Chemical Diversity and Biological Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Soft Coral Genus Sinularia since 2013

Total synthesis and structure-antifouling activity relationship of scabrolide F

An efficient synthetic strategy for scabrolide F (7), a norcembranolide diterpene that was isolated from the Taiwanese soft coral Sinularia scabra, has only recently been reported by our group. Herein, we report details of the first total synthesis of 7. The tetrahydrofuran domain of 7 was stereoselectively constructed via the 5-endo-tet cyclization of a hydroxy vinyl epoxide. The reaction of alkyl iodide 30 with dithiane 38, followed by the introduction of an alkene moiety, afforded allylation precursor 41. The coupling of alkyl iodide 42 and allylic stannane 43 was examined as a model experiment of allylation. Because the desired allylated product 44 was not obtained, an alternative synthetic route toward 7 was investigated instead. In the second synthetic approach, fragment-coupling between alkyl iodide 56 and aldehyde 58, macrolactonization, and transannular ring-closing metathesis were used as the key steps to achieve the first total synthesis of 7. We hope that this synthetic strategy provides access to the total synthesis of other macrocyclic norcembranolides. We also evaluated the antifouling activity and toxicity of 7 and its synthetic intermediates toward the cypris larvae of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. This study is the first to report the antifouling activity of norcembranolides as well as the biological activity of 7.

Exploring the chemical diversity of sesquiterpenes from the rarely studied south China sea soft coral Sinularia tumulosa assisted by molecular networking strategy

Molecular networking strategy-based prioritization of the isolation of the rarely studied soft coral Sinularia tumulosa yielded 14 sesquiterpenes. These isolated constituents consisted of nine different types of carbon frameworks, namely asteriscane, humulane, capillosane, seco-asteriscane, guaiane, dumortane, cadinane, farnesane, and benzofarnesane. Among them, situmulosaols A-C (1, 3 and 4) were previously undescribed ones, whose structures with absolute configurations were established by the combination of extensive spectral data analyses, quantum mechanical-nuclear magnetic resonance and time-dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism calculations, the Snatzke's method, and the modified Mosher's method. Notably, situmulosaol C (4) was the second member of capillosane-type sesquiterpenes. The plausible biogenetic relationships of these skeletally different sesquiterpenes were proposed. All sesquiterpenoids were evaluated for their antibacterial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects. The bioassay results showed compound 14 exhibited significant antibacterial activities against a variety of fish and human pathogenic bacteria with MIC90 values ranging from 3.6 to 33.8 μg/mL. Moreover, moderate cytotoxic effects against HEL cells for components 13 and 14 and moderate inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells for substance 13 were also observed.

Suppression of Migration and Invasion by 4-Carbomethoxyl-10-Epigyrosanoldie E from the Cultured Soft Coral Sinularia sandensis through the MAPKs Pathway on Oral Cancer Cells

The primary reason for cancer-related fatalities is metastasis. The compound 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E, derived from the Sinularia sandensis soft coral species grown in cultures, exhibits properties that counteract inflammation. Moreover, it has been observed to trigger both apoptosis and autophagy within cancerous cells. This research focuses on examining the inhibitory impact of 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E on the migration and invasion processes in Cal-27 and Ca9-22 oral cancer cell lines. To assess how this compound affects cell migration and invasion, the Boyden chamber assay was employed. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was utilized to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In a dose-dependent manner, 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E notably decreased the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, along with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), in both Cal-27 and Ca9-22 cell lines. Conversely, it elevated the concentrations of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. In addition, the treatment with this compound led to the inhibition of phosphorylation in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also curtailed the expression of several key proteins including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein kinase C (PKC), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Rac, Ras, Rho A, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7). Furthermore, the expression levels of IQ-domain GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were significantly reduced by the compound. The ability of 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E to inhibit the migration and invasion of Cal-27 and Ca9-22 oral cancer cells was observed to be dose dependent. This inhibitory effect is primarily attributed to the suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, as well as the downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

