Four lignans from Portulaca oleracea L. and its antioxidant activities

Four alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their anti-inflammatory

Four alkaloids were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L., including two new compounds, 2-(4-amino-6-hydroxy-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-5-yl)-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3,4-diol, named Olerapyrimidine (1) and (2 R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-((6-hydroxypyridin-3-yl)oxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol, named Olerapyridine (2), and two known compounds including 1H-imidazole (3) and (5S, 6 R, 7S, 8 R)-5-amino-(2Z,4Z)-1,2,3-trihydroxybuta-2,4-dienyloxy-pentane-6,7,8,9-tetraol (4) from P. oleracea for the first time. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Both Olerapyrimidine and Olerapyridine at 20 μM could inhibit the inflammatory factors, IL-1β and TNF-α in the RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS.

Undescribed Cyclohexene and Benzofuran Alkenyl Derivatives from Choerospondias axillaris, a Potential Hypoglycemic Fruit

The fruit of Choerospondias axillaris (Anacardiaceae), known as south wild jujube in China, has been consumed widely in several regions of the world to produce fruit pastille and leathers, juice, jam, and candy. A comprehensive chemical study on the fresh fruits led to the isolation and identification of 18 compounds, including 7 new (1-7) and 11 known (8-18) comprised of 5 alkenyl (cyclohexenols and cyclohexenones) derivatives (1-5), 3 benzofuran derivatives (6-8), 6 flavonoids (9-14) and 4 lignans (15-18). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The known lignans 15-18 were isolated from the genus Choerospondias for the first time. Most of the isolates exhibited significant inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase with IC50 values from 2.26 ± 0.06 to 43.9 ± 0.96 μM. Molecular docking experiments strongly supported the potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The results indicated that C. axillaris fruits could be an excellent source of functional foods that acquire potential hypoglycemic bioactive components.

Two novel ketone alkaloids from Portulaca oleraceaL. and their anti-inflammatory activities

Eleven compounds were obtained from Portulaca oleracea L., including two novel ketone alkaloids, (1, 2), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzamide (3) (isolated for the first time), β-adenosine (4), oleracrylimide A and B (5, 6), oleracein H, C, D, Q and A (7-11). The two novel ketone alkaloids were identified as 5-acetyl-5-methylcyclopent-2-ene-1-carboxamide (1), named oleraciamide H, and (2 R,3S,4R,5R)-5-((R)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl glycinate (2), named oleracone Q by spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR and compound fingerprints. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory activities were tested via RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS and found that they could significantly inhibit the release of IL-1β and TNF-α.

A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and potential uses of Portulaca oleracea L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO), popularly known as purslane, has been documented in ethnopharmacology in various countries and regions. Traditional application records indicated that PO might be used extensively to treat the common cold, dysentery, urinary tract infections, coughing, eye infections, skin problems, gynecological diseases, and pediatric illnesses.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper includes a systematic review of the traditional usage, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, and potential uses of PO to provide an overview of the research for further exploitation of PO resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article uses "Portulaca oleracea L." and "purslane" as the keywords and collects relevant information on PO from different databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, ACS, Wiley, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and ancient meteria medica.

RESULTS

PO is a member of the Portulacaceae family and is grown worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that purslane has the effect of improving eyesight, eliminating evil qi, quenching thirst, purgation, diuresis, hemostasis, regulating qi, promoting hair growth, detoxifying, and avoiding epidemic qi. Recent phytochemical investigations have shown that PO is a rich source of flavonoids, homoisoflavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, esters, lignans, terpenoids, catecholamines, sterols, and cerebrosides. The purslane extracts or compounds have exhibited numerous biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, metabolic, muscle relaxant, anti-asthmatic and anti-osteoporosis properties. The significant omega-3 fatty acids, vital amino acids, minerals, and vitamins found in purslane also provide nutritional benefits. Purslane as a food/feed additive in the food industry and animal husbandry has caused concern. Its global wide distribution and tolerance to abiotic stress characteristics make it in the future sustainable development of agriculture a certain position.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on traditional usage, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activity, PO is a potential medicinal and edible plant with diverse pharmacological effects. Due to purslane's various advantages, it may have vast application potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries and animal husbandry.

Sorption of phenols and flavonoids on activated charcoal improves protein metabolism, antioxidant status, immunity, and intestinal morphology in broilers

Previous studies have revealed that activated charcoal sorption of Chinese herbal extracts is more effective than activated charcoal. The present study was designed to investigate whether phenols and flavonoids have an effect on nutrient metabolism, antioxidant activity, immunity, and intestinal morphology in broilers. Seven diets [basal diet (CON); CON supplemented with 450 mg/kg of activated charcoal (AC); CON supplemented with 250, 500, 750, 1,000, or 7,500 mg/kg of phenolic acids and flavonoids (PF) to AC (PFAC)]. PFAC was the complex of AC sorption of PF in the ratio of 9:1. These dietary treatments for broilers lasted for 42 days. Results showed that at d 21, all doses of PFAC altered serum levels of total protein, albumin, and creatinine compared to AC (p < 0.05). Both PFAC and AC altered HDL-, LDL-, and VLDL-cholesterol levels compared to CON (p < 0.05). PFAC at 500 mg/kg (450 mg/kg AC+ 50 mg/kg phenolic acids and flavonoids) increased serum IgA and IgM (p < 0.05), but AC at 450 mg/kg did not, compared to CON. At d 42, breast and thigh muscles of PFAC-treated broilers had higher free radical scavenging activities compared to CON (p < 0.05), but AC had no such effect. PFAC at 500 mg/kg increased villus height in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared to CON (p < 0.05), but AC had no such response. PFAC at 500 mg/kg effectively improved protein and lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology, but AC had no such effect at a similar dose. Excessive PFAC (7,500 mg/kg) showed no significant side effects on broiler growth, liver damage, or hematology. These results suggest that phenols and flavonoids, in cooperation with activated charcoal, provide the majority of the functions of the herbal extract from multiple Chinese medicinal herbs.

A new alkaloid and two organic acids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their bioactivities

A new alkaloid, identified as 1-benzyl-2-nitroso-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-diol, named oleraisoquinoline (1), and five organic acids and two esters, identified as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (2), 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (3), (7E,10E)-octadeca-7,10-dienoic acid (4), (10E,13E)-octadeca-10,13-dienoic acid (5), (7E,10E)-hexadeca-7,10-dienoic acid (6), methyl tridecanoate (7) and methyl (9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoate (8), were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L., among which compounds 2 and 4‒7 were isolated for the first time. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1‒3 were studied, especially, compound 1 presented good inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α.

A new alkaloid from Portulaca oleracea L. with its anti-inflammatory activity

A new isoindole alkaloid, 6-hydroxy-2-(4'''-hydroxy-3'''-methoxyphenethyl)-4-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-1H-benzo[f]isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, named oleraisoindole B was isolated from Portulaca oleracea L., its structure was elucidated using NMR and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS spectroscopic methods, and presented anti-inflammatory activity at 5 μM.

Two new ester alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their bioactivities

Two new ester alkaloids were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L., identified as (5-aminofuran-2-yl) methyl acetate (1) named oleracone N and 4(S)-ethyl 3-acetamido-3-(dihydroxyamino) propanoate (2) named oleracone O. The structures were elucidated via spectroscopic methods, including 1 D and 2 D NMR, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS and CD spectrometry technique. It was suggested that both oleracone N and oleracone O could significantly inhibit inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS.

Insight into tetrahydrofuran lignans from Isatis indigotica fortune with neuroprotective and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor activity

Nine tetrahydrofuran lignans, including three undescribed spiro-lignans, were isolated from Isatis indigotica Fortune (Brassicaceae). Extensive spectroscopic analyses achieved the structure elucidation of these tetrahydrofuran lignans, and quantum chemical calculation combined with the MAE_ΔΔδ parameter. Notably, isatispironeols A-B have a unique spiro[dienone-tetrahydrofuran] molecular core. These spiro[dienone-tetrahydrofuran] lignans showed comparable neuroprotective effects as the positive control in the H₂O₂-induced SH-SY5Y cells model. In addition, (-)-(7R,8S,1'R,7'R,8'R)-isatispironeol A possessed more significant AChE inhibitory activity, further interact sites were also predicted by the in silico assay.

