New lignan glycosides from Cissus quadrangularis stems.

Phytochemical investigation of Cissus quadrangularis stems led to the isolation of one new phenolic glycoside (1) and two new lignan glycosides (7 & 8) along with twelve known compounds (2-6 & 9-15). Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis using 1D, 2D NMR, and mass spectrometric analysis. Among the known compounds, 4-6, 9 and 12 were isolated for the first time from the genus Cissus whereas compounds 10, 11 and 13 for the first time from this plant.

Anti-HIV diphyllin glycosides from Justicia gendarussa.

In a search for new anti-HIV active leads from over several thousands of plant extracts, we have identified a potent plant lead. The active plant is determined as Justicia gendarussa (Acanthaceae), a medicinal plant that has been used for the treatment of injury, arthritis and rheumatism in Asia including China. Our bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of the stems and barks of the plant led to the isolation of two anti-HIV compounds, justiprocumins A and B. The compounds are identified as new arylnaphthalide lignans (ANL) glycosides. We further determined that the ANL glycosides are the chemical constituents that contribute to the anti-HIV activity of this plant. Justiprocumin B displayed potent activity against a broad spectrum of HIV strains with IC50 values in the range of 15-21 nM (AZT, IC50 77-95 nM). The compound also displayed potent inhibitory activity against the NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor)-resistant isolate (HIV-11617-1) of the analogue (AZT) as well as the NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor)-resistant isolate (HIV-1N119) of the analogue (nevaripine).