Guaiane Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from the Fruits ofTorilis japonicaand Their Cytotoxic Activity

Sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Daphne genkwa Siebold et Zucc. With potential anti-inflammatory activity

Six undescribed sesquiterpenoids, including three acorane-type sesquiterpenoids (daphneaines A-C), three guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids (daphneaines E-G) and three known analogues were isolated from the roots of Daphne genkwa Siebold et Zucc. Their gross structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The relative configurations of daphneaines A-C were determined by NOESY experiments. In addition, the relative configuration of daphneaine G was elucidated by performing a quantum chemical calculation of the NMR chemical shifts coupled with an advanced statistical procedure DP4+. The comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data led to the establishment of the absolute configurations of daphneaines A-G. All isolates were tested for their inhibitory activity towards the LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and daphneaine F showed inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC₅₀ value of 35.68 ± 3.18 μM.

Metabolites from the Paracel Islands Soft Coral Sinularia cf. molesta

Five new oxygenated sesquiterpenes, molestins A–D (1, 3–5) and epi-gibberodione (2), three new cyclopentenone derivatives, ent-sinulolides C, D, and F ((+)-9–(+)-11), one new butenolide derivative, ent-sinulolide H ((+)-13), and one new cembranolide, molestin E (14), together with 14 known related metabolites (6–8, (–)-9–(–)-11, (±)-12, (–)-13, 15–19) were isolated from the Paracel Islands soft coral Sinularia cf. molesta. The structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical calculations, and comparison with the literature data. Compound 5 is the first example of a norsesquiterpene with a de-isopropyl guaiane skeleton isolated from the genus Sinularia. Molestin E (14) exhibited cytotoxicities against HeLa and HCT-116 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 5.26 and 8.37 μM, respectively. Compounds 4, 5, and 8 showed significant inhibitory activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with IC₅₀ values of 218, 344, and 1.24 μM, respectively.

Anti-HIV terpenoids from Daphne aurantiaca Diels. stems

Thirteen new sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the stems of Daphne aurantiaca diels. Some compounds showed definite anti-HIV activities.

Trogopterins A-C: Three new neolignans from feces of Trogopterus xanthipes

Seven compounds, including three neolignans 1–3, a norlignan 4, and three diterpenoids 5–7, were isolated from the feces of Trogopterus xanthipes. Structures of these compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR as well as MS. The absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, and 4 were determined by comparing CD spectra and optical rotations. Among the isolated compounds, 1–3 were novel and subsequently named trogopterins A, B, and C, respectively. Likewise, compound 4 was isolated from nature for the first time. Cytotoxic activities of compounds 1–4 were evaluated. Compounds 1–3 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against HL-60 cells with IC₅₀ values of 34.77–45.68 μM.