Phytochemical compositions and biological activities of the branches and leaves of Ormosia hosiei Hemsl. et Wils

Ormosia hosiei Hemsl. et Wils. is an economical and medicinal plant, increasingly cultivated in China; however, its branches and leaves are often pruned as waste. This is the first study focused on the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of the branches and leaves of O. hosiei. Herein, thirty-seven characteristic compounds were identified by UPLC-MS/MS and twelve were detected for the first time in O. hosiei. Twenty-seven phenolics were further quantified and significant differences in phenolic compositions between the branches and leaves of O. hosiei were observed. The ethanol extracts exhibited promising antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, and the bioactivities significantly correlated with total phenolic content and twelve individual phenolics. Naringin, genistein, vitexin, vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside, syringaresinol and syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside can be considered potential quality markers of O. hosiei. Our results provided solid evidence that the branches and leaves of O. hosiei deserve more attention and exploitation, considering the potential to be developed as functional foods or herbal medicines.

Cooperative Interaction of Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids Contained in Activated Charcoal with Herb Extracts, Involving Cholesterol, Bile Acid, and FXR/PXR Activation in Broilers Fed with Mycotoxin-Containing Diets

The charcoal-herb extract complex (CHC) is a product of activated charcoal sorption of herb extracts that contain phenolic acids and flavonoids. The effective dose of CHC to promote animal growth is about one tenth of effective dosage of activated charcoal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential cooperative interactions between activated charcoal and herb extracts. Two feeding experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, a responsive dose of CHC to broiler growth was determined to be 250 mg/kg of the diet. In Experiment 2, CHC increased growth performance and improved meat quality, but decreased indices of oxidative stress and inflammation as compared with similar doses of activated charcoal or herb extracts. CHC also increased concentrations of serum cholesterol, bile acid in the gallbladder, and bile acid in feces. The herb extracts present in CHC were largely represented by phenolic acids (PAs, caffeic acid, and vanillin) and flavonoids (FVs, daidzein, and quercetin-D-glucoside) in the detoxification activity of CHC in a mouse rescue test when the mice were gavaged with T-2 mycotoxin. PAs and FVs significantly increased the expression of CYP7A1, PXR, CYP3A37, Slco1B3, and Bsep in chicken primary hepatocytes. In conclusion, CHC integrated the cooperative interactions of activated charcoal and herb extracts via the FXR/RXR-PXR pathway to detoxify mycotoxins.

Phytochemical Analysis, Anti-inflammatory, and Anticancer Activities of the Halophyte Herb Bassia indica

Bassia indica (Wight) A.J. Scott, family Amaranthaceae, is a halophyte herb growing in extreme environments and hence deemed as a potential economic source of bioactive chemicals with functional properties. In our study, 25 compounds were obtained from B. indica. We aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of the methanol extract of B. indica and its isolated compounds on COX-2 and cytotoxicity activity against MCF-7, OVK-18, HepG2, and HCT116 tumor cells. Among the isolates, the triterpene oleanane saponin (23) displayed promising anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 = 3.05 ± 0.15 μg/mL. Additionally, N- trans-feruloyl tyramine (11) exhibited significant cytotoxicity to OVK-18 with IC50 = 1.74 ± 1.56 μg/mL, whereas 6,7-dihydroxy coumarin (7) exhibited potent inhibition against the MCF-7 cell line with IC50 = 1.47 ± 0.22 μg/mL. Interestingly, compounds 1 and 25 exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity against HepG2 and HCT116 cells with IC50 < 0.1 μg/mL, while compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9 exerted potent cytotoxicity against HepG2. Finally, B. indica is a potential source of candidate compounds for the development of anti-inflammatory and antitumor therapies.

Review of lignans from 2019 to 2021: Newly reported compounds, diverse activities, structure-activity relationships and clinical applications

Lignans, with various biological activities, such as antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral activities, are widely distributed in nature and mainly exist in the xylem of plants. In this paper, we summarized the structures and bioactivities of lignans reported in recent years (2019-2021) from five parts, including (1) a summary and classification of newly reported compounds; (2) the pharmacological activities of lignans; (3) molecular resources and activity distribution; (4) the structure-activity relationships; and (5) the clinical application of lignans. This review covers all undescribed compounds that were reported within the covered period of time and all bioactivity data about previously isolated lignans. The distribution of lignans in different plants and families is visualized, which improves the efficiency of searching for specific molecules. The diverse activities of different types of lignans provide an important reference for the rapid screening of these compounds. Discussion about the structure-activity relationships of lignans provides a direction for the structural modification of skeleton molecules. Combined with the clinical application of such molecules, this work will provide a valuable reference for pharmaceutical chemists.

Extracts Prepared from Feed Supplements Containing Wood Lignans Improve Intestinal Health by Strengthening Barrier Integrity and Reducing Inflammation

Lignans are known to exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, indicating their potential as constituents of feed supplements. This study investigated two extracts derived from the feed supplements ‘ROI’ and ‘Protect’—which contain the wood lignans magnolol and honokiol (‘ROI’), or soluble tannins additional to the aforementioned lignans (‘Protect’)—and their impact on selected parameters of intestinal functionality. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were determined by measuring their effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. The impact on intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated in Caco-2 cells and Drosophila melanogaster by examining leaky gut formation. Furthermore, a feeding trial using infected piglets was conducted to study the impact on the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation. The Protect extract lowered ROS production in Caco-2 cells and reversed the stress-induced weakening of barrier integrity. The ROI extract inhibited the expression or secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Moreover, the ROI extract decreased leaky gut formation and mortality rates in Drosophila melanogaster. Dietary supplementation with Protect improved the antioxidant status and barrier integrity of the intestines of infected piglets. In conclusion, wood lignan-enriched feed supplements are valuable tools that support intestinal health by exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening effects.

A review on bioactive phytochemicals and ethnopharmacological potential of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

The Portulaca oleracea L. commonly known as purslane is distributed all over the world and easily grows in diverse soil and climatic conditions. It has been traditionally used as a nutritious and ethnomedicinal food across the globe. Various studies have shown that the plant is a rich source of various important phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins such as A, C, E, and B, carotenoids and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It is particularly very important because of the presence of a very high concentration of omega-3- fatty acids especially α-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which are not generally synthesized in terrestrial plants. Various parts of purslane are known for ethnomedicinal and pharmacological uses because of its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, skeletal muscle relaxant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-insomnia, analgesic, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, wound healing and antiseptic activities. Due to multiple benefits of purslane, it has become an important wonder crop and various scientists across the globe have shown much interest in it as a healthy food for the future. In this review, we provide an update on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of purslane, its usage as nutritional and an ethnomedicinal plant across the world. We further provide a detailed account on ethnopharmacological studies that have proved the ethnomedicinal properties of purslane.

Three novel alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their anti-inflammatory bioactivities

Three novel alkaloids, identified as (E)-N-((2R)-3-(2,5-dihydroxy-4-((3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-2-hydroxypropanoyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylamide (1), named oleracrylimide A, (E)-N-((2R)-3-(2,5-dihydroxy-4-((3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-2-hydroxypropanoyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylamide (2), named oleracrylimide B, and (E)-N-((2R)-3-(2,5-dihydroxy-4-((3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(((3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)methyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)phenyl)-2-hydroxypropanoyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylamide (3), named oleracrylimide C were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and the structures of the three novel compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, circular dichroism, and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS spectroscopic methods. Moreover, the bioactivities of anti-inflammation of the three compounds were investigated via testing RAW 264.7 macrophage cell stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide.

Two new organic acids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activities

Two new organic acids, identified as (7E,9E,12E)-pentadecyl-7,9,12-trienoic acid, named Oleraceacid A (1), and 6,7-dihydroxy-4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-naphthoic acid, named Oleraceacid B (2), were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L.. The structures were verified by spectroscopic methods, including UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR. Both Oleraceacid A (1) and Oleraceacid B (2) at 20 μM inhibited the inflammatory factor, IL-1β in the RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS, moreover, Oleraceacid A (1) can inhibit cholinesterase activity.

A new alkaloid from Portulaca oleracea L. and its anti-inflammatory activity

A new alkaloid, identified as (E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(pyridazin-3-yl)-acrylaldehyde, named oleradazine, was isolated from Portulaca oleracea L., and the structure was elucidated using spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS methods. In addition, the compound was used to investigate its anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. It was suggested that the oleradazine can significantly inhibit the inflammatory factors, interleukin 1β and nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Three new alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their bioactivities

Three novel alkaloids, named oleracone L (1), portulacatone B (2), and portulacatal (3), were isolated from P. oleracea L.. The structures were determined using UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS. The three compounds in a dose-dependent manner significantly reduced the secretion of IL-1β in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages RAW 264.7 cell culture supernatant, moreover, exhibited the anticholinesterase activities.

Two amide glycosides from Portulaca oleracea L. and its bioactivities

Two novel amide glycosides, named oleraciamide E (1) and oleraciamide F (2), were isolated from the Portulaca oleracea L. Their structures were determined by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and UHPLC-ESI-TOF-MS methods. Oleraciamide E (1) exhibited anticholinesterase activity with IC₅₀ values of 52.43 ± 0.33 μM, and presented scavenging activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical quenching assay, with the IC₅₀ values of 24.64 ± 0.33 μM.

A new skeleton flavonoid and a new lignan from Portulaca oleracea L. and their activities

A new skeleton flavonoid, identified as (5aR)-10-hydroxy-8-methoxy-5aH,11H-chromeno[2,3-b]chromen-11-one (1), named oleracone G, and a new lignan, confirmed as 8-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-methoxynaphthalen-2-ol (2), named oleralignan B, were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L., and the structures of them were determined using spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS. In addition, compounds 1-2 were applied to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and scavenging effects in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The results showed that the two compounds at 10 μM and 20 μM could dose-dependently decrease the secretion of interleukin 1β in RAW 264.7 cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, moreover, presented remarkable antioxidant activities with IC₅₀ values of 27.57, 20.12 μM, respectively.

Water-soluble alkaloids isolated from Portulaca oleracea L

Fifteen new water-soluble alkaloids were obtained from the fresh herbs of Portulaca oleracea L. The structures of 15 alkaloids 1-15 were established according to spectroscopic data, and the stereoconfigurations were determined based on experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Alkaloids 1-15 were found to display good anti-inflammatory activity at 10 μM and could significantly reduce the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) levels induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Seven compounds from Portulaca oleracea L. and their anticholinesterase activities

A novel lignan, identified as 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-3a,4-dihydronaphtho[2,3-c]furan-1(3H)-one, named oleralignan A (1), together with six known compounds, loliolide (2), isololiolide (3), dehydrololiolide (4), daphnetin (5), esculetin (6), and trans-coumaric acid methyl ester (7) was obtained from Portulaca oleracea L., while compounds 3, 4, 6, and 7 were isolated from the plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, including one- and two-dimensional NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In addition, the results of activity assay demonstrated that compounds 1-7 have anticholinesterase activities.

A new 7',9-epoxylignan from the stems of Salacia chinensis

Bioactivity-guided isolation of the CHCl₃-soluble fraction of the stems of Salacia chinensis L. (Celastraceae) was carried out to obtain a new 7',9-epoxylignan (1) and three 7,9':7',9-diepoxylignans (2-4). The absolute configuration of 1 was elucidated based on NMR and ECD spectroscopic data interpretation. All isolated lignans showed intermediate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC₅₀ values ranging from 28.5 to 85.6 µM.

Bassiamide A, a new alkaloid from xero-halophyte Bassia indica Wight

N-[(3-(3-methyl-1-oxo-butyl)amino)propyl]-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enamide (7), named 'Bassiamide A', a new alkaloid, together with six known compounds including one lignan (1) and five lignanamides (2-6), were isolated from the aerial parts of Bassia indica Wight. The study also reported an optimal separation of a rare occurring R-isomer lignanamide derivative (6) from a natural origin, in addition to its known corresponding S-isomer (5). Structures of isolated compounds were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data, HR-MS, and comparison with known related ones, and they were identified as syringaresinol (1), N-trans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine (2), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (3), S-(-)-N-trans-feruloyl normetanephrine (4), S-(-)-N-trans-feruloyl octopamine (5), R-(+)-N-trans-feruloyl octopamine (6). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, and they showed weak inhibitory activity.

A trace alkaloid, oleraisoindole A from Portulaca oleracea L. and its anticholinesterase effect

A new trace alkaloid possessing the lignan structure, named oleraisoindole A, was obtained from the extract of the Portulaca oleracea L.. The structure of oleraisoindole A was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopic methods. The compound presented an anticholinesterase effect with the IC₅₀ value of 60.4 μM.