Antibacterial and antiandrogen flavonoids from Sophora flavescens

Anti-Inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of trifolirhizin, a flavonoid from Sophora flavescens roots

Trifolirhizin, a pterocarpan flavonoid, was isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens, and its chemical structure was confirmed by (1)H and (13)C NMR and MS spectra. Its anti-inflammatory activity was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse J774A.1 macrophages. Trifolirhizin not only dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) but also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, trifolirhizin showed in vitro inhibitory effects on the growth of human A2780 ovarian and H23 lung cancer cells. These results suggest that trifolirhizin possesses potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.

Kujin suppresses histamine signaling at the transcriptional level in toluene 2,4-diisocyanate-sensitized rats

Kujin, the dried root of Sophorae flavescensis, has been used in Chinese folklore medicine against allergy. Evaluation of its anti-allergic potential as well as its mechanism of action has rarely been established. We investigated the effect of Kujin on toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI)-induced allergic behavior and related histamine signaling including mRNA levels of histamine H(1) receptor (H1R) and histidine decarboxylase (HDC), H1R and HDC activities, and histamine content in rat nasal mucosa. We also investigated the effect of Kujin on the mRNA levels of helper T cell type 2 (Th2)-cytokine genes closely related to histamine signaling. TDI provocation caused acute allergic symptoms accompanied with up-regulations of H1R and HDC mRNAs and increases in HDC activity, histamine content, and [(3)H]mepyramine binding activity in the nasal mucosa, all of which were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with Kujin for 3 weeks. Kujin also suppressed the TDI-induced IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA elevations. These data suggest that oral administration of Kujin showed anti-allergic activity through suppression of histamine signaling by the inhibition of TDI-induced H1R and HDC mRNA elevations followed by decrease in H1R, HDC protein level, and histamine content in the nasal mucosa of TDI-sensitized rats. Suppression of Th2-cytokine signaling by Kujin also suggests that it could affect the histamine-cytokine network.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL)-antioxidant flavonoids from roots of Sophora flavescens

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is strongly implicated as a key process in the onset of atherosclerosis. In this study, nine alkylated (C10-C5) flavonoids from Sophora flavescens were examined for their inhibitory effects on copper-induced LDL oxidation. Of the flavonoids tested, sophoraflavanone G (1), kurarinone (2), kurarinol (3), norkurarinol (4), and kuraridin (9) inhibited the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) with IC50s of 7.9, 14.5, 22.0, 26.9, and 17.5 microM, respectively. The most potent inhibitor, compound 1, also demonstrated significant activities in complementary in vitro investigations, such as lag time (130 min at 5 microM), relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) of ox-LDL (80% inhibition at 20 microM), and fragmentation of apoB-100 (inhibition of 71% at 20 microM). Analysis of the structures of these compounds reveals that a resorcinol moiety in the B-ring is strongly correlated with protection of LDL-oxidation.

Sophora flavescens Aiton inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the NF kappaB/IkappaB signal pathway in human mast cell line (HMC-1)

The dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton (SFA) has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of inflammation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, diarrhea, and asthma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SFA on the inflammatory allergic reaction using human mast cell-1 (HMC-1). SFA (200mg/kg) inhibited the mast cell-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in vivo and the release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80. In addition, the expression levels of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 were also decreased by SFA treatment. In molecular mechanism level, this study showed that SFA inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF) kappaB through inhibition of the phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB-alpha, which is an inhibitor of NF kappaB. Moreover, SFA suppressed PMA plus A23187-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 and c-jun N-terminal kinase. The inhibited induction of NF kappaB promoter by SFA was determined using luciferase activity. These results suggest that SFA could be used as a treatment for mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory diseases.

Structural determination of flavonoids from Sophora flavescens

Eight flavonoids were isolated from Sophora flavescens. Among them, three prenylflavanones: (2S)-6[2(3-hydroxyisopropyl)-5-methyl-4-hexenyl]-5-methoxy-7,2', 4'-trihydroxyflavanone (1), (2S)-5, 4'-dimethoxy-8-lavandulyl-7, 2'-dihydroxy flavanone (2) and (2S)-8-(5-hydroxy-2-isopropenyl-5-methylhexyl)-7-methoxy-5,2', 4'-trihydroxyflavanone (3) are new compounds. Their chemical structures were determined by spectral methods including 2D NMR.

Kurarinol, tyrosinase inhibitor isolated from the root of Sophora flavescens

It is well known that flavanones, sophoraflavanone G 1, kurarinone 2, and kurarinol 3, from the root of Sophora flavescens, have extremely strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity. This study delineates the principal pharmacological features of kurarinol 3 that lead to inhibition of the oxidation of l-tyrosine to melanin by mushroom tyrosinase (IC(50) of 100 nM). The inhibition kinetics analyses unveil that compounds 1 and 2 are noncompetitive inhibitors. However similar analysis shows kurarinol 3 to be a competitive inhibitor. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent antibacterial activity with 10 microg/disk against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas kurarinol 3 did not ostend any antibacterial activity. Interestingly, kurarinol 3 inhibits production of melanin in S. bikiniensis without affecting the growth of microorganism. It is thus distinctly different from the other tyrosinase inhibitors 1 and 2. In addition, kurarinol 3 manifests relatively low cytotoxic activity (EC(50)>30 microM) compared to 1 and 2. To account for these observations, we conducted molecular modeling studies. These suggested that the lavandulyl group within 3 is instrumental in the interaction with the enzyme. More specifically, the terminal hydroxy function within the lavandulyl group is most important for optimal binding.

Naturally Occurring Flavanones: An Overview

Flavanones are one of the most interesting naturally occurring flavonoids in view of their structural pattern as well as biological and pharmacological potentials. The present review deals with natural flavanones reported from 1998 to mid 2007, along with their biological and pharmacological activities. The review includes more than 160 new naturally occurring flavanones from 135 references. The reported flavonoids belong to thirty-six plant families.

A Pyranochalcone and Prenylflavanones from Tephrosia pulcherrima (Baker) Drumm

A new 2′,6′-dimethoxy-4′,5′-(2″,2″-dimethyl)-pyranochalcone (1) and three known flavanones, namely 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-8-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-flavanone (methyl glabranin) (2), 5,7-dimethoxy-8-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-flavanone (candinone) (3) and 5- O-methyl obovatin (pongachin) (4), have been isolated from the chloroform extract of the roots of Tephrosia pulcherrima. The flavonoids were fully characterized by detailed 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic investigations. The pyranochalcone 1 showed significant antimicrobial activity when tested against a series of micro-organisms.

A new cytotoxic prenylated chalcone from Sophora flavescens

We have isolated a new prenylated chalcone from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Leguminosae). We determined that structure of this compound is 7,9,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-8-isopentenyl-5-methoxychalcone (1) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D NMR data). Compound 1 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human acute promyelocytic (HL60), mouse lymphocytic (L1210) and human histiocytic (U937) leukemia cells.

Novel antitumor activities of Kushen flavonoids in vitro and in vivo

Kushen (KS), the dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. Kushen alkaloids (KS-As) and Kushen flavonoids (KS-Fs) are the well characterized components in KS. KS-As have been considered biologically active and developed in China as anticancer drugs. In an effort to screen novel antitumor agents from botanicals, more potent antitumor activities were identified in KS-Fs than in KS-As. KS-Fs were able to inhibit the growth of a panel of tumor cell lines and enhanced the antitumor activities of Taxol in vitro. The antitumor activities of KS-Fs and Kur, a single KS-Fs compound, were demonstrated in murine and xenograft human tumor models. Further, it was shown that KS-Fs and Kur were able to enhance the effect of Taxol to inhibit the growth of H460 and Eca-109 xenograft tumors. In addition, peripheral blood cell counts were not significantly affected in normal mice treated with KS-Fs at 200 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. These results suggest that KS-Fs may be developed as novel antitumor agents and that the currently marketed KS-As drugs in China may have missed the major antitumor activities in Kushen.

