Antifeedant effects of marine halogenated monoterpenes

In this work the antifeedant effects of the halogenated monoterpenes 1-13 were tested against several divergent insect species. These compounds have been isolated from Plocamium cartilagineum (6 was isolated as an acetyl derivative), except for 4, which was isolated from Pantoneura plocamioides. We have also included the semisynthetic derivatives 1a, 2a, and 7. Compounds 1, 1a, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8-10, and 13 were antifeedants against Leptinotarsa decemlineata with varying potencies. The aphids Myzus persicae and Ropalosiphum padi were strongly deterred in the presence of compounds 2, 12, and 13. This effect was correlated with the electronic recording of their probing behavior. Compounds 2 and 12 were toxic to L. decemlineata and had selective cytotoxicity to insect-derived Sf9 cells. None of the tested compounds showed phytotoxic effects. The antifeedant and cytotoxic effects of these compounds were compared with those of the polyhalogenated insecticide gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane).     

Selective insect antifeedant and toxic action of ryanoid diterpenes.

In this work, we have studied the antifeedant and insecticidal effects of several natural ryanoid diterpenes. These compounds can be classified in two groups according to their chemical structures: ryanodol/isoryanodol-type (nonalkaloidal type) and ryanodine-type (alkaloidal type) ryanoids. The nonalkaloidal ryanoids were isolated from Persea indica (Lauraceae) while the alkaloidal ryanoids (ryanodines and spiganthines) were isolated from Spigelia anthelmia (Loganiaceae). The effects of these compounds on the feeding behavior and performance (with and without piperonyl butoxide pretreatment) of Spodoptera littoralis larvae and Leptinotarsa decemlineata adults indicate that some strongly deterred these insects, L. decemlineata being less sensitive than S. littoralis. Their antifeedant effects did not parallel their toxic action. Additionally, more than 60% of the nonalkaloidal ryanoids were antifeedants and/or toxic in contrast to 30% of active alkaloidal ones, supporting the hypothesis of a ryanodol-specific mode of action in insects.     

Structure- and species-dependent insecticidal effects of neo-clerodane diterpenes

Several natural neo-clerodane diterpenoids isolated from Linaria saxatilis and some semisynthetic derivatives were tested against several insect species with different feeding adaptations. The antifeedant tests showed that the oliphagous Leptinotarsa decemlineata was the most sensitive insect, followed by the aphid Myzus persicae. The polyphagous Spodoptera littoralis was not deterred by these diterpenoids; however, following oral administration, some of these compounds did have postingestive antifeedant effects on this insect. In general terms, the antifeedant effects of these compounds were species-dependent and more selective than their toxic/postingestive effects. The study of their structure-activity relationships showed that both the decalin moiety and the chain at C-9 determined their bioactivity. Furthermore, the presence of a 4,18-epoxy/diol moiety was an important feature for both the antifeedant and the toxic/postingestive effects.     

Bioactive cinchona alkaloids from Remijia peruviana

Three known Cinchona alkaloids of the quinine type, quinine (1), cupreine (2), cinchonine (3), and the possible artifact cinchonine-HCl (3-HCl), along with two new ones, acetylcupreine (4) and N-ethylquinine (5), have been isolated from the bark of Remijia peruviana (Rubiaceae). Their stereochemical structures were established by high resolution NMR spectroscopy. Alkaloids 2-4 had antifeedant effects on Leptinotarsa decemlineata with varying potencies. Compound 4 was cytotoxic to both insect Sf9 and mammalian CHO cells after 48 h of incubation, while 3-HCl had stronger and selective cytotoxicity to Sf9. Quinine 1 had a moderate to low effect on Trypanosoma cruzi. Tumoral cells were also affected by these alkaloids, with 4 and 3-HCl being the most cytotoxic to all the cell lines tested. Overall, the 8R, 9S configurations, as in 3 and 3-HCl, as well as the C-6'acetylated alkaloid 4, with an 8S, 9R configuration, showed stronger biological effects.     

