, approximately 94 phytochemicals extracted from P. quassioides were found to be associated with quassinoids, ß-carbolines and canthinones. These molecules exhibited various pharmacological benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-parasitic activities which help to treat different diseases. However, P. quassioides were also found to have several toxicity effects in high doses, although the evidence regarding these effects is limited in proving its safe use and efficacy as herbal medicine. Accordingly, while it can be concluded that P. quassioides may have many potential pharmacological benefits with more phytochemistry discoveries, further research is required to determine its real value in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy of use.

Terpenylated coumarins from the root bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle.

Seven undescribed terpenylated coumarins, named altissimacoumarin I-O, together with seven known compounds, altissimacoumarin C, altissimacoumarin E, altissimacoumarin G, altissimacoumarin H, puberulin, 7-(3-Methyl-2-butenyloxy)-6-methoxycoumarin and artelin were isolated from the root bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectra data analysis, NMR calculation, DP4+ analysis and ACD/Structure Elucidator software simulation. The absolute configurations of altissimacoumarins K, L, M and N were determined by modified Mosher's method. All isolates were tested for their cytotoxic effect against two hepatoma carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B). Altissimacoumarin C exhibited moderate cytotoxic effect against Hep3B cells, with IC50 of 45.21 µM.

In vitro inhibition of protein glycation and advanced glycation end products formation by hydroethanolic extract and two fractions of Simaba trichilioides roots.

Long-term hyperglycemia maintenance is responsible for increased protein glycation and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), both are associated with the onset of diabetes mellitus complications. Efforts have been made to discover new agents having antiglycation potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the hydroethanolic extract and the ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions of Simaba trichilioides roots on the formation of AGEs. In an in vitro model system of protein glycation, incubations with hydroethanolic extract, ethyl acetate or methanolic fractions of S. trichilioides decreased the fluorescent AGEs, and markers of tyrosine and tryptophan oxidation. Protein crosslinking was reduced in the presence of the ethyl acetate fraction of S. trichilioides. Simaba trichilioides roots seem to be a promising source of compounds having ability to prevent glycoxidation changes, with potential applications in complementary therapies for management of diabetic complications.

Cytotoxic Stilbenes and Canthinone Alkaloids from Brucea antidysenterica (Simaroubaceae).

A phytochemical study of the root and bark of Brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (Simaroubaceae) afforded three new compounds, including a stilbene glycoside bruceanoside A (1), and two canthinone alkaloids bruceacanthinones A (3) and B (4), along with ten known secondary metabolites, rhaponticin (2), 1,11-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (5), canthin-6-one (6), 1-methoxycanthin-6-one (7), 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (8), 2-hydroxy-1,11-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (9), ß-carboline-1-propionic acid (10), cleomiscosin C (11), cleomiscosin A (12), and hydnocarpin (13). The structures of all the compounds were determined using spectrometric and spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR, and HRSEIMS. The identities of the known compounds were further confirmed by comparison of their data with those reported in the literature. The root and bark methanolic extracts, the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions, and the isolated compounds (3-13), were assessed for their cytotoxicity against the cancer cell lines A-549, MCF-7, and PC-3. The results suggested that compounds in the extracts might possess a synergic action in their cytotoxicity.