Identification of Salicylates in Willow Bark (Salix Cortex) for Targeting Peripheral Inflammation

Salix cortex-containing medicine is used against pain conditions, fever, headaches, and inflammation, which are partly mediated via arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandins (PGs). We used an activity-guided fractionation strategy, followed by structure elucidation experiments using LC-MS/MS, CD-spectroscopy, and 1D/2D NMR techniques, to identify the compounds relevant for the inhibition of PGE2 release from activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Subsequent compound purification by means of preparative and semipreparative HPLC revealed 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (1), 3'-O-acetylsalicortin (2), 2'-O-acetylsalicin (3), 2',6'-O-diacetylsalicortin (4), lasiandrin (5), tremulacin (6), and cinnamrutinose A (7). In contrast to 3 and 7, compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 showed inhibitory activity against PGE2 release with different potencies. Polyphenols were not relevant for the bioactivity of the Salix extract but salicylates, which degrade to, e.g., catechol, salicylic acid, salicin, and/or 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-2-cycohexenecarboxylate. Inflammation presents an important therapeutic target for pharmacological interventions; thus, the identification of relevant key drugs in Salix could provide new prospects for the improvement and standardization of existing clinical medicine.

A controlled cross-over study to evaluate the efficacy of improvised dry and wet emergency decontamination protocols for chemical incidents

The UK Initial Operational Response (IOR) to chemical incidents includes improvised decontamination procedures, which use readily available materials to rapidly reduce risk to potentially exposed persons. A controlled, cross-over human volunteer study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of improvised dry and wet decontamination procedures on skin, both alone, and in sequence. A simulant contaminant, methyl salicylate (MeS) in vegetable oil with a fluorophore was applied to three locations (shoulder, leg, arm). Participants then received no decontamination (control) or attempted to remove the simulant using one of three improvised protocols (dry decontamination; wet decontamination; combined dry and wet decontamination). Simulant remaining on the skin following decontamination was quantified using both Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MSMS) for analysis of MeS and UV imaging to detect fluorophores. Additionally, urine samples were collected for 24 hours following application for analysis of MeS. Significantly less simulant was recovered from skin following each improvised decontamination protocol, compared to the no decontamination control. Further, combined dry and wet decontamination resulted in lower recovery of simulant when compared to either dry or wet decontamination alone. Irrespective of decontamination protocol, significantly more simulant remained on the shoulders compared to either the arms or legs, suggesting that improvised decontamination procedures are less effective for difficult to reach areas of the body. There was no effect of decontamination on excreted MeS in urine over 24 hours. Overall, findings indicate that improvised decontamination is an effective means of rapidly removing contaminants from skin, and combinations of improvised approaches can increase effectiveness in the early stages of decontamination and in the absence of specialist resources at an incident scene. However, the variable control and consistency of improvised decontamination techniques means that further intervention is likely to be needed, particularly for less accessible areas of the body.

Methyl Salicylate Glycosides in Some Italian Varietal Wines

Glycosides are ubiquitous plant secondary metabolites consisting of a non-sugar component called an aglycone, attached to one or more sugars. One of the most interesting aglycones in grapes and wine is methyl salicylate (MeSA), an organic ester naturally produced by many plants, particularly wintergreens. To date, nine different MeSA glycosides from plants have been reported, mainly spread over the genera Gaultheria, Camellia, Polygala, Filipendula, and Passiflora. From a sensorial point of view, MeSA has a balsamic-sweet odor, known as Wintergreen. MeSA was found in Vitis riparia grapes, in Vitis vinifera sp. and in the Frontenac interspecific hybrid. We found that the MeSA glycosides content in Verdicchio wines and in some genetically related varieties (Trebbiano di Soave and Trebbiano di Lugana) was very high. In order to understand which glycosides were present in wine, the methanolic extract of Verdicchio wine was injected into a UPLC-Q-TOF-HDMS and compared to the extracts of different plants rich in such glycosides. Using pure standards, we confirmed the existence of two glycosides in wine: MeSA 2-O--d-glucoside and MeSA 2-O--d-xylopyranosyl (1-6) -d-glucopyranoside (gaultherin). For the first time, we also tentatively identified other diglycosides in wine: MeSA 2-O--l-arabinopyranosyl (1-6)--d-glucopyranoside (violutoside) and MeSA 2-O--d-apiofuranosyl (1-6)--d-glucopyranoside (canthoside A), MeSA 2-O--d-glucopyranosyl (1-6)-O--d-glucopyranoside (gentiobioside) and MeSA 2-O--l-rhamnopyranosyl (1-6)--d-glucopyranoside (rutinoside). Some of these glycosides have been isolated from Gaultheria procumbens leaves by preparative liquid chromatography and structurally annotated by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR analysis. Two of the peaks isolated from Gaultheria procumbens leaves, namely MeSA sambubioside and MeSA sophoroside, were herein observed for the first time. Six MeSA glycosides were quantified in 64 Italian white wines, highlighting the peculiar content and pattern in Verdicchio wines and related cultivars. The total concentration in bound and free MeSA in Verdicchio wines varied in the range of 456-9796 g/L and 5.5-143 g/L, respectively, while in the other wines the bound and free MeSA was below 363 g/L and 12 g/L, respectively. As this compound's olfactory threshold is between 50 and 100 g/L, our data support the hypothesis that methyl salicylate can contribute to the balsamic scent, especially in old Verdicchio wines.

Separation of six compounds from pigeon pea leaves by elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography

A valid and reliable method was established to separate six compounds from pigeon pea leaves via elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography. A solvent system composed of n-hexane/methanol/formic acid aqueous solution with pH = 3 (10:6:4, v/v) was screened to achieve satisfactory isolation from the ethanol extract of pigeon pea leaves. Four compounds, 9.2 mg of compound 1 (96.8%), 3.2 mg of 2 (88.0%), 6.2 mg of 4 (94.2%) and 25.2 mg of 5 (94.2%), were obtained by conventional elution from 100 mg of the precipitation fraction, respectively. Two compounds, 14.4 mg of 3 (96.3%) and 28.1 mg of 6 (96.6%), with high K values were obtained by the subsequent extrusion procedure. The compounds 1-6 were identified as 3-methoxy-5-(2-phenylethenyl)-phenol, pinostrobin chalcone, pinostrobin, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-(2-phenylvinyl)-benzoic acid, longistylin C and cajaninstilbene acid by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro antiproliferation activities of compounds 1, 5 and 6 against human hepatoma cell were evaluated and the half-maximum inhibitory concentrations were acquired.

Lobaric acid and pseudodepsidones inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway by activation of PPAR-γ

Herein we report the anti-inflammatory activity of lobaric acid and pseudodepsidones isolated from the nordic lichen Stereocaulon paschale. Lobaric acid (1) and three compounds (2, 7 and 9) were found to inhibit the NF-κB activation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Inhibition and docking simulation experiments provided evidence that lobaric acid and pseudodepsidones bind to PPAR-γ between helix H3 and the beta sheet, similarly to partial PPAR-γ agonists. These findings suggest that lobaric acid and pseudodepsidones reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by blocking the NF-κB pathway via the activation of PPAR-γ.

Salicylic acid derivatives and phenylspirodrimanes from the sponge-associated fungus Hansfordia sinuosae

Three new salicylic acid derivatives (1-3) and a known one, 6-(3'-hydroxypropyl)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), together with seven known phenylspirodrimanes (5-11), were isolated from the sponge-associated fungus Hansfordia sinuosae, collected from the South China Sea. HRESIMS, FT-IR Spectroscopy, and NMR techniques including COSY, HSQC, and HMBC were used to elucidate the structures of these compounds. The inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds (1-11) against HIV-1 virus were evaluated, and most of the phenylspirodrimanes (5, 8-11) showed varying degrees of anti-HIV activity.

Anti-Cancer Activity of Lobaric Acid and Lobarstin Extracted from the Antarctic Lichen Stereocaulon alpnum

Lobaric acid and lobarstin, secondary metabolites derived from the antarctic lichen Stereocaulon alpnum, exert various biological activities, including antitumor, anti-proliferation, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant activities. However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects have not yet been elucidated in human cervix adenocarcinoma and human colon carcinoma. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of lobaric acid and lobarstin on human cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa cells and colon carcinoma HCT116 cells. We show that the proliferation of Hela and HCT116 cells treated with lobaric acid and lobarstin significantly decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Using flow cytometry analysis, we observed that the treatment with these compounds resulted in significant apoptosis in both cell lines, following cell cycle perturbation and arrest in G2/M phase. Furthermore, using immunoblot analysis, we investigated the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis-related marker genes and found a significant downregulation of the apoptosis regulator B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and upregulation of the cleaved form of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a DNA repair and apoptosis regulator. These results suggest that lobaric acid and lobarstin could significantly inhibit cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cervix adenocarcinoma and colon carcinoma cells. Taken together, our data suggests that lobaric acid and lobarstin might be novel agents for clinical treatment of cervix adenocarcinoma and colon carcinoma.

New erythritol derivatives from the fertile form of Roccella montagnei

Chemical investigation of the methanol extract of the fertile form of Roccella montagnei collected in Vietnam afforded twelve secondary metabolites, including five new montagnetol derivatives, orsellinylmontagnetols A-D and a furanyl derivative together with seven known compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution mass spectroscopic data. The relative stereochemistry of two chiral centers (C-2 and C-3) of orsellinylmontagnetols A and B was elucidated by comparison of their coupling constants and the specific rotation with those reported in the literature while the absolute stereochemistry was determined by the application of a modified Mosher method for the hydroxy group at C-3. The absolute configuration (2R,3S) of the butanetetraol moiety of these compounds is in accordance with that of erythrin, a recognized chemotaxonomic marker of the genus Roccella. Five of these compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against four cancer cell lines. Only orsellinylmontagnetol A exerted a moderate activity against MCF-7 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 68.39 ± 3.46 μM.

Meadowsweet Teas as New Functional Beverages: Comparative Analysis of Nutrients, Phytochemicals and Biological Effects of Four Filipendula Species

In recent years, the increased popularity of functional beverages such as herbal teas and decoctions has led to the search for new sources of raw materials that provide appropriate taste and functionality to consumers. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional, phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of possible functional beverages produced from F. ulmaria and its alternative substitutes (F. camtschatica, F. denudata, F. stepposa). The investigated decoctions were analyzed regarding their macronutrient, carbohydrate, organic acid, amino acid and mineral composition. Quantification of the main phenolic compounds in the decoctions of meadowsweet floral teas was performed by a microcolumn RP-HPLC-UV procedure; the highest content was revealed in F. stepposa tea. The investigation of the essential oil of four meadowsweet teas revealed the presence of 28 compounds, including simple phenols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and aliphatic components. The dominance of methyl salicylate and salicylaldehyde was noted in all samples. Studies on the water soluble polysaccharides of Filipendula flowers allowed us to establish their general affiliation to galactans and/or arabinogalactans with an admixture of glucans of the starch type and galacturonans as minor components. The bioactivity data demonstrated a good ability of meadowsweet teas to inhibit amylase, α-glucosidase and AGE formation. Tea samples showed antioxidant properties by the DPPH•, ABTS•+ and Br• free radicals scavenging assays and the carotene bleaching assay, caused by the presence of highly active ellagitannins. The anti-complement activity of the water-soluble polysaccharide fraction of meadowsweet teas indicated their possible immune-modulating properties. Filipendula beverage formulations can be expected to deliver beneficial effects due to their unique nutritional and phytochemical profiles. Potential applications as health-promoting functional products may be suggested.

In vitro antitumor activities of the lichen compounds olivetoric, physodic and psoromic acid in rat neuron and glioblastoma cells

Context Since methods utilised in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are inadequate and have too many side effects, usage of herbal products in the treatment process comes into prominence. Lichens are symbiotic organisms used for medicinal purposes for many years. There are various anticancer treatments about components of two lichen species used in the present study. Objective Antitumor potential of three lichen secondary metabolites including olivetoric acid (OLA) and physodic acid (PHA) isolated from Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (Parmeliaceae) and psoromic acid (PSA) isolated from Rhizoplaca melanophthalma (DC.) Leuckert (Lecanoraceae) were investigated on human U87MG-GBM cell lines and primary rat cerebral cortex (PRCC) cells for the first time. Materials and methods PRCC cells used as healthy brain cells were obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats. The treatments were carried out on the cells cultured for 48 h. Cytotoxic effects of different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L) of metabolites on the cells were determined via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analyses. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) parameters were used for assessing oxidative alterations. Oxidative DNA damage potentials of metabolites were investigated via evaluating 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) levels. Results Median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of OLA, PHA and PSA were 125.71, 698.19 and 79.40 mg/L for PRCC cells and 17.55, 410.72 and 56.22 mg/L for U87MG cells, respectively. It was revealed that cytotoxic effects of these metabolites showed positive correlation with concentration, LDH activity and oxidative DNA damage. Discussion and conclusion The present findings obtained in this study revealed that primarily OLA and then PSA had high potential for use in the treatment of GBM.