Synthesis and insect antifeedant activity of precocene derivatives with lactone moiety

Starting from precocenes I and II, four of their derivatives with a lactone moiety were obtained. The compounds have been assessed as antifeedants against several diverse insect species including the storage pests the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv., larvae and adults), the granary weevil beetle (Sitophilus granarius L., adults), and the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Ev., larvae) and against the herbivorous pest insects Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, adults and larvae) and aphids (Myzus persicae Sulz.). Precocenes, especially precocene II, showed a very strong antifeedant effect against all storage pests and aphids. The introduction of a lactone moiety caused a decrease in antifeedant activity against these species. Both precocenes were moderately active against L. decemlineata adults. The best antifeedants to this species were precocene derivatives, especially iodolactones. The introduction of iodine into a molecule had a great effect on the antifeedant activity of those compounds.     

Insect repellent/antifeedant activity of 2,4-methanoproline and derivatives against a leaf- and seed-feeding pest insect

2,4-methanoproline is a natural product isolated from the seeds of Ateleia herbert smithii Pittier that was formerly suggested to have insect repellent/antifeedant activity; however, this was not tested quantitatively. In this study the insect repellent/antifeedant potency of methanoproline was measured against larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), and adults of the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). In addition, several N-alkyl, amino, and nitrile derivatives of methanoproline with varying stereodemanding substituents were synthesized and also tested. It was shown that in S. littoralis methanoproline itself did not show any significant activity but that derivatives 5, 7, 8, and 10 did show a reasonable repulsive/antifeedant activity that was comparable to the commercial repellent DEET. A significant repellent activity was scored for methanoproline in adults of C. maculatus that was similar to DEET.     

Extremely potent antifeedant neo-clerodane derivatives of scutecyprol A

Two known neo-clerodane diterpenoids, scutecyprol A (1) and scutalbin C (2), have been isolated from the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Scutellaria sieberi. The antifeedant activity of scutecyprol A (1), of its 15-oxo derivative (3), and of several halohydrins (4-9), synthesized starting from compounds 1 and 3, against Spodoptera littoralis have been determined and structure-antifeedant relationships are discussed.     

Screening of dialkoxybenzenes and disubstituted cyclopentene derivatives against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, for the discovery of new feeding and oviposition deterrents

The antifeedant, oviposition deterrent, and toxic effects of dialkoxybenzene minilibraries and of disubstituted cyclopentene minilibraries (i.e., consisting of four to five compounds) along with their pure constituent compounds were assessed against third instar larvae and adults of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, in laboratory bioassays in a search for new insect control agents. These compounds mimic naturally occurring bioactive odorants and tastants and are relatively easily prepared from commodity chemicals. Most of these libraries strongly deterred larval feeding, with some exhibiting strong toxic and oviposition deterrent effects as well. Our results suggest some structure-function relationships within these libraries. Replacement of a methyl group with larger alkyl substituents increased the feeding deterrent effects in most cases. The presence of a free hydroxyl group, irrespective of the carbon framework or alkyl substituent, served to reduce feeding deterrent effects in all series of compounds. Further, exceeding a certain group size also generally had a detrimental effect. This information will be useful in designing new insect control agents for agriculture. Some of these libraries and compounds may have potential for development as commercial insecticides.     

Synthesis and insect antifeedant activity of aurones against Spodoptera litura larvae

A series of aurones were prepared from various phenols via phenoxy acetic acids and coumaranones and evaluated for insect antifeedant activity against the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura). The naturally occurring aurone was most active at an ED50 of 0.12 micromol/cm2. The synthetic precursor, coumaranones, showed that the introduction of methoxyl and methyl groups to the benzene ring increased insect antifeedant activity. Similarly, the tested aurones showed that the introduction of methoxyl group to the A and/or B rings increased the insect antifeedant activity, but 4,5,6- and 3',4',5'-trisubstituted compounds did not show this activity in this test. The hydroxylation of aurones in the B ring should be disadvantageous for insect antifeedant activity against S. litura. Although the melting points did not correlate well with the insect antifeedant activity, compounds that were nearly inactive had high melting points. A significant correlation was noted between biological activity (pED50) and a hydrogen-bonding parameter calculated from the Rf value obtained from SiOH thin-layer chromatography and a lipophilicity parameter (log k) calculated from the retention time in ODS high-performance liquid chromatography. The respective correlation coefficients (r) were -0.83 and -0.70. The introduction of alkoxy and alkyl groups along with adequate hydrogen bonding seems to contribute to the antifeedant activity of the compounds tested.     

