Characterization of Neutral Lipids of the Oleaginous Alga Micractinum inermum

An oleaginous microalga Micractinum inermum isolated from Mariana Lake, AB, Canada was cultured in a 1000 L photobioreactor with an f/2 medium to study its lipid content and neutral lipid profile. Algal biomass was collected at the stationary phase contained a significant amount of lipids (44.2%), as determined by Folch's method. The lipid was fractionated into neutral lipid, glycolipid and phospholipid fractions. The neutral lipid constitutes almost 77.3% of the total lipid species and is mainly composed of triacylglycerols (TAGs) determined by a proton NMR study. UHPLC-HRMS analysis allows us for the first time to identify 81 TAGs in the neutral lipid fraction of M. inermum. The fatty acid acyl side chains were identified based on fragment ions observed in MSMS analysis. TAGs with fatty acid acyl chains 18:1/18:1/18:1, 18:1/18:1/16:0, 18:2/18:1/16:0, and 18:2/18:2/18:0 were the major ones among the identified TAGs. Fatty acid analysis further supports the fact that oleic acid was the major fatty acid present in the neutral lipid fraction of M. inermum constituting 41.7%, followed by linoleic acid at 21.5%, and palmitic acid at 21.2%. The saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were 67.8% or higher in the lipid fraction. Long-chain fatty acids were only present in a minor quantity. The results clearly demonstrate that M. inermum is an excellent source for TAGs.

Analysis of Polar Lipids in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) By-Products by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Polar lipids were extracted from residual biomass of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) by-products with EtOH and partitioned into aqueous and chloroform fractions. The chloroform fractions were studied for their lipid composition using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by UHPLC/HRMS and NMR analyses. The 1H NMR and gravimetric yield of SPE indicated triacylglycerols covered ≥ 51.3% of the chloroform fraction of hemp seed hulls and hemp cake. UHPLC/HRMS analyses of remaining polar lipids led to the identification of nine diacylglycerols (DAGs), six lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), five lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LPEs), eight phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and thirteen phosphatidylcholines (PCs) for the first time from hemp seed hulls. The regiospecificity of fatty acyl substitutes in glycerol backbone of individual phospholipids were assigned by analyzing the diagnostic fragment ions and their intensities. The heat-map analysis suggested that DAG 18:2/18:2, 1-LPC 18:2, 1-LPE 18:2, PE 18:2/18:2, and PC 18:2/18:2 were the predominant molecules within their classes, supported by the fact that linoleic acid was the major fatty acid covering > 41.1% of the total fatty acids determined by GC-FID analysis. The 31P NMR analysis confirmed the identification of phospholipids and suggested PC covers ≥ 37.9% of the total phospholipid present in hemp by-products. HPLC purification led to the isolation of 1,2-dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine and 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoylphosphatidylcholine. These two major PCs further confirmed the UHPLC/HRMS finding.

9,10-Dihydro-5-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethoxyphenanthrene-1,4-dione: a new dihydrophenanthrene from commercial cannabis and its effect on zebrafish larval behaviour

A new dihydrophenanthrene derivative namely 9,10-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2, 3,6-trimethoxyphenanthrene-1,4-dione (1) was isolated from commercial cannabis product together with 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3,6-trimethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (2), 4-hydroxy-2,3,6,7-tetramethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (3), combretastatin B-2 (4) and isocannbispiradienone (5). Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds were done based on the interpretation of the mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. New dihydrophenanthrene derivative (1) was tested for its effect on zebrafish larval behaviour. Preliminary results suggested that the new dihydrophenanthrene derivative (1) exhibits similar effect on zebrafish larval behaviour as cannabidiol (CBD), a biologically active component of Cannabis.

Neuroprotective effects of the cultivated Chondrus crispus in a C. elegans model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly people, currently with no cure. Its mechanisms are not well understood, thus studies targeting cause-directed therapy or prevention are needed. This study uses the transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans PD model. We demonstrated that dietary supplementation of the worms with an extract from the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus decreased the accumulation of α-synulein and protected the worms from the neuronal toxin-, 6-OHDA, induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. These effects were associated with a corrected slowness of movement. We also showed that the enhancement of oxidative stress tolerance and an up-regulation of the stress response genes, sod-3 and skn-1, may have served as the molecular mechanism for the C. crispus-extract-mediated protection against PD pathology. Altogether, apart from its potential as a functional food, the tested red seaweed, C. crispus, might find promising pharmaceutical applications for the development of potential novel anti-neurodegenerative drugs for humans.

Polar lipids from the marine macroalga Palmaria palmata inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells

The EtOAc soluble fraction of a MeOH/CHCl3 extract of Palmaria palmata showed strong nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in murine RAW264.7 cells. NO inhibition-guided isolation led to identification of three new polar lipids including a sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) (2S)-1-O-eicosapentaenoyl-2-O-myristoyl-3-O-(6-sulfo-α-D-quinovopyranosyl)-glycerol (1) and two phosphatidylglycerols, 1-O-eicosapentaenoyl-2-O-trans-3-hexadecenoyl-3-phospho-(1'-glycerol)-glycerol (3) and 1-O-eicosapentaenoyl-2-O-palmitoyl-3-phospho-(1'-glycerol)-glycerol (4) from the EtOAc fraction. Seven known lipids were also isolated including a SQDG (2), a phospholipid (5) and five galactolipids (6-10). Structures of the isolated lipids were elucidated by spectral analyses. The isolated SQDGs, phosphatidylglycerols and phospholipid possessed strong and dose-dependent NO inhibitory activity compared to N(G)-methyl-L-arginine acetate salt (L-NMMA), a well-known NO inhibitor used as a positive control. Further study suggested that these polar lipids suppressed NO production through down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, potent nitric oxide inhibitors from the marine microalga Tetraselmis chui

