Cytotoxic triterpene acids from the Peruvian medicinal plant Polylepis racemosa

Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of the bark and stem extract of Polylepis racemosa led to the identification of ursolic acid, pomolic acid, 3-O-acetylpomolic acid, and 2-oxopomolic acid. Pomolic acid was the most cytotoxic component, and was specific for M-14 melanoma and ME180 cervical carcinoma, with GI50 values of 6.9 and 8.3 micrograms/mL respectively.

Covalent anthocyanin-flavonol complexes from flowers of chive, Allium schoenoprasum

The structures of eight anthocyanins have been determined in acidified methanolic extract of pale-purple flowers of chive, Allium schoenoprasum. Four of them have been identified as the anthocyanin-flavonol complexes (cyanidin 3-O-beta-glucosideAII) (kaempferol 3-O-(2-O-beta-glucosylFIII-beta-glucosideFII)-7-O-beta-gl ucosiduronic acidFIV) malonateAIII (AII-6-->AIII-1, FIV-2-->AIII-3), 1, (cyanidin 3-O-(3-O-acetyl-beta-glucosideAII) (kaempferol 3-O-(2-O-beta-glucosylFIII-beta-glucosideFII)-7-O-beta-gl ucosiduronic acidFIV) malonateAIII (AII-6-->AIII-1, FIV-2-->AIII-3), 2, and their 7-O-(methyl-O-beta-glucosiduronateFIV) analogous, 3 and 4. Pigments 1 and 2 are the first final identification of covalent complexes between an anthocyanin and a flavonol, while 3 and 4 are formed during the isolation process. The other four anthocyanins (5-8) were found to be the 3-acetylglucoside, 3-glucoside, 3-(6-malonylglucoside) and 3-(3,6-dimalonylglucoside) of cyanidin. The three latter pigments have earlier been identified as the major anthocyanins of the chive stem. The covalent anthocyanin-flavonol complexes show intramolecular association between the anthocyanidin (cyanidin) and flavonol (kaempferol) units, which influence the colour.

Composition of essential oil of costmary [Balsamita major (L.) Desf. ] at different growth phases

The essential oils from leaves and flowers of costmary, Balsamita major (L.) Desf. (syn. Chrysanthemum balsamita L.), were analyzed at various phases of plant growth. The highest contents of oil both in leaves and in flowers were determined before full blooming, 1.15 and 1.34% (w/w), respectively. Seventy-eight volatile compounds have been identified in the oils of Balsamita major, of which 58 (19 tentatively, 39 positively) have not been reported in this plant previously. Carvone and alpha-thujone were found to be dominating compounds constituting from 51.8 to 68.0% and from 9.0 to 16.1% in the total oil, respectively. Seasonal variations in the oil compositions were not considerable except for the starting phase (May 25, 1995), when the content of carvone was lower and the content of alpha-thujone and sesquiterpenes higher. The content of sesquiterpenes was approximately 2 times higher in flowers than in the leaves. Absolute amount of most components was highest at the bud formation period.

Supercritical fluid extraction of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole from cork stoppers

2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA) is the compound most often associated with cork taint in wines and has been shown to have a very low sensory threshold ( approximately 5 ng/L in wine). A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method for TCA in bark cork stoppers was developed with quantification via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. Supercritical carbon dioxide functioned as the extracting solvent, and temperature and pressure were optimized for the extraction. The method was validated using the stable isotope (2)H(5)-TCA as the internal standard. Recovery of TCA from spiked corks was found to be within 1-4% of the theoretical concentration with a coefficient of variation ranging from 2.6 to 9.7%. TCA levels in corks pulled from wines described as tainted by experienced judges ranged from 0.13 to 2.11 microg/g of cork. The SFE procedure offers a rapid, quantitative, nearly solvent-free, and automated method for the extraction of TCA from complex solid matrices such as cork.

