Caesalpins A-H, bioactive cassane-type diterpenes from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax

A new anti-neuroinflammation labdane diterpenoid from Salvia tricuspis

One new labdane diterpenoid, tricuspion A (1), as well as five known triterpenoids (2-6) were isolated from Salvia tricuspis Franch (family Labiatae). The structure of tricuspion A was identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with previously reported data. Compounds 1-6 were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the NO production in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia cells, and 1 exhibited potent inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 14.92 ± 0.51 μM. Compound 1 might exert anti-neuroinflammatory activity through inhibiting the excessive production of NO and down-regulating the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. As such, labdane diterpenoid (tricuspion A) could provide promising anti-neuroinflammatory lead compound for further structural modification.

Structurally diverse diterpenoids from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance and their bioactivities

Eight previously undescribed diterpenoids, caesamins A-H (1-8), were separated and identified from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance. Their structures were characterized by extensive spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Structurally, caesamin A (1) is the first cassane-type diterpenoid with a C23 carbon skeleton containing an unusual isopropyl. Caesamin F (6) represents the first example of cleistanthane diterpenoid from the genus Caesalpinia. Caesamins B (2) and F (6) exhibited inhibitory activity against LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 45.67 ± 0.92 and 42.99 ± 0.24 μM, comparable to positive control 43.69 ± 2.62 μM of NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolates was discussed.

New cassane-type alkaloids and diterpenoids from the pericarps of Caesalpinia bonduc

The phytochemical investigation of the pericarps of Caesalpinia bonduc led to the isolation and identification of five new cassane-type alkaloids: caesalminines C - G (1-5) and six new diterpenoids: caesalbonducin K - P (6-11), along with seven known compounds (12-18). Compounds 1-5 were identified as a group of rare alkaloids possessing a tetracyclic cassane-type diterpenoid skeleton with a lactam D-ring instead of a typical furan or lactone moiety. The structures of 1-11 were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR including HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY, and other spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated in the A431, A549 and U87MG cancer cell lines.

Diversified cassane family diterpenoids from the leaves of Caesalpinia minax exerting anti-neuroinflammatory activity through suppressing MAPK and NF-κB pathways in BV-2 microglia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caesalpinia minax Hance, whose seeds are known as "Ku-shi-lian" in China, have been used in Chinese folk medicine for treatment of rheumatism, dysentery, and skin itching. However, the anti-neuroinflammatory constituents of its leaves and their mechanism are rarely reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To search for new anti-neuro-inflammatory compounds from the leaves of C. minax and elucidate their mechanism on anti-neuroinflammatory effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main metabolites of the ethyl acetate fraction from C. minax were analyzed and purified via HPLC and various column chromatography techniques. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Anti-neuroinflammatory activity was evaluated in BV-2 microglia cells induced by LPS. The expression levels of molecules in NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways were analyzed through western blotting. Meanwhile, the time- and dose-dependent expression of associated proteins such as iNOS and COX-2 were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, Compounds 1 and 3 were performed on the NF-κB p65 active site using molecular docking simulation to elucidate the molecular level inhibition mechanism.

RESULTS

20 cassane diterpenoids, including two novel ones (caeminaxins A and B) were isolated from the leaves of C. minax Hance. Caeminaxins A and B possessed a rare unsaturated carbonyl moiety in their structures. Most of the metabolites exhibited potent inhibition effects with IC₅₀ values ranging from 10.86 ± 0.82 to 32.55 ± 0.47μM. Among them, caeminaxin A inhibited seriously the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins and restrained the phosphorylation of MAPK and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathways in BV-2 cells. The anti-neuro-inflammatory mechanism of caeminaxin A has been studied systematically for the first time. Furthermore, biosynthesis pathways for compounds 1-20 were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The new cassane diterpenoid, caeminaxin A, alleviated the expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein and down-regulated of intracellular MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. The results implied that cassane diterpenoids had potential to be developed into therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Semisynthesis and Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Cassane-Type Diterpenoid Taepeenin F and of Some Synthetic Intermediates

A new strategy for the semisynthesis of the aromatic cassane-type diterpene taepeenin F (6) is reported. The introduction of the methyl group at C-14, characteristic of the target compound, was achieved via dienone 13, easily prepared from abietic acid (10), the major compound in renewable rosin. Biological assays of selected compounds are reported. The antiproliferative activity against HT29, B16-F10, and HepG2 tumor cell lines has been investigated. Salicylaldehyde 21 was the most active compound (IC₅₀ = 7.72 μM). Products 16 and 21 displayed apoptotic effects in B16-F10 cells, with total apoptosis rates of 46 and 38.4%, respectively. This apoptotic process involves a significant arrest of the B16-F10 cell cycle, blocking the G0/G1 phase. Dienone 16 did not cause any loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), while salicylaldehyde 21 caused a partial loss of the MMP. The anti-inflammatory activity of the selected compounds was investigated with the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. All compounds showed potent NO inhibition, with percentages between 80 and 99% at subcytotoxic concentrations. Dienone 16 inhibited LPS-induced differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells, by increasing the proportion of cells in the S phase. In addition, salicylaldehyde 21 had effects on the cell cycle, recovering the cells from the G0/G1 full arrest produced in response to LPS action.

