Sesquiterpenoids from the twigs and leaves of Fokienia hodginsii

Eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids: Structural diversity and biological activity

Sesquiterpenoids are integral constituents of terpenoid-bearing plants, comprising a diverse and abundant class of natural compounds, among which eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids have bicyclic structures that feature the fusion of two six-membered carbon rings, thereby attracting considerable attention. They are widespread in nature, with multifaceted biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and insecticidal activities, thus gaining focus in life science research. The discovery and identification of these active compounds have laid a foundation for unraveling their potential medicinal value. In this review, we comprehensively explore the natural eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids isolated (totaling 391 compounds) between 2016 and 2022, elucidating their chemical structures, plant distribution patterns, and pertinent biological properties. Accordingly, the study serves not only as a framework for researchers to thoroughly comprehend these compounds but also as a robust reference for future endeavors aimed at exploring the pharmaceutical potential and prospective applications of these molecules.

Ethanolic Extracts of Cupressaceae Species Conifers Provide Rapid Protection against Barium Chloride-Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is responsible for a high percentage of cardiovascular fatalities, with ventricular arrhythmias being the most common cause. Despite numerous clinically available antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), AADs retain some undesirable arrhythmic effects, and their inappropriate use can lead to severe adverse reactions. The exploration of new therapeutic options against arrhythmias with fewer unreceptive effects is of utmost importance. The ethanolic extracts of seven Cupressaceae species, namely, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Juniperus chinensis (L.) Ant., Sabina chinensis (L.) Ant. cv. Kaizuca, Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, Juniperus sabina L., Fokienia hodginsii, and Juniperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis' were investigated for their pharmacological effects on barium chloride (BaCl2)-induced arrhythmia using normal II lead electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements in a mouse model. According to the ECG profiles, pretreatment with C. obtusa, P. orientalis, and J. sabina extracts provoked dose-dependent protection against BaCl2-induced arrhythmia, while pretreatment with the other four species and amiodarone did not exert cardioprotective effects. The treatment effects were confirmed using a rat model. The therapeutic effects of C. obtusa, P. orientalis, and J. sabina extracts on the M2 and M3 receptors but not the M1 receptor were mediated by the inhibition of the M2 receptor blocker (methoctramine tetrahydrochloride), M3 antagonist (4-DAMP), or M1 receptor blocker (pirenzepine dihydrochloride). This first-line evidence illustrates that certain Cupressaceae species possess active antiarrhythmic components. The first line of key findings revealed that active components of certain Cupressaceae species have cardioprotective effects, suggesting that these innovative phytochemicals have promising potential for preventing the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmia and reducing sudden cardiac death.

Pro-apoptoticeffect of diterpenoids from Fokienia hodginsii on acute myeloid leukemia cells

Previously, we isolated four known diterpenoids, trans-communic acid (1), 13-oxo-15,16-dinor-labda-8(17), 11E-diene-19-oic acid (2), 3β-hydroxytotarol (3), and totarolone (4) from Fokienia hodginsii leaves. Further study demonstrated the antiproliferative activity of all four compounds in acute myeloid leukemia (OCI-AML) cells due to impaired cell cycle progression. Interestingly, 3β-hydroxytotarol (3) had very powerful bioactivity at low concentrations (5 µg/mL).