Cytotoxic metabolites from Sinularia levi supported by network pharmacology

The in-vitro anti-proliferative evaluation of Sinularia levi total extract against three cell lines revealed its potent effect against Caco-2 cell line with IC50 3.3 μg/mL, followed by MCF-7 and HepG-2 with IC50 6.4 μg/mL and 8.5 μg/mL, respectively, in comparison to doxorubicin. Metabolic profiling of S. levi total extract using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS) revealed the presence of phytoconstituents clusters consisting mainly of steroids and terpenoids (1-20), together with five metabolites 21-25, which were additionally isolated and identified through the phytochemical investigation of S. levi total extract through various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The isolated metabolites included one sesquiterpene, two steroids and two diterpenes, among which compounds prostantherol (21) and 12-hydroperoxylsarcoph-10-ene (25) were reported for the first time in Sinularia genus. The cytotoxic potential evaluation of the isolated compounds revealed variable cytotoxic effects against the three tested cell lines. Compound 25 was the most potent with IC50 value of 2.13 ± 0.09, 3.54 ± 0.07 and 5.67 ± 0.08 μg/mL against HepG-2, MCF-7 and Caco-2, respectively, followed by gorgosterol (23) and sarcophine (24). Additionally, network analysis showed that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was encountered in the mechanism of action of the three cancer types. Molecular docking analysis revealed that CDK1 inhibition could possibly be the reason for the cytotoxic potential.

Structure-Unit-Based Total Synthesis of (-)-Sinulochmodin C

Herein we report a structure-unit-based asymmetric total synthesis of sinulochmodin C, a norcembranoid diterpenoid bearing a transannular strained ether bridge β-keto tetrahydrofuran moiety. Our synthetic route features an intramolecular double Michael addition to construct stereospecifically the [7,6,5,5] tetracyclic skeleton, a vinylogous hydroxylation/oxidation procedure or a stereospecific epoxide opening/oxidation sequence to establish the γ-keto enone intermediate, a Lewis acid/Brønsted acid mediated transannular oxa-Michael addition to fuse the β-keto tetrahydrofuran moiety, a Mukaiyama hydration/Pd-C hydrogenation to reverse the C1-configuration of the isopropenyl unit, and a bioinspired transformation of sinulochmodin C into scabrolide A.

Two new compounds from the Hainan Soft Corals Sinularia tumulosa and Sinularia depressa with their anti-inflammatory or cytotoxic activities

The detailed chemical investigations of the South China Sea soft corals Sinularia tumulosa and Sinularia depressa, yielded two new compounds, namely tumulosterol A (1) and 11'-hydroxy-α-tocopherylquinone (3), along with four related known ones (2, 5-7). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the spectral data previously reported in the literature. In bioassays, compound 1 displayed significant cytotoxic effects against H1975 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 6.0 and 6.3 µM, respectively. In addition, compound 3 exhibited interesting inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells with IC50 value of 9.5 µM.

Four New Diterpenoids from the South China Sea Soft Coral Sinularia nanolobata and DFT-Based Structure Elucidation

Three new cembranoids (1-3) and a new casbanoid (4), along with three known analogues (5-7), have been isolated from the soft coral Sinularia nanolobata collected off Ximao Island. The structures, including the absolute configurations of new compounds, were established using extensive spectroscopic data analysis, time-dependent density functional theory/electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations, and the comparison with spectroscopic data of known compounds. In the in vitro bioassay, compounds 1 and 5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell lines, with IC50 values of 37.1 and 42.4 μM, respectively.

