Inhibitory activity of homoisoflavonoids from Caesalpinia sappan against Beauveria bassiana

Four homoisoflavonoids, 4-O-methylsappanol (1), protosappanin A (2), brazilin (3) and caeasalpin J (4), isolated from Caesalpinia sappan, were tested for inhibitory activity against Beauveria bassiana. Compound 1 showed activity against this fungus.     

Norcassane- and cassane-type furanoditerpenoids from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan

Three novel furanoditerpenoids, norcaesalpinin J (1) featuring an unusual 20-norcassane hydroperoxide and phangininoxys B (2) and C (3) possessing cassane hemiketal skeletons, were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappan. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. All isolates were evaluated for the cytotoxic activities on three human cancer cell lines.     

Novel dinorcassane- and cassane-type diterpenes from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax

Two novel diterpenes, norcaesalpinin I (1) featuring an unusual ring C-contracted dinorcassane and caesalpinin U (2) possessing a highly oxygenated furanocassane skeleton were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax. Their structures were determined by different spectroscopic methods. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1 was proposed. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 and 2 against HepG2 and HeLa human tumor cell lines was evaluated.     

Cassane-type diterpenoids from the seed kernels of Caesalpinia bonduc

Seven new cassane diterpenoids (1–7), along with three known compounds (8–10), were isolated from the seed kernels of Caesalpinia bonduc. The structures were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC and ROESY) and mass (HRESIMS) spectroscopic data analyses. The structure and absolute configuration of compound 1 were confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment. All isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against HepG-2, MCF-7 and MG-63 cells, and 8–10 showed weak inhibitory activities.     

Type 2 antidiabetic activity of bergenin from the roots of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler

Bergenin, a major constituent of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler (Leguminosae) was isolated from its roots and was characterized by comparing its melting point and spectroscopic data (IR, (1)H, (13)C, Mass Spectra) with standard bergenin. Isolated bergenin was then evaluated for antidiabetic (Type 2) activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Bergenin was administered at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; p.o. to normal rats which were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Bergenin at same dose level was given to diabetic rats and fasting blood glucose level was estimated on 0th, 7th and 14th day of treatment while plasma lipids, antioxidant enzymes and liver glycogen level in diabetic rats were estimated on 14th day of treatment followed by histopathological studies of pancreas. Bergenin at 10mg/kg; p.o. was found to reduce blood glucose level significantly in OGTT (P<0.01) while it showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats at same dose level only on 14th day of treatment. Bergenin in all dose levels reversed plasma lipid (reduced elevated TC, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level) profile to normal values except TG. However, bergenin showed no significant effect on liver glycogen at all dose level. The decrease in lipid peroxides and increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver illustrated the antioxidant potential of bergenin. Histopathological studies demonstrated the regenerative effect of bergenin on pancreatic β cells. Hence, bergenin isolated from C. digyna possesses significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity in Type 2 diabetic rats.     

云实叶片愈伤组织诱导中其酶活性及显微结构变化

为给云实悬浮细胞培养、工厂化生产次生代谢产物奠定科学基础,以健壮云实当年生嫩叶为试材,接种在最佳诱导培养基上,对其生长过程进行解剖学观察,并分5个时间段研究苯丙氨酸裂解酶(PAL)、过氧化物酶(POD)、多酚氧化酶(PPO)活性变化。试验结果表明,内部变化早于外部变化,在肉眼观察到深绿色芽点之前1周,通过显微镜就已能观察到胚状体结构。PAL、POD和PPO活性在脱分化和再分化过程中分别呈现逐渐增强、先增强后减弱和逐渐减弱的趋势。云实悬浮细胞培养叶片愈伤组织取材最佳时期为接种28 d左右,此时愈伤组织疏松易分离,细胞生命力最为旺盛。     

Alkaloids from Lycoris aurea and their cytotoxicities against the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Phytochemical investigation of the 80% EtOH extract of the bulbs of Lycoris aurea led to the isolation of six new alkaloids, 2-demethyl-isocorydione (1), 8-demethyl-dehydrocrebanine (2), 1-hydroxy-anhydrolycorin-7-one (3), (+)-1,2-dihydroxy-anhydrolycorine N-oxide (4), 5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-2-hydroxyphenanthridine (5), and (+)-8-hydroxy-homolycorine-α-N-oxide (6), and together with two known compounds, isocorydione (7) and anhydrolycorin-7-one (8). Structural elucidation of all the compounds was performed by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (¹H–¹H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. All the alkaloids were in vitro evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against seven tumor cell lines of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 1, 2, 6, and 7 exhibited significant cytotoxicities against all the tested cell lines. Moreover, alkaloids 1, 2, and 7 possessed selective inhibition of Cox-2 (> 85%).     