Methanolic extracts of some marine and freshwater microalgae were tested for their nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Among the tested extracts, Tetraselmis chui extract showed the strongest NO inhibitory activity, thus selected for further study. NO inhibitory activity guided isolation led to identification of two monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs) (2S)-1-O-(6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatetranoyl)-2-O-(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z-hexadecatetranoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (1) and (2S)-1-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrinoyl)-2-O-(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z-hexadecatetranoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (2) from the MeOH extract of T. chui. The stereo-chemistry of 1 was elucidated by classical degradation method. MGDGs 1 and 2 showed strong NO inhibitory activity compared to N(G)-methyl-L-arginine acetate salt, a well known NO inhibitor used as a positive control. Isolated MGDGs suppressed NO production through down-regulation of inducible NO synthase protein. A structure activity relationship study suggested that the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the MGDGs are responsible for NO inhibition. Moreover, increasing unsaturation on the fatty acid side chains enhanced the NO inhibitory potency of the MGDGs.

Nitric oxide inhibitory activity of monogalactosylmonoacylglycerols from a freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana

Chemical investigation of the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana led to the isolation of a new monogalactosylmonoacylglycerol, namely, (2S)-1-O-(7Z,10Z-hexadecadienoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (1) together with a known glycolipid (2S)-1-O-(7Z,10Z,13Z-hexadecatrienoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (2). Both monogalactosylmonoacylglycerols showed dose-dependent nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells suggesting their possible use as anti-inflammatory agents.

TLN-05220, TLN-05223, new Echinosporamicin-type antibiotics, and proposed revision of the structure of bravomicins(*)

The deposited strain of the hazimicin producer, Micromonospora echinospora ssp. challisensis NRRL 12255 has considerable biosynthetic capabilities as revealed by genome scanning. Among these is a locus containing both type I and type II PKS genes. The presumed products of this locus, TLN-05220 (1) and TLN-05223 (2), bear a core backbone composed of six fused rings starting with a 2-pyridone moiety. The structures were confirmed by conventional spectral analyses including MS, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Comparison of both the 1H and 13C NMR data of the newly isolated compound with those of echinosporamicin and bravomicin A led us to propose a revision of the structure of the latter to include a 2-pyridone instead of the pyran originally postulated. Both compounds (1 and 2) possessed strong antibacterial activity against a series of gram-positive pathogens including several strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and cytotoxic activities against several human tumor cell lines. The TLN compounds are the first of this group with reported anticancer activity.

Biosynthesis of diazepinomicin/ECO-4601, a Micromonospora secondary metabolite with a novel ring system

The novel microbial metabolite diazepinomicin/ECO-4601 (1) has a unique tricyclic dibenzodiazepinone core, which was unprecedented among microbial metabolites. Labeled feeding experiments indicated that the carbocyclic ring and the ring nitrogen of tryptophan could be incorporated via degradation to the 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, forming ring A and the nonamide nitrogen of 1. Genomic analysis of the biosynthetic locus indicated that the farnesyl side chain was mevalonate derived, the 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid moiety could be formed directly from chorismate, and the third ring was constructed via 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid. Successful incorporation of 4,6-D2-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid into ring A of 1 via feeding experiments supports the genetic analysis and the allocation of the locus to this biosynthesis. These studies highlight the enzymatic complexity needed to produce this structural type, which is rare in nature.

Genomic Analyses Lead to Novel Secondary Metabolites

Genomic analyses of Amycolatopsis orientalis ATCC 43491 strain, deposited as a vancomycin producer, revealed the presence of genetic loci for the production of at least 10 secondary metabolites other than vancomycin. One of these gene clusters, which contained a type I polyketide synthase, was predicted to direct the synthesis of novel class of compound, a glycosidic polyketide ECO-0501 (1). Screening of culture extracts for a compound with the predicted physicochemical properties of the product from this locus, led to the isolation of the 13-O-glucuronide of 13-hydroxy-2,12,14,16,22-pentamethyl-28-(N-methyl-guanidino)-octacosa-2,4,6,8,10,14,20,24-octaenoic acid (2-hydroxy-5-oxo-cyclopent-1-enyl)-amide (ECO-0501, 1). The structure, confirmed by spectral analyses including MS, and ID and 2D NMR experiments, were in accord with that predicted by genomic analyses. ECO-0501 possessed strong antibacterial activity against a series of Gram-positive pathogens including several strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). ECO-0501 was chemically modified by esterification (1a-1c), N-acetylation (1d) and hydrogenation (1e) in order to explore structure activity relationships (SAR).

