Studies on the synthesis of the indole alkaloids pauciflorine A and B

Indole derivatives targeting colchicine binding site as potential anticancer agents

Microtubules are appealing as intracellular targets for anticancer activity due to their importance in cell division. Three important binding sites are present on the tubulin protein: taxane, vinca, and colchicine binding sites (CBS). Many USFDA-approved drugs such as paclitaxel, ixabepilone, vinblastine, and combretastatin act by altering the dynamics of the microtubules. Additionally, a large number of compounds have been synthesized by medicinal chemists around the globe that target different tubulin binding sites. Although CBS inhibitors have proved their cytotoxic potential, no CBS-targeting drug had been able to reach the market. Several studies have reported design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of indole derivatives as potential anticancer agents. These compounds have been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and disrupt microtubule formation. Moreover, the binding affinity of these compounds to the CBS has been demonstrated using molecular docking studies and competitive binding assays. The present work has reviewed indole derivatives as potential colchicine-binding site inhibitors. The structure-activity relationship studies have revealed the crucial pharmacophoric features required for the potent and selective binding of indole derivatives to the CBS. The development of these compounds with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity could potentially lead to the development of novel and effective cancer therapies.

Characterization and Biological Studies of the Terpenoids from Ganoderma resinaceum and Serpula similis (Agaricomycetes)

Mycochemical properties and bioactivities of Ganoderma resinaceum and Serpula similis remain unexplored. The present study assessed antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and cell migration abilities of Ganoderma and Serpula extracts, followed by their phytochemical analyses. The MTT assay was conducted to determine the cytotoxicity along with the cell migration studies in human cancer cell lines. The antioxidant profiles were evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to elucidate the phytochemicals responsible for anticancer and antioxidant activities. Significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicities of 12.7% and 13.7% were observed against HCT 116 cell lines at 1% and 5% concentrations of the G. resinaceum extract, respectively. Similarly, significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicities of 6.7% and 25.5% were observed at 1% and 5% concentrations of the S. similis extract, respectively. The extracts of G. resinaceum and S. similis both shows better anti-migration potential in lung cancer cells. Both extracts demonstrated good scavenging activity on DPPH and ferric ion free radicals. LC-MS analysis revealed 11 compounds from S. similis and 15 compounds from G. resinaceum fruiting bodies. Compounds such as terpenoids, alkaloids, cytotoxic peptides, and other metabolites were identified as major components in both extracts. These extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity against HCT 116 cancer cells, along with moderate antioxidant activity. This implies that the extracts might be used as bioactive natural sources in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Synthesis of tetracyclic spiroindolines by an interrupted Bischler-Napieralski reaction: total synthesis of akuammicine

Judicious substrate design allows interruption of the classical Bischler–Napieralski reaction, providing access to a range of diversely substituted tetracyclic spiroindolines. These complex polycyclic scaffolds are valuable building blocks for the construction of indole alkaloids, as showcased in a concise total synthesis of (±)-akuammicine.

The interrupted Bischler–Napieralski reaction of β,γ-unsaturated tryptamides affords tetracyclic spiro pyrroloindolines, which can be used in the total synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloid, akuammicine.

Synthesis of Carbazoles by a Diverted Bischler-Napieralski Cascade Reaction

An unforeseen twist in a seemingly trivial Bischler–Napieralski reaction led to the selective formation of an unexpected carbazole product. The reaction proved to be general, providing access to a range of diversely substituted carbazoles from readily available substrates. Judicious variation of substituents revealed a complex cascade mechanism comprising no less than 10 elementary steps, that could be diverted in multiple ways toward various other carbazole derivatives.

Arboridinine, a Pentacyclic Indole Alkaloid with a New Cage Carbon-Nitrogen Skeleton Derived from a Pericine Precursor

A new monoterpene indole alkaloid characterized by an unprecedented pentacyclic cage skeleton, arboridinine (1), was isolated from a Malaysian Kopsia species. The structure and absolute configuration of the alkaloid were determined based on NMR, MS, and X-ray diffraction analysis. A possible biogenetic pathway from a pericine precursor is presented.

Synphos modified Pt nanoclusters, their heterogenization by silica sol-gel entrapment, and catalytic activity in hydrogenolysis of bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-enes and hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate

Platinum (Pt) colloids modified by the chiral ligand synphos were prepared with the goal of obtaining a catalytic nanomaterial and were subsequently embedded in silica to form a heterogeneous catalyst. The systems were characterized by (31)P-NMR, x-ray diffraction, molecular modeling and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs) measurements. These colloids, both as 'quasi-homogeneous catalysts' (or soluble heterogeneous catalysts) and embedded in silica (heterogeneous catalysts) were employed in the selective hydrogenolysis of highly sterically constrained bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-enes and hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate.

A Review on Recent Developments in Syntheses of the post-Secodine Indole Alkaloids. Part II: Modified Alkaloid Types

The second part of the planned review on developments in the field of total and formal total synthesis of the post-secodine indole alkaloids concentrates on modified alkaloid types, i.e. those skeletons derived from primary types by formation of additional and/or rupture of existing bonds, while connectivities next to indol(e)ine moiety remain intact. It thus reviews the synthesis of alkaloids of quebrachamine/cleavamine type including VLB-bis-indoles, rhazinilam type, aspidofractinine/kopsane and kopsifoline type, as well as kopsijasminilam alkaloids, lapidilectine B and danuphylline. It covers the literature of from 1991-1992 up to approximately end 2006. A review with 174 references.

Total Synthesis of (−)-Strychnine

Total synthesis of (-)-strychnine is described. Notable features of our synthesis include (1) palladium-catalyzed coupling of the indole and vinyl epoxide moieties, (2) synthesis of the nine-membered cyclic amine derivative from the diol precursor in a one-pot procedure, and (3) transannular cyclization of the nine-membered cyclic amine.