Dammarane-type saponins from Panax quinquefolium and their inhibition activity on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

A new compound, named quinquefoloside-L_c (1), together with nine known compounds, was isolated from leaves of Panax quinquefolium, and its structure was elucidated as 3β,12β,20S-trihydroxy-25-methoxydammar-23-ene 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 2) β-d-glucopyranosyl-20-O-β-d-xylopyanosyl (1 → 6) β-d-glucopyranoside (1), on the basis of MS, 1D-and 2D-NMR experiments as well as by chemical degradation. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line was also tested by MTT method.     

Antibacterial activity of the essential oil from Ferula gummosa seed

Antibacterial activity of Ferula gummosa essential oil was studied against bacterial laboratory ATCC standards using the disk diffusion method. The results showed activity against Gram(+) bacteria and Escherichia coli. Little antibacterial activity was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Polyphenols from the stems of Morus alba and their inhibitory activity against nitric oxide production by lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia

Neuroinflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders. Microglial cells, the main immune cells of the central nervous system, represent a target of interest to search for naturally occurring anti-inflammatory products. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols obtained from the stems of Morus alba. This edible species, known as white mulberry, is frequently studied because of its traditional use in Asian medicine and its richness in different types of polyphenols, some of which are known to be phytoalexins. One new coumarin glycoside, isoscopoletin 6-(6-O-β-apiofuranosyl-β-glucopyranoside) (1) was mainly isolated by CPC (centrifugal partition chromatography) from this plant, together with seven known polyphenols (2–8). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including extensive 2D NMR studies. The eight isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells. The absence of cell toxicity is checked by a MTT assay.     

Sesquiterpene lactones from Sonchus arvensis L. and their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, 1β-sulfate-5α, 6βH-eudesma-3-en-12, 6α-olide (1) and 1β-(p-hydroxyphenyl acetyl)-15-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-5α, 6βH-eudesma-3-en-12, 6α-olide (2) were isolated from Sonchus arvensis L. (Asteraceae), together with eight known compounds. Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic and chemical methods. They were evaluated for antibacterial activity. Among them, compounds 1 and 7 exhibited antibacterial activity against oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 with MIC values of 15.6 and 62.5 µg/ml, respectively.     

美藤果籽粕多酚的提取及其抗氧化活性测定

采用超声波辅助乙醇法提取美藤果籽粕多酚,通过单因素和正交试验法确定了美藤果籽粕多酚的较佳提取条件。结果显示,较佳提取条件为乙醇体积分数80%、料液比1∶10、提取时间40 min和提取次数3次,在此条件下,美藤果籽粕多酚含量为0.623 mg/g。采用DPPH自由基清除活性测定方法评价了美藤果籽粕多酚的抗氧化活性,其清除DPPH自由基的SC50值为159.303μg/m L。     

Diarylheptanoids from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum and their anticancer activity

Two new diarylheptanoids (1, 2), together with two known analogs (3, 4), were isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum. The new compounds were elucidated to be (5S)-5-hydroxy-7-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (1) and (5R)-5-hydroxy-7-(3-methoxy-4, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (2) based on their spectral analysis. Compound 4 showed moderate cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines, HepG2, MCF-7 and SF-268, while no significant effect were found for compounds 1-3.     

New sphingolipids from the root of Isatis indigotica and their cytotoxic activity

Two new sphingolipids were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of traditional Chinese medicinal plant Isatis indigotica. Their structures were elucidated as (2S,3R)-3-hydroxymethyl-N-(2'-hydroxynonacosanoyl)-trideca-9E-sphingenine(1) and 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3R)-3-hydroxymethyl-N-(2'-hydroxynonacosanoyl)-trideca-9E-sphingenine(2) on the basis of spectroscopic data. Their cytotoxic effects were evaluated by using MTT method.     

