Larvicidal and Fungicidal Activity of the Leaf Essential Oil of Five Myrtaceae Species

Myrtaceae is one of the most diverse and abundant botanical families, exhibiting wide diversity in the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs). EOs have various biotechnological applications such as controlling the populations of organisms that negatively impact humans. This study aimed to extract EOs from Myrtaceae species, chemically characterize them, and evaluate their larvicidal and fungicidal effects. EOs were extracted from the leaves of Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia uniflora, Psidium cattleyanum, Psidium guajava, and Syzygium cumini by hydrodistillation for 3 h and characterized by chromatographic analysis. Larvaes of Aedes aegypti and colonies of Fusarium oxysporum were subjected to increasing EO concentrations to determine the larvicidal and fungicidal potential. The EOs of Eugenia and Psidium species are primarily composed of sesquiterpenes (>80 %), whereas S. cumini EO is rich in monoterpenes (more than 60 %). The Eugenia species had similar amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes, which may explain their higher larvicidal potential compared to other species, with CL50 of 86.68 and 147.46 PPM, respectively. In addition to these two study species, S. cumini showed a high inhibition of fungal growth, with more than 65 % inhibition. We demonstrated that the actions of five EOs from Myrtaceae with different biological activities are associated with chemical diversity.

A new cyclodipeptide from Tetragonisca angustula honey active against Neospora caninum and in silico study

A new cyclic natural compound formed by succinic acid and two alanine amino acid units was isolated from the Tetragonisca angustula honey extract. The chemical structure of 1 was established based on spectroscopic data analysis, including one- (1H and 13C NMR) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (1H-1H-COSY, HSQC and HMBC). A primary culture model previously infected with Neospora caninum was used to evaluate 1 for two time intervals (24 and 72 h), showing a reduction (40-56%) of the number of tachyzoites in the first 24 h and until 72 h, a dose-dependent reduction in parasite proliferation (25-50%). Glial cells treated with 1 did not demonstrate toxicity at concentrations up to 25 ug/mL. Treated and infected cultures showed an increase in NO when compared to control cells in 24 h and 72 h. In silico studies suggest that the new compound may affect DNA synthesis and impair -protein production.

Two new dilactonized glycerol glycosides of the dual anticholinesterase active extract from Ocotea daphnifolia using bioguided fractionation and molecular docking studies

The dual inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) is considered as an important strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we applied the bioguided fractionations of Ocotea daphinifolia ethyl acetate active extract to furnish a fraction with high inhibitory activity for AChE and BuChE (82% and 92%, respectively). High-performance liquid chromatography semipreparative purification of this fraction provided two new natural products: 1-β-D-galactopyranosyl-glycerol-2,3-heptanedionate, (1) whose complete chemical structural elucidation was made with spectrometric analysis (MS, 1D, and 2D NMR) and its minor derivative 1-β-D-gulopyranosyl-glycerol-2,3-heptanedionate; (2) which could be characterized by 2D ¹ H-¹³ C heteronuclear single-quantum correlation spectra analysis. Investigation of the intermolecular interactions with cholinesterases was carried out by molecular docking studies, and results suggested that both compounds are capable to interact with the catalytic site of both enzymes. Compounds 1 and 2 interact with residues of catalytic domains and the peripheral anionic binding site of AChE and BuChE. The results are comparable to those achieved with rivastigmine and galantamine. Thus, this study provides evidence for consideration of the glycosylglycerol from O. daphnifolia as new valuable dual cholinesterases inhibitor.

Targeted Isolation of Anti-inflammatory Lignans from Justicia aequilabris by Molecular Networking Approach

Herein, the isolation of secondary metabolites from the aerial parts of Justicia aequilabris guided by HPLC-MSⁿ and molecular networking analyses is reported. Twenty-two known compounds were dereplicated. Three new lignans (aequilabrines A-C (1-3)) and three known compounds (lariciresinol-4'-O-β-glucose (4), roseoside (5), and allantoin (6)) were obtained. The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1-3 was evaluated in vitro by inhibiting the nitric oxide production (NO) and pro-inflammatory activity on the cytokine IL-1β. Compounds 2 and 3 showed significant inhibitory activity against NO production, with IC₅₀ values of 9.1 and 7.3 μM, respectively. The maximum inhibition of IL-1β production was 23.5% (1), 27.3% (2), and 32.5% (3).

Curcinomarcoide, a Novel Limonoid From Trichilia hirta (Meliaceae)—Complete 1H and 13C Chemical Shift Assignments

A novel limonoid named curcinomarcoide (1) was isolated from Trichilia hirta and characterized on the basis of its nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry spectral data and comparison with literature data.

Distribution of Iridoid Glucosides in Plants from the Genus Lippia (Verbenaceae): An investigation of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown

The distribution of iridoid glucosides in plants from the genus Lippia (Verbenaceae) is described. In the present work, three known iridoids (theviridoside, mussaenoside and gardoside) were isolated from the roots of L. alba and were confirmed by NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopic data. This information was combined with previous work on seven other Lippia species (obtained through a literature review) to give a thorough account of the iridoid glucosides currently found in this genus.

Saponin-rich fraction from Agave sisalana: effect against malignant astrocytic cells and its chemical characterisation by ESI-MS/MS

Astrocytic tumour cells derived from human (GL-15) and rat (C6) gliomas, as well as non-tumoural astrocytic cells, were exposed to the saponin-rich fraction (SF) from Agave sisalana waste and the cytotoxic effects were evaluated. Cytotoxicity assays revealed a reduction of cell viability that was more intensive in glioma than in non-tumoural cells. The SF induced morphological changes in C6 cells. They were characterised by cytoplasmic vacuole formation associated with increase in the formation of acidic lysosomes. The SF was subjected to purification on Sephadex LH-20, which characterised three probable steroidal saponins (sisalins) by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry multistage (ESI-MSⁿ). Sisalins from sisal may be responsible for the cytotoxicity, which involves cytoplasmatic vacuole formation and selective action for glioma cells.

Chemical Constituents of Trichilia hirta (Meliaceae)

A novel oleanane-type triterpene, 15-chloro-β-amyrone (1), was isolated from Trichilia hirta, together with the known compounds taraxer-3-one (2) and β-taraxerol (3), along with two novel esters, 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,4-trimethylpenty palmitate (4) and 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,3-trimethylpenty stearate (5), and the known 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl isobutyrate (6). These compounds were characterized on the basis of their spectroscopic and HRSEIMS data and by comparison with literature data.

Chemical Constituents of Trichilia hirta (Meliaceae)

A novel oleanane-type triterpene, 15-chloro-β-amyrone (1), was isolated from Trichilia hirta, together with the known compounds taraxer-3-one (2) and β-taraxerol (3), along with two novel esters, 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl palmitate (4) and 3-(isobutyryloxy)-2,2,3-trimethylpentyl stearate (5), and the known 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl isobutyrate (6). These compounds were characterized on the basis of their spectroscopic and HRSEIMS data and by comparison with literature data.

A Novel Alkaloid Isolated from Spiranthera atlantica (Rutaceae)

A novel alkaloid 3-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4'-methoxy-7'H-quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolin-7'-one, named atlanticol (1), was isolated from Spiranthera atlantica (Rutaceae), along with five known compounds: lupeol (3), γ-fagarine (4), skimmianine (5), 7-methoxy-1-methyl-2-phenyl-4-quinolone (6) and 8-methoxy-1-methyl-2-phenyl-4-quinolone (7). Compound 6 was isolated from the Spiranthera genus for the first time. These compounds were characterized based on their spectral data, mainly through one and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectra, but also involving comparison with literature data.

A Novel Alkaloid Isolated from Spiranthera Atlantica (Rutaceae)

A novel alkaloid 3-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4′-methoxy-7′ H-quinolino[2,1- b]quinazolin-7′-one, named atlanticol (1), was isolated from Spiranthera atlantica (Rutaceae), along with five known compounds: lupeol (3), γ-fagarine (4), skimmianine (5), 7-methoxy-1-methyl-2-phenyl-4-quinolone (6) and 8-methoxy-1-methyl-2-phenyl-4-quinolone (7). Compound 6 was isolated from the Spiranthera genus for the first time. These compounds were characterized based on their spectral data, mainly through one and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectra, but also involving comparison with literature data.

Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Methanolic Extract from the Stem Bark of Lophanthera lactescens

Lophanthera lactescens is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to relieve fever and pain in inflammatory processes. In the present study, the in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract from L. lactescens have been investigated. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through writhing, formalin, and tail flick tests, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through paw oedema and air pouch tests in mice. A phytochemical analysis was performed. The extract produced significant inhibition on nociception induced by acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin, and tail flick tests, and on inflammation induced by oedema and air pouch tests. The previous administration of atropine and glibenclamide reduced the antinociceptive effect produced by the methanolic extract from L. lactescens on the tail flick test in 89% and 66%, respectively. The methanolic extract had no significant effect in the open field test. No intoxication symptoms were observed in the animals administered orally at increasing doses up to 2000 mg/kg. The methanolic extract from the stem bark of L. lactescens possesses antinociceptive properties on models of acute pain induced by chemical and thermal stimuli as well as in models of inflammation and further suggests that this anti-inflammatory activity might involve inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines, and the antinociceptive activity might involve participation of the cholinergic system and adenosine triphosphate-dependent K+ channel.

Sesquiterpenes and a Phenylpropanoid from Cordia trichotoma

Two new secondary metabolites, the phenylpropanoid 3-(2′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (1) and the sesquiterpene (+)-1β,4β,6α-trihydroxyeudesmane (2) were isolated from the heartwood of Cordia trichotoma Vell., along with the known sesquiterpenes (D)-1β,4β,7α- trihydroxyeudesmane (3) and (+)-1β,4β,11-trihydroxyoppositane (4). Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data interpretation, mainly 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry.

First chemical constituents from Cordia exaltata Lam and antimicrobial activity of two neolignans

The phytochemical study of Cordia exaltata Lam. (Boraginaceae) led to the isolation, through chromatographic techniques, of nineteen secondary metabolites: 8,8'dimethyl-3,4,3',4'-dimethylenedioxy-7-oxo-2,7'cyclolignan (1), 8,8'-dimethyl-4,5-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenodioxy-7-oxo-2,7'cyclolignan (2), sitosterol (3a), stigmasterol (3b), sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4a), stigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4b), phaeophytin A (5), 13²-hydroxyphaeophytin A (6), 17³-ethoxypheophorbide A (7), 13²-hydroxy-17³-ethoxypheophorbide A (8), m-methoxy-p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (9), (E)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-propenoic acid (10), 1-benzopyran-2-one (11), 7-hydroxy-1-benzopyran-2-one (12), 2,5-bis-(3',4'-methylenedioxiphenyl)-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran (13), 3,4,5,3',5'-pentamethoxy-1'-allyl-8.O.4'-neolignan (14), 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol (15),5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone (16), 5,8-dihydroxy-7,4’-dimethoxyflavone (17), kaempherol 3-O-β-d-glucosyl-6''-α-L-ramnopyranoside (18) and kaempherol 3,7-di-O-α-l-ramnopyranoside (19). Their structures were identified by ¹H and ¹³C-NMR using one and two-dimensional techniques. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of compounds 1, 2, 13 and 14 against bacteria and fungi are reported here for the first time.

New cycloartane-type triterpenes from Marcetia latifolia (Melastomataceae) and in silico studies on Candida parapsilosis protease

We have previously reported the antimicrobial activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Marcetia latifolia, particularly against Candida parapsilosis. In this work we describe the isolation of two new cycloartane-type triterpenes, 28,29-bis-norcycloartan-3beta,4alpha-diol (1) and 28,29-bis-norcycloart-24-en-3beta,4alpha-diol (2) from the same extract. These compounds were mainly characterized by one- (1H, 13C and APT) and two-dimensional (1H-1H-COSY, 1H-1H-NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and comparison with published structural data. In addition, the activity of triterpenes 1 and 2 on the Candida protease target was investigated by in silico methods using molecular docking.

Chemical composition of Aspidosperma ulei Markgr. and antiplasmodial activity of selected indole alkaloids

A new indole alkaloid, 12-hydroxy-N-acetyl-21(N)-dehydroplumeran-18-oic acid (13), and 11 known indole alkaloids: 3,4,5,6-tetradehydro-β-yohimbine (3), 19(E)-hunteracine (4), β-yohimbine (5), yohimbine (6), 19,20-dehydro-17-α-yohimbine (7), uleine (10), 20-epi-dasycarpidone (11), olivacine (8), 20-epi-N-nor-dasycarpidone (14), N-demethyluleine (15) and 20(E)-nor-subincanadine E (12) and a boonein δ-lactone 9, ursolic acid (1) and 1D,1O-methyl-chiro-inositol (2) were isolated from the EtOH extracts of different parts of Aspidosperma ulei Markgr. (Apocynaceae). Identification and structural elucidation were based on IR, MS, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectral data and comparison to literature data. The antiplasmodial and antimalarial activity of 1, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 15 has been previously evaluated and 1 and 10 have important in vitro and in vivo antimalarial properties according to patent and/or scientific literature. With the aim of discovering new antiplasmodial indole alkaloids, 3, 4, 11, 12 and 13 were evaluated for in vitro inhibition against the multi-drug resistant K1 strain of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. IC₅₀ values of 14.0 (39.9), 4.5 (16.7) and 14.5 (54.3) mg/mL (mM) were determined for 3, 11 and 12, respectively. Inhibitory activity of 3, 4, 11, 12 and 13 was evaluated against NIH3T3 murine fibroblasts. None of these compounds exhibited toxicity to fibroblasts (IC₅₀ > 50 mg/mL). Of the five compounds screened for in vitro antiplasmodial activity, only 11 was active.

1H and 13C NMR assignments of two new isomeric bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae)

des-7'-O-methylroraimine (compound 1) and epi-des-7'-O-methylroraimine (compound 2), two new isomeric bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids were isolated and characterized as a mixture from the rhizomes of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. The unambiguous structural elucidation of both isomers was performed with the aid of HR-ESI-MS, FT-IR, and NMR techniques including COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY.

Two new terpenoids from Trichilia quadrijuga (Meliaceae)

Two new terpenoids, ambrosanoli-10(14)-en-11,12-diol (1), a sesquiterpene named quadrijugol, and a pregnane steroid, 3beta,4beta-dihydroxypregnan-16-one (2), were isolated from the stem and leaves of Trichilia quadrijuga, along with eleven known compounds, spathulenol, kudtdiol, 2beta,3beta,4beta-trihydroxypregnan-16-one, bourjotinolone B, piscidinol, niloticin, dihydroniloticin, beta-sitosterol, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-sitosterol, itesmol and stigmasterol. Structures were elucidated by spectral data analysis, mainly afforded by 1H and 3C NMR (1D and 2D NMR HMQC, HMBC, NOESY and COSY) and mass spectra.

Two New Terpenoids from Trichilia quadrijuga (Meliaceae)

Two new terpenoids, ambrosanoli-10(14)-en-11,12-diol (1), a sesquiterpene named quadrijugol, and a pregnane steroid, 3β,4β-dihydroxypregnan-16-one (2), were isolated from the stem and leaves of Trichilia quadrijuga, along with eleven known compounds, spathulenol, kudtdiol, 2β,3β,4β-trihydroxypregnan-16-one, bourjotinolone B, piscidinol, niloticin, dihydroniloticin, β-sitosterol, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-sitosterol, itesmol and stigmasterol. Structures were elucidated by spectral data analysis, mainly afforded by 1H and 13C NMR (1D and 2D NMR HMQC, HMBC, NOESY and COSY) and mass spectra.

Anticoagulant effect and Constituents of Baccharis illinita

Chemical investigation of ethanolic extracts of the leaves and stems of Baccharis illinita resulted in the isolation and identification of retusin, quercetin-3, 7, 4′-trimethyl ether, aromadendrin-7-methyl ether, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid ( E and Z) hexacosyl ester, 3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid ( E) hexacosyl ester and hexacosanoyl acid acetyl ester (all new for this genus), together with apigenin-7, 4′-dimethyl ether, kaempferol-3, 7, 4′-trimethyl ether, kaempferol-7,4′-dimethyl ether, p-coumaric acid, hexacosanol, and stigmasta-5, 22-dien-3-ol (3β, 22 E, 24 S) hexadecanoyl. Their structures were assigned by comparison of the obtained spectroscopic data with those in the literature. Extracts of the flowers, roots and stems demonstrated marked anticoagulant activity, but only the extract of the stems had any significant effect on platelet aggregation.

Minor γ-Lactones fromTrichilia Catigua(Meliaceae) and its precursors by GC-MS

NMR and GC-MS analysis of fractions of the CHCl3 extract of Trichilia catigua bark led to the identification of a mixture of three omega-phenyl alkanes, three omega-phenyl alkanoic acids, five omega-phenyl-gamma-lactones, two alkyl-gamma-lactones, one alkenyl-gamma-lactone and a mixture of fatty acids ranging from C-14 to C-26. Beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol as free alcohols were also identified.

Chemical constituents from Vellozia graminifolia (Velloziaceae)

From the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from stems, roots and leaf sheaths of Vellozia graminifolia, a mixture of linear hydrocarbons, a mixture of pentacyclic triterpenes, five monoisoprenylated flavonoids and one labdane diterpene, (-)-ent-3beta-hydroxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid, were isolated. The linear hydrocarbons and minor triterpenes were identified in their corresponding mixtures by High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC) and HRGC coupled to mass spectrometry. The major pentacyclic triterpenes and the diterpene were characterized by spectral data, including 2D NMR experiments, and chemical transformations.

Transferrin production by the ciliary body of rabbits: a biochemical and immunocytochemical study

PURPOSE

We have previously reported that transferrin is one of several glycoproteins synthesized within the eye and secreted into the vitreous. The present investigation was designed to determine the role of the ciliary body in the production of this vitreous transferrin.

METHODS

Isolated ciliary body-iris were incubated with 3H-fucose, 3H-tyrosine or 35S-methionine and afterwards the culture media were processed for affinity chromatography using columns of Sepharose conjugated with antibody to rabbit plasma transferrin. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out using total RNA extracted from fresh ciliary body-iris and primers constructed on the basis of the known sequence of transferrin mRNA from rabbit liver. The fragment obtained was employed as a probe in northern-blots of total RNA of ciliary body-iris. Furthermore, paraffin sections of eyes were treated for immunocytochemical visualization of transferrin.

RESULTS

A labeled polypeptide, specifically eluted from the antitransferrin columns, was detected in the incubation medium, transferrin mRNA was found in extracts of whole ciliary body-iris, and transferrin antigenicity was identified in the ciliary and iridial epithelial cells by immunocytochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the ciliary epithelium as one of the sources of the vitreous transferrin.