Triterpenoid saponins from the buds of Lonicera similis

Recent progress on triterpenoid derivatives and their anticancer potential

Cancer poses a significant global public health challenge, with commonly used adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy often leading to adverse side effects and drug resistance. Therefore, advancing cancer treatment necessitates the ongoing development of novel anticancer agents with diverse structures and mechanisms of action. Natural products remain crucial in the process of drug discovery, serving as a primary source for pharmaceutical leads and therapeutic advancements. Triterpenoids are particularly compelling due to their complex structures and wide array of biological activities. Recent research has demonstrated that naturally occurring triterpenes and their derivatives have the potential to serve as promising candidates for new drug development. This review aims to comprehensively explore the anticancer properties of triterpenoids and their synthetic analogs, with a focus on recent advancements. Various aspects, such as synthesis, phytochemistry, and molecular simulation for structure-activity relationship analyses, are summarized. It is anticipated that triterpenoid derivatives will emerge as notable anticancer agents following further investigation into their mechanisms of action and in vivo studies.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Lonicera similis Flowers at Three Harvest Periods: Comparison of Composition, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity

Lonicera similis Hemsl. (L. similis) is a promising industrial crop with flowers rich in phenolic compounds. In this study, an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was designed to extract phenolic compounds from L. similis flowers (LSFs). A contrastive analysis on the phenolic compounds' yield and characterization and the antioxidant activity of the extracts at three harvest stages (PGS I, PGS II, and PGS III) are reported. The results indicate that the optimal conditions are a sonication intensity of 205.9 W, ethanol concentration of 46.4%, SLR of 1 g: 31.7 mL, and sonication time of 20.1 min. Under these optimized conditions, the TPC values at PGS I, PGS II, and PGS III were 117.22 ± 0.55, 112.73 ± 1.68, and 107.33 ± 1.39 mg GAE/g, respectively, whereas the extract of PGS I had the highest TFC (68.48 ± 2.01 mg RE/g). The HPLC analysis showed that chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, and ferulic acid are the main components in the phenolic compounds from LSFs, and their contents are closely corrected with the harvest periods. LSF extracts exhibited a better antioxidant activity, and the activity at PGS I was significantly higher than those at PGS II and PGS III. The correlation analysis showed that kaempferol and ferulic acid, among the eight phenolic compounds, have a significant positive correlation with the antioxidant activity, while the remaining compounds have a negative correlation. Minor differences in extracts at the three harvest stages were found through SEM and FTIR. These findings may provide useful references for the optimal extraction method of phenolic compounds from LSFs at three different harvest periods, which will help to achieve a higher phytochemical yield at the optimal harvest stage (PGS I).

Genus Lonicera: New drug discovery from traditional usage to modern chemical and pharmacological research

BACKGROUND

Lonicera Linn. belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae, the largest genus in the plant family, includes about more than 200 species, which are mainly distributed in northern Africa, North America, Europe and Asia. Some species of this genus have been usually used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as functional foods, cosmetics and other applications, such as L. japonica Thunb. Bioactive components and pharmacological activities of the genus Lonicera plants have received an increasing interest from the scientific community. Thus, a comprehensive and systematic review on their traditional usage in China, chemical components, and their pharmacological properties of their whole plants, bioactive extracts, and bioactive isolates including partial structure-activity relationships from the genus is indispensable.

METHODS

Information on genus Lonicera of this systematic electronic literature search was gathered via the published articles, patents, clinical trials website (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) and several online bibliographic databases (PubMed, Sci Finder, Research Gate, Science Direct, CNKI, Web of Science and Google Scholar). The following keywords were used for the online search: Lonicera, phytochemical composition, Lonicerae japonica, Lonicera review articles, bioactivities of Lonicera, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, and clinical trials. This review paper consists of a total of 225 papers covering the Lonicera genus from 1800 to 2021, including research articles, reviews, patents, and book chapters.

RESULTS

In this review (1800s-2021), about 420 components from the genus of Lonicera Linn. including 87 flavonoids, 222 terpenoids, 51 organic acids, and other compounds, together with their pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory effects, and toxicity were summarized.

CONCLUSION

The relationship is discussed among their traditional usage, their pharmacological properties, and their chemical components, which indicate the genus Lonicera have a large prospect in terms of new drug exploitation, especially in COVID-19 treatment.

The complete chloroplast genome of Lonicera similis Hemsl. and its phylogenetic analysis

Lonicera similis Hemsl. belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and used as a substitute for ‘jin yin hua’. Recent years, it demonstrates great economic value because of its rich chemical composition. However, the phylogenetic relationship between L. similis and other family members remains unclear. In this paper, we assembled the cp genome of L. similis using the high-throughput Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The circular cp genome was 155,207 bp in size, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88994 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,633 bp, which were separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions (23,790 bp each). A total of 121 genes were predicted, including eight ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 36 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and 77 protein-coding genes (PCGs). In addition, the result of phylogenetic analysis indicated that L. similis formed a close relationship from another congeneric species (Lonicera confusa). This study provides helpful information for future genetic study of L. similis.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Lonicera similis (Caprifoliaceae)

The complete chloroplast genome of Lonicera similis Hemsl. has been characterized by reference-based assembly using Illumina paired-end data. The circular complete cp genome is 155,463 bp in length, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 89,282 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,661 bp, which are separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 23,760 bp. A total of 129 genes were predicted from the cp genome, including 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that L. similis is more closely related to Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera dasystyla Rehd. Our result will provide a reference for the phylogenetic relationship, plant identification and resource development and utilization of Lonicera species.

Bioactive oleanane-type saponins from Hylomecon Japonica

Six undescribed oleanane-type saponins, named as Hylomeconosides L-Q, were isolated from the whole herb of Hylomecon Japonica, their structures were determined by analysis of 1D and 2D-NMR (¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopic data, mass spectrometry (HRESI-MS) and chromatographic data (GC and LC). Their structures were identified as 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-L-arabinopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-quinovopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-quinovopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-quinovopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl quillaic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-quinovopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl quillaic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-galactopyranoside. Hylomeconosides L-Q showed selective cytotoxicities against human cancer cell lines A549, AGS, HeLa, Huh 7, HT29 and K562. These results represent a contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the saponins of Hylomecon Japonica and their bioactivities.

Studies on isolation and structural identification of saponins from the herb Hylomecon japonica and their bioactivities

Three undescribed oleanane type triterpenoid saponins (1-3), along with one known saponin (4) were isolated from the whole herb of Hylomecon japonica. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of 1D and 2D-NMR (1H-1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopic data, mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and chromatographic date (GC and LC) as 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-l-arabinopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-l-arabinopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl ester (3), 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-fucopyranosyl ester (4). All saponins possess a partial sequence β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl at C-3 of the aglycon. Compound 1 has cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cell lines HT29, 3 against human gastric cancer cell lines AGS, and 4 against human lung cancer cell lines A549, AGS and HT29. Among them, compounds 3 and 4 showed significant inhibitory effect against AGS with IC50 value of 6.01 ± 1.4 μM, 3.66 ± 1.8 μM, respectively. These results represent a contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the saponins of Hylomecon japonica and their bioactivities.

Identification and comparison of triterpene saponins in Aralia elata leaves and buds by the energy-resolved MSAll technique on a liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In this study, we identify the triterpene saponins (TSs) extracted from the leaves and buds of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seems using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and positive ionization electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI⁺-QTOF). The energy-resolved MS^All (erMS^all) technique is applied in order to simultaneously collect the diverse precursors attributed to [M+H]⁺, [M + NH₄]⁺ and [M + Na]⁺ ions. A practical and effective erMS^all workflow is established to rapidly identify and compare the saponins in the analyzed samples. In total, 111 TSs of structure are estimated, including 44 new compounds that had not been identified previously in A. elata. Of the five aglycones detected in the samples, a sapogenin 3β, 16α, 23-trihydroxyoleana-11,13-dien-28-oic acid (A5) that is identified for the first time in A. elata leaves. Compared to the buds, the leaves number twice as many hederagenin-type (A2) compounds. Although the number of other aglycones does not vary significantly between the buds and the leaves, A5 compounds are exclusively detected in the latter. Moreover, the C-3 sugar chains of TSs in A. elata leaves are mainly neutral (e.g., Hex+Hex, Hex+Hex+Hex and Hex+Hex+Hex+Hex), whereas those of bud TS compounds are primarily acidic (e.g., Pen+HexA, Hex+HexA and Hex+Pen+HexA). Some of the identified TS compounds, e.g., 27, 28, 32, 46, 54, 57, 71 and 105 can be used as indices to evaluate the quality of the plant leaves and buds. Overall, this study is of great significance for the comparative study of triterpenoid saponins in the leaves and buds of Aralia elata.

Triterpenoid saponins from the herb Hylomecon japonica

Six undescribed triterpenoid saponins, named as hylomeconoside C-H, were isolated from the EtOH extract of Hylomecon japonica. On the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence, their structures were identified as 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-L-arabinopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-L-arabinopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-L-arabinopyranoside; 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-fucopyranoside; 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl quillaic acid 28-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-fucopyranoside; 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl quillaic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-quinovopyranoside. The 50% EtOH extract showed moderate inhibitory activity on the human cancer cell line HeLa, HepG-2, MCF-7, A549, K562 and TE-1. And these six compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against K562. Among them, hylomeconoside H was found to be the most active on the K562 cell lines (IC₅₀ 6.60 μM).

A Review: The Triterpenoid Saponins and Biological Activities of Lonicera Linn

Lonicera Linn. is an important genus of the family Caprifoliaceae comprising of approximately 200 species, and some species of which have been usually used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Some species of this genus can also be used in functional foods, cosmetics and other applications. The saponins, as one of most important bioactive components of the Lonicera Linn. genus, have attracted the attention of the scientific community. Thus, a comprehensive and systematic review on saponins from the genus is indispensable. In this review, 87 saponins and sapogenin from the genus of Lonicera Linn., together with their pharmacological activities including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, and hemolytic toxicity were summarized.

New lupane bidesmosides exhibiting strong cytotoxic activities in vitro

Triterpene bidesmosides are considered as highly cytotoxic saponins, usually less toxic against normal cells than monodesmosides, and less haemolytic. Biological activity of the betulin-type bidesmosides, rarely found in Nature, and seldom prepared due to serious synthetic problems, is poorly recognized. We report herein a protocol for the preparation of disubstituted lupane saponins (betulin bidesmosides) by treatment of their benzoates with potassium carbonate in dichloromethane / methanol solution. Cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in vitro for a series of cancer cell lines, as well as normal human skin BJ fibroblasts. Presence of l-rhamnose moiety is crucial for cytotoxicity of betulin bidesmosides. On the other hand, l-arabinose fragment connected to lupane C-3 carbon atom significantly decreases activity. Presented results clearly show that betulin bidesmosides have significant clinical potential as anticancer agents.

Diterpenoid and triterpenoid glycosides from Clinopodium chinense

Two new compounds, including a diterpenoid glycoside (1) and a triterpenoid glycoside (6), along with six known compounds were isolated from Clinopodium chinense. The structures of the new compounds were determined on basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical method. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for their insulin resistance effect and cytotoxic activity against the A549 and HepG2 cancer cell lines. None of the compounds were cytotoxic (IC₅₀ > 100 μM), while compounds 1-3 and 5 showed the activity of ameliorating insulin resistance in HepG2.

Triterpenoid Saponins from Anemone rivularis var. Flore-Minore and Their Anti-Proliferative Activity on HSC-T6 Cells

Five previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins (1–5), along with eight known ones (6–13), were isolated from the whole plants of Anemone rivularis var. flore-minore. Their structures were clarified by extensive spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. For the first time, the lupane-type saponins (3 and 12) were reported from the Anemone genus. The anti-proliferative activity of all isolated saponins was evaluated on hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6). Saponins 12 and 13, which possess more monosaccharides than the others, displayed potent anti-proliferative activity, with IC₅₀ values of 18.21 and 15.56 μM, respectively.