Cytotoxic and antioxidant dihydrobenzofuran neolignans from the seeds of Crataegus pinnatifida

Hawthorn with "homology of medicine and food": a review of anticancer effects and mechanisms

Over the past few years, there has been a gradual increase in the incidence of cancer, affecting individuals at younger ages. With its refractory nature and substantial fatality rate, cancer presents a notable peril to human existence and wellbeing. Hawthorn, a medicinal food homology plant belonging to the Crataegus genus in the Rosaceae family, holds great value in various applications. Due to its long history of medicinal use, notable effects, and high safety profile, hawthorn has garnered considerable attention and plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Through the integration of modern network pharmacology technology and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a range of anticancer active ingredients in hawthorn have been predicted, identified, and analyzed. Studies have shown that ingredients such as vitexin, isoorientin, ursolic acid, and maslinic acid, along with hawthorn extracts, can effectively modulate cancer-related signaling pathways and manifest anticancer properties via diverse mechanisms. This review employs network pharmacology to excavate the potential anticancer properties of hawthorn. By systematically integrating literature across databases such as PubMed and CNKI, the review explores the bioactive ingredients with anticancer effects, underlying mechanisms and pathways, the synergistic effects of drug combinations, advancements in novel drug delivery systems, and ongoing clinical trials concerning hawthorn's anticancer properties. Furthermore, the review highlights the preventive health benefits of hawthorn in cancer prevention, offering valuable insights for clinical cancer treatment and the development of TCM with anticancer properties that can be used for both medicinal and edible purposes.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of hawthorn (Crataegus genus): A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Crataegus (hawthorn), a member of the Rosaceae family, encompasses several species with broad geographical distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Hawthorn is recognized as an edible medicinal plant with applications related to strengthening the digestive system, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study critically summarized the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties to provide a theoretical basis for further studies on hawthorn and its applications in medicine and food.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information on hawthorn was gathered from scientific databases (including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, online ethnobotanical databases, and ethnobotanical monographs, and considered data from 1952 to 2023). Information about traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of the collected data is comprehensively summarized in this paper.

RESULTS

The literature review revealed that hawthorn includes more than 1000 species primarily distributed in the northern temperate zone. Traditional uses of hawthorn have lasted for millennia in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Within the past decade, 337 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and organic acids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, terpenoids and steroids, have been identified from hawthorn. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed numerous bioactivities, such as cardiovascular system influence, antitumor activity, hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory functions, and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, evaluations have indicated that hawthorn lacks toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on its traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological studies, hawthorn has significant potential as a medicinal and edible plant with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Traditional uses of the hawthorn include the treatment of indigestion, dysmenorrhea, and osteoporosis. However, modern pharmacological research primarily focuses on its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system effects, antitumor effects, and liver protection properties. Currently, there is a lack of correlative research involving its traditional uses and pharmacological activities. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological research has yet to focus on many types of hawthorn with traditional applications. Therefore, it is imperative to research the genus Crataegus extensively.

Adaptive Catalysts for the Selective Hydrogenation of Bicyclic Heteroaromatics using Ruthenium Nanoparticles on a CO2 -Responsive Support

Ruthenium nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on an amine-functionalized polymer-grafted silica support act as adaptive catalysts for the hydrogenation of bicyclic heteroaromatics. Whereas full hydrogenation of benzofuran and quinoline derivatives is achieved under pure H2 , introducing CO2 into the H2 gas phase leads to an effective shutdown of the arene hydrogenation while preserving the activity for the hydrogenation of the heteroaromatic part. The selectivity switch originates from the generation of ammonium formate species on the surface of the materials by catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 . The CO2 hydrogenation is fully reversible, resulting in a robust and rapid switch between the two states of the catalyst adapting its performance in response to the feed gas composition. A variety of benzofuran and quinoline derivatives were hydrogenated to fully or partially saturated products in high selectivity and yields simply by altering the composition of the feed gas from H2 to H2 /CO2 . The adaptive catalytic system thus provides controlled access to valuable products using a single catalyst rather than two specific and distinct catalysts with static reactivity.