Isolation and identification of three new 5-alkenyl-3,3(2H)-furanones from two streptomyces species using a genomic screening approach

Analyses of biosynthetic gene clusters derived from Streptomyces aculeolatus NRRL 18422 and Streptomyces sp. Eco86 indicated that both microorganisms have similar type I polyketide synthase (PKS) gene clusters with relatively few genes encoding post-PKS elaborative enzymes. However both gene clusters included a sequence coding for a relatively uncommon oxidative enzyme related to Baeyer-Villiger, flavin-type monooxygenases. Screening of culture extracts for compounds with the predicted physicochemical properties of the end products from these loci, led to the isolation of three 5-alkenyl-3,3(2H)-furanones, one (E-837, 1) from the former and two (E-492, 2, E-975, 3) from the latter strain. The structures, confirmed by spectral analyses including MS, and ID and 2D NMR experiments, were in accord with those predicted by genomic analyses. Baeyer-Villiger type oxidation is postulated to be involved in the formation of the furanone moieties in these molecules. All three new compounds were tested for their electron transport inhibitory activities. They had IC50 values of 1-4 microg/ml against Ascaris suum NADH-fumarate reductase and 1-12 microg/ml against bovine heart NADH oxidase.

Hypoglycemic effects of the wood of Taxus yunnanensis on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its active components

Hypoglycemic effects of the H(2)O and MeOH extracts of the wood of Taxus yunnanensis were examined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The H(2)O extract significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose level by 33.7% at a 100mg/kg dose on intraperitoneal administration. From the active H(2)O extract of the wood, three lignans, i.e., isotaxiresinol (1), secoisolariciresinol (2) and taxiresinol (3), were isolated as major components. These lignans were further tested for their hypoglycemic effects on the same experimental model. At a dose of 100mg/kg (i.p.), isotaxiresinol (1) reduced the fasting blood glucose level of diabetic rats by 34.5%, while secoisolariciresinol (2) and taxiresinol (3) reduced by 33.4% and 20.9%, respectively. The blood glucose lowering effects of 1 and 2 were stronger than the mixture of tolbutamide (200mg/kg) and buformin (1mg/kg) used as a positive control, which lowered fasting blood glucose level by 24.0%.

Cassane- and norcassane-type diterpenes from Caesalpinia crista of Indonesia and their antimalarial activity against the growth of Plasmodium falciparum

The CH2Cl2 extract of the seed kernels of Caesalpinia crista, which exhibited promising antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice in vivo, was examined and resulted in the isolation of seven new furanocassane-type diterpenes [caesalpinins C-G (1-5) and norcaesalpinins D and E (6, 7)] together with norcaesalpinins A-C (8-10) and 11 known compounds (norcaesalpinins A-C, 2-acetoxy-3-deacetoxycaesaldekarin e, caesalmin B, caesaldekarin e, caesalpin F, 14(17)-dehydrocaesalpin F, 2-acetoxycaesaldekarin e, 7-acetoxybonducellpin C, and caesalmin G). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The isolated diterpenes showed significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on Plasmodium falciparum FCR-3/A2 growth in vitro. Their IC50 values ranged from 90 nM to 6.5 microM, and norcaesalpinin E (7) showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50, 90 nM).

Cassane- and norcassane-type diterpenes of Caesalpinia crista from Myanmar

From the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of seed kernels of Caesalpinia crista from Myanmar, five new cassane-type diterpenes, caesalpinins MA-ME (1-5), and three new norcassane-type diterpenes, norcaesalpinins MA-MC (6-8), have been isolated, together with 12 known cassane-type diterpenes, 14(17)-dehydrocaesalmin F, caesaldekarin e, caesalmin B, caesalmin C, caesalmin E, 2-acetoxy-3-deacetoxycaesaldekarin e, 2-acetoxycaesaldekarin e, caesalpinin C, 7-acetoxybonducellpin C, caesalpinin E, norcaesalpinin B, and 6-acetoxy-3-deacetoxycaesaldekarin e. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data.

Secoisolariciresinol and isotaxiresinol inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α-dependent hepatic apoptosis in mice

The effects of secoisolariciresinol (1) and isotaxiresinol (2), two major lignans isolated from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis, on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-dependent hepatic apoptosis induced by D-galactosamine (d-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated in mice. Co-administration of d-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (10 microg/kg) resulted in a typical hepatic apoptosis characterized by DNA fragmentation and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT) levels were also raised at 8 h after d-GalN/LPS intoxication due to a severe necrosis of hepatocytes. Pre-administration of 1 or 2 (50, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) 12 and 1 h before d-GalN/LPS significantly reduced DNA fragmentation and prevented chromatin condensation, apoptotic body formation and hepatitis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secreted from LPS-activated macrophages are important mediators of hepatocyte apoptosis in this model. Pre-treatment with 1 or 2 significantly inhibited the elevation of serum TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels. In a separate experiment, both lignans had a significant dose-dependent protective effect on d-GalN/TNF-alpha-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes and TNF-alpha-mediated cell death in murine L929 fibrosarcoma cells. These results indicated that 1 and 2 prevent d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatic injury by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis through the blocking of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production by activated macrophages and direct inhibition of the apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha.

Hepatoprotective effect of taxiresinol and (7'R)-7'-hydroxylariciresinol on D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice

The hepatoprotective effect of taxiresinol ( 1) and (7' R)-7'-hydroxylariciresinol ( 2), two tetrahydrofuran-type lignans isolated from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis, were investigated on D-galactosamine ( D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic liver injury in mice. Pre-administration of 1 or 2 at doses of 50 and 10 mg/kg ( i. p.) at 12 and 1 h before D-GalN/LPS injection significantly inhibited hepatocyte DNA fragmentation and apoptotic body formation. Pre-treatment of these two lignans further suppressed hepatic necrosis which occur at later stage of D-GalN/LPS intoxication as demonstrated by the significant and dose-dependent reduction in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT) at 8 h after intoxication. The elevation of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- alpha) level by D-GalN/LPS toxication was significantly inhibited by 1 or 2 at doses of 50 and 10 mg/kg. Moreover, both of these lignans significantly protected hepatocytes from D-GalN/TNF- alpha-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. These results suggested that 1 and 2 had protected the hepatocytes from apoptosis via an inhibition of TNF- alpha production by activated macrophages and a direct inhibition of apoptosis induced by TNF- alpha in D-GalN/LPS-treated mice.

Diterpenes and sesquiterpenes from the bark of Taxus yunnanensis

Two taxane-type diterpenes, 10beta-acetoxy-2alpha,5alpha,7beta,9alpha-tetrahydroxytaxa-4(20),11-dien-13-one and 2alpha-acetoxy-9alpha-benzoyloxy-5alpha,7beta,10beta,15-tetrahydroxy-11(15-->1)- abeotaxa-4(20),11-dien-13-one, and two new drimane-type sesquiterpenes, 1beta-acetoxy-7-drimen-11alpha-ol-12,11-lactone and 1beta-acetoxy-11,12-epoxy-6-drimen-8alpha,11alpha-diol, were isolated from the bark of Taxus yunnanensis together with 35 known taxane-type diterpenes, a known drimane-type sesquiterpene and a known flavanone.

Constituents of the Vietnamese medicinal plant Streptocaulon juventas and their antiproliferative activity against the human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell line

The methanolic extract of roots of Streptocaulon juventas, having shown strong antiproliferative activity against the highly metastatic human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell line, was subjected to activity-guided isolation to yield 16 cardenolides including five new ones, acovenosigenin A 3-O-beta-digitoxopyranoside (1), digitoxigenin gentiobioside (2), digitoxigenin 3-O-[O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-3-O-acetyl-beta-digitoxopyranoside] (3), digitoxigenin 3-O-[O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-digitalopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-cymaropyranoside] (4), and periplogenin 3-O-(4-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-beta-digitalopyranoside) (5), and two new hemiterpenoids, (4R)-4-hydroxy-3-isopropylpentyl beta-rutinoside (6) and (R)-2-ethyl-3-methylbutyl beta-rutinoside (7), together with two known phenylpropanoids and a known phenylethanoid. The isolated cardenolides strongly inhibited the proliferation of the HT-1080 cell line (IC(50) values, 54-1600 nM).

Chemical constituents and biological activities of Vietnamese medicinal plants

Every country has its own traditional medicine system originated from ancient times. Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country, has a unique traditional medicine system. Several medicinal plants are still used by different ethnic societies of Vietnam for treating several diseases due to their easy availability. Combretum quadrangulare, Panax vietnamensis (Vietnamese Ginseng), Dracaena angustifolia (Nam Ginseng) and Orthosiphon stamineus are among the popular medicinal plants used in Vietnamese traditional medicine for curing various diseases and to improve physical strength. In this review article, we discuss the chemical analysis as well as biological activities of these Vietnamese medicinal plants in order to establish the relation between their therapeutic uses and scientific findings.

Novel diarylheptanoids of Alpinia blepharocalyx

The seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae) is used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders. From the ether fraction of a 95% ethanolic extract, which showed hepatoprotective and antiproliferative activities, we isolated 16 novel diarylheptanoids bearing a chalcone or a flavanone moiety [calyxins A-H; epicalyxins B-D, G, and H; 6-hydroxycalyxin F; and blepharocalyxins A and B] together with seven known compounds, while the residual fraction of the ethanolic extract gave 32 novel diarylheptanoids namely, calyxins A, E-G, and I-M; epicalyxins B, F, I-K, and M; deoxycalyxin A; blepharocalyxins C-E; neocalyxins A and B; (3S,5S)- and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-7-phenyl-6E-heptene, (3S,5S)- and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-ethoxy-7-phenyl-6E-heptene, (3S)-3-methoxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6E-hepten-5-one, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-hepta-4E,6E-dien-3-one, (3S,7R)-5,6-dehydro-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-4"-de-O-methyl-centrolobine, (3S,5S,6S,7R)-5,6-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4"-de-O-me-thylcentrolobine, (3S,5R,6S,7R)- and (3S,5S,6R,7R)-5,6-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4"-de-O-methyl-centrolobine, 1,2- dihydro-bis(de-O-methyl)curcumin, and (3S,7S)-5,6-dehydro-4"-de-O-methylcentrolobine, and one known diarylheptanoid [(3S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptane] together with 12 other known phenolic compounds. Moreover, in vitro NO inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of the isolated compounds were also tested and the active constituents identified.

DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide inhibitory activities of the constituents from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis

The H2O, H2O/MeOH (1 : 1) and MeOH extracts of the wood of Taxus yunnanensis possessed significant DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities. Chemical investigation of these extracts led us to isolation of nineteen compounds, i. e., five lignans, two simple phenolics, and twelve taxane-type diterpenes. Isotaxiresinol and seco-isolariciresinol, two major lignans of the wood, possessed potent DPPH radical scavenging activities with IC 50 values of 21.7 and 28.9 microM, respectively. Similarly, coniferyl aldehyde, taxusin, 10-deacetyltaxuyunnanine C, hongdoushan A, and 2alpha,5alpha,10beta-triacetoxy-14beta-[( S)-2-methylbutyryloxy]-4(20),11-taxadiene showed potent NO inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 18.0, 22.1, 28.5, 15.0 and 26.4 microM, respectively, which were either equal or lower than the positive control NG-monomethyl- L-arginine ( L -NMMA) with an IC 50 value of 28.5 microM.

Wild ginseng grows in Myanmar

Ginseng, the underground parts of plants of Panax species, has been used in oriental traditional medicine for centuries. Unfortunately, because of extensive exploitation over thousands of years, the natural source of these species has been almost exhausted. Recently, we have found a wild ginseng growing in Myanmar. Here, by a combination of chemical composition study and gene sequence analysis, we unambiguously demonstrate that the wild ginseng is actually P. zingiberensis, commonly known as ginger ginseng. This ginseng was an indigenous to the southwestern China. However, now it is seriously threatened to brink of extinction and is put on the highest level of protection in China. Therefore, an appropriate protection measure is highly recommended to preserve this valuable resource, since this Myanmar ginseng might turn out to be the last P. zingiberensis, which could ever be seen in the planet.

Inhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester analogues on experimental lung metastasis of murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells

We have previously examined the antiproliferative activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its 20 analogues against six tumor cell lines, and found that CAPE analogues possess selective antiproliferative activity toward the murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cell line. To extend our study, the effects of CAPE analogues on the metastatic development of murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells in the lung were examined. The oral administration of CAPE (5 mg/mice/d) for 7 d after tumor inoculation decreased the tumor weight and the number of tumor nodules in the lung by 50% and 50%, respectively, compared to the control, while CAPE (5 mg/mice/d) administered for 7 d before tumor inoculation showed no significant effect. Besides CAPE, 4-phenylbutyl caffeate, 8-phenyl-7-octenyl caffeate, 2-cyclohexylethyl caffeate and n-octyl caffeate at an oral dose of 2 mg/mice/d caused a 55%, 43%, 55% and 35% reduction of the tumor nodules in their lung metastasis formation, respectively. These results further elaborate the possibility of CAPE and its analogues to become a new class of chemopreventive agents for the treatment of colon cancer metastasis.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) analogues: potent nitric oxide inhibitors from the Netherlands propolis

The MeOH and water extracts of the Netherlands propolis were tested for their inhibitory activity toward nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage-like J774.1 cells. Both of the extract possessed significant NO inhibitory activity with IC(50) values of 23.8 and 51.5 microg/ml, respectively. Then 13 phenolic compounds obtained from the MeOH extract showing stronger NO inhibition were examined on their NO inhibitory activities. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) analogues, i.e., benzyl caffeate, CAPE and cinnamyl caffeate, possessed most potent NO inhibitory activities with IC(50) values of 13.8, 7.64 and 9.53 microM, respectively, which were two- to four-fold stronger than the positive control N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; IC(50), 32.9 microM). Further study on the synthetic analogues of CAPE revealed that both of 3-phenylpropyl caffeate (18; IC(50), 7.34 microM) and 4-phenylbutyl caffeate (19; IC(50), 6.77 microM) possessed stronger NO inhibitory activity than CAPE (10) and that elongation of alkyl side chain of alcoholic parts of caffeic acid esters enhance the NO inhibitory activity. In addition, it was found that CAPE analogues having longer carbon chain (>C(5)) in alcoholic part showed toxic effects toward J774.1 cells. This NO inhibitory effect may directly correlate with antiinflammatory properties of the Netherlands propolis.

Inhibition of NO production by highly-oxygenated diterpenes of Orthosiphon stamineus and their structure-activity relationship

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implemented in various pathological processes. In the present study, 47 highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type and novel carbon framework staminane-type diterpenes isolated from Orthosiphon stamineus of Indonesia, Okinawa, Myanmar and Vietnam were evaluated for their inhibitory activity in NO production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells. All the isolated diterpenes showed concentration-dependent inhibition of NO production in LPS-activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells, and based on the results, their structure-activity relationship were established.

Highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes from Orthosiphon stamineus of Indonesia and their nitric oxide inhibitory activity

From the methanolic extract of Indonesian Orthosiphon stamineus, nine new highly-oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes [7-O-deacetylorthosiphol B (1), 6-hydroxyorthosiphol B (2), 3-O-deacetylorthosiphol I (3), 2-O-deacetylorthosiphol J (4), siphonols A-E (5-9)] have been isolated together with nine known diterpenes [orthosiphols H (10), K (11), M (12) and N (13); staminols A (14) and B (15); neoorthosiphols A (16) and B (17); norstaminol A (18)]. Their structures were determined based on the spectroscopic data. The isolated diterpenes inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells. Compounds 4-7, 9, 10, 14, and 17 showed inhibitory activities more potent (IC(50), 10.8-25.5 microM) than a positive control N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; IC(50), 26.0 microM).

Nitric oxide inhibitory isopimarane-type diterpenes from Orthosiphon stamineus of Indonesia

A methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus yielded six new highly oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes, orthosiphols U-Z (1-6), and 15 previously reported diterpenes. The isolated diterpenes all showed significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells. Orthosiphols A (7), B (8), D (9), and X (4) showed more potent inhibitory activities than a positive control, N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA), and 1 displayed the strongest activity with an IC(50) value of 6.4 microM.

Siphonols A-E: novel nitric oxide inhibitors from Orthosiphon stamineus of Indonesia

From the methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus, four novel highly oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes named siphonols A-D (1-4) and a novel biogenetically interesting norisopimarane-type diterpene named siphonol E (5) were isolated. The new compounds 1-3 and 5 showed more potent inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophage-like J774.1 cells than a positive control N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Siphonols A-E (1-5) represent the first examples of isopimaranes oxygenated at C-20.

Three new C-14 oxygenated taxanes from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis

Three new C-14 oxygenated taxane-type diterpenes, hongdoushans A-C (1-3), were isolated from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis together with four known diterpenes and two lignans. The absolute stereochemistry of the 2-methylbutyryloxy group attached at C-14 of the taxane skeleton was determined to be S by GC analysis of the methyl ester of 2-methylbutyric acid obtained after alkaline hydrolysis of 1 and 4 followed by treatment with CH(2)N(2). The complete stereostructure of the known compound 2alpha,5alpha,10beta-triacetoxy-14beta-[(S)-2-methylbutyryloxy]-4(20),11-taxadiene (4) was established for the first time. The isolates obtained were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity toward murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines.

Selective antiproliferative activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester analogues on highly liver-metastatic murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cell line

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE, 2) and its twenty analogues (1, 3-21) were prepared. These esters were tested by MTT assay on growth of murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma, murine B16-BL6 malonoma, murine Lewis lung carcinoma, human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma, human lung A549 adenocarcinoma, and human cervix HeLa adenocarcinoma cell lines. It was found that CAPE analogues possessed selective antiproliferative activity toward highly liver-metastatic murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cell line. Among them, 4-phenylbutyl caffeate (4), (Z)-8-phenyl-7-octenyl (10a) and (E)-8-phenyl-7-octenyl (10b) caffeate showed the most potent antiproliferative activity (EC50 value, 0.02 microM). In addition, CAPE (2) induced DNA fragmentation at concentrations of 1 to 10 microg/mL towards murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells.

Constituents of Chinese propolis and their antiproliferative activities

Two new flavonoids, 3-O-[(S)-2-methylbutyroyl]pinobanksin (1) and 6-cinnamylchrysin (2), were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the MeOH extract of Chinese propolis, along with 12 known compounds (3-14). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical analyses. The isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity toward five different cancer cell lines. Benzyl caffeate (13) and phenethyl caffeate (14) showed potent antiproliferative activity toward tested cell lines with a selective activity toward colon 26-L5 carcinoma cell line (EC(50) values: 13, 1.01; 14, 0.30 microM).

Antiproliferative activity of the Netherlands propolis and its active principles in cancer cell lines

The MeOH extract of the Netherlands propolis showed promising antiproliferative activity toward highly liver-metastatic murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma with an EC(50) value of 3.5 microg/ml. Further, antiproliferative activity-guided purification of the MeOH extract led us to isolate four flavonoids (1-4), seven cinnamic acid derivatives (5-11) and two new glycerol derivatives (12, 13), whose structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5, murine B16-BL6 melanoma, human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and human lung A549 adenocarcinoma cell lines. The benzyl (9), phenethyl (10) and cinnamyl caffeates (11) possessed potent antiproliferative activities with EC(50) values of 0.288, 1.76 and 0.114 microM, respectively, toward colon 26-L5 carcinoma. These caffeates were considered to be active constituents of the Netherlands propolis in their antiproliferative activity. The antioxidative activity of these caffeates may play an important role in their antiproliferative activities.

Four highly oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes of Orthosiphon stamineus

Four highly oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes, named orthosiphols O, P and Q and nororthosiphonolide A, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Orthosiphon stamineus from Myanmar, together with three known diterpenes, orthosiphols D and E and orthosiphonone A. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectral analysis. All the isolated compounds displayed mild antiproliferative activities against highly liver metastatic colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of propolis

The composition of propolis, a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources, depends on various factors such as season and vegetation of the area. Based on standards (either isolated from Brazilian propolis or reported from propolis) including chromane, diterpenes and phenolic compounds, different Brazilian propolis were analysed by LC-MS in order to determine their chemical constituents. Dicaffeoylquinic acids were detected in almost all water extracts of Brazilian propolis, whereas diterpenes, flavonoids and prenylated phenolic compounds were found in their methanol extracts. Based on the identified chemical constituents and their biological activities, it was determined that the quality of Brazilian propolis could be directly related to the phenolic constituents. Moreover, Baccharis dracunculifolia was concluded to be an important source of Brazilian propolis. Propolis samples from Peru, China and the Netherlands were also studied.

An antiproliferative norditerpene dilactone, Nagilactone C, from Podocarpus neriifolius

An ethanolic extract of Podocarpus neriifolius D. Don (Podocarpaceae) showed antiproliferative activity against two major tumor cell lines, viz. human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and murine color 26-L5 carcinoma. Bioassay guided fractionation showed the highest antiproliferative activity in chloroform-soluble fraction. Nagilactone C, the major constituent of this fraction was isolated and characterized by using NMR, IR and FAB-MS spectroscopic methods. Nagilactone C possessed potent antiproliferative activity against human fibrosarcoma and murine colon carcinoma tumor cell lines exhibiting ED50 values of 2.3 and 1.2 microg/ml, respectively. Hence, nagilactone C could be the active constituent present in this plant.

Recent progress in pharmacological research of propolis

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is a popular folk medicine possessing a broad spectrum of biological activities. It has also been used as a health drink in various Asian, European and American countries. Several groups of researchers have focused their attention on the biological activity of propolis and its active principles. Many scientific articles are published every year in different international journals related to the pharmacological properties of propolis. This review article compiles recent findings (since 1995) on the pharmacological properties of propolis focusing on its antihepatotoxic, antitumour, antioxidative, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties. The possible mechanism of action of propolis as well as the active compounds are discussed.

Screening of Chinese herbal drug extracts for inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production and identification of an active compound of Zanthoxylum bungeanum

Sixty-eight water and methanol extracts from 34 Chinese herbal drugs, most of which are used for inflammatory diseases, were screened for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774.1 macrophages and in LPS/interferon (IFN)-gamma-stimulated mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages. Among the extracts, methanol extracts of Myristica fragrans, Plantago asiatica, Rubia cordifolia, and Zanthoxylum bungeanum showed significant inhibition in J774.1 macrophages, while in mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages, water extracts of Ru. cordifolia and Scutellaria baicalensis and methanol extracts of Angelica megaphylla, My. fragrans, and Z. bungeanum inhibited the NO production. Among them, inhibition of water extract of Sc. baicalensis was found to be mainly due to direct scavenging of NO radicals, through an examination of its scavenging activity on PAPA NONOate-generated NO radicals, while water extract of Ru. cordifolia and methanol extracts of An. megaphylla, My. fragrans, P. asiatica, and Z. bungeanum showed inhibition on iNOS mRNA expression. At last, an inhibitory compound on iNOS mRNA expression was isolated from a methanol extract of Z. bungeanum and identified as 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyldihydroferulic acid by NMR spectral analyses and chemical synthesis.

New spirostanol steroids and steroidal saponins from roots and rhizomes of Dracaena angustifolia and their antiproliferative activity

The MeOH extract of Nam ginseng (roots and rhizomes of Dracaena angustifolia) afforded nine new compounds, including three spirostanol sapogenins, named namogenins A-C (1-3), four spirostanol saponins, named namonins A-D (4-7), a furostanol saponin, named namonin E (8), and a pregnan glycoside, named namonin F (9), along with another eight known steroidal saponins (10-17). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral analyses and chemical methods. All compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma, human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma, and B-16 BL6 melanoma cells. Compounds 4, 5, and 10 showed potent antiproliferative activity against HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, having IC(50) values of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.6 microM, respectively, comparable to that of doxorubicin.

1-O-galloyl-6-O-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy)benzoyl-beta-D-glucose, a new hepatoprotective constituent from Combretum quadrangulare

A new gallic acid derivative, 1-O-galloyl-6-O-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy)benzoyl-beta-D-glucose (1) has been isolated from an H2O-fraction of MeOH extract of Combretum quadrangulare seeds. Compound 1 exhibited potent hepatoprotective activity against D-GalN/TNF-alpha-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes with an IC50 of 3.3 microM.

Antiproliferative activity of diarylheptanoids from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

The 95% EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx (Zingiberaceae) showed significant antiproliferative activity towards human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells. Chemical investigation of the extract led to the isolation of forty-four new (1-44) and one known (45) diarylheptanoids, eleven phenolic compounds (46-56) together with beta-sitosterol glucoside (57). Almost all the isolated compounds showed significant antiproliferative activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the compounds, epicalyxin F (17) exhibited the most potent activity against the proliferation of colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells with an ED50 value of 0.89 microM, while calyxin B (2) exhibited the most potent activity against human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells with an ED50 value of 0.69 microM. Moreover, calyxins B (2) and K (11), epicalyxins F (17), I (20) and K (22), 6-hydroxycalyxin F (25), blepharocalyxin B (27) and mixtures of 7 and epicalyxin G (18) and of calyxin J (10) and epicalyxin J (21) possessed more potent activity than a clinically used anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil, towards HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Analysis of the structure activity relationship suggested that the position of the attachment of a chalcone or a flavanone moiety does not affect the activity, although their presence in association causes a substantial enhancement of the antiproliferative activity. Moreover, the conjugated double bond of the chalcone moiety and the phenolic hydroxyl group potentiate the antiproliferative activity of the compounds.

Five novel highly oxygenated diterpenes of Orthosiphon stamineus from Myanmar

Five novel highly oxygenated diterpenes, orthosiphols K (1), L (2), M (3), and N (4) and norstaminone A (5), were isolated from the aerial part of Orthosiphon stamineus, together with three known diterpenes, orthosiphols A (6) and B (7) and neoorthosiphol A (8). Orthosiphol L (2) is an isopimarane-type diterpene with a hydroxyl group at C-12, which supports the biogenesis of staminane-type diterpenes, i.e., migration of a vinylic group from C-13 of isopimarane to C-12. Norstaminone A (5) has a staminane carbon framework and supports the biosynthetic pathway from staminols to norstaminols via staminolactones. All the isolated compounds showed mild to weak antiproliferative activities toward highly liver metastatic colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines.