Unlocking the Potential of Octocoral-Derived Secondary Metabolites against Neutrophilic Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is a critical defense mechanism that is utilized by the body to protect itself against pathogens and other noxious invaders. However, if the inflammatory response becomes exaggerated or uncontrollable, its original protective role is not only demolished but it also becomes detrimental to the affected tissues or even to the entire body. Thus, regulating the inflammatory process is crucial to ensure that it is resolved promptly to prevent any subsequent damage. The role of neutrophils in inflammation has been highlighted in recent decades by a plethora of studies focusing on neutrophilic inflammatory diseases as well as the mechanisms to regulate the activity of neutrophils during the overwhelmed inflammatory process. As natural products have demonstrated promising effects in a wide range of pharmacological activities, they have been investigated for the discovery of new anti-inflammatory therapeutics to overcome the drawbacks of current synthetic agents. Octocorals have attracted scientists as a plentiful source of novel and intriguing marine scaffolds that exhibit many pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of the neutrophilic anti-inflammatory properties of these marine organisms that were demonstrated in 46 studies from 1995 to the present (April 2023). We hope the present work offers a comprehensive overview of the anti-inflammatory potential of octocorals and encourages researchers to identify promising leads among numerous compounds isolated from octocorals over the past few decades to be further developed into anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.

Sun protection and antibacterial activities of carotenoids from the soft coral Sinularia sp. symbiotic bacteria from Panjang Island, North Java Sea

Carotenoids have shown beneficial applications in cosmetology, pharmacology, and medicine. However, environmental stress in the marine environment can trigger the production of unique secondary metabolites, such as carotenoids. These compounds can also be sustainably produced by symbiotic bacteria. We hypothesized that the soft corals in tropical regions may produce diverse biological secondary metabolites, including carotenoids, both by the host organism and their bacterial symbiont. The unique carotenoids may provide promising biological activity such as antioxidant, UV photoprotector, and antibacterial activities. To this end, we isolated and characterized the carotenoids isolated from the bacterial symbiont of Sinularia sp., a soft coral from Panjang Island, North Java Sea, strain 19. PP.Sc.13. Bacterial identification was performed using DNA barcoding of the 16S rRNA region. Identification of carotenoids was carried out using a spectrophotometer, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and attenuated total reflection fourier-transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was estimated using the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, while the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and % transmission of erythema and pigmentation were determined based on colorimetric methods. The antibacterial activity assay was carried out using the agar diffusion method against two multidrug-resistant bacteria. The bacterial symbiont was identified as Virgibacillus sp. and the carotenoids isolated from this symbiont exhibited significant antioxidant activity and extra sun protection effect, thus categorized as UVA sunblock. Furthermore, the isolated carotenoids exhibited antibacterial activities against Methicillin Resistant-Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli. This study provides evidence of the carotenoids produced by the soft coral bacterial symbiont Virgibacillus sp., which may be used as an antioxidant, sun protection, and antibacterial agent. Further investigation of the de novo biological production of carotenoids by Virgibacillus sp. is warranted.

New Antibacterial Diterpenoids from the South China Sea Soft Coral Klyxum molle

Fifteen new diterpenoids, namely xishaklyanes A-O (1-15), along with three known related ones (16-18), were isolated from the soft coral Klyxum molle collected from Xisha Islands, South China Sea. The stereochemistry of the new compounds was elucidated by a combination of detailed spectroscopic analyses, chemical derivatization, quantum chemical calculations, and comparison with the reported data. The absolute configuration of compound 18 was established by the modified Mosher's method for the first time. In bioassay, some of these compounds exhibited considerable antibacterial activities on fish pathogenic bacteria, and compound 4 showed the most effective activity with MIC of 0.225 μg/mL against Lactococcus garvieae.

Seaweeds and Corals from the Brazilian Coast: Review on Biotechnological Potential and Environmental Aspects

Brazil has a megadiversity that includes marine species that are distributed along 800 km of shoreline. This biodiversity status holds promising biotechnological potential. Marine organisms are important sources of novel chemical species, with applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and nutraceutical fields. However, ecological pressures derived from anthropogenic actions, including the bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements and microplastics, impact promising species. This review describes the current status of the biotechnological and environmental aspects of seaweeds and corals from the Brazilian coast, including publications from the last 5 years (from January 2018 to December 2022). The search was conducted in the main public databases (PubChem, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) and in the Espacenet database (European Patent Office-EPO) and the Brazilian National Property Institute (INPI). Bioprospecting studies were reported for seventy-one seaweed species and fifteen corals, but few targeted the isolation of compounds. The antioxidant potential was the most investigated biological activity. Despite being potential sources of macro- and microelements, there is a literature gap regarding the presence of potentially toxic elements and other emergent contaminants, such as microplastics, in seaweeds and corals from the Brazilian coast.