Feeding deterrence and contact toxicity of Stemona alkaloids-a source of potent natural insecticides

On the basis of chronic feeding bioassays with neonate larvae of Spodoptera littoralis reared on an artificial diet, the methanolic leaf and root extracts from Stemona collinsae displayed very high insect toxicity compared to those of two Aglaia species, a commercial Pyrethrum extract, and azadirachtin, whereas S. tuberosa extracts demonstrated low activity in roots and no activity in leaves. Beyond that, in leaf disk choice tests against fifth instar larvae, S. collinsae showed strong antifeedant activity, whereas S. tuberosa was characterized by remarkable repellency. The anti-insect properties of both species were based on pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine alkaloids, from which didehydrostemofoline (asparagamine A) was the major compound of the roots of S. collinsae, exhibiting the highest toxicity in feeding assays. Saturation and hydroxylation of the side chain in the co-occurring stemofoline and 2'-hydroxystemofoline, respectively, led to an increasing loss of activity. Contact toxicity tests with stemofoline and didehydrostemofoline exhibited even higher activities than those of Pyrethrum extract. Tuberostemonine was the dominating alkaloid in the roots of S. tuberosa, showing outstanding repellency but no toxic effects.     

Insect antifeedant activity of flavones and chromones against Spodoptera litura

The antifeedant polymethylated flavones 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,4'-heptamethoxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone, and 5,6-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone have been isolated from the cudweed, Gnaphalium affine D. Don (Compositae). These flavonoids and authentic analogues showed insect antifeedant activity against the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura F.). In a previous paper, it was suggested that there was no substituent on the B-ring of the flavonoid for the beneficial antifeedant activity against the common cutworm. These flavonoids having a phenyl group as the B-ring and the chromone as elimination of the B-ring from the flavonoids were used to test the hypothesis of the previously described B-ring effect. The known fact is that Sculletaria baicarensis (Rutaceae) produced the 2-phenyl flavone. Test compounds and their methylated derivatives were prepared from this material for the structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of insect antifeedant activity. In spite of the 2-phenyl flavonoids, some tested compounds did not show any insect antifeedant activity against the common cutworm, although these inactive flavonoids were deficient in the 6-substituent group on the A-ring of the flavonoid. This 6-position-substituted derivative almost showed strong insect antifeedant activity against common cutworm. Moreover, the tested flavonoids having a hydroxyl group as a substituent on any of the positions tended to increase the activity. These results suggested the importance of the 6-position substitution on the flavonoid; however, hydrophilic substituents decreased the activity. Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) derivatives did not show any activity despite having the 6-substituent derivative. Although the activity of some chromones increased the activity of the flavone, the bulky B-ring was a disadvantage for the antifeedant activity. It was suggested that the charge on C(3) and C(5) of the flavonoid was important for the biological activity. Additionally, an adequate hydrogen bonding property, which is different from lipophilicity, was an advantage for the activity on the basis of a QSAR analysis.     

Synthesis and antifeeding activities of Tonghaosu analogues

Tonghaosu (1), a lead for a botanical antifeedant, and its 22 analogues were synthesized according to a previously reported concise and straightforward procedure. The structures of all new compounds were confirmed by NMR, IR, MS, and HREIMS or elemental analysis. Their insect antifeedant activities against the large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) were examined, and six analogues (Z- and E-6h and Z-isomers of 6i-l), which contain 1,3-diyn or 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl acetylene group, showed considerable antifeedant activity. Interestingly, Z-isomers of 6i-k are much more active than their corresponding E-isomers.     

