Estimation of dietary selenium requirement for Chinese egg-laying ducks

The purpose of this study was to estimate the selenium (Se) requirement of egg-laying ducks based on daily egg production and the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (Gpx). Five-hundred and forty laying ducks were divided into six treatments, each containing six replicates of 15 ducks. The birds were caged individually and received a Se-deficient basal diet (0.04 mg/kg) or diets supplemented with 0.08, 0.16, 0.24, 0.32, 0.40 mg/kg Se (as sodium selenite) for 6 months. The experiment consisted of two periods: an early-laying period of 2 months and the peak-laying period of 4 months. Egg production and feed intake were recorded daily. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were drawn for determination of Gpx activity in plasma (Gpx3) and in erythrocytes (Gpx1). Hepatic Gpx1 activity and relative expression of Gpx1 mRNA were also determined. Eggs (n = 6) were sampled for quality determination and Se content at the end of the experiment. The activities of plasma Gpx3, erythrocyte Gpx1 and liver Gpx1 increased in a quadratic manner (P < 0.001) with increasing supplemental Se. The mRNA abundance of hepatic Gpx1 increased linearly (P < 0.001) with dietary Se supplementation. Egg shell thickness was significantly reduced in the ducks fed 0.44 mg Se/kg (P < 0.05), indicating that higher dietary Se tends to compromise egg shell quality. Yolk and albumen contents of Se increased linearly (P < 0.0001) with dietary Se supplementation. Using quadratic broken line models, the Se requirement for daily egg production was 0.18 mg/kg for early-laying ducks and 0.24 mg/kg for peak-laying ducks; for optimal function of Gpx (peak-laying ducks), it was 0.37 mg Se/kg.

Effects of soybean isoflavone on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidation in male broilers

To investigate the effects of a synthetic soybean isoflavone (ISF) on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidation in male broilers, 1,500 birds that were 42 d old were allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment (50 birds per replicate). Birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg of ISF/kg, respectively, for a period of 3 wk ad libitum. The results showed that dietary supplementations with 10 or 20 mg of ISF/kg increased weight gain by 13.6 and 16.2% (P < 0.01) and elevated feed intake by 7.37% (P < 0.05) and 11.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. Addition of 10 mg of ISF/kg decreased feed:gain by 5.5% (P < 0.05). Supplementation with 40 mg of ISF/kg in the diet slightly increased water-holding capacity by 17.24% (P < 0.1), and the addition of 20 or 40 mg/kg of ISF significantly increased the pH value of meat (P < 0.01), although adding 40 or 80 mg of ISF/kg increased the lightness of meat color (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde production was slightly reduced in plasma of 20 mg of ISF/kg supplemented chickens (P < 0.1) and significantly decreased in breast muscles of 20, 40, or 80 mg of ISF/kg supplemented chickens (P < 0.01). The addition of 40 or 80 mg of ISF/kg significantly increased total antioxidant capability (P < 0.01) and slightly elevated total superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.1) in plasma of chickens. The dose of 80 mg of ISF/kg slightly improved catalase activity in plasma (P < 0.06). In breast muscle, treatment of birds with 40 or 80 mg of ISF/kg caused an increase of total superoxide dismutase activity by 25.36% (P < 0.05) or 63.93% (P < 0.01). Catalase activity significantly increased by 70.61% by the supplemental ISF at the 40-mg level (P < 0.05). Also, 10, 20, or 40 mg doses of ISF/kg decreased lactic acid production (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that dietary ISF could improve growth performance and meat quality by decreasing lipid peroxidation and improving antioxidative status in male broilers.

