Base-Induced Sulfoxide-Sulfenate Rearrangement of 2-Sulfinyl Dienes for the Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Enantioenriched Dienyl Diols

The base-induced [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of a series of enantiopure 2-sulfinyl dienes has been examined and optimized using a combination of NaH and ⁱPrOH. The reaction takes place by allylic deprotonation of the 2-sulfinyl diene to give a bis-allylic sulfoxide anion intermediate that after protonation undergoes sulfoxide-sulfenate rearrangement. Different substitution at the starting 2-sulfinyl dienes has allowed us to study the rearrangement finding that a terminal allylic alcohol is determinant to achieve complete regioselectivity and high enantioselectivities (90:10-95:5) with the sulfoxide as the only element of stereocontrol. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide an interpretation of these results.

Zanthoxylum Species: A Comprehensive Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Applications

Zanthoxylum species (Syn. Fagara species) of the Rutaceae family are widely used in many countries as food and in trado-medicinal practice due to their wide geographical distribution and medicinal properties. Peer reviewed journal articles and ethnobotanical records that reported the traditional knowledge, phytoconstituents, biological activities and toxicological profiles of Z. species with a focus on metabolic and neuronal health were reviewed. It was observed that many of the plant species are used as food ingredients and in treating inflammation, pain, hypertension and brain diseases. Over 500 compounds have been isolated from Z. species, and the biological activities of both the plant extracts and their phytoconstituents, including their mechanisms of action, are discussed. The phytochemicals responsible for the biological activities of some of the species are yet to be identified. Similarly, biological activities of some isolated compounds remain unknown. Taken together, the Z. species extracts and compounds possess promising biological activities and should be further explored as potential sources of new nutraceuticals and drugs.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Alkylamides from Natural Origin

Interest in alkylamide, as a class of compound, has grown tremendously in recent years. This interest is due to the many presumed benefits in food, cosmetics, and medicine. This review focuses on the different alkylamides naturally occurring in many plant species. Several methods have been employed for their identification as well as isolation and several in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed their therapeutic effects in various diseases. In general, alkylamides have been reported to have several biological activities and pharmacological effects which include immunomodulatory, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antiprotozoal activities. Moreover, many studies have reported on their mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. We herein present an updated report on the chemistry and pharmacology of alkylamides of natural origin.

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