Insect antifeedant flavonoids from Gnaphalium affine D. Don

The antifeedant flavonoids, 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxyflavone (1), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (2), 5,6-dihydroxy-3, 7-dimethoxyflavone (3), and 4,4',6'-trihydroxy-2'-methoxychalcone (4), have been isolated from cudweed Gnaphalium affine D. Don (Compositae). Four natural flavonoids showed insect antifeedant activity against the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura F.). These flavonoids were detected in small amounts in the plant by HPLC analysis, but these natural compounds had strong antifeedant activity against the common cutworm. On the other hand, 4 was detected in a large amount in the plant, but this compound had only a slight activity. Therefore, these natural compounds were regarded as one of the plant's defensive systems against phytophagous insects along with the woolly plant surface. As for the structure-activity relationship, it is an advantage for antifeedant activity to have no oxy-substituents on the B-ring of the flavonoid but have an ether linkage such as a pyran in the chemical structure.     

Synthesis and antifeedant activity of new oxadiazolyl 3(2H)-pyridazinones

A total of 20 new compounds containing the oxadiazolyl 3(2H)-pyridazinone moiety were synthesized. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by (1)H NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis. Their insect antifeedant activities against Asiatic corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) were examined and compared with commercial azadirachtin. The compounds exhibited significant levels of activity. The feeding deterrency values of IIIa,j were 57% and 51% at 500 mg/kg concentration, respectively.     

Insecticidal activity of Maytenus species (Celastraceae) nortriterpene quinone methides against codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: tortricidae)

The insecticidal effects of nortriterpene quinone methides (pristimerin, tingenonee, and 20-alpha-hydroxytingenone) are reported for the first time. The natural products were isolated from Maytenus sp. (Celastraceae) and their effects tested on larvae of codling moth (Cydia pomonella, Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The three metabolites produce the same effects on codling moth larvae that azadirachtin does, although at higher concentrations. 20-alpha-Hydroxytingenone was the most active compound, showing lethal, antifeedant, and insect growth regulation activities. Pristimerin showed also a high antifeedant activity together with its molt effect suppression. Tingenone showed the lowest activity. The differences in the activity of the three products are related to the structure of the E ring.     

Identification of a novel cytotoxic protein, Cry45Aa, from Bacillus thuringiensis A1470 and its selective cytotoxic activity against various mammalian cell lines

Parasporal inclusion proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strain A1470 exhibit strong cytotoxicity against human leukemic T cells when activated by protease treatment. One of the cytotoxic proteins was separated by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography and designated Cry45Aa. Its gene was then expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli, in which the Cry45Aa precursor was accumulated in an inclusion body. It was solubilized in sodium carbonate buffer and processed with proteinase K, and cytotoxic activities of the protein against various mammalian cell lines were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide assay. The protein exhibited high cytotoxic activity against CACO-2, Sawano, MOLT-4, TCS, and HL60 cells and moderate activity against U-937 DE-4, PC12, and HepG2 cells. On the other hand, the EC50 values against Jurkat, K562, HeLa, A549, Vero, COS-7, NIH3T3, CHO, and four normal tissue cells (human primary hepatocyte cells, UtSMC, MRC-5, and normal T cells) were >2 microg/mL.     

AcMNPV chiA基因表达产物对棉铃虫围食膜的破坏及对Bt和NPV的增效作用

采用PCR方法扩增出苜蓿银纹夜蛾(Autographa californica)核型多角体病毒(AcMNPV)几丁质酶基因(chiA)编码区1.6kb全长片段,并将该片段分别克隆至原核表达载体pET30a和杆状病毒BactoBac表达系统转移载体pFastBac中,分别在大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli)BL21(DE3)和草地贪夜蛾(Spodoptera frugiperda)细胞系Sf-9中进行了表达。SDS-PAGE分析表明,在大肠杆菌和昆虫细胞中均有效表达了60kD的蛋白。将表达产物饲喂5龄棉铃虫(Helicoverpa armigera)幼虫后取其围食膜,扫描电镜结果显示,围食膜结构遭到破坏形成大量孔洞。生物测定结果表明,以上两种表达产物对苏云金芽孢杆菌(Bt)和核型多角体病毒(NPV)均具有增效作用。以AcMNPVChiA在大肠杆菌和细胞系Sf-9中的表达产物分别与BtCry2Ac蛋白混合饲喂棉铃虫初孵幼虫,增效率分别为33.4%和54.5%,其LT50较对照处理分别缩短了17.8和20.6h;当AcMNPVChiA在大肠杆菌和细胞系Sf-9中的表达产物分别与甘蓝夜蛾(Mamestra brassica)核型多角体病毒(MbNPV)混合处理棉铃虫初孵幼虫时,其LT50与对照比较分别缩短了16.6和22.4h。     