Caesalpinaxin, a cassane-type diterpenoid with a 21-carbon core skeleton from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax possessing pro-angiogenetic property

A novel cassane-type diterpenoid, caesalpinaxin (1), was isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance. The structure of caesalpinaxin was established by means of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, HR-ESIMS, UV and IR). The absolute configuration of caesalpinaxin was determined by quantum chemical calculations of its theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum. Caesalpinaxin is the first cassane-type diterpenoid with 21 carbons core skeleton, containing an unusual δ-lactone ring. A plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed for compound 1. Furthermore, caesalpinaxin was tested for the pro-angiogenetic activity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs). The results indicated that this compound significantly stimulated migration and tuber formation through enhancing the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Thus, caesalpinaxin might be applied in accelerating wound healing.

Cassane-Type Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb

Ten new cassane-type diterpenoids were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., including 6α-hydroxycaesalpinin P (1), 14-epi-caesalpinin E1 (2), 6-deacetylcaesalmin Z (3), 14-epi-caesalmin Z (4), caesalpinolides I (5), K (6), L (7), M (9) and N (10), and 14-epi-neocaesalpin L (8). Their planar structures and absolute configurations were fully determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR and electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compounds 1-4 are tetracyclic cassane diterpenoids possessing a furan ring, and compounds 5-10 are tetracyclic cassane diterpenoids possessing a fused butenolide moiety. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were evaluated, while none of them showed obvious effects. The current study identified ten new cassane-type diterpenoids from the seeds of C. bonduc (L.) Roxb., which enriched the chemical diversity of the titled herbal medicine.

Acid-catalyzed transformation of cassane diterpenoids from Caesalpinia bonduc to aromatic derivatives

Transformations of cassane diterpenoids from Caesalpinia bonduc into aromatic derivatives, either in CDCl3 or in CHCl3 irradiated with UV light or catalyzed by AlCl3, were described. Caesalmin C (2) was hydrolyzed with Na2CO3 upon refluxing in MeOH to yield compound 1. Dissolving compound 1 with CDCl3 resulted in an unexpected aromatization process of a C ring to obtain 1a, and aromatic derivatives 6-acetoxy-3-deacetoxycaesaldekarin e (2a), caesall A (3a), caesaldekarin e (5a), caesalpinin MC (5b), 2-acetoxycaesaldekarin e (6a) and new compound 6b could be obtained from corresponding cassane diterpenoids (2-8) under the same conditions. Furthermore, the photochemical reactions of cassane diterpenoids 1-8 occurring in CHCl3 also yielded aromatic derivatives 1a, 2a, 3a, 5a, 6a, new compounds 2b and 3b, and 17-norcassane diterpenoids norcaesalpinin MC (2c) and caesalmin J (3c). In addition, cassane diterpenoids 1-8, treated with AlCl3 in CHCl3 or CH2Cl2, gave the same results in CDCl3 and with even shorter reaction time. The role of AlCl3 in the aromatization of 1 has been explained by DFT calculations.

Two new cassane-type diterpenoids from the seed kernels of Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn.) Roxb. and their anti-inflammatory activity

In this study, phytochemical investigation on the chloroform soluble fraction of seed kernels of Caesalpinia bonduc led to the isolation of two new cassane-type diterpenoids, norcaesalpinin Q (1) and caesalpinin MR (2), together with seven known compounds (3-9). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All compounds were evaluated for inhibitory effects against NO production of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, and compounds 5, 7 and 8 could inhibited the production of NO at the concentration of 50 µM.

Cassane diterpenoid derivative induces apoptosis in IDH1 mutant glioma cells through the inhibition of glutaminase in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent, lethal and aggressive tumour of the central nervous system in adults. The discovery of novel anti-GBM agents based on the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant phenotypes and classifications have attracted comprehensive attention.

PURPOSE

Diterpenoids are a class of naturally occurring 20-carbon isoprenoid compounds, and have previously been shown to possess high cytotoxicity for a variety of human tumours in many scientific reports. In the present study, 31 cassane diterpenoids of four types, namely, butanolide lactone cassane diterpenoids (I) (1-10), tricyclic cassane diterpenoids (II) (11-15), polyoxybutanolide lactone cassane diterpenoids (III) (16-23), and fused furan ring cassane diterpenoids (IV) (24-31), were tested for their anti-glioblastoma activity and mechanism underlying based on IDH1 mutant phenotypes of primary GBM cell cultures and human oligodendroglioma (HOG) cell lines.

RESULTS

We confirmed that tricyclic-type (II) and compound 13 (Caesalpin A, CSA) showed the best anti-neoplastic potencies in IDH1 mutant glioma cells compared with the other types and compounds. Furthermore, the structure-relationship analysis indicated that the carbonyl group at C-12 and an α, β-unsaturated ketone unit fundamentally contributed to enhancing the anti-glioma activity. Studies investigating the mechanism demonstrated that CSA induced oxidative stress via causing glutathione reduction and NOS activation by negatively regulating glutaminase (GLS), which proved to be highly dependent on IDH mutant type glioblastoma. Finally, GLS overexpression reversed the CSA-induced anti-glioma effects in vitro and in vivo, which indicated that the reduction of GLS contributed to the CSA-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis in HOG-IDH1-mu cells.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the present results demonstrated that compared with other diterpenoids, tricyclic-type diterpenoids could be a targeted drug candidate for the treatment of secondary IDH1 mutant type glioblastoma through negatively regulating GLS.

Anti-proliferative cassane-type diterpenoids from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax

The seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance have shown anti-tumor potential, while the chemical principle is still unknown. In a search for anti-tumor compounds, six new cassane-type diterpenoids, 12-demethylcaesalpin G (1), caesalpinolide H (2), 12-demethylcaesalpin H (3), caesalpinolide J (4), 12-O-ethyl neocaesalpin B (5), and 3-deacetyldecapetpene B (6), were isolated from the seeds of C. minax Hance, along with fifteen known analogues. The structures of the new compounds were established by means of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, HRESIMS and IR). The absolute configurations of the new compounds were determined by their ECD spectra. All of the new compounds were tested for their anti-proliferative activity against human lung cancer A549 cells, breast cancer MCF-7 cells, and ovarian cancer HEY cells. The results indicated that only compound 6 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines. Thus, the opening of furan ring in cassane-type diterpenoids might enhance the cytotoxic activity.

Pterolobirins A and B, Oxygen-Bridged Cassane Diterpenoid Dimers from the Fruits of Pterolobium macropterum

Two dimeric cassane diterpenoids with an unprecedented 6/6/6/6/6/5/6/6/6 nonacyclic framework, pterolobirins A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the fruits of Pterolobium macropterum. Their structures were assigned by interpreting the spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 was unequivocally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. A putative biosynthetic pathway is proposed based on a regular intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction and an intramolecular nucleophilic addition.

Caesalpanins A-C, Three Dimeric Cassane Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Caesalpinia sappan L

Three dimeric cassane diterpenoids, caesalpanins A-C, were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan L., as well as three known compounds. Their structures were determined via analysis of 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data. Caesalpanins A and B were the second and third compounds that presented a nitrogen-containing cassane diterpenoid dimer linked through one ether bond between C-19 and C-20'. Caesalpanin B exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell lines with IC₅₀ value of 29.98 μm. Caesalpanins A and B had weak inhibitory effects against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages at 50 μm with inhibitory rate of 36.01 % and 32.93 %, respectively.

Synthesis of cassane-type diterpenes from abietane compounds: the first synthesis of taepeenin F

The first synthesis of taepeenin F from abietic acid is reported, utilizing as the key step the ipso-substitution of the isopropyl group of a dehydroabietane derivative by a formyl group, after treatment with Cl₂CHOMe and AlCl₃.

New Cassane Diterpenoids from Caesalpinia sappan and their Antiplasmodial Activity

One new cassane diterpene possessing an unusual N bridge between C-19 and C-20 named caesalsappanin R (1), as well as another new diterpene caesalsappanin S (2), were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan with methanol extract. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and examined alongside existing data from prior studies. Their biological activities were profiled by their antiplasmodial activity.

Diterpenoids of the Cassane Type from Caesalpinia decapetala

Eighteen compounds, including eight new cassane-type furanoditerpenoids, 3β-hydroxyphanginin H (1), 3β-acetoxyphanginin H (2), 7β-acetoxyphanginin H (3), 7β-hydroxyphanginin H (4), 4-epi-3β-hydroxycaesalpinilinn (5), 4-epi-3β-acetoxycaesalpinilinn (6), 20-acetoxytaepeenin D (7), and tomocin E (8), along with 10 known compounds (9-18) were isolated from the roots of Caesalpinia decapetala. Compounds 1-13 were isolated from C. decapetala for the first time. The new compounds with their absolute configurations were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compounds 1, 4, 5, 7, and 11 exhibited inhibitory activities against the SW1990 human pancreatic cancer cell line with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.9 to 8.9 μM.

Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Cassane Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Caesalpinia sappan in Cancer Cells

The chemical study on the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan led to the isolation of five new cassane diterpenoids, phanginins R‒T (1–3) and caesalsappanins M and N (4 and 5), together with seven known compounds 6–12. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR and HRESIMS analyses. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 4 were determined by the corresponding CD spectra. All the isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer A2780 and HEY, gastric cancer AGS, and non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Compound 1 displayed significant toxicity against the four cell lines with the IC₅₀ values of 9.9 ± 1.6 µM, 12.2 ± 6.5 µM, 5.3 ± 1.9 µM, and 12.3 ± 3.1 µM, respectively. Compound 1 induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest in A2780 cells. Furthermore, compound 1 dose-dependently induced A2780 cells apoptosis as evidenced by Hoechst 33342 staining, Annexin V positive cells, the up-regulated cleaved-PARP and the enhanced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. What’s more, compound 1 also promoted the expression of the tumor suppressor p53 protein. These findings indicate that cassane diterpenoids might have potential as anti-cancer agents, and further in vivo animal studies and structural modification investigation are needed.

Antimalarial and Antiproliferative Cassane Diterpenes of Caesalpinia sappan

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a methanol extract of the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan led to the isolation of 12 new cassane-type diterpenes, caesalsappanins A-L (1-12). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR and HRESIMS analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. All isolated compounds were tested against a chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain for antiplasmodial activities and against a small panel of human cancer cell lines for antiproliferative activities. Compounds 7 and 8 displayed antimalarial activity against the chloroquine-resistant K1 strain of P. falciparum with IC50 values of 0.78 and 0.52 μM and selectivity indices of 17.6 and 16.4, respectively. Compound 10 showed antiproliferative activity against the KB cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 7.4 μM.

Two new cassane-type diterpenes from the seeds of Caesalpinia crista

Two new cassane-type diterpenes, phangininoxys D and E (1 and 2), together with five known compounds were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia crista Linn. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of various spectroscopic analyses. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity activities against HeLa, HT-29 and KB cell lines, and compound 7 showed moderate selective activities against KB cell line with an IC50 value of 17.1 μM.

Diterpenoids of terrestrial origin

This review covers the isolation and chemistry of diterpenoids from terrestrial as opposed to marine sources and includes labdanes, clerodanes, pimaranes, abietanes, kauranes, gibberellins, cembranes and their cyclization products. The literature from January to December 2013 is reviewed.

Isolation and evaluation of antiglycation potential of polyalthic acid (furano-terpene) from Daniella oliveri

A furano-diterpene (polyalthic acid) was isolated as a major stable compound for the first time from the oleoresin of the Daniella oliveri of the family Caesalpiniacea through column chromatography fractionation. Polyalthic acid was characterized using data obtained from EIMS, HREIMS, ESI-MS, MALDI-MS as well as 1D and 2D NMR and it was evaluated for its potential to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) using a standard in vitro antiglycation procedure. Polyalthic acid indicated a negative antiglycation potential compared to standard inhibitor that has 85% inhibition, which is an indication that polyalthic acid may not contribute to the antiglycation activity of the plant as acclaimed in folkloric medicine. The negative antiglycation observed could indicate that the polyalthic acid could trigger glycation, thereby subjecting users to various degrees of complications. The bioactivity evaluation on molinspiration evaluator indicated that polyalthic acid could be a potential drug candidate. The biological and chemical insights gained on polyalthic acid provide a good basis for future research.

1-Deacet-oxy-1-oxocaesalmin

The title compound, C₂₄H₃₀O₇, is a diterpenoid isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax. It consists of two cyclo­hexane rings (A and B), one unsaturated six-membered ring (C) and one furan ring (D). The stereochemistry of the ring junctures is A/B trans and B/C trans. Rings A and B have normal chair conformations while C adopts a twisted half-chair conformation due to fusion to the furan ring which is planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.0009 (2) Å]. In the crystal, hydroxyl O—H⋯O_carbon­yl hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into a chain structure extending along the a-axis direction.

Two new degradative cassane-type diterpenes isolated from Caesalpinia minax

Cassane-type diterpenes are main bioactive constituents of Caesalpinia minax HANCE. As a part of our ongoing chemical investigation of C. minax, two new degradative cassane-type diterpenes, named caesalpins I (1) and J (2), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the seeds of C. minax. The structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis.