Morphological, histochemical and phytochemical investigation of the genus Hypericum of the Central Italy

Eight entities of the genus Hypericum that spontaneously grow on the Central Italy (Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano) have been studied under the morphological, histochemical and phytochemical aspects. From the morphological standpoint, they differ in the shape and size of flowers and leaves and in the dimension and distribution of the secretory structures through the various parts of the plant. It has been possible, with the histochemical and phytochemical studies, to localize and identify some secondary metabolites inside the secretory structures.

Dimeric L-dopa derivatives as potential prodrugs

A series of dimeric derivatives (+)-1, and (+)-2, and (+)-3a-d of L-Dopa diacetyl esters was synthesized and evaluated as potential L-Dopa prodrugs with improved physicochemical properties. All the new compounds showed chemical stability in aqueous buffer solutions (pH 1.3 and 7.4). A relatively slow release of L-Dopa in human plasma was observed.

Synthesis of L-(+)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-pivaloyloxybenzyl)-2,5-diketomorpholine as potential prodrug of L-dopa

The synthesis and in vitro chemical and enzymatic stability of L-(+)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-pivaloyloxybenzyl)-2,5-diketomorpholine (9) as L-Dopa prodrug are described. Prodrug 9 possesses a good lipophilicity (log P = 2.153 +/- 0.017), is stable in aqueous buffer solutions (pH 1.3 and 7.4), and in 80% rat and human plasma it is turned into L-Dopa.