3-acetylaltholactone and related styryl-lactones, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors

A novel furano-pyrone, 3-acetylaltholactone, and two other known styryl-lactones, altholactone and 5-acetoxyisogoniothalamin oxide, have been isolated from Goniothalamus arvensis (Annonaceae) stem bark. We report here the isolation and structural elucidation of these compounds with furane-pyrone and styryl-pyrone skeletons, postulating also for the first time their mechanism of cytotoxicity based on inhibition on mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Heavy metals in Egyptian spices and medicinal plants and the effect of processing on their levels

To determine the contamination of Egyptian spices and medicinal plants with heavy metals, a total of 303 samples, which represent 20 different types of spices and medicinal plants that were collected from areas of exportation in Egypt, were analyzed for heavy metals. Some of them have different growing seasons, and each has its own agricultural practices and several shipments. The results revealed that heavy metal contents in spice and medicinal plants depend on the plant species. The maximum levels of heavy metals in the analyzed samples were 14.4, 2.44, 33.75, 2.85, 0.10, 68.80, 343.0, 11.40, and 1046.25 microg/g for Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sn, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe, respectively. Cobalt was not detected in any of the various samples under investigation. The levels of heavy metals determined in the analyzed samples were found to exceed the maximum allowable levels of Zentrale Erfassungs und Bewertungsstelle für Umweltchemikalien. The investigated medicinal plants were also processed by two different methods to determine the behavior of their metal contents during processing. It has been found that boiling the plant in water leads to the extraction of higher amounts of the metal from the plant than immersing it in the hot water. The achieved results were tabulated.

[Determination of furostanol saponins in Bulbus Allii Macroste]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an Ehrlich reaction-colorimetry method for determining furostanol saponins in Bulbus Allii Macroste.

METHOD

Based on the coloration reaction between furostanol saponins and p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, the UV detection wavelength used was 515 nm, and the optimum conditions were selected on homogeneous design principle.

RESULT

The standard curve of macrostemonoside G was linear in the concentration range of 0.1975-0.9880 mg.ml-1. The average recovery was 97.7% (RSD = 3.65%).

CONCLUSION

The method is rapid, accurate and easy to operate.

Triterpenoidal saponins from Cornulaca monacantha

From the aerial parts of Cornulaca monacantha, three new triterpenoidal saponins have been isolated and their genuine structures were identified as 3-O-[beta-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta- glucuronopyranosyl]-30-methylphytolaccagenate (2), 3-O-[beta-xylopyranosyl- (1-->3)-beta-glucuronopyranosyl]-30-methylphytolaccagenate 28-O-beta-gluco-pyranoside (3) and 3-O-[beta-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta- glucurono-pyranosyl]-30-methylserjanate 28-O-beta glucopyranoside (4) together with nine known saponins of oleanolic acid (5-9), hederagenin (1, 10, 11) and 30-methyl phytolaccagenate (12).

Cytotoxic neolignans from the stem wood of Machilus obovatifolia

Four new cytotoxic neolignans, machilusol A (1), machilusol C (3), machilusol D (4), machilusol E (5) as well as two new inactive neolignans, machilusol B (2) and machilusol F (6), were isolated from the stem wood of Machilus obovatifolia. All structures were identified by means of spectroscopic analysis.

Cytotoxic triterpenes from stem bark of Physocarpus intermedius

Seven triterpenes (1-7), i.e., betulinic acid 1, ursolic acid 2, oleanolic acid 3, 3-O-caffeoyloleanolic acid 4, euscaphic acid 5, 2 alpha-hydroxyursolic acid 6 and maslinic acid 7 were isolated from the stem bark extract of P. intermedius as active principles responsible for the cytotoxicity against five cultured human tumor cell lines, i.e., A549 (non small cell lung), SK-OV-3 (ovary), SK-MEL-2 (melanoma), XF498 (central nerve system) and HCT-15 (colon), in vitro.

The phenols and prodelphinidins of white clover flowers

White clover flowers (Trifolium repens L.) contain an abundance of phenolics, namely cis- and trans-p-coumaric acid 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, the 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosides of myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol together with two new derivatives namely myricetin 3-O-(6"-acetyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside and kaempferol 3-O-(6"-acetyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside. Gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin-(4alpha-8)-epigallocatechin and their corresponding prodelphinidin polymers were also present. The 13C-NMR spectra showed that the polymers consisted of only gallocatechin and epigallocatechin monomeric units with the latter being about twice as abundant in the extenders but only slightly more than that in the terminating units. The average degree of polymerization was estimated by 13C-NMR and ES-MS, which gave a remarkably consistent result of about 5.8 flavanol units.

Differences in the floral anthocyanin content of red petunias and Petunia exserta

In order to resolve a conflict between previous papers regarding the floral anthocyanins of red flowers of Petunia exserta, a naturally occurring species, the HPLC profile of this species was compared with that of commercial red garden petunias. Both HPLC profiles extremely superficially resemble each other in terms of relative amounts and retention times of the major anthocyanins. However, co-elution on HPLC of the mixed sample resulted in clear separation of the components. Three major anthocyanins in red petunias were determined to be cyanidin 3-sophoroside, cyanidin 3-glucoside and peonidin 3-glucoside, which exhibited similar behaviors on HPLC to delphinidin 3-glucoside. delphinidin-3-rutinoside and petunidin 3-rutinoside, respectively, the major floral anthocyanins of P. exserta.

New isoflavones from Ceiba pentandra

Two new isoflavones, pentandrin (1) and pentandrin glucoside (2), were isolated from the stem barks of Ceiba pentandra along with beta-sitosterol and its 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, which was isolated for the first time from this plant. The structures of these compounds were elucidated with the help of spectroscopic techniques, while the structure of 1 was unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

Oligostilbenoids in stem bark of Vatica rassak

Three resveratrol oligomers, vaticanols. A, B and C, as well as three known stilbenoids, resveratrol, piceid and epsilon-viniferin were isolated from the stem bark of Vatica rassak (Dipterocarpaceae). Their structures were determined by the analysis of NMR spectral data including the application of 2D methods.

Essential moiety for antimutagenic and cytotoxic activity of hederagenin monodesmosides and bisdesmosides isolated from the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus

For the elucidation of the antimutagenic and cytotoxic principles from the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus, seven isolated components of this crude drug were tested in the Ames test and the MTT test. Hederagenin and its monodesmosides, kalopanaxsaponin A and I in addition to its bisdesmosides, kalopanaxsaponin B and H, showed potent antimutagenic activities against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). However, they had no inhibitory effects on mutagenicity induced by the direct mutagen, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). This suggested that hederagenin glycosides might effectively prevent the metabolic activation of AFB1 or scavenge the electrophilic intermediate capable of inducing mutation. Hederagenin was found to be an essential moiety for the exhibition of antimutagenicity. Moreover, hederagenin and its 3-O-glycosides were found to be cytotoxic on various tumor cell lines, P-388, L-1210, U-937, HL-60, SNU-5 and HepG2, while 3,28-di-O-glycosides of hederagenin were not cytotoxic. Hence, hederagenin and its 3-O-glycosides could be suitable for cancer treatment chemopreventive drugs.

Insecticidal piperidine alkaloid from Microcos paniculata stem bark

The stem bark of Microcos paniculata contained a new alkaloid, N-Methyl-6 beta-(deca-1',3',5'-trienyl)-3 beta-methoxy-2 beta-methylpiperidine, which showed good insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti second instar larvae.

New constituents of the leaf and stem exudate of Ozothamnus hookeri (Asteraceae)

The exudate of Ozothamnus hookeri has been investigated for its non-flavonoid constituents. A new natural C6-C3 ester of a long chain fatty acid and seven structurally related kaurane-diterpenoids were isolated. Three of the latter are new natural products, too. A rare 8-methoxy flavonol was also identified.

Effects of triterpenes from the stem bark of Dysoxylum cauliflorum on a non-small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma cell line (NSCLC-N6)

Six triterpenoids and one sesquiterpene were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Dysoxylum cauliflorum. Their structures were determined from 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectral data. Only compound 1 was cytostatic. Kinetic studies with ethyl eichlerianoate 1 demonstrated that this growth arrest was irreversible and cytofluorimetric analysis with compound 1 showed a complete block of NSCLC-N6 cells in the G1 phase. These events were related to a terminal maturation induction.

Delignification of maize stems by peroxymonosulfuric acid, peroxyformic acid, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. 1. Physicochemical and structural characterization of the solubilized lignins

Water-treated maize stems were subjected to delignification with peroxymonosulfuric acid at 20 degrees C for 144 h, with peroxyformic acid at 80 degrees C for 6 h, with peracetic acid at 50 degrees C for 6 h, and with 2% hydrogen peroxide at 45 degrees C for 12 h at pH 1.5, 4.4, 9.5, 11.5, 12.0, and 12.6, respectively, which solubilized 47.1, 91.3, 33.3, 16.6, 15.9, 17.4, 86.2, 87.7, and 91. 3% of the original lignin, respectively. Substantial lignins were released during the treatment with peroxyformic acid and hydrogen peroxide at pH > or =11.5, whereas an insignificant effect on delignification was observed by using peroxymonosulfuric acid, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide under acidic, natural, and weakly alkaline media conditions. The structures of the isolated lignin preparations were investigated by chemical analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and UV, FT-IR, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy.