Lignans from the seed shells of Cerasus humilis (Bge.) Sok and their bioactivities

The exploration of Cerasus humilis (Bge.) Sok seed shells yielded the identification of six previously uncharacterized compounds, in addition to twelve known compounds. Structure elucidation of these compounds relied on spectroscopic data analysis, and their absolute configurations were established by comparing calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra, supplemented by interpretation of optical rotation data. Notably, none of these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 and A549 cell lines. Remarkably, a majority of the compounds displayed potent antioxidant activity.

Preparation of Biomass Biochar with Components of Similar Proportions and Its Methylene Blue Adsorption

Rapeseed straw, bagasse, and walnut peel have a large amount of resource reserves, but there are few technologies for high value-added utilization. In the research of biochar, walnut green husk is rarely used as raw material. In addition, the three main components of biomass (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) are present in similar proportions, and the differences between the physical and chemical properties of biochar prepared with similar amounts of biomass raw materials are not clear. Using three kinds of biomass of the same quality as raw materials, biochar was prepared via pyrolysis at 400 °C, and activated carbon was prepared via CO2 activation at 800 °C. The results showed that the pore numbers of the three kinds of biochar increased after activation, resulting in the increase of the specific surface area. The resulting numbers were 352.99 m2/g for sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB)-CO2, 215.04 m2/g for rapeseed straw biochar (RSB)-CO2, and 15.53 m2/g for walnut green husk biochar (WGB)-CO2. Ash increased the amount of carbon formation, but a large amount of ash caused biochar to form a perforated structure and decreased the specific surface area (e.g., WGB), which affected adsorption ability. When the three main components were present in similar proportions, a high content of cellulose and lignin was beneficial to the preparation of biochar. The adsorption value of MB by biochar decreased with the increase of biomass ash content. After activation, the maximum adsorption value of MB for bagasse biochar was 178.17 mg/g, rapeseed straw biochar was 119.25 mg/g, and walnut peel biochar was 85.92 mg/g when the concentration of methene blue solution was 300 mg/L and the biochar input was 0.1 g/100 mL at room temperature. The adsorption of MB by biochar in solution occurs simultaneously with physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, with chemical adsorption being dominant. The optimal MB adsorption by SBB-CO2 was dominated by multimolecular-layer adsorption. This experiment provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of biochar and research on its applications in the future.

Antichilblain Components in Eggplant Based on Network Pharmacology and Biological Evaluation

Eggplant, the fruit of Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae), is applied externally to relieve the symptoms of chilblains in the folk in East Asia. However, the mechanisms and biological ingredients are not clear. A network pharmacology approach was used to shed light on the mechanisms of eggplant against chilblains, which illustrated that anti-inflammation and antioxidation are mainly involved in the curative effects. Bioassay-guided assays led to the isolation of 44 ingredients (1-44), including two new natural compounds (1-2) and 42 known compounds. Thirteen compounds (3-15) were first reported from the Solanum genus. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of all isolates were evaluated, and the results showed that 11 compounds have anti-inflammatory activity and 27 have antioxidant activity. Fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, and lignans from eggplant have certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These results provide a scientific basis for eggplant to treat chilblains.

Development of a General and Selective Nanostructured Cobalt Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Benzofurans, Indoles and Benzothiophenes

The selective hydrogenation of benzofurans in the presence of a heterogeneous non-noble metal catalyst is reported. The developed optimal catalytic material consists of cobalt-cobalt oxide core-shell nanoparticles supported on silica, which has been prepared by the immobilization and pyrolysis of cobalt-DABCO-citric acid complex on silica under argon at 800 °C. This novel catalyst allows for the selective hydrogenation of simple and functionalized benzofurans to 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans as well as related heterocycles. The versatility of the reported protocol is showcased by the reduction of selected drugs and deuteration of heterocycles. Further, the stability, recycling, and reusability of the Co-nanocatalyst are demonstrated.

Crataegus pinnatifida: A botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological overview