Blepharocalyxins C--E, three new dimeric diarylheptanoids, and related compounds from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

Three novel diarylheptanoids, blepharocalyxins C--E (5--7), together with four new (1--4) and one known (8) diarylheptanoids bearing a tetrahydropyran ring were isolated from the residual fraction of an EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx. The structures and the stereochemistry at the chiral centers of the new diarylheptanoids were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR spectroscopy. Blepharocalyxins C--E (5--7) have a novel carbon framework and are dimeric diarylheptanoids consisting of two diarylheptanoid units. Blepharocalyxin D (6) showed potent antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells (ED(50), 3.61 microM), while against human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, blepharocalyxin E (7) showed potent activity (ED(50), 9.02 microM).

Three new triterpenes from the seeds of Combretum quadrangulare and their hepatoprotective activity

Three new triterpenes of the lupane type, 2alpha,6beta-dihydroxybetulinic acid (1) and 6beta-hydroxyhovenic acid (2), and an oleanane type, 6beta-hydroxyarjunic acid (3), together with several known compounds, have been isolated from the MeOH extract of the seeds of Combretum quadrangulare. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and their hepatoprotective activities were tested for D-GalN/TNF-alpha-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes.

Six new diarylheptanoids from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

Chromatographic separation of part of an EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx resulted in the isolation of six new (1-6) and two known (7, 8) diarylheptanoids together with 12 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds, including their absolute stereochemistry, were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods as (3S,5S)- (1) and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-6E-heptene (2), (3S,5S)- (3) and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-ethoxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-6E-heptene (4), (3S)-methoxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6E-hepten-5-one (5), and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-4E,6E-dien-3-one (6). Among the isolated compounds, 5, (3S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptane (8), 4'-hydroxy-5,6-dehydrokawain (14), and/or phloroglucinol (20) showed significant antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma (ED(50): 5, 5.2 microM; 8, 12.8 microM; 14, 20.7 microM; 20, 26.4 microM) and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma (ED(50): 5, 10.1 microM; 14, 20.1 microM; 20, 20.9 microM) cells.

Eleven novel diarylheptanoids and two unusual diarylheptanoid derivatives from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

An EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx afforded 11 novel diarylheptanoids, named deoxycalyxin A (1), epicalyxin F (2), calyxin K (3), epicalyxin K (4), calyxin I (5), epicalyxin I (6), calyxin J (7), epicalyxin J (8), and calyxin L (9), an epimeric mixture of calyxin M (10) and epicalyxin M (11), and two unusual diarylheptanoid derivatives, named neocalyxins A (12) and B (13), together with four known calyxins, calyxins A (14), F (15), E (16), and G (17). Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR spectroscopy. All compounds were examined for cytotoxicity toward murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Diarylheptanoids 2, 3, and 5 were cytotoxic against both cell lines, while 4 and 6-8 were cytotoxic against human fibrosarcoma cells.

Hepatoprotective and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of constituents from Brazilian propolis

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is extensively used in food, beverage and in folk medicine for treating various ailments and reported to have broad spectrum of biological activities. The hepatoprotective activity of propolis and constituents from its MeOH extract belonging to various classes were tested on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced cell death in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. The result indicated that hepatoprotective activity of alcoholic extract of tropical Brazilian propolis is mainly due to phenolic compounds including flavonoids. All the four isolated flavonoids possessed stronger inhibitory activity (IC50, < 25 microM) than silibinin (IC50, 39.6 microM) on TNF-alpha-induced cell death. The labdane-type diterpenes isolated from the MeOH extract also exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity in the same experimental model. Moreover, the labdane-type diterpenes and some of the prenylated phenolic compounds possessed antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori.

Kinmoonosides A-C, three new cytotoxic saponins from the fruits of Acacia concinna, a medicinal plant collected in myanmar

Three genuine saponins, named kinmoonosides A-C (1-3), have been isolated, together with a new monoterpenoid (4), from a methanolic extract of the fruits of Acacia concinna. The structures of kinmoonosides A-C were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis as 3-O-¿alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2) ]-b eta-D-glucopyranosyl¿-21-O-¿(6R, 2E)-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O-[4-O-(2'E)-6'-hydroxyl-2'-hydroxymet hyl-6'-methyl-2',7'-octadienoyl-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2, 7-octadienoyl¿acacic acid 28-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-a lpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1); 3-O-¿alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2) ]-b eta-D-glucopyranosyl¿-21-O-¿(6S, 2E)-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O-[4-O-(2'E)-6'-hydroxyl-2'-hydroxymet hyl-6'-methyl-2',7'-octadienoyl-beta-D-quinobopyranosyl]-2, 7-octadienoyl¿acacic acid 28-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-a lpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2); and 3-O-¿alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2) ]-b eta-D-glucopyranosyl¿-21-O-[(2E)-6-hydroxyl-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl- 2,7-octadienoyl]acacic acid 28-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-a lpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), respectively. The new monoterpenoid 4 was determined as 4-O-[(2E)-6-hydroxyl-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-2, 7-octadienoyl]-D-quinovopyranose. Compounds 1-3 showed significant cytotoxicity against human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells.