Schipropins A-J, structurally diverse triterpenoids from Schisandra propinqua

Biotransformation of Patchouli Alcohol by Cladosporium cladosporioides and the Anti-Influenza Virus Activities of Biotransformation Products

The biotransformation of patchouli alcohol by Cladosporium cladosporioides afforded 31 products, including 21 new ones (1-3, 5, 6, 8-14, and 17-25). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data analysis (1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY, ROESY, and HRESIMS), and the absolute configuration of compounds 1, 2, 8, 9, and 17 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Cu Kα radiation. Structurally, compounds 21-24 were patchoulol-type norsesquiterpenoids without Me-12. Among them, a Δ3(4) double bond existed in compounds 21 and 22; a three-membered ring was formed between C-4, C-5, and C-6 in compound 23; an epoxy moiety appeared between C-3 and C-4 in compound 24. Furthermore, the biotransformation products 9, 10, 12, and 25 showed potent anti-influenza virus activity with EC50 values of 2.11, 7.94, 20.87, and 3.45 μM, respectively.

Comprehensive review of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the Schisandra genus: anticancer potential, mechanistic insights and future prospects in oncology

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The search for novel and effective anticancer agents has been a significant area of research. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (DBCLS), derived from the Schisandra genus plants like: S. chinensis, S. sphenanthera, S. henryi, S. rubriflora, S. grandiflora, S. propinqua, and S. glabra, have been traditionally used in various medicinal systems and are known for their myriad health benefits, including anticancer properties. This comprehensive review aimed to collate and critically analyse the recent literature on the anticancer properties of DBCLS, focusing on their mechanistic approaches against different cancer types. An exhaustive literature search was performed using databases like PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, TRIP database and Google Scholar from 1980 to 2023. Peer-reviewed articles that elucidated the mechanistic approach of these lignans on cancer cell lines, in vivo models and preliminary clinical studies were included. Studies were assessed for their experimental designs, cancer types studied, and the mechanistic insights provided. The studies demonstrate that the anticancer effects of DBCLS compounds are primarily driven by their ability to trigger apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle, induce oxidative stress, modulate autophagy, and disrupt essential signaling pathways, notably MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Additionally, these lignans have been shown to amplify the impact of traditional chemotherapy treatments, suggesting their potential role as supportive adjuncts in cancer therapy. Notably, several studies also emphasise their capacity to target cancer stem cells and mitigate multi-drug resistance specifically. DBCLS from the Schisandra genus have showcased significant potential as anticancer agents. Their multi-targeted mechanistic approach makes them promising candidates for further research, potentially leading to developing of new therapeutic strategies in cancer management.