Characterization of flavonoids in the extract of Sophora flavescens Ait. by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A method coupling high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array detector (DAD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI) was established for the separation and characterization of flavonoids in Sophora flavescens Ait. Based on the chromatographic separation of most flavonoids present in S. flavescens Ait., a total of 24 flavonoids were identified. Fourteen compounds were unambiguously identified comparing experimental data for retention time (t(R)), UV and MS spectra with those of the authentic compounds: 3',7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-isoflavone (13), trifolirhizin (14), kurarinol (18), formononetin (19), 7,4'-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-flavanone (22), maackiain (21), isoxanthohumol (23), kuraridine (26), kuraridinol (27), sophoraflavanone G (30), xanthohumol (31), isokurarinone (33), kurarinone (35) and kushenol D (38), and additional 10 compounds were tentatively identified as kushenol O (10), trifolirhizin-6''-malonate (15), sophoraisoflavanone A (20), norkurarinol/kosamol Q (24), kushenol I/N (25), kushenol C (28), 2'-methoxykurarinone (29), kosamol R (32), kushecarpin A (34) and kushenol A (37) by comparing experimental data for UV and MS spectra with those of literature. Furthermore, fragmentation pathways in positive ions mode of 24 flavonoid compounds of types of flavanone, flavanonol, flavonol, chalcone, isoflavone, isoflavanone and ptercocarpane were summarized. Some common features, such as CH(3)., H(2)O, CO, CO(2), C(3)O(2) and C(2)H(2)O losses, together with Retro-Diels-Alder fragmentations were observed in the prenylated flavonoids in S. flavescens Ait. The loss of the lanandulyl chain was their characteristic fragmentation, which might help deducing the structure of unknown flavonoid compounds. The present study provided an approach to rapidly characterize bioactive constituents in S. flavescens Ait.

Isoflavonoids of the leguminosae

Isoflavonoids are found predominantly in subfamily Papilionoideae of the Leguminosae. This review describes more than 420 new examples of Leguminosae isoflavonoids, giving details of their source, identification, biological activity, synthesis, and ecological or chemosystematic significance. Other topics addressed include the application of hyphenated analytical techniques to the characterisation of legume-derived isoflavonoids, and advances made in biosynthetic studies. A checklist of new compounds by species is given, and 404 references are cited.

Phenolic constituents of the roots of Sophora flavescens

From the roots of Sophora flavescens collected in Taiwan, four new prenylflavonoids, sophoraflavanone K (1), sophoraflavanone L (2), 8-lavandulylkaempferol (3), and cyclokuraridin (4), a new arylbenzofuran, 2-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-prenylphenyl)-5,6-methylenedioxybenzofuran (5), and a new prenyldibenzoyl derivative, sophoradione (6), were isolated. The structures of 1-6 were determined by spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 2-6 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against the KB epidermoid carcinoma cell line.

Topical and oral CAM in acne: a review of the empirical evidence and a consideration of its context

INTRODUCTION

Acne is one of the commonest diseases to afflict humanity. Anecdotally, the use of CAM in acne is widespread. In this review the empirical evidence for the efficacy of CAM modalities is examined and the context for their use discussed.

METHODS

Searches were made of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicines), Cochrane, and DARE databases using the search terms "acne" and "acne vulgaris" together with "alternative" and "complementary".

RESULTS

The identified studies examined a broad range of CAM modalities but were of generally poor methodological quality. Evidence suggests that many of these therapies are biologically plausible.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Complementary therapies in acne should be viewed in a wider context than that of the very limited empiric evidence base that exists for their use. Further rigorously conducted trials should be conducted to define efficacy and adverse effect profiles of currently used CAM acne therapies.

A new lavandulylated flavonoid with free radical and onoo-scavenging activities fromSophora flavescens

A new lavandulylated flavonoid, 8-lavandulylkaempferol (1), was isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens AITON (Leguminosae). The structure of this compound was determined via spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 was determined to be a scavenger on both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and ONOO-.

Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids

Flavonoids are ubiquitous in photosynthesising cells and are commonly found in fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, stems, flowers, tea, wine, propolis and honey. For centuries, preparations containing these compounds as the principal physiologically active constituents have been used to treat human diseases. Increasingly, this class of natural products is becoming the subject of anti-infective research, and many groups have isolated and identified the structures of flavonoids possessing antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial activity. Moreover, several groups have demonstrated synergy between active flavonoids as well as between flavonoids and existing chemotherapeutics. Reports of activity in the field of antibacterial flavonoid research are widely conflicting, probably owing to inter- and intra-assay variation in susceptibility testing. However, several high-quality investigations have examined the relationship between flavonoid structure and antibacterial activity and these are in close agreement. In addition, numerous research groups have sought to elucidate the antibacterial mechanisms of action of selected flavonoids. The activity of quercetin, for example, has been at least partially attributed to inhibition of DNA gyrase. It has also been proposed that sophoraflavone G and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate inhibit cytoplasmic membrane function, and that licochalcones A and C inhibit energy metabolism. Other flavonoids whose mechanisms of action have been investigated include robinetin, myricetin, apigenin, rutin, galangin, 2,4,2'-trihydroxy-5'-methylchalcone and lonchocarpol A. These compounds represent novel leads, and future studies may allow the development of a pharmacologically acceptable antimicrobial agent or class of agents.

Phytochemical medicinal agents. A quinone-based route to pterocarpins

The synthesis of 6,9 di-demethoxy kushecarpin A has been achieved by the coupling of a benzofuran anion with a quinone monoketal followed by a regioselective cyclization and a stereoselective hydrogenation reaction.

Three new isoprenylated flavonoids from the roots of Sophora flavescens

Three new flavonoids isoprenylated as 2,2-dimethyl-dihydropyran groups, named sophoranodichromanes A-C (1-3), have been isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens, together with the known compounds, chrysophanol (4), soyasapogenol B (5) and beta-sitosterol (6). Their structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

In Vitro Free Radical and ONOO- Scavengers from Sophora flavescens

Activity-guided fractionation of the CH2Cl2-soluble fraction of the roots of Sophora flavescens furnished five 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavengers: trans-hexadecyl ferulic acid (1), cis-octadecyl ferulic acid (2), trans-hexadecyl sinapic acid (3), (-)-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-(6aR,11aR)-8,9-methylenedioxypterocarpan (4) and desmethylanhydroicaritin (8), along with nine known inactive compounds: (-)-maackiain (5), xanthohumol (6), formononetin (7), (2S)-2'-methoxykurarinone (9), (2S)-3beta,7,4'-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-flavanone (10), (2S)-7,4'-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-flavanone (11), umbelliferone (12), kuraridin (13), and trifolirhizin (14). Compounds 1-4 and 8 exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging effects at IC50 values of 33.01 +/- 0.20, 57.06 +/- 0.16, 39.84 +/- 0.36, 35.83 +/- 0.47, and 18.11 +/- 0.04 microM, respectively. L-Ascorbic acid, when used as a positive control, exhibited an IC50 value of 7.39 +/- 0.01 microM. Compounds 1-4 and 8 also appeared to exert significant scavenging effects on authentic ONOO-, with IC50 values of 5.76 +/- 1.19, 15.06 +/- 1.64, 8.17 +/- 4.97, 1.95 +/- 0.29, and 4.06 +/- 2.41 microM, respectively. Penicillamine (IC50 = 2.36 +/- 0.79 microM) was used as a positive control. In addition, compounds 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Estrogenic and anticarcinogenic properties of kurarinone, a lavandulyl flavanone from the roots of Sophora flavescens

Kurarinone, a lavandulyl flavanone, was isolated from a polyphenolic extract of the roots of Sophora flavescens using fractionation guided by estrogenic activity, which was determined by recombinant yeast and Ishikawa Var-I bioassays. Kurarinone showed weak estrogenic activity both in the yeast screen and in the Ishikawa Var-I assay with EC(50) values of 4.6 and 1.66 microM, respectively. Furthermore, kurarinone was found to have potent cytotoxic activity (IC(50) value = 22.2 microM) against human MCF-7/6 breast cancer cells in the sulforhodamine-B assay.

Anti-protozoal efficacy of high performance liquid chromatography fractions of Torilis japonica and Sophora flavescens extracts on Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii

We previously reported that alcoholic extracts of Sophora flavescens and Torilis japonica from South Korea demonstrated good efficacy in reducing replication of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. To characterize the chemical component associated with anti-protozoal activity, specific fractions were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and used for in vitro testing. These fractions were evaluated in vitro against T. gondii and N. caninum. Fractions of the herb extracts were serially diluted to final concentrations of 2.850 to 0.356 ng/ml in medium and added to wells containing replicating T. gondii and N. caninum. To determine the ability of each fraction to inhibit parasite proliferation, 3H-uracil incorporation was used to determine parasite replication. In cultures infected with T. gondii, a fraction of T. japonica (TJ2) inhibited T. gondii proliferation by 99.2, 94.4, 88.6 and 27.0% in the range from 2.850 to 0.356 ng/ml. Four fractions of S. flavescens (SF1-SF4) inhibited T. gondii proliferation by 99.6-60.6, 96.9-48.1, 92.3-68.2 and 95.4-52.9% in the range from 2.850 to 0.356 ng/ml. In cultures infected with N. caninum, a fraction of T. japonica (TJ2) inhibited N. caninum proliferation by 98.3, 95.5, 79.7 and 30.6% in the range from 2.850 to 0.356 ng/ml. Four fractions of S. flavescens (SF1-SF4) inhibited N. caninum proliferation by 97.1-25.9, 94.8-35.5, 95.9-33.7 and 95.4-49.4% in the range from 2.850 to 0.356 ng/ml. These fractions of T. japonica and S. flavescens extracts are currently undergoing in vivo evaluation in experimentally infected mice.

Partial characterization and insecticidal properties of Ricinus communis L foliage flavonoids

Aqueous leaf extract of Ricinus communis L (Euphorbiaceae), a cultivated plant in tropical countries, showed excellent insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus chinensis L (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). We have isolated and tested flavonoids as insecticidal and antimicrobial agents. The isolated flavonoids showed potential insecticidal, ovicidal and oviposition deterrent activities against C chinensis L. However, antimicrobial activity against the common microbial infestants of stored pulses, of which C chinensis is a major pest, was found to be insignificant. Two bands having Rf 0.63 and 0.69 were seen on HPTLC plates using mobile phase benzene + ethyl acetate + methanol + formic acid (12 + 4.5 + 2 + 1.5 by volume) as eluant. The Rf values and scanning of the spectrum in the ultraviolet region, showed identity with the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol. This was further confirmed using HPLC and IR and UV spectrometry. HPLC and HPTLC chromatograms also suggested quercetin to be the major flavonoid present in the hydrolyzed aqueous leaf extract of R communis.

Characterization of leachianone G 2"-dimethylallyltransferase, a novel prenyl side-chain elongation enzyme for the formation of the lavandulyl group of sophoraflavanone G in Sophora flavescens Ait. cell suspension cultures

Leachianone G (LG) 2"-dimethylallyltransferase, a novel prenyl side-chain elongation enzyme, was identified in Sophora flavescens Ait. cultured cells. The enzyme transfers a dimethylallyl group to the 2" position of another dimethylallyl group attached at position 8 of LG to form sophoraflavanone G, a branched monoterpenoid-conjugated flavanone characteristic to this plant. This membrane-bound dimethylallyltransferase required Mg2+ (optimum concentration was 10 mm) for the reaction and had an optimum pH of 8.8. It utilized dimethylallyl diphosphate as the sole prenyl donor, and the 2'-hydroxy function in LG was indispensable to the activity. The apparent Km values for dimethylallyl diphosphate and LG were 59 and 2.3 microm, respectively. Subcellular localization of three enzymes that participated in the formation of the lavandulyl group was also investigated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Two prenyltransferases, naringenin 8-dimethylallyltransferase and LG 2"-dimethylallyltransferase, were localized in the plastids, whereas 8-dimethylallylnaringenin 2'-hydroxylase, which catalyzes the crucial step in the lavandulyl-group formation, was associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. These results suggest the close cooperation between the plastids and the endoplasmic reticulum in the formation of lavandulyl groups.

Dammarane-type triterpenes from the Brazilian medicinal plant Cordia multispicata

From the Brazilian medicinal plant Carucaá (Cordia multispicata), oleanane- and ursane-type triterpenoids were previously reported as anti-androgenic constituents of the plant. In this study, purification of the polar elements of the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the plant revealed nine novel dammarane-type triterpenes, named cordianols A-I (1-9) along with the known compound cordialin A (10). The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by means of spectral methods including HRFABMS, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC, NOESY). Absolute configuration at C-23 of compound 7 was determined by an excitone chirality method. Some of these new compounds revealed a hemiketal structure on the A ring and a hydroxylated or epoxidated 20(22)-(E)-ene side chain and showed weak anti-androgenic activity.

Constituents from the leaves of Phellodendron amurense var. wilsonii and their bioactivity

Two new dihydroflavonols, phellodensin-A (1) and phellodensin-C (2); three new coumarins, phellodenol-A (3), phellodenol-B (4), and phellodenol-C (5); one new chlorophyll, phellophyll-a (6); and one new phenyllactate, (2R)-sodium 3-phenyllactate (7), in addition to 35 known compounds have been isolated from the leaves of Phellodendron amurense var. wilsonii. The structures of the new compounds were established based on 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectral analyses. The stereochemistry at the C-2, C-3, and C-2' ' positions of new dihydroflavonol 1 was determined by CD spectroscopy. The known compounds were identified by comparison with authentic samples. The antioxidant and antityrosinase activities were also described.

Efficient production and capture of 8-prenylnaringenin and leachianone G-biosynthetic intermediates of sophoraflavanone G--by the addition of cork tissue to cell suspension cultures of Sophora flavescens

It has previously been demonstrated that the addition of cork tissue to cell suspension cultures of Sophora flavescens stimulates the production of sophoraflavanone G, most of which has been recovered from the added cork tissue. In the present study, it was found that two precursors of sophoraflavanone G, 8-prenylnaringenin (sophoraflavanone B) and leachianone G, both of which have never been detected either in cultured cells or in the original plants, also accumulated in the added cork tissue. Thirteen minor flavonoids including three prenylated flavonoids, in addition to 8-prenylnaringenin and leachianone G, were isolated from the cork tissue co-incubated with S. flavescens cells. The new compounds flavescenones A, B and C, were determined to be (3R)-5, 7, 2'-trihydroxy-6-gamma, gamma-dimethylallyl-4', 5'-methylenedioxyisoflavanone; 5, 7, 2'-trihydroxy-6-gamma, gamma-dimethylallyl-4', 5'-methylenedioxyisoflavone and 2-[2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-(gamma-hydroxymethyl-gamma-methylallyl)phenyl]-5,6-methylenedioxybenzofuran, respectively, by means of spectroscopic analyses that included 2D-NMR techniques.

Antitumor-Promoting Constituents from Chaenomeles sinensis KOEHNE and Their Activities in JB6 Mouse Epidermal Cells

Primary screening of antitumor-promoting activity using soft agar colony assays with JB6 cells was employed to isolate 22 compounds from Chaenomeles sinensis KOEHNE. These compounds were lyoniresinol-2a-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), lyoniresinol-2a-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), aviculin (3), betulinic acid (4), betulin (5), 3-O-(E)-p-coumaroylbetulin (6), 3-O-(E)-caffeoylbetulin (7), 3-O-(Z)-p-coumaroylbetulin (8), 3-O-(E)-caffeoyllupeol (9), alphitolic acid (10), sorbikortal II (11), tormentic acid (12), euscaphic acid (13), corosolic acid (14), maslinic acid (15), erythrodiol (16), 1-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzene (17), avicularin (18), 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylkaempferol (19), 5-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylgenistein (20), 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylgenistein (21), epicatechin (22), and beta-sitosterol (23) and were identified using spectral data such as MS, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR. Compound 1, having a rhamnosyl group, showed greater activity than 2, having a glucosyl group, and 3, which was a bis-demethoxy derivative of 1. Betulinic acid (4), having a C-28 carboxyl group, 3-O-(E)-caffeoylbetulin (7), and tormentic acid (12) showed more potent activity than betulin (5), which has a C-28 hydroxymethyl group.

Flavonoids and steroid hormone-dependent cancers

Steroid-hormone dependent cancers, including those of the breast, prostate and colon, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in western countries. In rural Asian areas, these diseases are relatively uncommon. Dietary factors, including low consumption of fruit, vegetables and soy in the west have been shown in various epidemiologic studies as reasons for these differences. This review discusses flavonoids, one component of these plant foods that is being investigated for their role in chemoprevention. Epidemiological, in vitro, animal and human studies shall be explored to look at mechanisms involved, including steroid hormone activity, effects on cell growth, antioxidant activities, inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis and influences on modulators of cancer risk. Although the in vitro and animal models point to several pathways by which flavonoids may reduce incidence of these cancers, the clinical data are still relatively lacking. More research is needed to determine how best to use foods containing these compounds to reduce steroid hormone-dependent cancer risk.