Cytotoxic dehydromonacolins from red yeast rice

Two new dehydromonacolins (1 and 3), together with nine known monacolins (4-12), were isolated from red yeast rice. Compounds 4-6 were isolated from a natural resource for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by means of NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses. The structure of dehydromonacolin N (1) was further confirmed by its semisynthesis from monacolin K (lovastatin) (11). Dehydromonacolin J (2), an intermediate in the semisynthesis of 1, was obtained as a new dehydromonacolin. The structure of dehydromonacolin L (3) was also confirmed by an elimination reaction of monacolin L (12). Compound 1, possessing a C2 side chain, is unprecedented in the natural monacolin family and exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against Hep G2, Caco-2, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Dehydromonacolin K (8) demonstrated the most potent cytotoxicity to all three of these cell lines. The structure-activity relationship of natural and synthesized monacolins was discussed. This is the first report on the cytotoxic effects of dehydromonacolins.     

Metabolites from Aspergillus fumigatus, an endophytic fungus associated with Melia azedarach, and their antifungal, antifeedant, and toxic activities

Thirty-nine fungal metabolites 1-39, including two new alkaloids, 12β-hydroxy-13α-methoxyverruculogen TR-2 (6) and 3-hydroxyfumiquinazoline A (16), were isolated from the fermentation broth of Aspergillus fumigatus LN-4, an endophytic fungus isolated from the stem bark of Melia azedarach. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis (mass spectrometry and one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments) and by comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature. These isolated compounds were evaluated for in vitro antifungal activities against some phytopathogenic fungi, toxicity against brine shrimps, and antifeedant activities against armyworm larvae (Mythimna separata Walker). Among them, sixteen compounds showed potent antifungal activities against phytopathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria solani, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, and Gibberella saubinettii), and four of them, 12β-hydroxy-13α-methoxyverruculogen TR-2 (6), fumitremorgin B (7), verruculogen (8), and helvolic acid (39), exhibited antifungal activities with MIC values of 6.25-50 μg/mL, which were comparable to the two positive controls carbendazim and hymexazol. In addition, of eighteen that exerted moderate lethality toward brine shrimps, compounds 7 and 8 both showed significant toxicities with median lethal concentration (LC(50)) values of 13.6 and 15.8 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, among nine metabolites that were found to possess antifeedant activity against armyworm larvae, compounds 7 and 8 gave the best activity with antifeedant indexes (AFI) of 50.0% and 55.0%, respectively. Structure-activity relationships of the metabolites were also discussed.     

Citrus limonoids and their semisynthetic derivatives as antifeedant agents against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. A structure-activity relationship study

The antifeedant activity of Citrus-derived limonoids limonin (1), nomilin (2), and obacunone (3) and their semisynthetic derivatives 4-26 was evaluated against a commercially important pest, Spodoptera frugiperda. Simple chemical conversions were carried out on the natural limonoids obtained from seeds of Citrus limon. These conversions focused on functional groups considered to be important for the biological activity, namely the C-7 carbonyl and the furan ring. In particular, reduction at C-7 afforded the related alcohols, and from these their acetates, oximes, and methoximes were prepared. Hydrogenation of the furan ring was also performed on limonin and obacunone. The known antifeedant properties of the Citrus limonoids are confirmed. Comparison with previously reported data shows that insect species vary in their behavioral responses to these structural modifications. Highly significant antifeedant activity (P < 0.01) for two natural (1 and 3) and three semisynthetic limonoids (4, 8, and 10) was observed against S. frugiperda.