Purification, characterization of two peptides from Buthus martensi Karch

A new peptide named Martentoxin I and an analogue Martentoxin were purified and characterized from the venom of Buthus martensi Karch. Martentoxin I consisted of 36 amino acid residues with molecular mass as 3908.0 Da determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight-MS. The amino acid sequence was determined as GLIDVKCFASSECWTACKKVTGSGQGKCQNNQCRCY by Edman degradation. Martentoxin consisted of 37 amino acid residues with a molecular mass as 4055.3 Da and it showed highly sequence identity to Martentoxin I as FGLIDVKCFASSECWTACKKVTGSGQGKCQNNQCRCY. Estimation from circular dichroism spectra indicated Martentoxin I owned 18.0% alpha-helix, 53.0% beta-sheet structure and 3.9% turn while Martentoxin contained 13.3% alpha-helix, 64.3% beta-sheet structure and 1.1% turn. The toxicity assay showed both peptides had no toxic effects on mice up to the dose of 10 mg/kg. Electrophysiological studies showed that Martentoxin I and Martentoxin at the concentration of 1 microm significantly inhibited voltage-dependent Na+ current (INa) and voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K+ current (IK) but had no effects on transient K+ current (IA). Both interactions with Na+ and K+ channels were irreversible.

Five new diprenylated flavonols from the leaves of Broussonetia kazinoki

Five new diprenylated flavonols, broussonol A (1), broussonol B (2), broussonol C (3), broussonol D (4), and broussonol E (5), along with two known compounds, were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Broussonetia kazinoki. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral methods. Cytotoxic activities were evaluated against several different cell lines.

Structural chemistry and biological activities of natural products from Chinese herbal medicines

This is a brief account of recent developments (1978-1994) in natural product chemistry and bioactivity related to Chinese herbal medicine. In the period covered, more than thousand chemically new constituents were isolated and their structures elucidated. We have presented most of the structural formulae for the sake of clarity, along with passing mentions of pertinent biological activities. The isolates were grouped under different headings according to structure types.

A steroidal saponin from the seeds of Allium tuberosum

A steroidal saponin, named tuberoside, together with seven known compounds, were isolated from the seeds of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng. Its structure was established by spectroscopic data, hydrolysis, and comparison with spectral data of known compounds to be (2alpha, 3beta, 5alpha, 25S)-2,3,27-trihydroxyspirostane 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoyl-(1-->2)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranoyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

Two new bislabdane-type diterpenoids and three new diterpenoids from the roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata

Two new bislabdane-type diterpenoids lanceolatin (1), lancelatol (2) and three new diterpenoids 15-nor-14-oxo-8(17),12-labdanien-14,18-dionic acid (3), 8(17),12,14-labdantrien-18-oic acid (4) and 8(17),12,14-labdantrien-18-ol (5), together with 7 known diterpenoids were isolated from the roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. All of these compounds were isolated from the species for the first time. One of the isolated compounds showed a significant inhibition effect on mouse hind-paw edema induced by carrageenan.

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Magnolia denudata

20 compounds were isolated from the leaves of Magnolia denudata including 16 lignans, which belong to 6 structural types. Except for (7R, 8S, 1'S)-delta8' -1', 4'- dihydro-5'-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-4'-oxo-7.0.2', 8.1'-neolignan (6), magliflonenone (9), 2, 5'-diene-2', 8'-epoxy-5'-methoxy-8-methyl-4'-oxo-3,4- methylenedioxy-spiro (5, 5)-undecane (10), veraguensin (16) and beta-sitosterol (20), the other 15 compounds were obtained from this species for the first time. The absolute configurations of 3 compounds (1, 4, 10) were determined by CD spectroscopy for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1, 2 and 16 were assessed and 2 was shown to have significant inhibition effect on mice hind-paw edema induced by carrageenan.

Structures of two new benzofuran derivatives from the bark of mulberry tree (Morus macroura Miq.)

Two new benzofuran derivatives, macrourins A (1) and B (2), together with two known stilbene derivatives, were isolated from the barks of Morus macroura Miq. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic evidence.