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Crataegus pinnatifida belongs to the Rosaceae family and extensively distribute in North China, Europe, and North America. Its usage was first described in "Xinxiu Ben Cao." The dried fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge or Crataegus pinnatifida var. major N. E. Br., also known as "Shanzha," is a famous medicine and food homology herb with a long history of medicinal usage in China. C. pinnatifida has the functions for digestive promotion, cardiovascular protection, and lipid reduction. It was traditionally used to treat indigestion, cardiodynia, thoracalgia, hernia, postpartum blood stagnation, and hemafecia. In recent years, C. pinnatifida has attracted worldwide attention as an important medicinal and economical crop due to its multiple and excellent health-promoting effects on cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, endocrine systems, and morbigenous microorganisms of the human body due to its medicinal and nutritional values.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The current review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the geographical distribution, traditional usage, phytochemical components, pharmacological actions, clinical settings, and toxicities of C. pinnatifida. Moreover, the connection between the claimed biological activities and the traditional usage, along with the future perspectives for ongoing research on this plant, were also critically summarized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected the published literature on C. pinnatifida using a variety of scientific databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley, Springer, Taylor & Francis, ACS Publications, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, The Plant List Database, and other literature sources (Ph.D. and MSc dissertations) from 2012 to 2022.

RESULTS

In the last decade, over 250 phytochemical compounds containing lignans, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and their glycosides, as well as other compounds, have been isolated and characterized from different parts, including the fruit, leaves, and seeds of C. pinnatifida. Among these compounds, flavonoids and triterpenoids were major bioactive components of C. pinnatifida. They exhibited a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions with low toxicity in vitro and in vivo, such as cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-aging, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotection and other actions.

CONCLUSION

A long history of traditional uses and abundant pharmacochemical and pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that C. pinnatifida is an important medicine and food homology herb, which displays outstanding therapeutic potential, especially in the digestive system and cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, the current studies on the active ingredients or crude extracts of C. pinnatifida and the possible mechanism of action are unclear. More evidence-based scientific studies are required to verify the traditional uses of C. pinnatifida. Furthermore, more efforts must be paid to selecting index components for quality control research and toxicity and safety studies of C. pinnatifida.

Norbisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid derivatives, benzofuran lignans and a phenolic glycoside from the roots of Glochidion wilsonii Hutch

Three highly oxygenated norbisabolane sesquiterpenoid glycosides (glochiwilsonosides A-C), five benzofuran lignans (glochiwilsonises A-E) and a phenolic glycoside (glochiwilsophe-noside), together with forty-one known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Glochidion wilsonii Hutch. The chemical structures of the compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and previous literature data. Glochiwilsonoside A displayed anti-proliferative activity on A-549 and RAW 264.7 cell lines with an IC50 value of 34.5 ± 0.9 μM and CC50 value of 16.0 ± 0.9 μM, respectively. Twenty-three known compounds were reported from the genus Glochidion for the first time, and the chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolated compounds were also summarized. The bisabolane/norbisabolane-type sesqui-terpenoid derivatives could be used as chemotaxonomic markers for G. wilsonii.

Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn): a review

OBJECTIVES

Crataegus pinnatifida (C. pinnatifida), including C. pinnatifida Bge. and its variant C. pinnatifida Bge. var. major N, E. Br., has traditionally been used as a homologous plant for traditional medicine and food in ethnic medical systems in China. Crataegus pinnatifida, especially its fruit, has been used for more than 2000 years to treat indigestion, stagnation of meat, hyperlipidemia, blood stasis, heart tingling, sores, etc. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications of C. pinnatifida.

KEY FINDINGS

This plant contains flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, organic acids, saccharides and essential oils. Experimental studies showed that it has hypolipidemic, antimyocardial, anti-ischemia, antithrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic neuroprotective activity, etc. Importantly, it has good effects in treating diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.

SUMMARY

There is convincing evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies supporting the traditional uses of C. pinnatifida. However, multitarget network pharmacology and molecular docking technology should be used to study the interaction between the active ingredients and targets of C. pinnatifida. Furthermore, exploring the synergy of C. pinnatifida with other Chinese medicines to provide new understanding of complex diseases may be a promising strategy.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Benzofuran Derivatives with Potential Anticancer Activity

Simple Summary

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and responsible for killing approximately 10 million people per year. Fused heterocyclic ring systems such as benzofuran have emerged as important scaffolds with many biological properties. Furthermore, derivatives of benzofurans demonstrate a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including anticancer properties. The main aim of this review is to highlight and discuss the contribution of benzofuran derivatives as anticancer agents by considering and discussing the chemical structure of 20 different compounds. Evaluating the chemical structure of these compounds will guide future medicinal chemists in designing new drugs for cancer therapy that might give excellent results in in vivo/in vitro applications.