Amorfrutin C Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation in Colon Cancer Cells through Targeting Mitochondria

A known (1) and a structurally related new natural product (2), both belonging to the amorfrutin benzoic acid class, were isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza foetida. Compound 1 (amorfrutin B) is an efficient agonist of the nuclear peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) gamma and of other PPAR subtypes. Compound 2 (amorfrutin C) showed comparably lower PPAR activation potential. Amorfrutin C exhibited striking antiproliferative effects for human colorectal cancer cells (HT-29 and T84), prostate cancer (PC-3), and breast cancer (MCF7) cells (IC50 values ranging from 8 to 16 μM in these cancer cell lines). Notably, amorfrutin C (2) showed less potent antiproliferative effects in primary colon cells. For HT-29 cells, compound 2 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and modulated protein expression of key cell cycle modulators. Amorfrutin C further induced apoptotic events in HT-29 cells, including caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage, phosphatidylserine externalization, and formation of reactive oxygen species. Mechanistic studies revealed that 2 disrupts the mitochondrial integrity by depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane (IC50 0.6 μM) and permanent opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, leading to increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification. Structure-activity-relationship experiments revealed the carboxylic acid and the hydroxy group residues of 2 as fundamental structural requirements for inducing these apoptotic effects. Synergy analyses demonstrated stimulation of the death receptor signaling pathway. Taken together, amorfrutin C (2) represents a promising lead for the development of anticancer drugs.

[SUBUNIT SPECIFIC MODULATION OF GLYCINE RECEPTORS BY GINKGOLIC ACID.]

Ginkgo biloba extract is a multicomponent pharmacological agent widely used in neurological disorders therapy. It was shown that ginkgolic acid, a constituent of lipophylic Ginkgo biloba extract, has numerous biological activities. In the present study we have focused on the features of ginkgolic acid action on αl and α2 glycine receptors that make part of the inhibitory system of the brain. Using whole-cell configuration of patch-clamp recording we analysed effects of ginkgolic acid on different subunits of glycine receptors. Experiments were performed on cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cells), transfected with αl and α2 glycine receptor subunits. Ionic currents were induced by the fast application of different glycine concentrations. After 20-40 sec of pre-treatment with ginkgolic acid (25μM) currents mediated by al glycine receptors reversibly increased from 364±49 pA, (n=34) to 846±134 pA, (n=34). EC(50) for glycine has changed from 36±6 μM (control) to 17±2 μM. In contrast, the application of ginkgolic acid on glycine receptors formed by α2 subunits did not provoke potentiation. Our results demonstrate that ginkgolic acid is a subunit specific modulator of glycine receptors. The mechanisms of the ginkgolic acid action on glycine receptors require further investigation.

Amorfrutins Are Natural PPARγ Agonists with Potent Anti-inflammatory Properties

Amorfrutins are isoprenoid-substituted benzoic acid derivatives, which were found in Amorpha fruticosa L. (bastard indigo) and in Glycyrrhiza foetida Desf. (licorice). Recently, amorfrutins were shown to be selective activators of the nuclear receptor PPARγ. Here, we investigated the effects and PPARγ-based mechanisms of reducing inflammation in colon cells by treatment with amorfrutins. In TNF-α-stimulated colon cells amorfrutin A (1) reduced significantly the expression and secretion of several inflammation mediators, in part due to interaction with PPARγ. These results support the hypothesis that amorfrutins may have the potential to treat inflammation disorders such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Chemical composition and allelopathic potential of essential oils obtained from Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. Cultivated in Tunisia

Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. (Fabaceae), synonym Acacia saligna (Labill.) H. L.Wendl., native to West Australia and naturalized in North Africa and South Europe, was introduced in Tunisia for rangeland rehabilitation, particularly in the semiarid zones. In addition, this evergreen tree represents a potential forage resource, particularly during periods of drought. A. cyanophylla is abundant in Tunisia and some other Mediterranean countries. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from different plant parts, viz., roots, stems, phyllodes, flowers, and pods (fully mature fruits without seeds), was characterized for the first time here. According to GC-FID and GC/MS analyses, the principal compound in the phyllode and flower oils was dodecanoic acid (4), representing 22.8 and 66.5% of the total oil, respectively. Phenylethyl salicylate (8; 34.9%), heptyl valerate (3; 17.3%), and nonadecane (36%) were the main compounds in the root, stem, and pod oils, respectively. The phyllode and flower oils were very similar, containing almost the same compounds. Nevertheless, the phyllode oil differed from the flower oil for its higher contents of hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (6), linalool (1), pentadecanal, α-terpineol, and benzyl benzoate (5) and its lower content of 4. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses separated the five essential oils into four groups, each characterized by its main constituents. Furthermore, the allelopathic activity of each oil was evaluated using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as a plant model. The phyllode, flower, and pod oils exhibited a strong allelopathic activity against lettuce.

High-resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for characterization and quantitative analysis of ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba plants, extracts, and dietary supplements

A high-resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with selected ion monitor method focusing on the characterization and quantitative analysis of ginkgolic acids (GAs) in Ginkgo biloba L. plant materials, extracts, and commercial products was developed and validated. The method involved sample extraction with (1:1) methanol and 10% formic acid, liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane, and derivatization with trimethylsulfonium hydroxide (TMSH). Separation of two saturated (C13:0 and C15:0) and six unsaturated ginkgolic acid methyl esters with different positional double bonds (C15:1 Δ8 and Δ10, C17:1 Δ8, Δ10, and Δ12, and C17:2) was achieved on a very polar (88% cyanopropyl) aryl-polysiloxane HP-88 capillary GC column. The double bond positions in the GAs were determined by ozonolysis. The developed GC/MS method was validated according to ICH guidelines, and the quantitation results were verified by comparison with a standard high-performance liquid chromatography method. Nineteen G. biloba authenticated and commercial plant samples and 21 dietary supplements purported to contain G. biloba leaf extracts were analyzed. Finally, the presence of the marker compounds, terpene trilactones and flavonol glycosides for Ginkgo biloba in the dietary supplements was determined by UHPLC/MS and used to confirm the presence of G. biloba leaf extracts in all of the botanical dietary supplements.

Potent α-glucosidase inhibitors isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves

In vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Ginkgo biloba leaves was investigated. The inhibitory activity of methanol extracts from yellow and green leaves was 13.8 and 40.1 μg mL(-1), respectively. Each methanol extract was separated into its respective fraction by solvent-solvent extraction with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The n-hexane fractions (in both methanol extracts from green and yellow leaves) exhibited high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 13.6 and 13.4 μg mL(-1), respectively. Further fractionation of the n-hexane fractions by silica gel column chromatography gave the most active fraction which was identified as ginkgolic acid (C13:0) and a mixture (C13:0, C15:0, C15: 1, C17:1 and C17:2). Ginkgolic acid (C13:0) exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This is the first study to successfully isolate ginkgolic acids as α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Antileishmanial metabolites from Geosmithia langdonii

Antileishmanial bioassay guided fractionation of Geosmithia langdonii has resulted in the isolation and identification of two new compounds (1 and 2) together with 10 known compounds (3-12). The structures of the isolated metabolites were elucidated based on comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data as well as mass spectrometry. The absolute configuration at C4, C5, and C6 of 2 was determined as R using a modified Mosher esterification method and NOESY correlations. The extracts and the isolated metabolites were evaluated for their antileishmanial activities. Compounds 3, 9, 11, and 12 were found to be active against Leishmania donovani with IC50 values of 6.9, 3.3, 8.5, and 9.2 μM, respectively, while compounds 1, 5, and 10 showed lower activities against L. donovani with IC50 values of 13.0, 47.3, and 34.0 μM, respectively.

Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by 6-[10'(Z)-heptadecenyl] salicylic acid from Syzygium tetragonum Wall via preventing nuclear translocation of NFATc1

Syzygium tetragonum Wall is a Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, joint swelling and pain. By High Content Screening (HCS), 8 compounds (1-8) from Syzygium tetragonum Wall were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on the nuclear translocation of NFATc1 in EGFP-NFATc1 U2OS cells. Among them, 6-[10'(Z)-heptadecenyl] salicylic acid (8) exhibited a significant inhibitory activity. In RAW 264.7 cells, it could dose-dependently prevent nuclear NFATc1 translocation induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). The differentiation of osteoclasts from bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) was significantly inhibited by 8 in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA expression of TRAP, CtsK, and MMP9, key enzymes for the bone resorption secreted by osteoclasts, were also significantly down-regulated; and MMP9 activity was also obviously decreased. More importantly, the bone resorption activity of osteoclasts was dose-dependently suppressed by compound 8. Our results suggest that compound 8 can effectively inhibit osteoclastogenesis and bone erosion via preventing NFATc1 nuclear translocation and might be a promising drug candidate for relevant diseases.

Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Chemical Races of the Lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea and their Physodic Acid, Chloroatranorin, Atranorin, and Olivetoric Acid Constituents

The antimicrobial activity and the MIC values of the ethanol, chloroform, diethyl ether, and acetone extracts of the chemical races of Pseudevernia furfuracea (var. furfuracea and var. ceratea) and their physodic acid, chloroatranorin, atranorin, and olivetoric acid constituents have been investigated against some microorganisms. Nearly all extracts of both chemical races showed antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Alternaria alternata, Ascochyta rabiei, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Penicillium notatum. There was no antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas syringae, Salmonella typhimurium, Alternaria citri, Alternaria tenuissima, and Gaeumannomyces graminis. Chloroatranorin and olivetoric acid were active against the same microorganisms with few exceptions. Physodic acid was active against about the same bacteria and yeasts and inactive against all of the filamentous fungi tested. Also no activity of atranorin against the filamentous fungi was observed.

Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of the Lichen Parmelia sulcata and its Salazinic Acid Constituent

The antimicrobial activity of the acetone, chloroform, diethyl ether, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts of the lichen Parmelia sulcata and its salazinic acid constituent have been screened against twenty eight food-borne bacteria and fungi. All of the extracts with the exception of the petroleum ether extract showed antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium notatum. Salazinic acid did not show antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, P. vulgaris, Y. enterocolitica, and S. faecalis but showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium as well. The MIC values of the extracts and the acid for the bacteria and fungi have also been determined

Efficient purification of ginkgolic acids from Ginkgo biloba leaves by selective adsorption on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles

Ginkgolic acids (GAs; anacardic acids; 6-alkylsalicylic acids) are both unwanted constituents in standardized Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo) extracts and desirable constituents for pharmacological assays. Thus, for the quality control of Ginkgo extracts, the availability of pure GAs is important. In this investigation, inexpensive and easily prepared Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in methanol were used to selectively adsorb GAs from crude petroleum ether extracts of Ginkgo leaves in the presence of various lipids including other alkylphenols (cardanols and cardols). The adsorption capacity of the MNPs is high, at 4-5% (w/w). The moiety responsible for the adsorption is the salicylic acid group, which binds strongly to Fe(III). Desorption with acidified methanol gave an extract with a GA content of 73%. This could be further separated by preparative HPLC on a C8 column. In total, eight different GAs were captured by MNPs. The MNP adsorption step can replace more traditional column chromatography and liquid-liquid extraction steps and is superior in terms of solvent consumption, selectivity, labor, and energy consumption. MNPs might become an efficient separation technique for selected high-value phytochemicals that contain a salicylic acid moiety.

[Study on the chemical constituents of two lichen plants from Meng Mountain]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of the lichen plants Parmelia tinctorum and Parmelia nimandairana collected from Meng Mountain in Shandong province.

METHODS

Various chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify the constituents and their structures were elucidated by means of spectral evidence and physiochemical properties.

RESULTS

Four compounds were isolated from Parmelia tinctorum and identified as: lecanoric acid (I), evernic acid (II), ethyl orsellinate (III) and 3,5-dihydroxytoluene (IV). Two compounds were isolated from Parmelia nimandairana and identified as: usnic acid (V) and salazinic acid (VI).

CONCLUSION

Compounds V and VI are isolated from Parmelia nimandairana for the first time.

Chemical composition of three Parmelia lichens and antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of some their major metabolites

The aim of this study is to investigate chemical composition of acetone extracts of the lichens Parmelia caperata, P. saxatilis and P. sulcata and antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of some their major metabolites. The phytochemical analysis of acetone extracts of three Parmelia lichens were determined by HPLC-UV method. The predominant phenolic compounds in these extracts were protocetraric and usnic acids (P. caperata) and depsidone salazinic acid (other two species). Besides these compounds, atranorin and chloroatranorin, were also detected in some of these extracts. Antioxidant activity of their isolated metabolites was evaluated by free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging and reducing power. As a result of the study salazinic acid had stronger antioxidant activity than protocetraric acid. The antimicrobial activity was estimated by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration by the broth microdilution method. Both compounds were highly active with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.015 to 1mg/ml. Anticancer activity was tested against FemX (human melanoma) and LS174 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines using MTT method. Salazinic acid and protocetraric acid were found to be strong anticancer activity toward both cell lines with IC(50) values ranging from 35.67 to 60.18μg/ml. The present study shows that tested lichen compounds demonstrated a strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. That suggest that these lichens can be used as new sources of the natural antimicrobial agents, antioxidants and anticancer compounds.

(+)-Ascosalitoxin and vermelhotin, a calmodulin inhibitor, from an endophytic fungus isolated from Hintonia latiflora

Chemical investigation of the endophytic MEXU 26343, isolated from the medicinal plant Hintonia latiflora, yielded the known polyketide vermelhotin (1) and a new salicylic aldehyde derivative, namely, 9S,11R-(+)-ascosalitoxin (2). The structure and absolute configuration of the new compound were established through extensive NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling calculations at the DFT B3LYP/DGDZVP level, which included the comparison between theoretical and experimental optical rotation values. In addition, chemical transformations of 2 yielded suitable derivatives for NOESY and (1)H-(1)H NMR coupling constant analyses, which reinforce the stereochemical assignment. The potential affinity of 1 and 2 with (Ca(2+))(4)-hCaM in solution was measured using the fluorescent biosensor hCaM M124C-mBBr. The results showed that 1 bound to the protein with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 0.25 ± 0.04 μM, close to that of chlorpromazine (K(d) = 0.64 ± 0.03 μM), a classical CaM inhibitor. The stoichiometry ratio of 1 to (Ca(2+))(4)-hCaM was 1:4, similar to other well-known CaM ligands.

Aphid antixenosis in cotton is activated by the natural plant defence elicitor cis-jasmone

Upon insect herbivory, plants can release blends of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that modify herbivore and natural enemy behaviour. We have shown recently that cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, emits a blend of defence VOCs that repels the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, upon herbivory by this notorious crop pest, including (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), methyl salicylate and (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT). In this study, we investigated changes in the defence VOC profile of G. hirsutum induced by the naturally-occurring plant elicitor cis-jasmone (CJ) and whether these changes modify the behaviour of A. gossypii. In four-arm olfactometer assays, VOCs from untreated plants were significantly attractive (P<0.05), whilst VOCs from CJ-treated plants were significantly repellent (P<0.05). The VOCs induced by CJ appeared to comprise (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, DMNT, methyl salicylate and TMTT. In quantitative VOC collection studies, sustained release of DMNT and TMTT was observed in CJ-treated plants over a period of five days, with levels becoming statistically significantly higher than for control treated plants on the fifth day in most cases. Despite earlier indications, no statistically significant differences were observed in levels of (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate or methyl salicylate between CJ and control treatments on any day. Furthermore, DMNT and TMTT emissions from CJ-treated plants were further enhanced by subsequent addition of A. gossypii. CJ treatment induced statistically significantly higher DMNT and TMTT expression levels as early as day three, when A. gossypii was present. The results in this study show that CJ can induce the production of A. gossypii-induced VOCs from G. hirsutum, with potential for deployment in novel crop protection strategies.

A new depsidone and antibacterial activities of compounds from Usnea undulata Stirton

Usnea undulata Stirton (Usneaaceae) is a fruticose lichen used locally in ethnoveterinary medicine to treat mammary infections in cattle while human beings use it for the treatment of wounds in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of its extracts led to the isolation and characterization of a new depsidone, 2'-O-methylhypostictic acid (8), together with seven known compounds, i.e. methyl β-orsellinate, norstictic acid, menegazziaic acid, (+) usnic acid, hypoconstictic acid, salazinic acid, and galbinic acid. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectral analysis including homo- and hetero-nuclear correlation NMR experiments (COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC) and mass spectra as well as by comparison with available data in the literature. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values of the compounds against six bacteria were determined. Compound 8 showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis with MICs of 31, 62.5, 62.5 μg/ml, respectively. (+) Usnic acid was most active against B. subtilis, B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli with MICs of 8, 8, 31, and 31 μg/ml, respectively, while other compounds exhibited moderate activity.

Phenolic acid glucosides from the seeds of Entada phaseoloides Merill

Phytochemical investigation of the defatted seeds of Entada phaseoloides Merill. (Mimosaceae) led to the isolation of three new phenolic acid glucosides, which were characterized as 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzoyl-β-L-glucopyranoside (p-cresotyl glucoside, 1), 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzoyl-β-L-glucopyranosyl (2 → 1)-β-L-glucopyranosyl (2 → 1)-β-L-glucopyranoside (p-cresotyl triglucoside, 2), and 2-hydroxybenzoyl-β-L-glucopyranosyl (2 → 1)-β-L-glucopyranosyl (2 → 1)-β-L-glucopyranosyl (2 → 1)-β-L-glucopyranoside (salicylic acid tetraglucoside, 5), along with sucrose and triglucoside. The structures of these phytoconstituents have been established on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.

Facility monitoring of chemical warfare agent simulants in air using an automated, field-deployable, miniature mass spectrometer

Vapors of four chemical warfare agent (CWA) stimulants, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), diethyl malonate (DEM), dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and methyl salicylate (MeS), were detected, identified, and quantitated using a fully automated, field-deployable, miniature mass spectrometer. Samples were ionized using a glow discharge electron ionization (GDEI) source, and ions were mass analyzed with a cylindrical ion trap (CIT) mass analyzer. A dual-tube thermal desorption system was used to trap compounds on 50:50 Tenax TA/Carboxen 569 sorbent before their thermal release. The sample concentrations ranged from low parts per billion [ppb] to two parts per million [ppm]. Limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.26 to 5.0 ppb. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves are presented for each analyte. A sample of CEES at low ppb concentration was combined separately with two interferents, bleach (saturated vapor) and diesel fuel exhaust (1%), as a way to explore the capability of detecting the simulant in an environmental matrix. Also investigated was a mixture of the four CWA simulants (at concentrations in air ranging from 270 to 380 ppb). Tandem mass (MS/MS) spectral data were used to identify and quantify the individual components.

Analysis of salicylate and benzophenone-type UV filters in soils and sediments by simultaneous extraction cleanup and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

An analytical method for the determination of UV filters in soil and sediment has been developed and validated considering benzophenones (BP) and salicylates as target analytes. Soil and sediment samples were extracted with ethyl acetate-methanol (90:10, v/v) assisted with sonication, performing a simultaneous clean-up step. Quantification of these compounds was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after derivatization of the extracts with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). Recoveries from spiked soil samples ranged from 89.8% to 104.4% and they were between 88.4% and 105.3% for spiked sediment samples. The effect of the residence time and soil moisture content on the recovery of these compounds was also studied. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, was in all cases below 6.1% and the limits of detection (S/N=3) varied from 0.07 to 0.10 ng g(-1) and from 0.11 to 0.28 ng g(-1) for soils and sediments, respectively. The validated method was applied to the analysis of five benzophenone and two salicylate UV filters in soil and sediment samples collected in different areas of Spain.

6-Alkylsalicylic acid analogues inhibit in vitro ATPase activity of heat shock protein 90

The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is responsible for maintaining the correct folding and stability of many signaling proteins. It is a promising target of cancer therapeutics and several other diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, nerve injuries, inflammation, and infection. In an effort to identify new Hsp90 inhibitors from natural sources using an in vitro ATPase inhibition assay, two 6-alkylsalicylic acid analogues, salaceyin A and B were identified from the culture extract of Streptomyces. Salaceyin A and B exhibited moderate ATPase inhibitory activities with IC(50) values of 68.3 and 65.2 μM, respectively. Binding of salaceyins to human Hsp90α was examined by competition binding experiments with ATP-Sepharose beads. However, the compounds exhibited no degradation activity of Hsp90 client proteins, Her2, c-Raf, or Akt.

Two new aromatic acids from Clerodendrum formicarum Gurke (Lamiaceae) of Cameroon

The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Clerodendrum formicarum, a Lameacious plant of Cameroon, afforded two new salicylic acid derivatives named formoic acids A and B along with four known constituents which have been obtained for the first time from this source. They include flemingipanic acid, martynoside, verbascoside, and seguinoside K. Structures of all the isolated constituents have been elucidated with the aid of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.

[Study on the chemical constituents from fresh roots of Euphorbia fischeriana]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents in ethyl acetate fraction from the Euphorbia fischeriana.

METHODS

The compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography and HPLC, and their structures were elucidated by means of spectral analyses.

RESULTS

Fourteen compounds were identified as 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylacetophenone (1), 12-deoxyphorbol-13-hexadecanoate (2), ethylgallate (3), esculetin (4), 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-acetophenone (5), 12-deoxyphorbol-13-acetate (6), 12-deoxyphorbol-13,20-diacetete (7), jolkinolide B (8), 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B (9), 17-hydroxy-jolkinolide A (10), langduin C (11), 3-methylp-hydroxybenzoic acid (12), methyl gallate (13), 3, 3'-diacetyl-pyridine-4,4'-dimethoxy-2, 2', 6, 6'-tetrahydroxydiphenylmethane (14).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 3, 5, 12, 13 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Thin layer chromatography and infrared spectroscopy in the diagnosis of salicylic intoxication]

Drugs are the main causal agents in intoxications with suicidal purpose. Salicylates are few frequently related. In this paper we reported a patient with suspicion of acute exogenous intoxication with salicylates. The patient showed clinical symptoms of fever, hypoglycemia, low cardiac rhythm, hyperventilation, pulmonary edema and coma. We employed analytical toxicology to elucidate the drug involved in the intoxication, using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and infrared spectrometry to detect acetyl salicylic acid, as the cause agent of intoxication clinical pattern, in acids extracts from urine and gastric content. The analytical results corresponds with clinical symptoms showed by the patient and the information obtained by medical monitoring of him.

Sorption and transport of salicylate in a porous heterogeneous medium of silica quartz and goethite

Among transport studies of solutes in porous media, few works have combined microscopic speciation with macroscopic-scale investigations to describe the impact of antecedent sorbed silica on the transport of organic ligands in porous heterogeneous media. In this study, the sorption of salicylate (SA) to goethite-coated sand (GCS) was investigated under static and dynamic conditions by combining batch experiments and column tests with infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of infrared spectra, the salicylate adsorption was described by one type of iron site and a mononuclear bidentate surface complex. The intrinsic complexation constant deduced from batch modeling was successfully applied to estimate the sorbed amount under flow through conditions at various water velocities (0.038-0.768 cm/min). The shape of the breakthrough curve of SA was characterized by two fronts in both SA concentration and pH. This behavior could be likely explained by the mobilization of initially adsorbed silica from goethite surface upon SA sorption. The SA breakthrough can be interpreted as retention of SA on available surface sites up to their saturation and then on additional reactive sites, becoming free due to silicate desorption. This present work demonstrated the importance of sorbed silicate on Fe-oxides in the prediction of reactive transport of organic species on natural surfaces.

Beta-lactamase inhibitory component from the roots of Fissistigma cavaleriei

Therapeutic control of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria has been a major clinical problem. Development of drug combinations containing the beta-lactamase inhibitors has given clinicians a novel approach to controlling resistant organisms. In our search for beta-lactamase inhibitors from natural resources, we found that the methanol extract of the roots of Fissistigma cavaleriei showed an inhibitory effect on beta-lactamase. Bioassay-guided isolation of the extract yielded an active compound that was identified as salicylsalicylic acid by physical and spectroscopic methods. The compound showed inhibitory effects on beta-lactamase in a dose-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 71 microM. Salicylsalicylic acid is not as potent as the original inhibitors such as clavulanic acid, but it may be developed to be potent beta-lactamase inhibitor by chemical modification.

Biofilm photobioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewaters

A flat plate and a tubular packed-bed photobioreactor with an algal-bacterial biofilm attached onto Poraver beads carriers, a flat plate and a tubular photobioreactor with the biofilm attached onto the reactor walls, and an algal-turf reactor were compared in terms of BOD removal efficiencies, elimination capacities, and stability. A control column photobioreactor with suspended algal-bacterial biomass was also tested to compare the performance of biofilm photobioreactors with conventional algal-based processes. When the algal-bacterial biomass was immobilized onto Poraver the process never reached a steady state due to a poor homogenization in the bioreactor. When the biofilm was formed onto the reactor wall (or reactor base) the process was stable. A maximum degradation rate of 295mg BODl(-1)h(-1) was achieved in the algal-turf reactor although control experiments performed in the dark showed atmospheric O2 diffusion represented 55% of the oxygenation capacity in this system. BOD removal rates of 108, and 92mg BODl(-1)h(-1) were achieved in the tubular and flat plate biofilm reactors, respectively, compared to 77mg BODl(-1)h(-1) in the control suspended bioreactor. In addition, all biofilm photobioreactors produced an easily settleable biomass. Evidence was found that biomass attachment to the reactor's wall improved stability.

Application of high-performance liquid chromatography for research of salicin in bark of different varieties of Salix

Willow (Salix L.) species are widely spread in Lithuanian natural dendroflora. Willow bark contains active substances known for anti-inflammatory properties and is known as a phytotherapeutic precursor of aspirin. Bark extracts are components of analgesic and antirheumatic preparations. Therapeutic effectiveness is associated with salicin (2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside), which turns into salicylic acid. Increasing attention to natural preparations gives primary importance to research of plants. This study focused on 12 willow taxa and employed routine pharmacopoeia methods. High-performance liquid chromatography method was applied for the analysis of bark extractions. The investigation revealed that not all willow species accumulated a therapeutically sufficient amount of salicin. Bark samples were investigated after 1- and 2-year growth in autumn and spring. Salicin content ranged from 0.08 to 12.6%. Higher contents of active materials were determined in autumn and in 2-year-old willows. Certain willow taxa (Salix alba L., Salix mollissima L., Salix triandra L., Salix viminalis "Americana", Salix dasyclados L.) possessed extremely low salicin amounts. In the second year, analysis covered 32 willow species. Results indicated striking differences in salicin amounts (from 0.04% in Salix viminalis "Americana" to 12.06% in Salix acutifolia). Willow species, plant age, and season should be considered when collecting medicinal plant material. The amount of salicylates in 2-year-old willow bark collected in autumn exceeded by 25% that in 1-year-old willow bark collected in spring. Bark of some analyzed willow species contained the amount of salicylates too low for using as anti-inflammatory or antipyretic remedy.

Determination of salirasib (S-trans,trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid) in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) assay was developed for the quantitative determination of salirasib (S-trans,trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid, FTS) in human plasma. Sample pretreatment involved liquid-liquid extraction with methyl t-butyl ether of 0.5-mL aliquots of lithium heparin plasma spiked with the internal standard, S-trans,trans-5-fluoro-farnesylthiosalicylic acid (5-F-FTS). Separation was achieved on Waters X-Terra C(18) (50 mm x 2.1 mm i.d., 3.5 microm) at room temperature using isocratic elution with acetonitrile/10 mM ammonium acetate buffer mobile phase (80:20, v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.20 mL/min. Detection was performed using electrospray MS/MS by monitoring the ion transitions from m/z 357.2-->153.0 (salirasib) and m/z 375.1-->138.8 (5-F-FTS). Calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 1-1000 ng/mL. A 5000 ng/mL sample that was diluted 1:10 (v/v) with plasma was accurately quantitated. The values for both within day and between day precision and accuracy were well within the generally accepted criteria for analytical method (<8.0%). This assay was subsequently used for the determination of salirasib concentrations in plasma of cancer patients after oral administration of salirasib at a dose of 400 mg.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a fraction rich in gaultherin isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a salicylate derivatives fraction (SDF) isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER and the mechanisms of actions were investigated in the present study. The major constituent of SDF, which represented around 50% of this fraction, was a methyl salicylate diglycoside named gaultherin. SDF showed a significant inhibition on the hind paw edema in rats (200, 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) and ear swelling in mice (200, 400, 800 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) caused by carrageenin and croton oil, respectively. In addition, SDF (400, 800 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) inhibited only the second phase (inflammatory) in the formalin test, and showed no effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The antinociceptive activity of SDF was predominantly peripheral and independent of the opioid system. These findings demonstrate that SDF from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be mediated, at least partly, through the suppression of inflammatory mediators or their release suggested by the animal experiment. The observed effects of SDF are probably due to the presence of high content of salicylate derivatives (80%), including gaultherin, MSTG-A and MSTG-B.

Salicylate and catechol levels are maintained in nahG transgenic poplar

Metabolic profiling was used to investigate the molecular phenotypes of a transgenic Populus tremula x P. alba hybrid expressing the nahG transgene, a bacterial gene encoding salicylate hydroxylase that converts salicylic acid to catechol. Despite the efficacy of this transgenic approach to reduce salicylic acid levels in other model systems and thereby elucidate roles for salicylic acid in plant signaling, transgenic poplars had similar foliar levels of salicylic acid and catechol to that of non-transformed controls and exhibited no morphological phenotypes. To gain a deeper understanding of the basis for these observations, we analyzed metabolic profiles of leaves as influenced by transgene expression. Expression of nahG decreased quinic acid conjugates and increased catechol glucoside, while exerting little effect on levels of salicylic acid and catechol, the substrate and product, respectively, of the nahG enzyme. This suggests a biological role of elevated constitutive salicylic acid levels in Populus, in contrast to other plant systems in which nahG dramatically reduces salicylic acid levels.

Queen sex pheromone of the slave-making ant, Polyergus breviceps

Workers of the slave-making ant, Polyergus breviceps, raid nests of Formica ants and return with Formica pupae that mature into worker ants in the slave-makers' colony. These Formica workers then tend the Polyergus brood, workers, and reproductives. During raids in the mating season, winged virgin Polyergus queens accompany the workers in the raiding columns. During the raid, the virgin queens release a pheromone that attracts males that quickly mate with the queens. We report the identification, synthesis, and bioassay of the sex attractant pheromone of the queens as an approximately 1:6 ratio of (R)-3-ethyl-4-methylpentan-1-ol and methyl 6-methylsalicylate. The ants produce exclusively the (R)-enantiomer of the alcohol, and the (S)-enantiomer has no biological activity, neither inhibiting nor increasing attraction to blends of methyl 6-methylsalicylate with the (R)-enantiomer.

Cytotoxic 6-Alkylsalicylic Acids from the Endophytic Streptomyces laceyi

Two new 6-alkylsalicylic acids, salaceyins A and B were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from the culture of the endophytic Streptomyces laceyi MS53 and their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data. Salaceyins A and B exhibited modest cytotoxicity against a human breast cancer cell line (SKBR3) with IC50 values of 3.0 and 5.5 microg/ml, respectively.

F-16438s, Novel Binding Inhibitors of CD44 and Hyaluronic Acid

In the course of our screening for binding inhibitors of CD44 and hyaluronic acid, five active compounds, F-16438 A, B, E, F and G were found and isolated from the cultured broth of a fungal strain, Gloeoporus dichrous SANK 30502. The structures of these compounds except for F-16438 G were elucidated by physico-chemical and spectral data to be new compounds related to caloporoside; F-16438 G was identified to be the 6'-malonylated derivative of caloporoside.

Transvalencin Z, a new antimicrobial compound with salicylic acid residue from Nocardia transvalensis IFM 10065

Transvalencin Z was isolated from a culture broth of Nocardia transvalensis IFM 10065, a clinical isolate from a Japanese patient with actinomycotic mycetoma. The transvalencin Z structure was determined using NMR and mass spectrometric analyses. The structure is similar to a partial structure of siderophores such as mycobactins and nocobactins, but the compound has no cytotoxic activity. Transvalencin Z shows a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but shows no activity against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi and tumor cells.

Acaricidal activity against Panonychus citri of a ginkgolic acid from the external seed coat of Ginkgo biloba

An acaricidal substance extracted from the external seed coat of Ginkgo biloba L. was identified by UV (ultraviolet), IR (infrared), EI-MS (electron impact ion source mass spectrometry), (1)H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and (13)C NMR as 6-[(Z)-10-heptadecenyl]-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (compound 1). Laboratory bioassay on citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (Mcg), showed that compound 1 possessed the following properties. (i) Powerful contact toxicity with an LC(50) of 5.2 mg litre(-1) after 24 h that was similar to that of pyridaben (LC(50) = 3.4 mg litre(-1)) and significantly superior to that of omethoate (LC(50) = 122 mg litre(-1)). Furthermore, its LC(90) was 13.4 mg litre(-1) after 24 h, which is significantly superior to both pyridaben (LC(90) = 69.6 mg litre(-1)) and omethoate (LC(90) = 453 mg litre(-1)). (ii) Quick-acting acaricidal activity. At identical concentrations, compound 1 was much faster-acting than pyridaben or omethoate. (iii) Compound 1 had strong corrosive action on the cuticle of P. citri but no phytotoxicity to plants.

Identification of volatiles that are used in discrimination between plants infested with prey or nonprey herbivores by a predatory mite

Carnivorous arthropods can use herbivore-induced plant volatiles to locate their herbivorous prey. In the field, carnivores are confronted with information from plants infested with herbivores that may differ in their suitability as prey. Discrimination by the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis between volatiles from lima bean plants infested with the prey herbivore Tetranychus urticae, or plants infested with the nonprey caterpillar Spodoptera exigua, depends on spider mite density. In this article, we analyzed the chemical composition of the volatile blends from T. urticae-infested lima bean plants at different densities of spider mites, and from S. exigua-infested plants. Based on the behavioral preferences of P. persimilis and the volatile profiles, we selected compounds that potentially enable the mite to discriminate between T. urticae-induced and S. exigua-induced volatiles. Subsequently, we demonstrated in Y-tube olfactometer assays that the relatively large amounts of methyl salicylate and (3E, 7E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene emitted by T. urticae-infested bean plants compared to S. exigua-infested plants enable the predators to discriminate. Our data show that specific compounds from complex herbivore-induced volatile blends can play an important role in the selective foraging behavior of natural enemies of herbivorous arthropods.

6-Alkylsalicylic Acids and 6-Alkylresorcylic Acids from Ants in the Genus Crematogaster from Brunei

The defensive chemistry of two species of ants from Brunei in the genus Crematogaster (Physocrema group) has been investigated. Ants in this group release a white secretion from hypertrophied metapleural glands on their thorax when they are disturbed. Previously, one species in this group has been shown to produce alkylphenols and alkylresorcinols. In the present investigation, similar compounds along with salicylic acids and resorcylic acids that are anacardic acid and olivetolic acid homologs, respectively, are described from two species. The structures of these compounds were suggested by their spectroscopic data and confirmed by direct comparison with synthetic samples. Some of these compounds occur in lichens and have well documented physiological activities.

New salicylic acid and isoflavone derivatives from Flemingia paniculata

A new salicylic acid derivative, 2-carboxy-3-(2-hydroxypropanyl)phenol (1), and four new isoflavones, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-8-(1,1-dimethylprop-2-enyl)isoflavone (2), 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-8-(1,1-dimethylprop-2-enyl)isoflavone (3), 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-4' ',4' ',5' '(xi)-trimethyl-4' ',5' '-dihydrofurano-(7,6,2' ',3' ')isoflavone (4), and 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-7-(3-methylbut-2-enyloxy)isoflavone (5), were isolated from the stem bark of Flemingia paniculata. The structures of these compounds were established unambiguously by spectroscopic data interpretation. The biogenetic pathways to 1 and 2-4 have been postulated.

[Progress in research on constituents and pharmacological activities of sarcotestas of Ginkgo biloba]

The latest progress in research on constituents and pharmacological activities of sarcotestas of Ginkgo biloba has been studied. The main constituents in sarcotestas of G. biloba include flavones, ginkgolides, alkylphenols, polysaccharides and amino acids, etc. They show the following activities, such as bacteriostatic, bactericidal and pesticidal activities, antitumor and mutagenic, carcinogenic effects, antianaphylaxis and allergenic activity, effects on immunologic function, scavenging free radical, antisenile action, etc. The problems at present and the reseach direction for the future on sarcotestas of G. biloba have been put forward.

Isolation and Structural Characterization of Siderophores, Madurastatins, Produced by a Pathogenic Actinomadura madurae

Madurastatins Al (1), A2 (2) and A3 (3), novel pentapeptides that were acylated with salicylic acid at the N-terminus, were isolated from the culture broth of a pathogenic Actinomadura madurae IFM 0745 strain. These structures were mainly determined by 2D NMR and MS/MS spectral techniques. The strain produced simultaneously madurastatins B1 (4) and B2 (5) consisting of Ser and salicylic acid moieties. Compounds 1 and 4 had an antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus, indicating that the presence of the aziridine ring is essential for such activity. Because 1 has a strong affinity with ferric ion due to the presence of two hydroxamic acids and a salicylic acid, it is considered to be a siderophore that is a low molecular weight iron chelater. The production of siderophores may be one of the characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms.