Dibenzoyl and isoflavonoid glycosides from Sophora flavescens: inhibition of the cytotoxic effect of D-galactosamine on human hepatocyte HL-7702

Synthesis of Indolyl Phenyl Diketones through Visible-Light-Promoted Ni-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization/Oxidation Sequence of Ynones

The combination of visible light catalysis and Ni catalysis has enabled the synthesis of indolyl phenyl diketones through the cyclization/oxidation process of ynones. This reaction proceeded under mild and base-free conditions and showed a broad scope and feasibility for gram-scale synthesis. Several natural products and biologically interesting molecules could be readily postfunctionalized by this method.

Two new isoflavones from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis

Two new isoflavones (1 and 2), as well as eight known ones were isolated from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. Compound 1 represents an unprecedented polymerization pattern constructed by isoflavone and cytisine. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, combined with ECD calculations. Compound 1 displayed significant anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity compared with the positive control ningnanmycin. Moreover, compound 6 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 47.4 mg/L.

I2-Catalyzed Carbonylation of α-Methylene Ketones to Synthesize 1,2-Diaryl Diketones and Antiviral Quinoxalines in One Pot

An efficient approach for the synthesis of 1,2-diaryl diketones was developed from readily available α-methylene ketones by catalysis of I2. In the same oxidation system, a novel one-pot procedure was established for the construction of antiviral and anticancer quinoxalines. The reactions proceeded well with a wide variety of substrates and good functional group tolerance, affording desired compounds in moderate to excellent yields. Quinoxalines 4ca and 4ad inhibited viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudoviruses into HEK-293T-ACE2h host cells as dual blockers of both human ACE2 receptor and viral spike RBD with IC50 values of 19.70 and 21.28 μM, respectively. In addition, cytotoxic evaluation revealed that 4aa, 4ba, 4ia, and 4ab suppressed four cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 6.25 to 28.55 μM.

Genus Sophora: a comprehensive review on secondary chemical metabolites and their biological aspects from past achievements to future perspectives

Sophora is deemed as one of the most remarkable genera of Fabaceae, and the third largest family of flowering plants. The genus Sophora comprises approximately 52 species, 19 varieties, and 7 forms that are widely distributed in Asia and mildly in Africa. Sophora species are recognized to be substantial sources of broad spectrum biopertinent secondary metabolites namely flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones, chromones, pterocarpans, coumarins, benzofuran derivatives, sterols, saponins (mainly triterpene glycosides), oligostilbenes, and mainly alkaloids. Meanwhile, extracts and isolated compounds from Sophora have been identified to possess several health-promising effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiplatelets, antipyretic, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-osteoporosis, anti-ulcerative colitis, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, and insecticidal activities. Herein, the present review aims to provide comprehensive details about the phytochemicals and biological effects of Sophora species. The review spotlighted on the promising phytonutrients extracted from Sophora and their plethora of bioactivities. The review also clarifies the remaining gaps and thus qualifies and supplies a platform for further investigations of these compounds.

Synthesis, biological evaluation (antioxidant, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic) and molecular docking study of hydroxy methoxy benzoin/benzil analogous

In this work, due to the biological activity evaluation, a series of hydroxy methoxy benzoins (1-8), benzils (10-16) and methoxy benzoin/benzil-O-β-d-glucosides (17-28) were synthesized. Antioxidant (FRAP, CUPRAC, DPPH), antimicrobial (16 microorganisms, and two yeast), enzyme inhibition (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase) of all synthesized benzoin/benzil analogs were investigated. Benzoins (1-8) showed the most effective antioxidant properties compared to all three methods. Compound 28 against α-amylase, compound 9 against α-glucosidase, compound 11 against AChE, compound 2 against BChE, and compound 13 against tyrosinase showed the best activities with the better or similar IC₅₀ values as used standards. Hydroxy methoxy benzoin compounds (1-8) among all four groups were seen as the most effective against the tested microorganism. Molecular docking analysis showed that all tested compounds 1-28 (0.01-2.22 µM) had the best binding affinity against AChE enzyme. Cytotoxic effects of the many of compounds (1-16, 21, and 24) also investigated and it was found that they caused different effects in different cells. The LDH tests of compounds 1a + b, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 21, and 24, seemed to be effective compared to the positive control cisplatin. The cytotoxicity of compounds 6 (9.24%) for MCF7 cancer cells, 8 (5.16%) and 4 (8.26%) for HT29 cancer cells, 24 (9.84%) for Hep3B cells and 8 (8.52%), 7 (5.70%), 4 (6.94) and 9 (7.22%) for C6 cells were at normal values. And also cytotoxic activity of four compounds (5, 9, 21, and 24) among the all synthetic groups, were evaluated to the HeLa and RPE. Compound 5 showed anticancer activity on HeLa and RPE cancer cells as much as or better than cisplatin which was used as standard.

Anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity of chemical constituents from the seeds of Sophora tonkinensis

Two new compounds, including one new arylbenzofuran (1) and one new pterocarpanoid (2), along with nine known ones, were isolated from the seeds of Sophora tonkinensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on a comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited good anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities with the protective inhibition rate of 69.62% and 68.72% respectively, at concentration of 100 μg/ml.

Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalytic Oxidative Decarboxylation of Cinnamic Acids to 1,2-Diketones

A concerted metallophotoredox catalysis has been realized for the efficient decarboxylative functionalization of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with aryl iodides in the presence of perylene bisimide dye to afford 1,2-diketones.

Two new quinochalcone glycosides from the safflower yellow pigments

Two new quinochalcone glycosides, hydroxysafflor yellow A-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 3'-hydroxyhydroxysafflor yellow A (2), were isolated from the safflower yellow pigments of Carthamus tinctorius. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by a detailed spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD). The in vitro assay indicated that compound 1 could improve the survived rate of primary mouse cortical neurons on glutamate-induced neurons damage model at a concentration of 10 μM.

New phenolic glycosides from Polygonum cuspidatum

Two new isobenzofuranone derivatives, polyphthaliside A (1) and polyphthaliside B (2), and a new isocoumarin derivative, polyisocoumarin (3), were isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. The cytotoxicity activity and PTP1B inhibitory activity of compounds 1-3 were estimated and none of them exhibited activities at a concentration of 10 μM.

The pharmacology of the genus Sophora (Fabaceae): An updated review

BACKGROUND

The genus Sophora (Fabaceae) represents one of the important medicinal plant genera regarding its chemical constituents and outstanding pharmacological activities.

PURPOSE

In this review, we surveyed the latest findings on the bioactivities of different Sophora extracts and isolated phytochemicals during the past 8 years (2011-2019) updating the latest review article in 2011. The aim of this review is to focus on the molecular pharmacology of Sophora species to provide the rationale basis for the development of novel drugs.

RESULTS

Sophora and its bioactive compounds possess outstanding pharmacological properties, especially as anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

CONCLUSION

Based on their use in traditional medicine, Sophora species exert a plethora of cellular and molecular activities, which render them as attractive candidates for rationale drug development. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required for further integration of Sophora-based phototherapies into conventional medicine.

Dual Role of Glyoxal in Metal-Free Dicarbonylation Reaction: Synthesis of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Dicarbonyl Imidazoheterocycles

A practical and efficient method has been developed for the dicarbonylation of imidazoheterocycles using glyoxals as dicarbonyl precursors under metal-free conditions in acetic acid. A series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical dicarbonyl imidazoheterocycles was synthesized in good yields. Aryl and alkyl glyoxals also demonstrated excellent reactivity under similar reaction conditions and delivered corresponding dicarbonyl imidazoheterocycles in high yields. It is believed that the glyoxal plays a dual role both as a dicarbonyl source and as an oxidant in this transformation. A probable mechanistic pathway has been proposed based on control experiments and electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis.

Analysis of Active Metabolites of Sophora flavescens for Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and Monoamine Oxidases using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

As part of ongoing research on natural products derived from medicinal plants for enzyme inhibition, known dibenzoyl derivatives (1–3, 11 and 20), pterocarpans (4, 15 and 19), flavanones (5, 7, 10, 12–14, 18, 21–24, 26, 27, 29, 31–33, 35, 36, and 38–46), flavones (6, 16, 28, 30 and 37), isoflavones (8 and 17), furocoumarins (9), and chalcones (25 and 34) have been tentatively identified within fractions of Sophora flavescens roots (SFR) using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTof-MS) technique. The extract and column fractions inhibited indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and monoamine oxidases (MAOs) differently depending on the metabolite groups. The majority of rich fractions were shown to have residual activities of 49–59% at 10 μg/mL (IDO) and 11.7–34.9% at 50 μg/mL (MAOs) or below. In the total ion current (TIC) chromatogram, significant markers for the metabolites of the bioactive-guided fractions were identified; pterocarpans (4, 15 and 19), flavanones (5, 10, 12–14, 18, 21–23, 26, 29 31–33, 35, 36, and 38–46), isoflavones (8 and 17), furocoumarins (9), dibenzoyl derivatives (11 and 20), flavones (16, 28, 30 and 37), and chalcones (25 and 34) were evaluated among forty-six analyzed metabolites. Possible bioactive markers could be deduced using a data library and previous references, and information regarding spectroscopic characterization and optimal target metabolites was obtained.

Sophopterocarpan A, a novel pterocarpine derivative with a benzotetrahydrofuran-fused bicyclo [3.3.1] nonane from Sophora flavescens

Sophopterocarpan A (1), with a novel benzotetrahydrofuran-fused bicyclo [3.3.1] nonane ring, was isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens Ait. Its unusual structure, including its stereochemistry, was determined on the basis of a comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. A plausible biogenetic pathway for 1 is presented. Sophopterocarpan A was identified as a potential autophagy activator. Additionally, it was found that 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ of 29.36 μM.

Four new C10-polyacetylene glycosides from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea

An ongoing phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea resulted in the isolation of four new C₁₀-type polyacetylene glycosides (1-4). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS). The absolute configurations of compounds 2-4 were determined by comparing the specific rotations of their aglycones. Notably, compounds 2 and 3 exhibited significant hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced HepG2 cell injury at a concentration of 10 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 showed weak anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced NO production in microglia BV2 cells at a concentration of 10 μM.

Bioactive Sesquiterpenoid and Polyacetylene Glycosides from Atractylodes lancea

Nine new sesquiterpenoids (1-9), five new polyacetylenes (10-14), and six known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea. These new chemical structures were established using NMR, MS, and ECD data. Notably, compounds 3-5, the aglycone of which possesses two stereogenic centers (C-5 and C-7), exhibited similar ECD spectra to compounds 1 and 2, the aglycone of which possesses one stereogenic center (C-7). Such a difference was supported by the experimental and calculated ECD data and single-crystallographic analyses of 3a. In addition, compound 3 inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in BV2 cells with an IC50 value of 11.39 μM (positive control curcumin, IC50 = 4.77 μM); compound 4 showed better hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced HepG2 cell injury than the positive drug (bicyclol) at a concentration of 10 μM (p < 0.001).

Sophora flavescens Ait.: Traditional usage, phytochemistry and pharmacology of an important traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sophora flavescens (Fabaceae), also known as Kushen (Chinese: ), has been an important species in Chinese medicine since the Qin and Han dynasties. The root of Sophora flavescens has a long history in the traditional medicine of many countries, including China, Japan, Korea, India and some countries in Europe. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Sophora flavescens has been used extensively, mainly in combination with other medicinal plants in prescriptions to treat fever, dysentery, hematochezia, jaundice, oliguria, vulvar swelling, asthma, eczema, inflammatory disorders, ulcers and diseases associated with skin burns. The aim of this review is to provide updated and comprehensive information regarding the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities and toxicology of Sophora flavescens and to discuss possible trends and opportunities for further research on Sophora flavescens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched major scientific databases (PubMed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Medline Plus, ACS, "Da Yi Yi Xue Sou Suo (http://www.dayi100.com/login.jsp)", China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI) and Web of Science) for information published between 1958 and 2015 on Sophora flavescens. Information was also acquired from local classic herbal literature, conference papers, government reports, and PhD and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

The broad spectrum of biological activities associated with Sophora flavescens has been considered a valuable resource in both traditional and modern medicine. Extracts are taken either orally or by injection. More than 200 compounds have been isolated from Sophora flavescens, and the major components have been identified as flavonoids and alkaloids. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that at least 50 pure compounds and crude extracts from Sophora flavescens possess wide-ranging antitumor, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory pharmacological abilities. The anticancer and anti-infection abilities of these components are especially attractive areas for research.

CONCLUSIONS

Sophora flavescens is a promising traditional medicine, but there is a need for more precise studies to test the safety and clinical value of its main active crude extracts and pure compounds and to clarify their mechanisms of action. Moreover, some existing studies have lacked systematic methods and integration with the existing literature, and some of the experiments were isolated, used small sample sizes and were unreliable. More validated data are therefore required.

NMR spectroscopic method for the assignment of 3,5-dioxygenated aromatic rings in natural products

In recent years, certain "new" naturally occurring compounds (1-28) with 3,5-dioxygenated aromatic rings have been reported. A comparison of the NMR data of these compounds with the data of four model compounds (A-D) indicated that the structures of these "new" compounds were erroneous. The reason for the incorrect elucidation of the structures of 1-28 was attributed to "deceptively simple" (1)H NMR spectra, which displayed two broad singlets with integrations of 1:2 for H-2 and H-5, H-6, respectively. To expose the misleading results from the spectra, serial (1)H NMR experiments on compounds A-D were performed using various deuterated solvents and temperatures. The results revealed separated proton signals for the ABX system in certain deuterated solvents. Additionally, the characteristic differences between 3,4- and 3,5-dioxygenated aromatic rings in their (13)C NMR spectra are summarized based on our experiment and data reported. This approach is useful for analyzing the patterns of dioxygenated aromatic rings in natural products, especially when "deceptively simple" (1)H NMR spectra are displayed.

Nitric oxide inhibitory flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine formula Baoyuan Decoction

Three new flavonoid glycosides, (3R)-(+)-isomucronulatol-2'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (3R)-(-)-isomucronulatol-7-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), and (2S)-(-)-7,8-dihydroxylflavanone-4'-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), along with eight flavanones (4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 21, and 24), four isoflavones (5, 11, 13, and 23), four chalcones (6, 14, 17, and 18), two isoflavans (19-20), one flavone (7), one flavonol (9), and one dihydrochalcone (22) were isolated from Baoyuan Decoction (BYD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula. The structures of the new compounds were established by detailed analysis of NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data, and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The inhibitory effects of the isolates were evaluated on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 6, 9, and 10 showed the significant inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 1.4, 13.8, and 9.3 μM, respectively, comparable to or even better than the positive control, quercetin (IC50, 16.5 μM). The assignment of these isolated flavonoids was achieved using UPLC-Q-trap-MS, and the results suggested that they were originated from Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

Aminocatalytic cross-coupling approach via iminium ions to different C - C Bonds

Given the attractive ability of iminium ions to functionalize molecules directly at ostensibly unreactive positions, the reactivity of iminium ions, in which an α CH2 group is replaced by CO was explored. Background studies on the ability of such iminium cations to promote reactions via an iminium-catalyzed or iminium-equivalent pathway are apparently unavailable. Previously, tandem cross-coupling reactions were reported, in which an iminium ion undergoes nucleophilic 1,2-addition to give a putative three-component intermediate that abstracts a proton in situ and undergoes self-deamination followed by unprecedented DMSO/aerobic oxidation to generate α-ketoamides. However, later it was observed that iminium ions can generate valuable α-ketoamides through simple aerobic oxidation. In all reactions, iminium ions were generated in situ by reaction of 2-oxoaldehydes with secondary amines.

Protective efficacy of vitamins C and E on p,p'-DDT-induced cytotoxicity via the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway and NF-κB/FasL pathway

Dichlorodiphenoxytrichloroethane (DDT) is a known persistent organic pollutant and liver damage toxicant. However, there has been little emphasis on the mechanism underlying liver damage toxicity of DDT and the relevant effective inhibitors. Hence, the present study was conducted to explore the protective effects of vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) on the cytotoxicity of DDT in HL-7702 cells and elaborate the specific molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that p,p'-DDT exposure at over 10 µM depleted cell viability of HL-7702 cells and led to cell apoptotic. p,p'-DDT treatment elevated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, induced mitochondrial membrane potential, and released cytochrome c into the cytosol, with subsequent elevations of Bax and p53, along with suppression of Bcl-2. In addition, the activations of caspase-3 and -8 were triggered. Furthermore, p,p'-DDT promoted the expressions of NF-κB and FasL. When the cells were exposed to the NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC), the up-regulated expression of FasL was attenuated. Strikingly, these alterations caused by DDT treatment were prevented or reversed by the addition of VC or VE, and the protective effects of co-treatment with VC and VE were higher than the single supplement with p,p'-DDT. Taken together, these findings provide novel experimental evidences supporting that VC or/and VE could reduce p,p'-DDT-induced cytotoxicity of HL-7702 cells via the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway and NF-κB/FasL pathway.

Polygonumosides A-D, stilbene derivatives from processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum

Four new stilbene derivatives, polygonumosides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and ECD. Polygonumosides A (1) and B (2), possessing an unprecedented tetracyclic skeleton, were assigned as 2S- and 2R-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-9,10,11-trihydroxy-2H-benzo[c]furo[2,3-f]chromen-7(3H)-one-4-O-β-d-glucopyranosides, respectively, while polygonumosides C (3) and D (4) were assigned as a pair of diastereomeric stilbene glucoside dimers.