Abstract

Benzofuran is a heterocyclic compound found naturally in plants and it can also be obtained through synthetic reactions. Multiple physicochemical characteristics and versatile features distinguish benzofuran, and its chemical structure is composed of fused benzene and furan rings. Benzofuran derivatives are essential compounds that hold vital biological activities to design novel therapies with enhanced efficacy compared to conventional treatments. Therefore, medicinal chemists used its core to synthesize new derivatives that can be applied to a variety of disorders. Benzofuran exhibited potential effectiveness in chronic diseases such as hypertension, neurodegenerative and oxidative conditions, and dyslipidemia. In acute infections, benzofuran revealed anti-infective properties against microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In recent years, the complex nature and the number of acquired or resistant cancer cases have been largely increasing. Benzofuran derivatives revealed potential anticancer activity with lower incidence or severity of adverse events normally encountered during chemotherapeutic treatments. This review discusses the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of several benzofuran derivatives in order to elucidate the possible substitution alternatives and structural requirements for a highly potent and selective anticancer activity.

Potential Roles and Key Mechanisms of Hawthorn Extract against Various Liver Diseases

The genus Crataegus (hawthorn), a flowering shrub or tree, is a member of the Rosaceae family and consists of approximately 280 species that have been primarily cultivated in East Asia, North America, and Europe. Consumption of hawthorn preparations has been chiefly associated with pharmacological benefits for cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure and angina pectoris. Treatment with hawthorn extracts can be related to improvements in the complex pathogenesis of various hepatic and cardiovascular disorders. In this regard, the present review described that the presence of hawthorn extracts ameliorated hepatic injury, lipid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer in an abundance of experimental models. Hawthorn extracts might have these promising activities, largely by enhancing the hepatic antioxidant system. In addition, several mechanisms, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and apoptosis, are responsible for the role of hawthorn extracts in repairing the dysfunction of injured hepatocytes. Specifically, hawthorn possesses a wide range of biological actions relevant to the treatment of toxic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accordingly, hawthorn extracts can be developed as a major source of therapeutic agents for liver diseases.

Enantio- and Diastereoselective, Complete Hydrogenation of Benzofurans by Cascade Catalysis

We report an enantio- and diastereoselective, complete hydrogenation of multiply substituted benzofurans in a one-pot cascade catalysis. The developed protocol facilitates the controlled installation of up to six new defined stereocenters and produces architecturally complex octahydrobenzofurans, prevalent in many bioactive molecules. A unique match of a chiral homogeneous ruthenium-N-heterocyclic carbene complex and an in situ activated rhodium catalyst from a complex precursor act in sequence to enable the presented process.

Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of deprotonated dihydrobenzofuran neolignans

RATIONALE

Although dihydrobenzofuran neolignans (DBNs) display a wide diversity of biological activities, the identification of their in vivo metabolites using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) remains a challenge to be overcome. Recently, ESI-MS/MS data of protonated DBNs have been reported, but they were shown to be limited due to the scarcity of diagnostic ions.

METHODS

The gas-phase fragmentation pathways of a series of biologically active synthetic benzofuran neolignans (BNs) and DBNs were elucidated by means of negative ESI accurate-mass tandem and sequential mass spectrometry, and thermochemical data estimated using computational chemistry and the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) model.

RESULTS

Deprotonated DBNs produced more diagnostic product ions than the corresponding protonated molecules. Moreover, a series of odd-electron product ions (radical anions) were detected, which has not been reported for protonated DBNs. Direct C₂ H₃ O₂ ^• elimination from the precursor ion (deprotonated molecule) only occurred for the BNs and can help to distinguish these compounds from the DBNs. The mechanism through which the [M - H - CH₃ OH]^- ion is formed is strongly dependent on specific structural features.

CONCLUSIONS

The negative ion mode provides much more information than the positive ion mode (at least one diagnostic product ion was detected for all the analyzed compounds) and does not require the use of additives to produce the precursor ions (deprotonated molecules).

Cytotoxic compounds from the leaves and stems of the endemic Thai plant Mitrephora sirikitiae

Context: Mitrephora sirikitiae Weeras., Chalermglin & R.M.K. Saunders (Annonaceae) is a plant endemic to Thailand. Its constituents and their biological activities are unknown.Objective: Isolation and identification of the compounds in the leaves and stems of M. sirikitiae and determination of their cytotoxicity.Materials and methods: Methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of M. sirikitiae were separated by chromatography, and spectroscopic methods were used to determine the structures of the components. The cytotoxicity of the extracts and pure compounds was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay with several cell lines. The cells were treated with the compounds at concentrations of 0.16-20 µg/mL for 48 or 72 h.Results: The investigation of the extracts of M. sirikitiae leaves and stems resulted in the isolation of a new lignan, mitrephoran, and 15 known compounds. Among these compounds, 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane, ciliaric acid, 6-methoxymarcanine A, and stepharanine were isolated from this genus for the first time. The alkaloids liriodenine and oxoputerine exhibited strong cytotoxicity against all tested cells (IC₅₀ values of 6.59-11.02 µM). In contrast, magnone A, 3',4-O-dimethylcedrusin, and 6-methoxymarcanine A inhibited the growth of some of the tested cells (IC₅₀ values of 2.03-19.73 µM). Magnone A and 6-methoxymarcanine A showed low toxicity for Hek 293 cells (IC₅₀ >20 µM).Discussion and conclusions: M. sirikitiae is a source of cytotoxic lignans and alkaloids. Among the cytotoxic compounds, magnone A and 6-methoxymarcanine A are potentially useful lead compounds for the further development of anticancer agents because of their selective inhibitory effects on cancer cell lines.

Caucasian endemic medicinal and nutraceutical plants: in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and bioactive compounds

OBJECTIVES

In order to assess traditional claims about the therapeutic potential of Caucasian endemic medicinal plants and to select plants for phytochemical research, nine plant species were selected and assessed for their in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The metabolite profiles of some priority plants were analysed.

METHODS

Antioxidant effects were assessed using the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) system, lipid peroxidation and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Cytotoxic activities were examined against human liver cancer cells (HepG2) using the Alamar Blue assay. Terpenoids of selected species were analysed by GC and GC-MS. Polyphenols were separated by HPLC.

KEY FINDINGS

Thymus transcaucasicus, Heracleum transcaucasicum, Ribes armenum, Crataegus armena showed most promising antioxidant activity in ABTS model system. Moreover, Rubus takhtadjanii, C. armena, T. transcaucasicus showed a high level of antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. C. armena and T. transcaucasicus expressed high-to-moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. The main terpenoids and polyphenols of Centaurea hajastana, C. armena and T. transcaucasicus were quantified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides in-vitro data relevant for assessing the use of Caucasian endemic medicinal plants, most importantly C. armena and T. transcaucasicus as traditional antioxidant supplements and potential anticancer remedies. Metabolite profiles of some lead plants showed the nature of bioactive compounds of medical interest.

Anti-inflammatory constituents from Cortex Dictamni

Eight new compounds named as dictamalkosides A (1), B (2), C (3), dictamphenosides A (4), B (5), C (6), D (7) and E (8), as well as 23 known ones were obtained from the 70% EtOH extract of Cortex Dictamni. Their structures were ascertained based on the spectroscopic evidences. Among the known compounds, 14, 17-23, 25-28, and 31 were isolated from Dictamnus genus for the first time; 16 and 24 were firstly isolated from this plant. And the ¹³C NMR data of 14 was reported here for the first time. Moreover, compounds 1-8, 12, 18-21, 27 and 31 were found to exhibit potential inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production at 40 μM for RAW 264.7 macrophages, which suggested alkaloids and phenolic acids might be anti-inflammation therapeutic substance in Cortex Dictamni.

Pictalignans D-F, three new neolignan derivatives from Selaginella picta

Three new neolignan derivatives (1-3), together with three known isolariciresinol derivatives (4-6) were isolated from Selaginella picta. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS and CD). All isolated compounds were assayed on the neuroprotective activity against the injury of HT-22 cells induced by L-Glutamate in vitro. All compounds displayed potent protective effect on HT-22 cells.

Gas-phase fragmentation reactions of protonated benzofuran- and dihydrobenzofuran-type neolignans investigated by accurate-mass electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

We have investigated gas-phase fragmentation reactions of protonated benzofuran neolignans (BNs) and dihydrobenzofuran neolignans (DBNs) by accurate-mass electrospray ionization tandem and multiple-stage (MSⁿ ) mass spectrometry combined with thermochemical data estimated by Computational Chemistry. Most of the protonated compounds fragment into product ions B ([M + H-MeOH]⁺ ), C ([B-MeOH]⁺ ), D ([C-CO]⁺ ), and E ([D-CO]⁺ ) upon collision-induced dissociation (CID). However, we identified a series of diagnostic ions and associated them with specific structural features. In the case of compounds displaying an acetoxy group at C-4, product ion C produces diagnostic ions K ([C-C₂ H₂ O]⁺ ), L ([K-CO]⁺ ), and P ([L-CO]⁺ ). Formation of product ions H ([D-H₂ O]⁺ ) and M ([H-CO]⁺ ) is associated with the hydroxyl group at C-3 and C-3', whereas product ions N ([D-MeOH]⁺ ) and O ([N-MeOH]⁺ ) indicate a methoxyl group at the same positions. Finally, product ions F ([A-C₂ H₂ O]⁺ ), Q ([A-C₃ H₆ O₂ ]⁺ ), I ([A-C₆ H₆ O]⁺ ), and J ([I-MeOH]⁺ ) for DBNs and product ion G ([B-C₂ H₂ O]⁺ ) for BNs diagnose a saturated bond between C-7' and C-8'. We used these structure-fragmentation relationships in combination with deuterium exchange experiments, MSⁿ data, and Computational Chemistry to elucidate the gas-phase fragmentation pathways of these compounds. These results could help to elucidate DBN and BN metabolites in in vivo and in vitro studies on the basis of electrospray ionization ESI-CID-MS/MS data only.

Chemodiversity of Cirsium fruits: Antiproliferative lignans, neolignans and sesquineolignans as chemotaxonomic markers

While analyzing the fruit composition of nine European Cirsium species representing three sections (i.e., Cephalonoplos, Chamaeleon and Eriolepis), four lignans, three neolignans and three sesquineolignans were determined and used as chemotaxonomic markers. Among them, desmethyl balanophonin and desmethyl picrasmalignan were determined for the first time in the plant kingdom, as the main metabolites of the Chamaeleon section. Prebalanophonin and prepicrasmalignan, identified so far exclusively in C. eriophorum, were also confirmed in C. boujartii and C. vulgare, highlighting the chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds in the Eriolepis section. The antiproliferative assay of the compounds isolated from their optimum sources, confirmed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of the structures bearing the 4',7-epoxy moiety (balanophonin, picrasmalignan, desmethyl balanophonin, desmethyl picrasmalignan) against SW480 colon cancer cells, while those bearing the 4',7-dihydroxy motif (prebalanophonin, prepicrasmalignan) were inactive.

Phenylpropanoids from the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida exhibit cytotoxicity on hepatic carcinoma cells through apoptosis induction

Eight new phenylpropanoids (1a/1b, 2-4, 5a/5b and 6) including two pairs of enantiomers (1a/1b and 5a/5b), along with a known analogue (7) were isolated from the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida. Their structures were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1a/1b and 5a/5b were separated successfully by chiral chromatographic column. The absolute configurations of enantiomers were determined by comparison between the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The in vitro antitumor activities of the isolates were evaluated against two human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Five compounds (1a/1b, 2-4) exhibited more potent cytotoxicity and their structure-activity relationships were also discussed. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining using flow cytometry was carried out to examine cell apoptosis, and the results showed that compounds 3-4 with the presence of two methoxy groups substituted at C-3' significantly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

Gardenifolins A-H, Scalemic Neolignans from Gardenia ternifolia: Chiral Resolution, Configurational Assignment, and Cytotoxic Activities against the HeLa Cancer Cell Line

From the tropical plant Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. and Thonn. (Rubiaceae), eight stereoisomeric 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furan neolignans, named gardenifolins A-H (1a-d and 2a-d), were isolated and fully structurally characterized. Reversed-phase chromatography of a stem bark extract afforded two peaks, viz. mixtures I and II, each one consisting of two diastereomers and their respective enantiomers. They were resolved and stereochemically analyzed by HPLC on a chiral phase coupled to electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy, giving single ECD spectra of all eight stereoisomers. The double-bond geometries (E or Z) of the gardenifolins A-H and their relative configurations (cis or trans) at the stereogenic centers C-7 and C-8 in the dihydrofuran ring system were assigned by 1D and 2D NMR methods, in particular, using NOE difference experiments, whereas the absolute configurations of the isolated enantiomers were established by ECD spectroscopy by applying the reversed helicity rule. The individual pure gardenifolin isomers A-H showed the most different cytotoxic effects against the human cancer HeLa cell line, with 1d and 2a displaying the highest activities, with IC₅₀ values of 21.0 and 32.5 μM, respectively. Morphological experiments indicated that gardenifolin D (1d) induces apoptosis of HeLa cells at 25 μM.

Recent advances in research on lignans and neolignans

Covering: 2009 to 2015Lignans and neolignans are a large group of natural products derived from the oxidative coupling of two C6-C3 units. Owing to their biological activities ranging from antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory to antiviral properties, they have been used for a long time both in ethnic as well as in conventional medicine. This review describes 564 of the latest examples of naturally occurring lignans and neolignans, and their glycosides in some cases, which have been isolated between 2009 and 2015. It comprises the data reported in more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and covers their source, isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivities (where available), and highlights the biosynthesis and total synthesis of some important ones.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic lignans from the roots of Bupleurum chinense

In the search for biologically active compounds from the roots of Bupleurum chinense D C., phytochemical investigation of its ethanol extract led to the isolation and identification of a new 8-O-4' neolignan glucoside, saikolignanoside A (1), along with eight known lignans (2-9). Their structures were determined on the basis of IR, UV, HRESIMS, and NMR spectroscopic analyses. The antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro. The isolated compounds (IC₅₀ > 200 μM) did not display 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Whereas compounds 1-2, 5, 7, and 9 exhibited potent 2, 2'-azinobis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging properties with IC₅₀ values ranging from 8.34 to 15.24 μM, while compounds 3-4, 6, 8 showed moderate properties. In addition, all compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicities against A549, HepG2, U251, Bcap-37, and MCF-7 cell lines. Compounds 5 and 9 (IC₅₀< 51.62 μM) possessed stronger cytotoxic activities against all the tested tumor cell lines, compared with the positive control 5-Fluorouracil.

First total synthesis of quiquesetinerviusin A

The first total synthesis of the dihydrobenzofuran neolignan quiquesetinerviusin A and its related structure have been described. Phenolic coupling is the key step to constructing the dihydrobenzofuran skeleton with vanillin as the raw material. The hydroxyl group was protected with dihydropyran (DHP) and the ester group was reduced with diisobutylaluminium hydride (DIBAL-H) in order to obtain the crucial intermediate diol, which was then condensed with an acid ligand to give the desired compounds following removal of the protecting groups.

Diterpenoids and Lignans from Cephalotaxus fortunei

Five new diterpenoids including two Cephalotaxus troponoids (1 and 2), two 17-nor-cephalotane-type diterpenoids (3 and 4), and an abietane-type diterpenoid (5), two new lignans (6 and 7), and a new trisnorneoligan (8) along with eight known compounds were identified from the twigs and leaves of Cephalotaxus fortunei. The structure of 11-hydroxyhainanolidol was revised as 10-hydroxyhainanolidol (9) by X-ray crystallographic data. Compounds 3 and 4 are the first examples of 17-nor-cephalotane-type diterpenoids that are likely the biosynthesis precursors of the co-occurring troponoids (e.g., 1, 2, and 9). Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activities against HL-60 and A-549 cells with IC₅₀ values of 0.77 ± 0.05 and 1.129 ± 0.057 μM, respectively.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Shells Extract: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Effect and Cytotoxic Activity on Human Cancer Cell Lines

Hazelnut shells, a by-product of the kernel industry processing, are reported to contain high amount of polyphenols. However, studies on the chemical composition and potential effects on human health are lacking. A methanol hazelnut shells extract was prepared and dried. Our investigation allowed the isolation and characterization of different classes of phenolic compounds, including neolignans, and a diarylheptanoid, which contribute to a high total polyphenol content (193.8 ± 3.6 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of extract). Neolignans, lawsonicin and cedrusin, a cyclic diarylheptanoid, carpinontriol B, and two phenol derivatives, C-veratroylglycol, and β-hydroxypropiovanillone, were the main components of the extract (0.71%-2.93%, w/w). The biological assays suggested that the extract could be useful as a functional ingredient in food technology and pharmaceutical industry showing an in vitro scavenging activity against the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) (EC50 = 31.7 μg/mL with respect to α-tocopherol EC50 = 10.1 μg/mL), and an inhibitory effect on the growth of human cancer cell lines A375, SK-Mel-28 and HeLa (IC50 = 584, 459, and 526 μg/mL, respectively). The expression of cleaved forms of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) suggested that the extract induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation in both human malignant melanoma (SK-Mel-28) and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines. The cytotoxic activity relies on the presence of the neolignans (balanophonin), and phenol derivatives (gallic acid), showing a pro-apoptotic effect on the tested cell lines, and the neolignan, cedrusin, with a cytotoxic effect on A375 and HeLa cells.

Dihydrobenzofuran Neolignanamides: Laccase-Mediated Biomimetic Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity

The biomimetic synthesis of a small library of dihydrobenzofuran neolignanamides (the natural trans-grossamide (4) and the related compounds 21-28) has been carried out through an eco-friendly oxidative coupling reaction mediated by Trametes versicolor laccase. These products, after complete spectroscopic characterization, were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 (colon carcinoma), MCF-7 (mammary adenocarcinoma), and PC-3 (prostate cancer) human cells, using an MTT bioassay. The racemic neolignamides (±)-21 and (±)-27, in being the most lipophilic in the series, were potently active, with GI50 values comparable to or even lower than that of the positive control 5-FU. The racemates were resolved through chiral HPLC, and the pure enantiomers were subjected to ECD measurements to establish their absolute configurations at C-2 and C-3. All enantiomers showed potent antiproliferative activity, with, in particular, a GI50 value of 1.1 μM obtained for (2R,3R)-21. The effect of (±)-21 on the Caco-2 cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry, and it was demonstrated that (±)-21 exerts its antiproliferative activity by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Lignans and triterpenoids from Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and their biological evaluation

Three new phenylnaphthalene-type lignans, vitexnegheteroins E-G (1-3), and a new polyoxygenated ursane-type triterpene, vitexnegheteroin H (9), were isolated from the seeds of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, together with ten known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as their mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by comparing their experimental ECD spectra with that calculated by the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against three human cancer cell lines, inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in murine microglial BV-2 cells, and antioxidant activities for ABTS radical scavenging.

Synthesis, characterization, and third-order nonlinear optical properties of a new neolignane analogue

This paper presents an extensive study of a new neolignane analogue using experimental and theoretical approach and brings highlights in solid state characterization and electronic properties.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active dihydrobenzofuran neolignans from the seeds of Prunus tomentosa

Prunus tomentosa seeds were researched for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents. By activity-guided fractionation of P. tomentosa seed extract, six new dihydrobenzofuran neolignans, prunustosanans AI-IV (1-4) and prunustosanansides AI and AII (5 and 6), together with 10 known compounds (7-16) were isolated from bioactive fraction. The structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses, especially NMR, HRESIMS, and CD spectra. The antioxidant activity was greatest for 5, 10, and 12 against DPPH radical and for 8, 9, and 13 against ABTS radical. Moreover, compounds 7 and 11 exhibited much stronger inhibitory activity on nitric oxide (NO) production in murine microglia BV-2 compared with positive control minocycline (IC50 = 19.7 ± 1.5 μM). The results show that P. tomentosa seeds can be regarded as a potential source of antioxidants and inflammation inhibitors.

Crataegus pinnatifida: chemical constituents, pharmacology, and potential applications

Crataegus pinnatifida (Hawthorn) is widely distributed in China and has a long history of use as a traditional medicine. The fruit of C. pinnatifida has been used for the treatment of cardiodynia, hernia, dyspepsia, postpartum blood stasis, and hemafecia and thus increasing interest in this plant has emerged in recent years. Between 1966 and 2013, numerous articles have been published on the chemical constituents, pharmacology or pharmacologic effects and toxicology of C. pinnatifida. To review the pharmacologic advances and to discuss the potential perspective for future investigation, we have summarized the main literature findings of these publications. So far, over 150 compounds including flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, hydroxycinnamic acids, organic acids and nitrogen-containing compounds have been isolated and identified from C. pinnatifida. It has been found that these constituents and extracts of C. pinnatifida have broad pharmacological effects with low toxicity on, for example, the cardiovascular, digestive, and endocrine systems, and pathogenic microorganisms, supporting the view that C. pinnatifida has favorable therapeutic effects. Thus, although C. pinnatifida has already been widely used as pharmacological therapy, due to its various active compounds, further research is warranted to develop new drugs.