Isolation and characterization of bioactive principles of the leaves and stems of Physalis philadelphica

Phosphatidylcholine and ceramide derivatives from white rot fungus Microporus xanthropus PP17-20

The undescribed phosphatidylcholine (1), along with twelve known compounds, was isolated from the cultures of white rot fungus Microporus xanthropus PP17-20. In this work the fungus was cultivated in Yeast-Malt extract medium to explore active compound production. The chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and HRESIMS data. Several isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-proliferative activity against A549 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

Cytotoxic withanolides from the stems and leaves of Physalis ixocarpa

The stems and leaves of the tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa or Physalis philadelphica) were considered agricultural waste during the processing of tomatillo fruits. However, their potential value for utilization has not yet been explored. The investigation resulted in the isolation of a total of 29 withanolides, out of which 15 never reported. These newly discovered withanolides were then tested for their cytotoxicity against eight different human tumor cell lines. Compounds 2-3, 6-7, 17, 19, and 25-27 displayed encouraging cytotoxic effects. Given the potent inhibitory activity of physagulin C (25) on the proliferation of HepG2 cells in vitro, further investigation was conducted to determine its molecular mechanism. Physagulin C inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process through the down-regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Withanolides presenting in the stems and leaves of tomatillo make the plant possess potential commercial importance. Therefore, tomatillos could be commercialized worldwide in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Screening of promising chemotherapeutic candidates from plants against human adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (VIII): six new withanolides from Physalis philadelphica

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of mature peripheral T-lymphocytes caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). There are an estimated 5-20 million HTLV-1-infected individuals worldwide. Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens used against other malignant lymphomas have been administered to patients with ATL, but the therapeutic outcomes of acute and lymphoma-type ATL remain extremely poor. In the course of our screening program for novel chemotherapeutic candidate compounds from plants against two human T-cell leukemia virus I-infected T-cell lines (MT-1 and MT-2), we screened 16 extracts obtained from different parts of 7 Solanaceae plants. We identified that the extracts of Physalis pruinosa and P. philadelphica showed potent anti-proliferative activity in MT-1 and MT-2 cells. In our previous study, we have isolated withanolides from extract of aerial parts of P. pruinosa and examined their structure-activity relationships. In addition, we are also investigating further structure-activity relationships about other withanolides from Solanaceae plants (Withania somnifera, Withania coagulans, Physalis angulate, Nicandra physalodes, Petunia hybrida, and Solanum cilistum). In this study, we attempted to isolate their active compounds against MT-1 and MT-2 from extracts of P. philadelphica. We identified 13 withanolides, including six newly isolated compounds [24R, 25S-4β, 16β, 20R-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2-en-5β, 6 β -epoxy-22,26-olide (1), 4β, 7β,20R-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2-en-5β, 6β -epoxy-22,26-olide (2), 17β,20 S-dihydroxywithanone (3), 2,3-dihydro-3β-methoxy-23β-hydroxywithaphysacarpin (4), 3-O-(4-rhamnosyl)glucosyl-physalolactone B (5), and 17R, 20R, 22S, 23S, 24R, 25R-4β, 5α, 6β, 20β, 22α -tetrahydroxy-16β, 23-diepoxy-1-oxowitha-2-en-26, 23-olide (6)], from the extract and examined the structure-activity relationships. The 50% effective concentration of withaphysacarpin (compound 7) [MT-1: 0.10 µM and MT-2: 0.04 µM] was comparable to that of etoposide [MT-1: 0.08 µM and MT-2: 0.07 µM]. Therefore, withanolides might be promising candidates for the treatment of ATL.

Secondary metabolites from Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr. (Fabaceae)

The chemical investigation of the ethanol/water (7:3) extract of the roots of Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae) led to the isolation of one new labdane diterpenoid, microcarpin (1) and one new ceramide derivative, microcarpamide (2), along with eight known secondary metabolites (3-10) including, 5-(carboxymethyl)-5,6,8a-trimethyl-3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (3), microcarposide (4), rhinocerotinoic acid (5), 1,7-dihydroxy-6-methylxanthone (6), ursolic acid (7), 3β,23-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (8), alphitolic acid (9), and stigmasterol glucoside (10). The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on their spectroscopic data. Although compounds 3 and 4 are known, their crystalline structures are reported here for the first time. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antisalmonella activity. The results obtained showed that, microcarpamide (2), microcarposide (4), and rhinocerotinoic acid (5) were moderately active against three salmonella strains: Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimirium, with minimum inhibition concentration values of 76.7 and 153.5 μM.

Chemical Constituents of the Roots of Astragalus polycladus var. nigrescens

Abstract:

A new cycloartane triterpenoid, 24-acetylcyclocantogenin (1), along with five cycloartane triterpenoids (2-6), eight steroids (7-14) and nine other known compounds (15-23), was obtained from the methanol extract of roots of Astragalus polycladus var. nigrescens. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D-NMR, MS and IR). They were isolated from A. polycladus var. nigrescens for the first time.

Metabolic response to larval herbivory in three Physalis species

The Physalis genus includes species of commercial importance due to their ornamental, edible and medicinal properties. These qualities stem from their variety of biologically active compounds. We performed a metabolomic analysis of three Physalis species, i.e., P. angulata, P. grisea, and P. philadelphica, differing in domestication stage and cultivation practices, to determine the degree of inter-species metabolite variation and to test the hypothesis that these related species mount a common metabolomic response to foliar damage caused by Trichoplusia ni larvae. The results indicated that the metabolomic differences detected in the leaves of these species were species-specific and remained even after T. ni herbivory. They also show that each Physalis species displayed a unique response to insect herbivory. This study highlighted the metabolite variation present in Physalis spp. and the persistence of this variability when faced with biotic stressors. Furthermore, it sets an experimental precedent from which highly species-specific metabolites could be identified and subsequently used for plant breeding programs designed to increase insect resistance in Physalis and related plant species.

Withanolides from Physalis angulata L

The compounds (17S,20R,22R,24R,25S)-5β,6β:20,24-diep-oxy-4β,25-dihy-droxy-1-oxowith-2-en-26,22-olide and (20R,22R)-5α,14α,20-Trihy-droxy-1-oxo-6α,7α-ep-oxy-witha-2-enolide were isolated from a chloro-form extract of the aerial parts of Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae). Two products were isolated from the chromatographic separation extract. Compound I corresponds to physangulide B chloro-form monosolvate, C28H38O7·CHCl3, while compound II is 14α-hy-droxy-ixocarpanolide, C28H40O7. In the two mol-ecular structures, the conformation of the steroid part (rings A, B, C, D) does not differ. In both crystals, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds along the c-axis direction and form a two-dimensional network parallel to the ac plane. The absolute configuration was determined from X-ray diffraction data.

Non-ephedrine constituents from the herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica

Three new flavonoids, ephedroside A (1), ephedroside B (2), ephedroside C (3), together with fifty-four known compounds 4-57 were isolated from the EtOH extract of the herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques, as well as by comparison with literature data. Thirty-eight of these compounds were isolated from the genus Ephedra for the first time. The antimicrobial activities of eight compounds were tested by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against bacteria (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungi, and were found to be in the range of 0.105-0.926 mM. Among them, compound 2 showed the best antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC value of 0.105 mM.

Chemical constituents with inhibition against TNF-α from Merrillanthus hainanensis

Two new steroidal glycosides oxystauntoside A (1) and oxystauntoside B (2), together with sixteen known compounds (3-18) were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of Merrillanthus hainanensis. Their structures were characterized by extensive spectroscopic analysis including NMR and mass spectra and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The absolute configuration of 1 and 2 were further determined by ECD calculations. All of these compounds were isolated from M. hainanensis for the first time. All the fractions and compounds were tested for the anti-inflammatory activity against the TNF-α factor. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the most potent inhibition (71.3%) at 10 μg/mL and compounds 5 (78.9%) and 9 (73.4%) in this fraction with both carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups showed significant inhibition at 10 μM. Our study provided the first scientific report for the medicinal value of M. hainanensis.

Withanolides from dietary tomatillo suppress HT1080 cancer cell growth by targeting mutant IDH1

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is one key rate-limiting enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which is related to various cancers. Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), a special tomato, is widely consumed as nutritious vegetable in Mexico, USA, etc. As a rich source for withanolides, the fruits of P. ixocarpa were investigated, leading to the isolation of 11 type-A withanolides including 4 new ones (1 is an artificial withanolide). All these withanolides were evaluated for their inhibition on mutant IDH1 enzyme activity. Among them, physalin F (11) exhibited potent enzyme inhibitory activity and binding affinity with mutant IDH1. It inhibits the proliferation of HT1080 cells by selectively inhibiting the activity of mutant IDH1. Since Ixocarpalactone A, another major type-B withanolide in this plant, could act on another energy metabolism target PHGDH, the presence of different types of withanolides in tomatillo and their synergistic effect could make it a potential antitumor functional food or drug.