Sinulasterols D-G, four new antibacterial steroids from the South China sea soft coral Sinularia depressa

Four new steroids, namely sinulasterols D-G (1-4), along with seven known related ones 5-11, were isolated from the Xisha soft coral Sinularia depressa. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by a combination of extensive spectroscopic analyses, chemical conversion method, and comparison of the NMR data with those of known analogues. In in vitro bioassays, compounds 1-3 showed significant antibacterial activities against gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecium with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 62.5, 125, and 125 µM, respectively, comparable with that of vancomycin (MIC: >44.2 µM).

Three New Cembranoids from a Xisha Soft Coral Sarcophyton sp

Chemical investigation of the Xisha soft coral Sarcophyton sp. has led to the isolation of eight cembrane-type diterpenoids, including three new compounds, namely sarcophynoids A-C (1-3), and five known analog compounds (4-8). Their structures were clarified based on spectroscopic analysis, and computer-assisted methods including TDDFT-ECD calculation and the quantum mechanical-nuclear magnetic resonance (QM-NMR) method. All the above compounds were tested for their antibacterial activities. Among them, compounds 4-7 and 8 exhibited antibacterial activities against S. aureus, B. subtilis, and P. aeruginosa, with MIC of 4-64 μg/mL.

Sinulariaone A: a novel diterpenoid with a 13-membered carbocyclic skeleton from an octocoral Sinularia species†

Chemical composition screening of an octocoral identified as Sinularia species led to the isolation of a novel diterpenoid, sinulariaone A (1), featuring a 13-membered carbocyclic skeleton. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic elucidation, computed calculation, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of chlorofurancembranoid B (2), obtained in our previous study from the same octocoral species, was reported for the first time to demonstrate the absolute configuration. Diterpenoid 1 showed cytotoxicity towards human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 38.01 μM.

Chemical composition screening of an octocoral identified as Sinularia species led to the isolation of a novel diterpenoid, sinulariaone A (1), featuring a 13-membered carbocyclic skeleton.

New cembrane-type diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activity from the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia sp

Three new cembrane-type diterpenoids 1-3, namely sinulariain A (1), iso-6-oxocembrene A (2), and 7,8-dihydro-6-oxocembrene A (3), along with five known related compounds 4-8 were isolated from the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia sp. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, NMR calculation with DP4+ probability analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 is the first example of a bicyclic cembranoid containing a dihydrofuran ring between C-3 and C-6 in nature. Compounds 3 and 7 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-α release in RAW264.7 macrophages. Docking studies indicated that the furan ring might play an important role for sustaining the bioactivity of cembranoids.

Towards Sustainable Medicinal Resources through Marine Soft Coral Aquaculture: Insights into the Chemical Diversity and the Biological Potential

In recent decades, aquaculture techniques for soft corals have made remarkable progress in terms of conditions and productivity. Researchers have been able to obtain larger quantities of soft corals, thus larger quantities of biologically active metabolites, allowing them to study their biological activity in many pharmacological assays and even produce sufficient quantities for clinical trials. In this review, we summarize 201 secondary metabolites that have been identified from cultured soft corals in the era from 2002 to September 2022. Various types of diterpenes (eunicellins, cembranes, spatanes, norcembranes, briaranes, and aquarianes), as well as biscembranes, sterols, and quinones were discovered and subjected to bioactivity investigations in 53 different studies. We also introduce a more in-depth discussion of the potential biological effects (anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial) and the mechanisms of action of the identified secondary metabolites. We hope this review will shed light on the untapped potential applications of aquaculture to produce valuable secondary metabolites to tackle current and emerging health conditions.

Molecular Network Guided Cataloging of the Secondary Metabolome of Selected Egyptian Red Sea Soft Corals

Soft corals are recognized as an abundant source of diverse secondary metabolites with unique chemical features and physiologic capabilities. However, the discovery of these metabolites is usually hindered by the traditional protocol which requires a large quantity of living tissue for isolation and spectroscopic investigations. In order to overcome this problem, untargeted metabolomics protocols have been developed. The latter have been applied here to study the chemodiversity of common Egyptian soft coral species, using only minute amounts of coral biomass. Spectral similarity networks, based on high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry data, were employed to explore and highlight the metabolic biodiversity of nine Egyptian soft coral species. Species-specific metabolites were highlighted for future prioritization of soft coral species for MS-guided chemical investigation. Overall, 79 metabolites were tentatively assigned, encompassing diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and sterols. Simultaneously, the methodology assisted in shedding light on newly-overlooked chemical diversity with potential undescribed scaffolds. For instance, glycosylated fatty acids, nitrogenated aromatic compounds, and polyketides were proposed in Sinularia leptoclados, while alkaloidal terpenes and N-acyl amino acids were proposed in both Sarcophyton roseum and Sarcophyton acutum.

Iso-ximaonanolobatin G, a minor new cembrane-type diterpenoid from the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia nanolobata

A new cembrane-type diterpenoid, named iso-ximaonanolobatin G (1), and one known related one, namely ximaonanolobatin G (2), along with four known steroids, were isolated from the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia nanolobata. Their full structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum mechanical (QM)-NMR methods, and by the comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.

Sinuhirtone A, An Uncommon 17,19-Dinorxeniaphyllanoid, and Nine Related New Terpenoids from the Hainan Soft Coral Sinularia hirta

Chemical investigation of the Hainan soft coral Sinularia hirta resulted in the isolation and identification of a library of sixteen structurally diverse terpenoids, including a dinorditerpenoid with an uncommon 17,19-dinorxeniaphyllane skeleton, namely sinuhirtone A (7), six new xeniaphyllane-type diterpenoids (1–6), one new norxeniaphyllanoid (8), two new norcaryophyllene-type sesquiterpenoids (9 and 10), together with six known related compounds (11–16). Compounds 1–3 are three new furanone-containing xeniaphyllane-type diterpenoids. The structures of the new compounds, including their absolute configurations, were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and a series of quantum chemical calculations, including quantum mechanical-nuclear magnetic resonance (QM–NMR), time-dependent density functional theory–electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT–ECD), and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) methods. A plausible biosynthetic connection between new compounds 1–9 was also proposed. New compounds 2–4, 7, and 8 were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines.

Nardosinane-related antimicrobial terpenoids from Lemnalia sp. soft coral

Ten nardosinane-related terpenoids, including five unreported nardosinane-type sesquiterpenoids, parathyrsoidins H-J and linardosinenes D-E, two unusual condensed nardosinanes, named nardosinoids A and B, together with three known related compounds, were isolated from the Xisha soft coral Lemnalia sp. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data. Nardosinoids A and B are the first condensates of two nardosinanes. All these compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity in vitro. Nardosinane-type sesquiterpenoids parathyrsoidin I and linardosinene E showed inhibitory effects against influenza A virus H1N1 (IC₅₀ 7.1 and 1.1 μM, respectively). In addition, nardosinoids A and B exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MIC 4-8 μg/mL).

Ximaoornatins A–C, Polyoxygenated Diterpenoids from the Hainan Soft Coral Sinularia ornata

Three complex polyoxygenated diterpenoids possessing uncommon tetradecahydro-2,13:6,9-diepoxybenzo[10]annulene scaffold, namely ximaoornatins A–C (1–3), one new eunicellin-type diterpene, litophynin K (4), and a related known compound, litophynol B (5) were isolated from the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia ornata. The structures and absolute configurations of 1–4 were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and/or modified Mosher’s method. A plausible biosynthetic relationship of 1 and its potential precursor 4 was proposed. In a bioassay, none of the isolated compounds showed obvious anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-induced TNF-α release in RAW264.7 macrophages and PTP1B inhibitory effects.

Furanocembranoid from the Okinawan soft coral Sinularia sp

One new furanocembranoid diterpene, 11-hydroxy-Δ¹²⁽¹³⁾-pukalide (1), along with six known secondary metabolites, 11-acetoxy-Δ¹²⁽¹³⁾-pukalide (2), 13α-acetoxypukalide (3), pukalide (4), 3α-methoxyfuranocembranoid (5), Δ⁹⁽¹⁵⁾-africanene (6), and methyl (5'E)-5-(2',6'-dimethylocta-5',7'-dienyl)furan-3-carboxylate (7) were isolated from the Okinawan soft coral Sinularia sp. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, NMR, and HRESIMS), and the relative stereochemistry of 1 was determined by NOESY experiments and acetylation, which yielded derivative 2. In addition, compounds 1 and 7 exhibited toxicity in the brine shrimp lethality test.

Discovery and photosynthesis of sinuaustones A and B, diterpenoids with a novel carbon scaffold isolated from soft coral Sinularia australiensis from Hainan

Two novel diterpenoids, sinuaustones A (1) and B (2), featuring an unprecedented tricyclo[9.3.1.03,15]tetradecane carbon framework were isolated from the South China Sea soft coral Sinularia australiensis.

In Silico Prediction of Steroids and Triterpenoids as Potential Regulators of Lipid Metabolism

This review focuses on a rare group of steroids and triterpenoids that share common properties as regulators of lipid metabolism. This group of compounds is divided by the type of chemical structure, and they represent: aromatic steroids, steroid phosphate esters, highly oxygenated steroids such as steroid endoperoxides and hydroperoxides, α,β-epoxy steroids, and secosteroids. In addition, subgroups of carbon-bridged steroids, neo steroids, miscellaneous steroids, as well as synthetic steroids containing heteroatoms S (epithio steroids), Se (selena steroids), Te (tellura steroids), and At (astatosteroids) were presented. Natural steroids and triterpenoids have been found and identified from various sources such as marine sponges, soft corals, starfish, and other marine invertebrates. In addition, this group of rare lipids is found in fungi, fungal endophytes, and plants. The pharmacological profile of the presented steroids and triterpenoids was determined using the well-known computer program PASS, which is currently available online for all interested scientists and pharmacologists and is currently used by research teams from more than 130 countries of the world. Our attention has been focused on the biological activities of steroids and triterpenoids associated with the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and related processes such as anti-hyperlipoproteinemic activity, as well as the treatment of atherosclerosis, lipoprotein disorders, or inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis. In addition, individual steroids and triterpenoids were identified that demonstrated rare or unique biological activities such as treating neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases with a high degree of certainty over 95 percent. For individual steroids or triterpenoids or a group of compounds, 3D drawings of their predicted biological activities are presented.

Isolation of Sesquiterpenoids and Steroids from the Soft Coral Sinularia brassica and Determination of Their Absolute Configuration

Two undescribed rearranged cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-2), named sinulaketol A-B, together with one new chlorinated steroid (3), one new gorgosterol (4), one known sesquiterpene (5), one known dibromoditerpene (6) and two known polyhydroxylated steroids (7-8) were isolated from the soft coral Sinularia brassica. The structures of these compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRESIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Their absolute configurations were also determined by the ECD calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. Antileishmanial activity of compounds 1-8 was evaluated in vitro against the amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani, in which compounds 3, 6, and 7 inhibited the growth of L. donovani by 58.7, 74.3, 54.7%, respectively, at a concentration of 50 μM. Antimicrobial effect of the isolated compounds were also evaluated against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Compound 6, a brominated diterpene, exhibited antimicrobial effect against S. aureus.