The hair growth promoting effect of Sophora flavescens extract and its molecular regulation

In search of natural extracts for hair growth, we found that the extract of dried root of Sophora flavescens has outstanding hair growth promoting effect. After topical application of Sophora flavescens extract onto the back of C57BL/6 mice, the earlier conversion of telogen-to-anagen was induced. The growth of dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro, however, was not affected by Sophora flavescens extract treatment. RT-PCR analysis showed that Sophora flavescens extract induced mRNA levels of growth factors such as IGF-1 and KGF in dermal papilla cells, suggesting that the effects of Sophora flavescens extract on hair growth may be mediated through the regulation of growth factors in dermal papilla cells. In addition, the Sophora flavescens extract revealed to possess potent inhibitory effect on the type II 5alpha-reductase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that Sophora flavescens extract has hair growth promoting potential and can be used for hair growing products.

Antimicrobial and pesticidal activity of partially purified flavonoids of Annona squamosa

Foliar extracts of Annona squamosa (Family: Annonaceae) were screened for antimicrobial and insecticidal activity against the common microbial infestants of pulses and the stored grain pest pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Flavonoids isolated from aqueous extracts of A squamosa showed antimicrobial activity against all the common microbial contaminants of pulses and 80% insecticidal activity against C chinensis at a concentration of 0.07 mg ml-1. Various physico-chemical tests, chromatographic and spectroscopic studies with partially purified aqueous extract indicated the presence of flavonol type flavonoids. This may provide a useful beginning for the development of botanical pesticides for post-harvest safeguard of pulses.

Studies on constituents from Chamaecyparis pisifera and antibacterial activity of diterpenes

In the course of our research for biologically active constituents from coniferous plants, a chromone derivative (1) and an abietane derivative (2) were isolated along with several diterpenes from Chamaecyparis pisifera. Structures of the new compounds were determined to be 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(1-acetyl-2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-chromone and rel-(8R,10R,20S)-8,10,20-trihydroxy-9(10-->20)-abeo-abieta-9,13-dien-12-one by means of spectral methods including two-dimensional NMR experiments. Some of these abietane-type compounds isolated from this plants showed antibacterial activitv against the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Anti-androgenic triterpenoids from the Brazilian medicinal plant, Cordia multispicata

Compounds 1-6 were isolated from the AcOEt soluble fraction of leaves of the Brazilian medicinal plant, Cordia multispicata, and their structures were elucidated to be 3beta,25-epoxy-21beta-acetoxy-3alpha,22beta-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-al (1), 3beta,25-epoxy-28-acetoxy-3alpha,21beta,22beta-trihydroxyurs-12-ene (2), 21beta-acetoxy-22beta-hydroxy-3-oxours-12-en-28-al (3), 28-acetoxy-6beta, 21beta,22beta-trihydroxy-3-oxours-12-ene (4), 21beta,22beta-dihydroxy-3-oxours-1 2-en-28-al (5) and 3beta,21beta,22beta-trihydroxyurs-I2-en-28-al (6), respectively, by means of spectral data, especially two dimensional NMR techniques. Triterpenes having the hemiketal structure at the A-ring, an acyloxy group at C-22 and/or ketone at C-3 showed potent anti-androgenic activity.

New antimicrobial flavanones from Physena madagascariensis

Two new flavanones (1 and 2) with antibacterial activity were isolated from the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Physena madagascariensis using activity against Staphylococcus aureus to guide the isolation. A third flavonoid, a flavanone dimer linked by a methylene group (3) was also isolated and proved to be inactive. The structures of 1 and 2 were established primarily from NMR studies, while that of 3 required more extensive mass spectrometric analysis. All three flavanones had lavandulyl units in the limonene form. Flavanones 1 and 2 were active against several bacteria at concentrations as low as 4 microM.