Chestnutamide: a novel alkaloid from flowers of Castanea mollissima Blume

A novel alkaloid, chestnutamide, was isolated from the flowers of Castanea mollissima Blume. The structure was determined on the basis of spectral analysis.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Murraya kwangsiensis]

AIM

To investigate the chemical constituents of Murraya kwangsiensis.

METHODS

Compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography and TLC method, respectively. Structures of compounds were elucidated by spectral (UV, IR, MS, 1HNMR and 13CNMR) analysis.

RESULTS

Five carbazole alkaloids and two other compounds were isolated and identified. Six of them are known compounds: murrayafoline A, murrayanine, koenine, isomahanine, palmitic acid and beta-sitosterol. One is a new alkaloid, named kwangsine.

CONCLUSION

A new alkaloid, named kwangsine, was isolated from Murraya kwangsiensis Var. Six known compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

New annonaceous acetogenins from the roots of Uvaria calamistrata

Five new annonaceous acetogenins, calamistrins C-G (1-5), were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the roots of Uvaria calamistrata. Compounds 1-3 were mono-THF ring acetogenins; compounds 4 and 5 were bis-THF acetogenins, with the THF rings from C-18 to C-25. The absolute configurations of 3, 4, and 5 as well as the partial absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by (13)C NMR spectroscopy and advanced Mosher methodology.

Isolation and structure elucidation of novel gamma-lactones from Saccopetalum prolificum

Two novel gamma-lactones, saccopetrin C(1) and saccopetrin D (2), were isolated from the roots of Saccopetalum prolificum. Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

A new bislabdane-type diterpenoid from the roots of cunninghamia lanceolata

Lanceolatic acid (1), a new bislabdane-type diterpenoid, has been isolated from the roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Alkaloids from the roots of goniothalamus griffithii

Three new alkaloids-griffithazanone A (1), griffithdione (2), and griffithinam (3)-were isolated from the roots of Goniothalamus griffithii, along with six known compounds, 4-methyl-2,9, 10-(2H)-1-azaanthracenetrione (4), velutinam, aristololactam BI, aristololactam BII, aristololactam AII, and norcepharanone B. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of griffithazanone A (1) was determined by the preparation of Mosher's esters.

Calamistrins A and B, two new cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins from Uvaria calamistrata

Two new bioactive monotetrahydrofuran acetogenins, calamistrins A (1) and B (2), and two known compounds, uvarigrin (3) and uvarigranin (4), have been isolated from the roots of Uvaria calamistrata. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The absolute stereochemistry of the stereogenic centers was established by Mosher ester methodology.

A new furofuran mono-lactone from Forsythia suspensa

A new furofuran mono-lactone, named forsythenin, was isolated from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa, together with the known compounds, ocotillone, ocotillol monoacetate, (6'-O-palmitoyl)-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside and palmitic acid. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic means and X-ray crystallography.

New polyoxygenated cyclohexenes from Uvaria calamistrata

Five new polyoxygenated cyclohexenes, named uvacalol A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4) and E (5) were isolated from the roots of Uvaria calamistrata. On the basis of spectral analysis and chemical derivatization, including the preparation of Mosher esters, the structures of compound 1-5 were established as (2R,3S,4R,5S)-2-acetoxyl-5-ethoxyl-1-benzoyloxymethylcyclohex-1(6)-ene3,4-diol-3-benzoate, (2R,3S,4R,5S)-2-acetoxyl-5-ethoxyl-1-benzoyloxymethylcyclohex-1(6)-ene-3,4-diol-4-benzoate, (2R,3S,4R,5S)-5-ethoxyl-1-benzoyloxymethylcyclohex-1(6)-ene-2,3,4-triol-3-benzoate, (2R,3S,4R,5S)-3-methoxyl-1-benzoyloxymethylcyclohex-1(6)-ene-2,3,5-triol and (2R,3S,4R,5S)-2-acetoxyl-1-benzoyloxymethylcyclohex-1(6)-ene-3,4,5-triol-5-benzoate, respectively.

Sphingosine derivatives from the seeds of Allium tuberosum

A new ceramide, named tuber-ceramide (2), along with a known cerebroside (1) were isolated from the seeds of Allium tuberosum. The structure of tuber-ceramide was determined on the basis of spectral data as N-(2',3'-dihydroxy-tetracosenoyl)-2-amino-1,3,4-trihydroxy octadecane (2). This is the first report of sphingosine derivatives isolated from the genus Allium.

Two new caffeyol glycosides from Forsythia suspensa

Two new caffeoyl glycosides of phenethyl alcohol, suspensaside A (1) and suspensaside B (2), were isolated from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa. Also obtained in this investigation were two known compounds forsythiaside (3) and suspensaside (4). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were established by ID and 2D NMR techniques and chemical methods.

Styryllactones from the rhizomes of Goniothalamus griffithii

Three new styryl-lactones 8-acetylgoniofufurone(1), 7-acetylgonio-pypyrone(3), and 5-acetylgoniopypyrone(4), along with ten known compounds, goniofufurone(2), goniopypyrone(5), goniothalamin, goniothalenol, (+)-isoaltholactone, goniodiol, 7-acetylgoniodiol, goniotriol, 8-acetylgoniotriol, 9-deoxygoniopypyrone were isolated from the rhizomes of Goniothalamus griffithii Hook f. et. Thoms. Their structures were elucidated by IR, MS, NMR spectra and chemical evidence. All compounds showed cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines.

Two linear acetogenins from Goniothalamus gardneri

Two new acetogenins, gardnerilins A and B, have been isolated from the roots of Goniothalamus gardneri. Both are C35 acetogenins containing non-tetrahydrofuran rings. Their structures have been established on the basis of spectral evidence.

Linear acetogenins from Goniothalamus donnaiensis

Four linear acetogenins, donhepocin (1), 34-epi-donhepocin (1'), donhexocin and donbutocin, have been isolated from the roots of Goniothalamus donnaiensis. 1 and 1', isolated as an epimeric pair, contain a rare gamma-hydroxymethyl-gamma-lactone. Their structures have been established on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence.

Two epimeric pairs of C-4-acetyl annonaceous acetogenins from Goniothalamus donnaiensis

Further studies on the roots of Goniothalamus donnaiensis Finet et Gagnap (Annonaceae) led to the isolation of two pairs of Annonaceous acetogenins, donnaienin C ( 1) and 34- EPI-donnaienin C ( 1'), donnaienin D ( 2) and 34- EPI-donnaienin D ( 2'), containing a rare gamma-hydroxymethyl-gamma-lactone moiety and a C-4-acetoxy group. Their structures were elucidated by spectral data and chemical derivatization. Preliminary pharmacological tests showed that the mixture of donnaienin C( 1) and 34- EPI-donnaienin C ( 1') inhibited human hepatoma (Bel) cell lines in vitro (IC (50), 7.1 microg/ml).

A new epimeric pair of mono-THF annonaceous acetogenins from Goniothalamus gardneri

From the roots of Goniothalamus gardneri Hook f. et. Thoms (Annonaceae), we have isolated a novel epimeric pair, gardnerinin ( 1) and 34- EPI-gardnerinin ( 1'), characterized by the presence of a gamma-hydroxymethyl-gamma-lactone moiety. These compounds represent an unusual type of mono-THF Annonaceous acetogenins, bearing one flanking hydroxy group on the hydrocarbon side, and another hydroxy group on the lactone side, that is only one carbon away from the THF ring.

New Quinoid Glycosides from Forsythia suspensa

Three novel compounds, suspenolic acid (1), forsythenside A (2), and forsythenside B (3), have been isolated from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods and chemical reactions.

