Acetogenins from the stems of Uvaria micrantha showing antiproliferative effects on HepG2 liver cancer cells

Five mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenins: uvamicranins A-E and three known mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenins; reticulatacin, calamistrin A, and uvarigrin, were isolated from the stems of Uvaria micrantha (Annonaceae). Their structures were elucidated by 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectral analysis. The absolute configurations of uvamicranins A and B were determined by modified Mosher's method. Evaluation of antiproliferative activity of the isolated compounds showed that they were more potent towards the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, compared to the five other tested cell lines. Among the tested compounds, uvamicranin B (UvB) and uvarigrin (Uv) possessed strong antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 2.89 ± 0.71 μM and 0.37 ± 0.06 μM, respectively. The antiproliferative mechanism of UvB and Uv, was investigated in HepG2 cell line showing that both compounds marginally induced apoptotic cell death, but exhibited cytostatic effect through induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.

Synthesis of carbohydrate analogues of the THF-acetogenin 4-deoxyannomontacin and their cytotoxicity against human prostate cancer cell lines

The THF containing acetogenin 4-deoxyannonmontacin (4-DAN) has attracted interest for its potent cytotoxicity against a broad range of human tumor cell lines, and relatively simple structure. Herein is described the synthesis and cytotoxicity of C-10 epimers of 4-DAN and analogues thereof comprising carbohydrate and thiophene substitutes for the THF and butenolide moieties respectively. The key synthetic ploy was the union of THF and butenolide segments or their substitutes, via an alkene cross metathesis. The different analogues showed cytotoxicity in the low micromolar to nanomolar range against the human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC3. A relatively simple mannose-linked thiophene analog was found to be similar in activity to 4-DAN.

Acetogenin-induced fibrotic heart disease from avocado (Persea americana, Lauraceae) poisoning in horses

Poisoning by avocado (Persea americana) has been confirmed in sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits and ostriches. The clinical signs and lesions are attributed to the acetogenin, persin. Little is known regarding the epidemiology, clinical signs, lesions and therapy caused by acetogenin-induced heart damage. During the two-year study, we investigated a horse farm with six horses that often fed themselves with P. americana leaves or mature fruit pulp and skin on the ground. Two horses died, and one underwent necropsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry using the anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC). Grossly and histopathologically, there was severe cardiac fibroplasia. Immunohistochemically, there was a multifocal decrease or negative expression in the cTnC cardiomyocytes' cytoplasm. Persea americana leaves were confirmed in the alimentary tract using botanical anatomy and molecular techniques. The chemical investigation by (LC-ESI-MS) revealed the presence of the acetogenins, persin and avocadene 1-acetate from P. americana. Persin was present in leaves and fruits (seed and pulp), while avocadene 1-acetate was found in leaves and fruits (seed, peel, and pulp) with a higher concentration in the pulp. Four other horses have been examined by electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and serum Troponin 1 (cTnI). To establish a causal effect of consumption of P. Americana and heart fibroplasia in horses, long-time experiments must be carried out.

New acetogenin katsuurallene from Laurencia saitoi collected from Katsuura, Japan

We examined the chemical constitution of the red alga Laurencia saitoi Perestenko, collected from Katsuura, Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This specimen produced a new polyhalogenated acetogenin, named katsuurallene (1), which structure was determined by the spectral methods, along with known diterpene, deoxyparguerol (2) and triterpene, thyrsiferol (3). In this paper we describe the structural elucidation of katsuurallene together with some biological activities.

Experimental isolation and spectroscopic characterization of squamocin acetogenin combining FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis spectra with DFT calculations

Squamocin, an annonaceous acetogenin has been experimentally isolated and characterized in the solid state using the FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra and in methanol solution by UV–visible spectrum. The main bands observed were assigned combining the IR and Raman spectra with hybrid functional B3LYP/6-31G∗ calculations. Structural, electronic and topological properties were predicted at the same level of theory for the most stable conformer of squamocin in gas phase and methanol solution. A corrected solvation energy value of −147.54 kJ/mol was predicted for squamocin in methanol while the atomic population natural (NPA) charges evidence higher values on O atoms of R2 and R3 rings, as compared with the corresponding to lactone ring. Mapped MEP surfaces suggest that nucleophilic regions are located on the O atoms of three rings and of OH bonds belonging to side chain, in agreement with the higher charges values evidenced on these O atoms while electrophilic regions are predicted on the H atoms of OH groups. High stabilities of squamocin in both media was revealed by AIM studies while only in methanol solution by NBO calculations. The expansion of volume and the higher dipole moment in methanol suggest a clear solvation of squamocin by solvent molecules. Gap values have evidenced that squamocin is most reactive in methanol while that its large aliphatic chain produces an increases the reactivity of this γ-lactone, as compared with ascorbic acid lactone. Reasonable concordances among the predicted UV–visible and IR, Raman spectra with the corresponding experimental ones were found.

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Squamocin acetogenin has been isolated and characterized by IR and Raman spectra.

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Structural properties were studied by hybrid functional B3LYP/6-31G∗ calculations.

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Corrected solvation energy of −147.54 kJ/mol was predicted for squamocin in methanol.

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Nucleophilic regions located on the O atoms of three rings were found.

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High stabilities of squamocin in both media was revealed by AIM studies.

Squamocin induce histological and ultrastructural changes in the midgut cells of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Annonaceous acetogenins (Annona squamosa Linnaeus) comprises of a series of natural products which are extracted from Annonaceae species, squamocin proved to be highly efficient among those agents. Squamocin is mostly referred as a lethal agent for midgut cells of different insects, with toxic effects when tested against larva of some insects. In present study, LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of squamocin for A. gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were calculated using probit analysis. Morphological changes in midgut cells were analyzed under light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopes when larvae were treated with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of squamocin for 24, 48 and 72 h. Results revealed that the maximum damage to midgut cells was found under LC₉₀ where it showed digestive cells with enlarged basal labyrinth, highly vacuolated cytoplasm, damaged apical surface, cell protrusions to the gut lumen, autophagy and cell death. The midgut goblet cells showed a strong disorganization of their microvilli. Likewise, in insects treated with squamocin, mitochondria were not marked with Mitotracker fluorescent probe, suggesting some molecular damage in these organelles, which was reinforced by decrease in the respiration rate in these insects. These results demonstrate that squamocin has potential to induce enough morphological changes in midgut through epithelial cell damage in A. gemmatalis.

Quantification of the environmental neurotoxin annonacin in Rat brain by UPLC-MS/MS

The Annonaceous acetogenin annonacin is an environmental neurotoxin identified in the pulp of several fruits of the Annonaceae family, whose consumption was linked to the occurrence of sporadic atypical Parkinsonism with dementia. A method for its quantification in Rat brain homogenates by UPLC-MS/MS in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode was developed and validated. This method was applied to the quantitation of annonacin in Rat brain after intravenous (0.5 mg/kg) and oral (10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) administration.

Method development for quantification of the environmental neurotoxin annonacin in Rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and application to a pharmacokinetic study

Annonacin is an environmental neurotoxin identified in the pulp of several fruits of the Annonaceae family (for example in Annona muricata, Asimina triloba), whose consumption was linked with the occurrence of sporadic atypical Parkinsonism with dementia. Pharmacokinetic parameters of this molecule are unknown. A method for its quantification in Rat plasma was developed, using its analogue annonacinone as an internal standard. Extraction from plasma was performed using ethylacetate with a good recovery. Quantification was performed by UPLC-MS/MS in SRM mode, based on the loss of the γ-methyl-γ-lactone (-112amu) from the sodium-cationized species [M+Na](+) of both annonacin and internal standard. The limit of quantification was 0.25ng/mL. Despite strong matrix effects, a good linearity was obtained over two distinct ranges 0.25-10ng/mL and 10-100ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD) were lower than 10%, while accuracy was within ±10%. This method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in the Rat. After oral administration of 10mg/kg annonacin, a Cmax of 7.9±1.5ng/mL was reached at Tmax 0.25h; T1/2 was 4.8±0.7h and apparent distribution volume was 387.9±64.6L. The bioavailability of annonacin was estimated to be 3.2±0.3% of the ingested dose.

Isolation of three new annonaceous acetogenins from Graviola fruit (Annona muricata) and their anti-proliferation on human prostate cancer cell PC-3

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the fruit powder of Graviola (Annona muricata) was continued to be conducted and yielded three more novel bioactive compounds: C-35 annonaceous acetogenins, muricins M and N, and C-37 annonaceous acetogenins, muricenin. They all contain a mono-tetrahydrofuran ring and four hydroxyl groups. The structures were elucidated by spectral methods and chemical modification after isolation via open column chromatographic separation and HPLC purification. Especially, murices M and N demonstrated more potent anti-proliferative activities against human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.

Annona reticulata Linn. (Bullock's heart): Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties

From the beginning of human civilization plants and plant based chemicals are the most important sources of medicines. Phytochemical and different products obtained from plant are used as medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food supplements. Annona reticulata Linn. ( niú xīn guǒ; Bullock's heart) is a versatile tree and its fruits are edible. Parts of A. reticulata are used as source of medicine and also for industrial products. It possesses several medicinal properties such as anthelmintic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, wound healing and cytotoxic effects. It is widely distributed with phytochemicals like tannins, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. Present article is an attempt to highlight over taxonomy, morphology, geographical distribution, phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities of A. reticulata reported so far.

Three new anti-proliferative Annonaceous acetogenins with mono-tetrahydrofuran ring from graviola fruit (Annona muricata)

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the fruit powder of graviola (Annona muricata) yielded three novel compounds: muricins J, K, and L. The compounds are all C35 Annonaceous acetogenins with a mono-tetrahydrofuran ring and four hydroxyls. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods and chemical modification after isolation via chromatographic techniques and HPLC purification. These three acetogenins demonstrated an antiproliferative against human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.