Iridals from Iris tectorum and Belamcanda chinensis

Three iridals, iridotectorals A and B, and iridobelamal. A, were isolated from rhizomes of Iris tectorum and Belamcanda chinensis, respectively, along with five known iridals. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidence. The human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell-adhesion activity of the eight iridals is also discussed.

Micromechanics and anatomical changes during early ontogeny of two lianescent Aristolochia species

The mechanical properties of young stems of Aristolochia macrophylla Lam. and Aristolochia brasiliensis Mart. et Zucc. were studied during elongation growth and primary differentiation. Data for the modulus of elasticity, for the viscoelastic behaviour caused by longitudinal tension and for the shear modulus resulting from torsion around a longitudinal axis were related to the underlying structural changes by quantitative analysis of stem anatomy, tissue distribution, ultrastructure, and cell wall biochemistry. The orientation of cellulose microfibrils was determined by light microscopy and small-angle X-ray diffraction, and the lignin content was determined by thioglycolic acid derivatization and spectroscopic quantification. It was demonstrated that the increase in stability during early development is due to the complementary effects of increase in cell wall material, lignification, and cellulose microfibril alignment. A detailed micromechanical model, considering internal prestresses, is proposed to explain the characteristic biphasic stress-strain behaviour as well as the strain-hardening observed.

Two glycosides from the stem bark of Tetracentron sinense

Two glycosides, tetracentronsides A and B, were isolated from the stem bark of Tetracentron sinense Oliv., along with ten known compounds, beta-sitosterol, lupeol, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, vanillic aldehyde, vanillic acid, maslinic acid, huazhongilexin, daucosterol and catechin. On the basis of spectral and chemical evidence, tetracentronside A and B were identified as 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-O-6'-O-vanilloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (8R, 8'R) 9-beta-D-glucopyranosyl dihydrocubebin, respectively.

Stilbenoids in the stem bark of Hopea parviflora

From the bark of Hopea parviflora, two stilbenoids, named (+)-parviflorol and (-)-ampelopsin A, were isolated in addition to three known compounds: (+)-balanocarpol, (-)-epsilon-viniferin and (-)-hopeaphenol. Their structures were determined by analysis of spectral data, including 2D NMR and NOE experiments, respectively.

A bichalcone from the twigs of Rhus pyroides

The twigs of Rhus pyroides yielded a novel bichalcone 2',4",2"'-trihydroxy-4',4"'-dimethoxy-4-O-5"'-bichalcone. It was identified on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The name rhuschalcone-1 is proposed.

Lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity of some constituents isolated from the stem bark of Eucalyptus globulus

Twelve compounds with lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity were isolated from the stem bark of E. globulus. Their structures were assigned as a new aromatic monoterpene (1) and eleven known compounds, pinoresinol (2), vomifoliol (3), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol 1-O-beta-D-(6'-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (4), methyl gallate (5), rhamnazin (6), rhamnetin (7), eriodictyol (8), quercetin (9), taxifolin (10), engelitin (11), and catechin (12) on the basis of UV, mass, and NMR spectroscopic analyses. These compounds except vomifoliol significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsome.

Determination of the alkaloid content in different parts of some Mahonia plants by HPCE

The contents of three quaternary alkaloids (berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine) in different parts of the genus Mahonia were determined by high-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE). The background electrolyte system composed of 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0)-methanol (2:1 V/V) was found to be the most suitable solution for this separation. Brucine was used as internal standard. The linear calibration ranges were 0.004986-0.4986 mg ml-1 (r = 0.9990, n = 5) for berberine, 0.005049-0.5049 mg ml-1 (r = 0.9996, n = 5) for palmatine, and 0.005058-0.5058 mg ml-1 (r = 0.9984, n = 5) for jatrorrhizine. The relative standard deviations were 1.56%, 1.02%, and 1.60% for berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine (n = 6), respectively. The recoveries were determined to be 96.00-101.66% for berberine, 100.15-102.97% for palmatine, and 96.68-102.44% for jatrorrhizine. By using proposed HPCE method, three alkaloids were well-separated within only 5.0 min.

Chemical composition of essential oils from needles and twigs of balkan pine (Pinus peuce grisebach) grown in Northern Greece

The composition of essential oils from twigs and needles of Balkan pine (Pinus peuce Gris.) grown in northern Greece was investigated. The compounds were identified by using GC-MS analysis. The twig oil was rich in alpha-pinene (7.38%), beta-pinene (12.46%), beta-phellandrene (26.93%), beta-caryophyllene (4.48%), and citronellol (12.48%), and the needle oil was rich in alpha-pinene (23.07%), camphene (5.52%), beta-pinene (22.00%), beta-phellandrene (6.78%), bornyl acetate (9.76%), beta-caryophyllene (3.05%), and citronellol (13.42%). The mean oil yield was 2.85% for twigs and 0. 57% for needles.

Quaternary indole alkaloids from the stem bark of Strychnos guianensis

Two new quaternary alkaloids, 9-methoxy-Nb-methylgeissoschizol and guiachrysine together with the known compounds C-alkaloid O, fluorocurine, mavacurine, macusine B and C-profluorocurine, were isolated from Strychnos guianensis stembark. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies.

Stephanotic acid, a novel cyclic pentapeptide from the stem of Stephanotis floribunda

The stem of Stephanotis floribunda afforded a new cyclic pentapeptide stephanotic acid (1), possessing a novel 6-(leucin-3'-yl) tryptophan skeleton. The structure of 1 was assigned on the basis of extensive NMR experiments and a chemical reaction and shown to be closely related to the bicyclic octapeptide moroidin (3), a toxin from Laportea moroides.

The distribution of 137Cs and 90Sr in the biomass of pine trees planted in 1987-1988 in the near zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant

This paper presents the results of a study, carried out in 1996, of the distributions of 137Cs and 90Sr in the biomass of a new pine plantation, planted in 1987-1988, in the near field of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The maximum observed concentrations were 4.2 MBq kg(-1) for 137Cs in the youngest needles and 1.1 MBq kg(-1) for 90Sr in the oldest needles. The estimation of the total absorbed doses in the different organs of the pine was also carried out, the observed doses were in the range 2 Gy yr(-1) to 16.8 Gy yr(-1); the lifetime dose for the needles (4 yr) was 44 Gy.

[Pharmacognostical studies on the stem and leaf of Mussaenda pubescens]

Morphological and microscopic chracteristics of Mussaenda pubescens Ait. f, a traditional Chinese medicine were described and illustrated with line drawings. TLC and UV analysis of the medicinal material were also undertaken. These studies provide referential information for identification and development of this medicinal material.

Phenolic composition of grape stems

Grape stems contain significant amounts of polyphenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, flavonols, and flavanonols such as astilbin. The tannin content was characterized after the depolymerization reaction thiolysis. Tannins consisted of polymeric proanthocyanidins (up to 27 units) mainly consisting of (-)-epicatechin units along with smaller amounts of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin gallate, and (-)-epigallocatechin. Flavanonols (astilbin) have been identified for the first time in stem and characterized by LC/MS and NMR. All phenolic compounds in grape stems were quantified by HPLC: quercetin 3-glucuronide was the most important, followed by catechin, caffeoyltartaric acid, and dihydroquercetin 3-rhamnoside (astilbin). Comparison was made of proanthocyanidin characteristics in different white and red grape varieties and also among parts of the cluster (skin, seed, and stem). Stem-condensed tannins were qualitatively intermediate between seed and skin but could not be differentiated between red and white varieties.

A novel cytotoxic C-methylated biflavone from the stem of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana

Bioassay-directed fractionation of an ethanolic extract of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana has resulted in the isolation of a novel C-methylated biflavone, taiwanhomoflavone-A (1). Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Taiwanhomoflavone-A is cytotoxic with ED50 values of 3.4, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 microg/ml, respectively, against KB epidermoid carcinoma of nasopharynx, COLO-205 colon carcinoma, Hepa-3B hepatoma, and Hela cervix tumor cells.

[Studies on pharmacognosy of Echinacea purpurea]

Pharmacognostical studies of Echinacea purpurea were carried out by botanical analysis, microscopic analysis and physicochemical analysis. The detalied pharmacognostical characteristics of Echinacea purpurea were described respectively.

[Chemical composition of essential oil in stems, leaves and flowers of Agastache rugosa]

The chemical components and their relative contents of essential oil in different parts (stems, leaves and flowers) of Agastache rugosa have been analyzed by GC-MS technique, and 32 kinds of chemical structures in these three kinds of oils have been identified. Among which, it included 24 kinds in leaf-oil, 27 in stem-oil and 22 in flower-oil. The principal components in all these three kinds of oils were methylchavicol (60.01-88.43%), and other important components were d-limonene, caryophyllene, hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, octahydro-7-methyl-methylene-4-(1-methylethyl)-1H-cyclopenta [1, 3] cyclopropa [1, 2] benzene, etc.

Substrate preferences of caffeic acid/5-hydroxyferulic acid 3/5-O-methyltransferases in developing stems of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Caffeic acid/5-hydroxyferulic acid 3/5-O-methyltransferase (COMT, EC 1.2.1.68) catalyzes at least two reactions in lignin biosynthesis. Of its two supposed substrates in the lignin pathway, COMT from most sources methylates 5-hydroxyferulic acid (5HFA) with two to three times higher activity than caffeic acid (CafA). The ratio of activity for 5HFA compared with CafA increases with the developmental age of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stem internodes, from approximately 1:1 in young (third and fourth) internodes to 2:1 in mature (seventh and eighth) internodes. This observation, together with immunoblot analysis using antiserum raised against recombinant alfalfa COMT, suggests the presence of a different form of COMT, having preference for CafA compared with 5HFA, in young internodes. This apparently new O-methyltransferase (COMT II) was separated from the previously characterized COMT (COMT I) by anion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. COMT I, but not COMT II, was found in mature internodes. COMT II was not recognized by anti-(COMT I) serum. Furthermore, in addition to substrate preference, COMT II differed from COMT I in native relative molecular mass, pH optimum, and its very low K(m) for CafA. The possible physiological role of COMT II is discussed.

The constituents of the root and stem of Aristolochia heterophylla Hemsl

Seven new compounds, sodium aristolochate-VII (1), aristolactam-CIV (2), madolin-I (3), -J (4), -K (5), -L (6) and -M (7) together with 71 known compounds were isolated and characterized from the fresh root and stem of Aristolochia heterophylla Hemsl. Their structures were determined by spectral methods. Compound 8 was revised as aromadendrane-4beta, 10beta-diol by spectral data and single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Two diastereomeric saponins with cytotoxic activity from Albizia julibrissin

Two diastereomeric saponins, julibrosides J1 (1) and J9 (2), both of which show cytotoxic activity, were obtained from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. On the basis of chemical and spectral evidence [L.B. Ma et al., Carbohydr. Res., 281 (1996) 35-46], the structure of 1 was revised as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-[(6S)-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O- [4-O-((6R)-2-trans-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(beta-D-quinovopyranosyl)-2,7- octadienoyl)-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2,7-octadienoyl] acacic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->4 )]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester. The diastereoisomer 2 of 1 was identified as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-[(6S)-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O- [4-O-((6S)-2-trans-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(beta-D-quinovopyranosyl)-2,7- octadienoyl)-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2,7-octadienoyl] acacic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->4 )]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester. Saponin 2 is a new saponin named julibroside J9. Both julibrosides J1 and J9 show good inhibitory action against the KB cancer cell line in vitro.

A new oleanene glucuronide obtained from the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis

A new oleanene glucuronide called melilotus-saponin O2 (1) was isolated together with three known ones (soyasaponin I, astragaloside VIII, wistariasaponin D) from the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas (Leguminosae). The structure of 1 was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- (1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl melilotigenin by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase and ribonuclease H activities by constituents of Juglans mandshurica

From the stem-bark of Juglans mandshurica, two new naphthalenyl glucopyranosides, 1,4,8-trihydroxynaphthalene 1-O-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (1) and 1,4,8-trihydroxynaphthalene 1-O-beta-D-[6'-O-(3",5"-dihydroxy-4"-methoxybenzoyl)]glucopyranosi de (4), and two new alpha-tetralonyl glucopyranosides, 4 alpha,5,8-trihydroxy-alpha-tetralone 5-O-beta-D-[6'-O-(3",5"-dihydroxy-4"-methoxybenzoyl)]glucopyranosi de (7) and 4 alpha,5,8-trihydroxy-alpha-tetralone 5-O-beta-D-[6'-O-(3",4",5"-trihydroxybenzoyl)]glucopyranoside (8), were isolated together with three known naphthalenyl glucopyranosides (2, 3 and 5), one alpha-tetralonyl glucopyranoside (6), four flavonoids (9-12), and two galloyl glucopyranosides (13, 14). Amongst the isolated compounds, 1,2,6-trigalloylglucopyranose (13) and 1,2,3,6-tertagalloylglucopyranose (14) exhibited the most potent inhibition of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity with IC50 values of 0.067 and 0.040 microM, respectively, while the latter compound also inhibited ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity with an IC50 of 39 microM, comparable in potency to illimaquinone used as a positive control. 1,4,8-Trihydroxy-naphthalene 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 1,4,8-trihydroxynaphthalene 1-O-beta-D-[6'-O-(4"-hydroxy-3",5"-dimethoxybenzoyl)]glucopyranoside (3) and 8 showed moderate inhibition against both enzyme activities, and inhibitory potency of 2 against RNase H activity (IC50 = 156 microM) was slightly greater than that against the RT activity (IC50 = 290 microM). The inhibitory potencies of 4 alpha,5,8-trihydroxy-alpha-tetralone 5-O-beta-D-[6'-O-(4"-hydroxy-3",5"-dimethoxybenzoyl)] glucopyranoside (6), 7 and 8 against RT activity increased accompanied by an increase in the number of free hydroxyls on the galloyl residues, as represented by the IC50 values of > 500, 330 and 5.8 microM, respectively.

New circulin macrocyclic polypeptides from Chassalia parvifolia

Four new macrocyclic polypeptides were isolated and identified from an extract of the tropical tree Chassalia parvifolia. Circulins C-F are 29-30 amino acid cyclic peptides in which the entire primary amino acid chain is covalently cyclized via peptide bonds. Their structures were deduced from a combination of FABMS analyses, N-terminal Edman degradation, endoproteinase digestion, and amino acid analyses. All the peptides share a high degree of sequence homology and contain six cysteine residues forming three intramolecular disulfide bridges. Circulins C-F inhibited the cytopathic effects of in vitro HIV-1 infection with EC(50) values of 50-275 nM.

Cytotoxic alkaloids of Pachysandra terminalis

Four steroidal alkaloids, epipachysamines B (1) and E (2), pachystermine A (3) and pachysamine E (4), were isolated as cytotoxic principles from the MeOH extract of the stems of Pachysandra terminalis SIEB. et ZUCC. (Buxaceae). These alkaloids showed cytotoxic activity against P388 and P388/ADR leukemia cells in vitro. Three of the alkaloids (1-3) were previously isolated from this plant material, and this is the first report of their cytotoxic activity. Pachysamine E (4) is a new alkaloid.

The evaluation of wound-healing potential of Hypericum hookerianum leaf and stem extracts

OBJECTIVES

Hypericum hookerianum Wight and Arnott of the family Hypericaceae is a well-known plant among the 20 different species of Hypericum found in India. Because of its use as a wound-healing agent in traditional practices and literature references, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the wound-healing potential of this plant.

DESIGN

Methanol extracts of the leaves (HHLM) and stems (HHSM) of H. hookerianum were studied for their wound-healing properties in the form of ointment, using two types of wound models in 36 rats. Ointments of the dried extract of the leaves and stems of this plant were applied in two different concentrations (5% w/w and 10% w/w ointment of extracts in simple ointment base) in both the wound models used in the present study. The effects were studied on incision (skin-breaking strength) and excision (percent wound contraction and epithelialization time) wound models.

SUBJECT

The methanol extract of both leaves and stem of H. hookerianum; 72 white albino rats of either gender containing six groups for each experimental model with six animals in each group.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The extract ointments at both concentrations performed significant in both the wound models. The leaf extract in both concentrations showed greater activity than the stem. Ointments of both extracts of H. hookerianum showed significant effects on wound contraction, wound closure time, tensile strength, regeneration of tissues at the wound site, among other effects. All these effects were comparable to those of a standard drug, nitrofurazone ointment (0.2% w/w). This investigation confirms the use of aerial parts of H. hookerianum as a potential wound-healing agent, a property known from folklore medicine.

Dihydroayapin, a new coumarin compound from Dendrobium densiflorum

A new coumarin named dihydroayapin (1) together with seven known compounds were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium densiflorum. On the basis of physicochemical and spectral evidences, the structure of 1 was established as 6,7-methylenedioxy-3,4-dihydrobenzopyran-2-one.

Rearranged abietane diterpenoids from Clerodendrum mandarinorum

Five new abietane derivatives which have a commonly rearranged abietane skeleton contained a 17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abietane framework, mandarones D-H, were isolated from the stem of Clerodendrum nmantarinorum Diels (Verbenaceae). The structures were characterized as (16S)-12,16-epoxy-11-hydroxy-17(15-->16), 18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13-pentaene-7-one (mandarone D, 1), 12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11, 13,15-hexaene-7-one (mandarone E, 2), 12,16-epoxy-6,11,14-trihydroxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-7-one (mandarone F, 3),12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-2,7-dione (mandarone G, 4) and 12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-1,7-dione (mandarone H, 5) respectively, mainly based on the spectral analysis and by comparison with those of closely related compounds.

[Lipids from fossil plants and their relation to modern plants. Example s of Cenomanian flora from Anjou and Bohemia]

Comparative analyses of lipids from fossil plants and from their extant counterparts were undertaken in order to test the taxonomic significance of lipids in palaeobotany. The comparison between lipids from a fossil Ginkgoaceae, Eretmophyllum andegavense, and its extant counterpart, Ginkgo biloba, revealed the presence of original molecules, dimethoxyalkylcoumarins, in lipids from both plants. Such compounds confirm, on chemical grounds the relationship between these extant and fossil Ginkgoaceaes. Moreover, differences in n-alkane distribution between E. andegavense and E. obtusum which are very similar morphologically, confirm that these fossil plants do not belong to the same species. Furthermore, comparative analyses of a fossil Cheirolepidiaceae, Frenelopsis alata, and its extant counterpart, the Cupressaceae Tetraclinis articulata, revealed some similarities between these two species although they do not belong to the same family. Otherwise, comparative analyses of fungi-infected and uninfected samples of F. alata demonstrated that these micro-organisms can significantly affect the chemical composition of fossil plant lipids. In conclusion, even if chemical analyses alone are not sufficient to determine the genus or species of a given fossil plant, they can precise the taxonomy of some specimens that have been previously studied by palaeobotanists.

Novel oligorhamnosides from the stem bark of Cleistopholis glauca

A reinvestigation of the stem bark of Cleistopholis glauca yielded 14 compounds, of which seven were either novel or had not been previously reported from this species. These were identified as the farnesane sesquiterpene methyl-(2E,6E)-10-oxo-3,7, 11-trimethyl-dodeca-2,6-dienoate (1); the azaanthracene alkaloid cleistopholine (4); two partially acetylated oligorhamnoside derivatives, 1-O-dodecanyl-2,3, 4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2, 4-di-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopy ranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (6) and 1-O-dodecanyl-2, 4-di-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2, 4-di-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopy ranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (8), for which the trivial names cleistetroside-7 and cleistetroside-6 were assigned, respectively; the dihydrobenzofuran neolignan rel-(2alpha, 3beta)-7-O-methylcedrusin (12); and the flavonoids dihydroquercetin (13) and quercetin (14). Structure assignments of all compounds were established by spectroscopic methods and comparison with published data. The chemosystematic significance of the occurrence of the isolated components is mentioned. Compounds 1, 6, and 8 are novel natural products.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Patrinia scabiasaefolia fisch]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical compositions of the root and stem of Patrinia scabiasaefolia.

METHOD

Five compounds were obtained from the ethy acetate extract of the root and stem of P. scabiasaefolia by silica column chromatography, and identified by chemical and spectroscopic analysis.

RESULT

The compounds were identified as 2'-acetyl-3-O-beta-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin, 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-oleanolic acid, 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-hederagenin and 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-oleanolic acid.

CONCLUSION

These compounds were obtained from the plant of P. scabiasaefolia for the first time.