Triterpenoid saponins from Aster auriculatus

Three new triterpenoid saponins, auriculatusaponins A, B, and C, along with one known saponin, 3- O-beta-glucuronylolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-( O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-arabinopyranosyl) ester were isolated from roots of Aster auriculatus. On the basis of spectral and chemical evidence, auriculatusaponins A, B, and C were determined as 3beta- O-beta-glucuronyl-16-oxo-12-ene-28-noroleanane, 3beta- O-beta-glucuronyl-16alpha- trans-feruloyloxy-12-en-oleanane, and 3- O-beta-glucopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-olean-12-ene-28-oic acid 28- O-carboxymethyl ester, respectively.

Donnaienin, a New Acetogenin Bearing a Hydroxylated Tetrahydrofuran Ring

A novel Annonaceous acetogenin, donnaienin (1), was isolated from the roots of Goniothalamus donnaiensis. Its structure and stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidence. This compound represents an unusual type of Annonaceous acetogenin, bearing a hydroxylated tetrahydrofuran ring.

[Studies on the steroidal alkaloids from Sarcococca vagans]

The root of Sarcococca vagans Stapt (Buxaceae) is well-known Chinese folk drug called as "Jie Gu Mu", distributed in southern of China. They are used in treatment of traumatic injury. Four new steroidal alkaloids, named sarcovagine A, B, C and D, were isolated from the root of Sarcococca vagans. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral evidence.

[Studies on synthesis and pharmacological activities of cimicifugamide from Cimicifuga dahurica, and its analogues]

The total synthesis of cimicifugamide, a new natural compound isolated from the roots of Cimicifuga dahurica, was accomplished by a reaction sequence of seven steps in an overall yield of 31%. Trifluoroacetoxy was used as leaving group at the anomeric carbon. The target product was characterized by IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and elemental analysis. In addition, seven analogues were synthesized and their preliminary pharmacological activities were tested.

[Studies on the synthesis of dl-ligustiphenol and its analogues]

S-( -- )-Ligustiphenol is a new sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. In order to study its pharmacological activities, the total synthesis of its racemat was carried out by a six-step reaction sequence including bromination of aldehyde, iodination of m - cresol, protection of phenolic hydroxyl, Grignard reaction, Aldol condensation, etc. The target compound was characterized by comparing its 1(H)-NMR, MS and IR spectra with natural ( -- )-ligustiphenol. In order to study the structure-activity relationships of ligustiphenol, it five analogues were designed and synthesized. The pharmacological screening of these analogues has been performed.

[The structural elucidation of new polyoxygenated cyclohexenes from Uvaria grandiflora]

Four new polyoxygenated cyclohexenes, named uvarigranol A(1), B(2), E(3) and F(4), along with the known zeylenol were obtained from the roots of Uvaria grandiflora Roxb (Annonaceae). Based on spectral and X-ray analysis as well as Mosher methodology, their structures and absolute configuration were established.

[Studies on new cytotoxic annonaceous acetogenins from Uvaria grandiflora and absolute configurations]

Two new cytotoxic annonaceous acetogenins, named uvarigrin(1) and uvarigrandin A(3), were obtained from the roots of Uvaria grandiflora Roxb(Annonaceae). Based on X-ray analysis and Mosher's methodology, the overall absolute configuration of 1 was established as 15S, 17R, 18R, 21R, 22R, 36S. The absolute configuration of 3 was also resolved by Mosher's methodology. The relative configuration of the previously reported uvarigranin (2) was revised. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against HCT-8, Bel7402 and A2780 human tumor cell lines at ED50 levels of 0.15, 0.21 and 0.41 microgram.ml-1, respectively.

Tonkinelin: a novel annonaceous acetogenin from Uvaria tonkinensis

Further studies on the root bark of Uvaria tonkinensis Finet et Gagnep. (Annonacease) led to the isolation of a new Annonaceous acetogenin, tonkinelin (1). The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidence. This compound represents an unusual type of C37 Annonaceous acetogenin, having neither tetrahydrofuran (THF) nor epoxide rings and possessing only a vicinal diol in the hydrocarbon chain. Preliminary pharmacological tests showed that tonkinelin (1) inhibits human leukemia (HL-60) and human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cell lines in vitro.

Tonkinecin, a novel bioactive annonaceous acetogenin from Uvaria tonkinesis

A novel bioactive monotetrahydrofuran acetogenin named tonkinecin (1) and two known compounds, uvariamicins I and II, have been isolated from the roots of Uvaria tonkinesis. The structure of 1 was elucidated using spectral methods and its absolute stereochemistry established by 1H-NMR experiments utilizing Mosher ester methodology.

Triterpenoid saponins from the bark of Nothopanax davidii

Three new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the alcoholic extract of the bark of Nothopanax davidii. Their structures have been determined on the basis of spectral and chemical data as 3-O-alpha-(4'-O-acetyl)-L-arabinopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene- 28,29-dioic acid-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]ester, named yiyeliangwanoside IX; 3-O-alpha-(2'-O-acetyl)-L-arabinopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29- dioic acid-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)- beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, named yiyeliangwanoside X; and 3-O-beta-d-xylopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29-dioic acid-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-b eta-D - glucopyranosyl] ester, named yiyeliangwanoside XI.

Triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Aralia spinifolia

Two new triterpenoid saponins named aralosides H[1] and J [2], along with four known triterpenoid saponins 3-6 were isolated from the roots of Aralia spinifolia. Their structures were determined as 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-oleanolic acid [1], 3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl- oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl ester [2], araloside A methyl ester [3], chikusetusaponin Ib [4], chikusetusaponin IV [5], and araloside A [6] on the basis of spectral and chemical data.

Two Novel Protoilludane Norsesquiterpenoid Esters, Armillasin and Armillatin, from Armillaria mellea

Two novel protoilludane norsesquiterpenoid esters, named armillasin and armillatin, have been isolated from the artificially cultured mycelium of ARMILLARIA MELLEA (Tricholomataceae). Their structures have been assigned on the basis of a detailed study of their spectral data. Their relative configurations were established from the nuclear Overhauser effects.

Structure of Tripterygic Acid A: A New Triterpene of Tripterygium wilfordii

From roots of TRIPTERYGIUM WILFORDII used in Chinese folk medicine, a new ursane-triterpene named tripterygic acid A was isolated along with a known triterpene and their structures were elucidated by means of spectral analysis and chemical transformation.

Isolation and structure elucidation of armillaricin1

From the petroleum ether extracts of the artificially cultured mycelium of ARMILLARIA MELLEA, a novel sesquiterpenoid aromatic ester named armillaricin has been isolated by silica gel column chromatography. Its structure was deduced from spectral data and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Isolation and structures of two new sesquiterpenoid aromatic esters: armillarigin and armillarikin1

The continued investigation of the mycelial extract of ARMILLARIA MELLEA (Vahl.ex Fr.) Quel. (Tricholomelaceae) led to the isolation of two new sesquiterpenoid aromatic esters, named armillarigin ( 1) and armillarikin ( 2). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical transformation.

Yemuoside YM7, YM11, YM13, and YM14: Four Nortriterpenoid Saponins from Stauntonia chinensis

Four new nortriterpenoid saponins, named yemuoside YM (7) ( 1), YM (11) ( 2), YM (13) ( 3), and YM (14) ( 4), were isolated from STAUNTONIA CHINENSIS Decne. A new prosaponin, named yemuoside YM (16) ( 5), was isolated from the cleavage of the ester-glycoside linkage of 1. On the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence, their structures were elucidated.

[Studies on the structures of two new alkaloidal glucosides of Nauclea officinalis Pierre ex pitard]

Three indolic alkaloidal glucosides were isolated from the polar fraction of the stems of Nauclea officinalis. Two are new, named naucleoside (Ia) and nauclecosidine (IIa) and the other is a well known alkaloid, vincoside lactam. The structures of Ia and IIa were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (IR, MS, HNMR and CNMR) and chemical evidence.