Antibacterial activity of essential oils,their blends and mixtures of their main constituents against some strains supporting livestock mastitis

Ten of the most known and used commercial essential oils (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L., Citrus bergamia Risso, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Origanum majorana L., Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Satureja montana L., Thymus vulgaris L. ct. carvacrol, Thymus vulgaris L. ct. thymol) were tested against six bacteria strains Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus xylosus and Escherichia coli, responsible for mastitis in animals. The best results were achieved by S. montana, T. vulgaris ct. thymol and O. vulgare. Two binary mixtures of essential oils (EOs) were prepared of S. montana and T. vulgaris ct. thymol (ST) and of S. montana and O. vulgare (SO). The ST mixture exhibited the best inhibitory activity against all the tested bacterial strains. Two artificial mixtures of carvacrol/thymol (AB) and carvacrol/thymol/p-cymene (CD) were prepared and tested against all of the bacterial strains used. The results exhibited a general reduction of the inhibitory activity of mixture AB, although not reaching the inhibition of the ST and SO mixtures. However the mixture CD presented an apparent strong inhibition against S. aureus and S. sciuri. The EO mixtures and the mixture CD represent promising phytotherapic approaches against bacteria strains responsible for environmental mastitis.     

Chemical variability of essential oils of Protium colombianum from two tropical life zones and their in vitro activity against isolates of Fusarium

There is considerable interest in finding replacements for the synthetic fungicides and preservatives that are currently used to control fungal pathogens; however, any alternative compounds must be safe and must prevent the development of microbial resistance. In this regard, essential oils have received special attention. Protium colombianum Cuatrecasas is an endemic tree found in tropical rainforests and possesses aromatic and resinous characteristics. To date, there have been no reports concerning the chemistry of this species, which belongs to a genus that represents an interesting source of essential oils that are occasionally used as antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the chemical composition of the essential oils found in P. colombianum collected from two life zones over a five-month period was analyzed using gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry. A total of 92 components, comprising 97.7–99.9 % of the total composition, were identified based on their mass spectra and the retention indices. Precedence markers were identified for each life zone, and seasonality affected the samples from one life zone when rainfall was maximum. The in vitro activity against Fusarium oxysporum isolates from carnation and chrysanthemum, as well as a Fusarium solani isolate from chrysanthemum, was tested by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration. Assays using essential oils and control substances showed that terpenoid and phenolic compounds are mainly responsible for the observed anti-fungal activity. These results suggest that P. colombianum essential oils exhibit cytotoxicity against Fusarium isolates and that the search for new sources of anti-fungal essential oils should include sources that contain different ratios of terpenoid and phenolic compounds.     

杉木种子园子代林增益初探

湖南攸县自1980年以来，坚持示范对比与大面积推广造林相结合，采取良好良法有机优化组装配套，共营造杉木子代林面积34.3617万亩，使用杉木种子园良种9085kg。按25年主伐期计算，可新增木材蓄积139.9785万m^3，新增产值57241.77万元，新增利税42155.045万元，其效益相当显著。     

Phytochemical investigation of sesquiterpenes from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis and their cytotoxic activity

Phytochemical investigation of ethanolic extract from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis led to the isolation of four new sesquiterpenes (1–4); their structures were determined by a combination of NMR (1D and 2D) and MS spectroscopic techniques. In addition, all these isolates were screened for their cytotoxic activities against MCF-7, Caco-2, Hela, Lncap, Hep G2 and MDA-MB231 cancer cell lines. Results indicated that compounds 2 and 3 displayed potent cytotoxic activity against Caco2 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 17.10 μg/mM and 16.46 μg/mM, respectively.     

红松球果主要害虫的防治

危害红松球果和种子的害虫很多，其中红松球果种蝇Hylemya sp．和红松球果种小蜂Euytoma sp.是主要害虫，它们危害红松球果、种子，造成种子产量降低，有时造成绝产。为了控制危害，对张广财岭东坡的红松人工林球果害虫的密度及为害率进行了调查，并进行了防治试验。其中粘虫胶法和烟雾机防治具有效果好、成本低等优点。