19-nor-, 20-nor-, and tetranor-Halimane-Type Furanoditerpenoids from Croton crassifolius

The phytochemical investigation of the roots of Croton crassifolius led to the isolation of 16 new halimane furanoditerpenoids, crohalifuranes A-P (1-16), along with 15 known analogues, 17-31. The new structures including their absolute configurations were elucidated by NMR and MS data analysis, comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, and chemical methods. Crohalifuranes A (1) and B (2) are tetranor- and 19-nor-halimane diterpenoids featuring a rare decahydroacenaphthene core, respectively, which might be derived from the accompanying crassifoliusin A by loss of the furan ring or the C-19 substituent. Crohalifurane C (3) represents the first example of a 20-nor-halimane diterpenoid, and crohalifurane D (4) is characterized by an unusual 6,20-δ-lactone moiety. All compounds were examined for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 cells, and 2 and 23 exhibited moderate inhibition on NO production with IC₅₀ values of 17.2 ± 1.3 and 23.7 ± 1.4 μM, respectively.

Ixocarpalactone A from dietary tomatillo inhibits pancreatic cancer growth by targeting PHGDH

3-Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) has been reported to associate with tumorigenesis in many cancers. IoxA, a natural withanolide obtained from dietary tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), was identified as the novel natural PHGDH inhibitor with high targeting and low toxicities for treatment of pancreatic cancers.

Cytotoxic and other withanolides from aeroponically grown Physalis philadelphica

Eleven withanolides including six previously undescribed compounds, 16β-hydroxyixocarpanolide, 24,25-dihydroexodeconolide C, 16,17-dehydro-24-epi-dioscorolide A, 17-epi-philadelphicalactone A, 16-deoxyphiladelphicalactone C, and 4-deoxyixocarpalactone A were isolated from aeroponically grown Physalis philadelphica. Structures of these withanolides were elucidated by the analysis of their spectroscopic (HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD) data and comparison with published data for related withanolides. Cytotoxic activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated against a panel of five human tumor cell lines (LNCaP, ACHN, UO-31, M14 and SK-MEL-28), and normal (HFF) cells. Of these, 17-epi-philadelphicalactone A, withaphysacarpin, philadelphicalactone C, and ixocarpalactone A exhibited cytotoxicity against ACHN, UO-31, M14 and SK-MEL-28, but showed no toxicity to HFF cells.

Withanolides from Aeroponically Grown Physalis peruviana and Their Selective Cytotoxicity to Prostate Cancer and Renal Carcinoma Cells

Investigation of aeroponically grown Physalis peruviana resulted in the isolation of 11 new withanolides, including perulactones I-L (1-4), 17-deoxy-23β-hydroxywithanolide E (5), 23β-hydroxywithanolide E (6), 4-deoxyphyperunolide A (7), 7β-hydroxywithanolide F (8), 7β-hydroxy-17-epi-withanolide K (9), 24,25-dihydro-23β,28-dihydroxywithanolide G (10), and 24,25-dihydrowithanolide E (11), together with 14 known withanolides (12-25). The structures of 1-11 were elucidated by the analysis of their spectroscopic data, and 12-25 were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported. All withanolides were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of tumor cell lines including LNCaP (androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma), 22Rv1 (androgen-resistant human prostate adenocarcinoma), ACHN (human renal adenocarcinoma), M14 (human melanoma), SK-MEL-28 (human melanoma), and normal human foreskin fibroblast cells. Of these, the 17β-hydroxywithanolides (17-BHWs) 6, 8, 9, 11-13, 15, and 19-22 showed selective cytotoxic activity against the two prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and 22Rv1, whereas 13 and 20 exhibited selective toxicity for the ACHN renal carcinoma cell line. These cytotoxicity data provide additional structure-activity relationship information for the 17-BHWs.

Bioactive new withanolides from the cultured soft coral Sinularia brassica

Continuing study of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of the cultured soft coral Sinularia brassica afforded five new withanolides, sinubrasolides H-L (1-5). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxicities of new compounds 1-5 and a known compound sinubrasolide A (6) against the proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines were assayed. The anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-6 were evaluated by measuring their ability to suppress N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB)-induced superoxide anion generation and elastase release in human neutrophils.

Sesquiterpenoids with Various Carbocyclic Skeletons from the Flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum

A phytochemical investigation of the flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum yielded sesquiterpenoids 1-25 with various carbocyclic skeletons, including 10 new (1-10) and 15 known (11-25) analogues. The structures were elucidated via their physical data, while the absolute configuration of compounds 6, 8, and 10 was assessed via electronic circular dichroism analysis. The evaluation of the effect of sesquiterpenoids on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) replication showed that compounds 1-5, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, and 21 increased cell viability against cell death in PEDV-injected cells. Compounds 2, 12, and 17 were selected and investigated for their inhibition of proteins required for PEDV replication. Compounds 2 and 17 significantly reduced PEDV nucleocapsid and spike protein synthesis compared with azauridin as a positive control.

17β-Hydroxy-18-acetoxywithanolides from Aeroponically Grown Physalis crassifolia and Their Potent and Selective Cytotoxicity for Prostate Cancer Cells

When cultivated under aeroponic growth conditions, Physalis crassifolia produced 11 new withanolides (1-11) and seven known withanolides (12-18) including those obtained from the wild-crafted plant. The structures of the new withanolides were elucidated by the application of spectroscopic techniques, and the known withanolides were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported. Withanolides 1-11 and 16 were evaluated for their potential anticancer activity using five tumor cell lines. Of these, the 17β-hydroxy-18-acetoxywithanolides 1, 2, 6, 7, and 16 showed potent antiproliferative activity, with some having selectivity for prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCaP and PC-3M) compared to the breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), non-small-cell lung cancer (NCI-H460), and CNS glioma (SF-268) cell lines used. The cytotoxicity data obtained for 12-15, 17, and 19 have provided additional structure-activity relationship information for the 17β-hydroxy-18-acetoxywithanolides.

Withanolide Structural Revisions by (13)C NMR Spectroscopic Analysis Inclusive of the γ-Gauche Effect

A classic withanolide is defined as a highly oxygenated C28 ergostane-type steroid that is characterized by a C22-hydroxy-C26-oic acid δ-lactone in the nine-carbon side chain. Analysis of the reported (13)C NMR data of classic withanolides with hydroxy groups (C-14, C-17, and C-20) revealed that (1) a hydroxy (C-14 or C-17) substituent significantly alters the chemical shifts (C-7, C-9, C-12, and C-21) via the γ-gauche effect; (2) the chemical shift values (C-9, C-12, and C-21) reflect the orientation (α or β) of the hydroxy moiety (C-14 or C-17); (3) a double-bond positional change in ring A (Δ(2) to Δ(3)), or hydroxylation (C-27), results in a minuscule effect on the chemical shifts of carbons in rings C and D (from C-12 to C-18); and (4) the (13)C NMR γ-gauche effect method is more convenient and reliable than the traditional approach ((1)H NMR shift comparisons in C5D5N versus CDCl3) to probe the orientation of the hydroxy substituent (C-14 and C-17). Utilization of these rules demonstrated that the reported (13)C NMR data of withanolides 1a-29a were inconsistent with their published structures, which were subsequently revised as 1-16 and 12 and 18-29, respectively. When combined, this strongly supports the application of these methods to determine the relative configuration of steroidal substituents.

Anti-inflammatory labdane-type diterpenoids from Physalis angulata

Twelve new labdane-type diterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the stems and leaves of P. angulata.

Absolute configuration of labdane diterpenoids from Physalis nicandroides

A mixture of the new epimeric labdenetriols 1 and 2 was isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis nicandroides. The structures of 1 and 2, including their absolute configurations, were established by analyses of their spectroscopic data, together with the X-ray diffraction analysis of acetonide 3 and chemical correlation with (-)-(13E)-labd-13-ene-8α,15-diol (6), whose absolute configuration was also confirmed by X-ray analysis of its dibromo derivative 7. The epimeric labdenediols 8 and 9, the known labdanes 6 and 11, and the acylsucroses 12 and 13 were also isolated. Labdanes 6 and 11 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activities in the induced ear edema model.

Capsisteroids A–F, withanolides from the leaves of Solanum capsicoides

A known withanolide steroid cilistol G (1) and six new withanolides, capsisteroids A–F (2–7), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the leaves of Solanum capsicoides.

Natural nitric oxide (NO) inhibitors from Aristolochia mollissima

Six new sesquiterpenoids, including one with a new skeleton, and 24 known analogues were isolated from Aristolochia mollissima.

Withanolide-based steroids from the cultured soft coral Sinularia brassica

Seven novel withanolides, sinubrasolides A-G (1-7), have been isolated from the cultured soft coral Sinularia brassica. The structures of the new metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The cytotoxicities of compounds 1-7 against a limited panel of cancer cell lines also were determined.

Induction of quinone reductase (QR) by withanolides isolated from Physalis pubescens L. (Solanaceae)

In the present study, it was demonstrated that the dichloromethane extract of Physalis pubescens L. (DEPP) had weak potential quinone reductase (QR) inducing activity, but an UPLC-ESI-MS method with glutathione (GSH) as the substrate revealed that the DEPP had electrophiles (with an α,β-unsaturated ketone moiety). These electrophiles could induce quinone reductase (QR) activity, which might be attributed to the modification of the highly reactive cysteine residues in Keap1. Herein, four withanolides, including three new compounds physapubescin B (2), physapubescin C (3), physapubescin D (4), together with one known steroidal compound physapubescin (1) were isolated. Structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis and that of physapubescin C (3) was confirmed by a combination of molecular modeling and quantum chemical DFT-GIAO calculations. Evaluation of the QR inducing activities of all withanolides indicated potent activities of compounds 1 and 2, which had a common α,β-unsaturated ketone moiety.

Biologically active withanolides from Withania coagulans

Bioassay-directed isolation and purification of the crude extract of Withania coagulans, using two assays for cancer chemopreventive mechanisms, led to the isolation of three new steroidal lactones, withacoagulin G (1), withacoagulin H (2), and withacoagulin I (3), along with six known derivatives (4-9). The structures and absolute stereochemistry of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometry, and CD analyses. The structure of 1 was confirmed using X-ray diffraction methods. Compounds 1-9 inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with IC(50) values in the range of 1.9-38.2 μM. Compounds 1 and 2 were the most active (IC(50) 3.1 and 1.9 μM, respectively). Withanolides 1-9 exhibited inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation with IC(50) values in the range of 1.60-12.4 μM.

Leishmanicidal active withanolides from a pakistani medicinal plant, Withania coagulans

In the course of screening for leishmanicidal constituents from Asian and South American medicinal plants, a Pakistani medicinal plant, Withania coagulans, showed activity. We therefore studied the active components of the methanol extract of aerial parts of W. coagulans. From the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the extract, four new withanolides (1-4) were isolated along with seven known withanolides (5-11). The new compounds were elucidated to be (14R,15R,17S,20S,22R)-14,15,17,20-tetrahydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,5,24-trienolide (1), (14R,15R,17S,20S,22R)-14,15,17,20-tetrahydroxy-1-oxowitha-3,5,24-trienolide (2), (14S,17R,20S,22R)-14,17,20-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,5,24-trienolide (3), and (14S,17R,20S,22R)-14,17,20-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-3,5,24-trienolide (4), from 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 2D-NMR and high resolution (HR)-MS data. Some of these compounds having the partial structure 1-oxo-2,5-diene showed strong leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania major.

Antiproliferative activity of withanolide derivatives from Jaborosa cabrerae and Jaborosa reflexa. Chemotaxonomic considerations

Three withanolides were isolated from the aerial parts of Jaborosa reflexa Phil. Jaborosa cabrerae Barboza yielded five sativolide withanolides (including jaborosalactones R, S, 38, and 39) and two trechonolide withanolides epimeric at C-23 (trechonolide A and jaborosalactone 32). In addition, five derivatives were obtained by chemical derivatization of jaborosalactone 38, and all compounds were fully characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies. The in vitro antiproliferative activities of the major natural withanolides and the semisynthetic derivatives were examined against HBL-100, HeLa, SW1573, T-47D, and WiDr human solid tumor cancer cell lines. Some chemotaxonomic considerations are discussed.

Cytotoxic ceramides and glycerides from the roots of Livistona chinensis

A 70% ethanol extract of the roots of Livistona chinensis has been investigated, led to the isolation of 13 compounds, including a new ceramide, (2S,3S,4R,9Z)-2-[(2R)-2-hydroxytricosanoylamino]-9-octadecene-1,3,4-triol (2), a new glycosyl ceramide, 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3S,4R,9Z)-2-[(2R)-2-hydroxydocosanoylamino]-9-octadecene-1,3,4-triol (3), three new monoacylglycerols, 1-(34-hydroxytetratriacontanoyl)-sn-glycerol (9), 1-[nonadeca-(9Z,12Z)-dienoyl]-sn-glycerol (10), and 1-[12-hydroxypentatriaconta-(13E,15Z)-dienoyl]-sn-glycerol (11), a new diacylglycerol, 1-(heptadeca-6Z,9Z-dienoyl)-3-(octadeca-6Z,9Z,12Z-trienoyl)-sn-glycerol (12), as well as a new diacylglycerol aminoglycoside, 1-octadecanoyl-2-nonadecanoyl-3-O-(6-amino-6-deoxy)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (13). The structures of new compounds were elucidated, based on spectroscopic, zymologic and chemical methods. Among the compounds tested, compounds 3, 4 and 13 showed significantly antiproliferative effects against the human tumor cell lines (K562, HL-60, HepG2, and CNE-1) with the IC₅₀ of 10-65 μM. To our knowledge, this is first report of the occurrence of ceramides and acylglycerols in the genus Livistona.

Ten new withanolides from Physalis peruviana

Ten new withanolides, including four perulactone-type withanolides, perulactones E-H (1-4), three 28-hydroxy-withanolides, withaperuvins I-K (5-7), and three other withanolides, withaperuvins L-N (8-10), together with six known compounds (11-16) were isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis peruviana. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, IR, HR-MS) and chemical methods.

Biologically active arborinane-type triterpenoids and anthraquinones from Rubia yunnanensis

Twelve new arborinane-type triterpenoids (1-12) and four new anthraquinones (13-16), together with 50 known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Rubia yunnanensis. The structures of 1-16 were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and chemical methods. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Rubiyunnanol C (5) is the first example of an arborinane-type triterpenoid with a double bond at C-8-C-9.

Withanolides from the rhizomes of Dioscorea japonica and their cytotoxicity

Edible yams are tropical crops that serve as important staple foods in many parts of the world. The rhizome of Dioscorea japonica , well-known as "Japanese yam", is a food and medicinal source known as "San Yak" in Korea. Bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical investigation of the extract of this yam resulted in the identification of two new withanolides, named dioscorolide A (1) and dioscorolide B (2). The structures of these new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and chemical methods. The cytotoxic activities of the isolates (1 and 2) were evaluated by determining their inhibitory effects on four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15) and a human normal cell line (HUVEC) using a sulforhodamine B (SRB) bioassay. Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15) with IC(50) values ranging from 6.3 to 26.9 μM and exhibited lower activity against the normal cell line (HUVEC) with IC(50) values ranging from 27.1 to 28.8 μM, suggesting selective toxicity among tumor and normal cells.

Philadelphicalactones C and D and other cytotoxic compounds from Physalis philadelphica

Two new withanolides, philadelphicalactone C (1) and philadelphicalactone D (4), along with the known withaphysacarpin (3), ixocarpanolide (5), philadelphicalactone A (6), and ixocarpalactone A (7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis philadelphica Lam. Structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses and that of philadelphicalactone C (1) was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of all isolates and the derivative 2 against a panel of human cancer cell lines indicated a potent activity of compounds 2, 3, 6, and 7.

Paraminabeolides A-F, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory marine withanolides from the soft coral Paraminabea acronocephala

Six new withanolides, paraminabeolides A-F (1-6), along with five known compounds, minabeolides-1, -2, -4, -5, and -8 (7-11), were isolated from a Formosan soft coral, Paraminabea acronocephala. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformation. The absolute configuration of 4 was determined by the application of Mosher's method. Compounds 1 and 7 were cytotoxic toward Hep G2 cancer cells. Compounds 1-4 and 7-10 were found to significantly inhibit the accumulation of the pro-inflammatory iNOS protein. Compounds 7-10 also could effectively reduce the expression of COX-2 protein.

Chemical constituents from the cell cultures of Saussurea involucrata

The chemical constituents of the cell cultures of Saussurea involucrata were systematically investigated, thus a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene together with 14 known compounds was isolated. Among them, syringin is the main compound with an isolated yield of 0.3%. The new compound was characterized as 11 beta H-2 alpha-hydroxy-eudesman-4(15)-en-12,8 beta-olide (1) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data.