In vitro antileishmanial, antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of phenolics and triterpenoids from Baccharis dracunculifolia D. C. (Asteraceae)

Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae), the most important plant source of the Brazilian green propolis (GPE), displayed in vitro activity against Leishmania donovani, with an IC₅₀ value of 45 µg/mL, while GPE presented an IC₅₀ value of 49 µg/mL. Among the isolated compounds of B. dracunculifolia, ursolic acid, and hautriwaic acid lactone showed IC₅₀ values of 3.7 µg/mL and 7.0 µg/mL, respectively. Uvaol, acacetin, and ermanin displayed moderate antileishmanial activity. Regarding the antiplasmodial assay against Plasmodium falciparum, BdE and GPE gave similar IC₅₀ values (about 20 µg/mL), while Hautriwaic acid lactone led to an IC₅₀ value of 0.8 µg/mL (D6 clone).     

Phillyrin produced by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, an endophytic fungus isolated from Forsythia suspensa

To investigate the phillyrin-producing endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Forsythia suspensa, a total of 24 strains of endophytic fungi were isolated from the healthy stems, leaves and fruits of the plant, 9 from stems, 5 from leaves, and 10 from fruits respectively. All fungal isolates were fermented in liquid PDA medium and their extracts were preliminary analyzed by TLC. One isolated strain G10, which was from the fruit of F. suspensa, had the same R_f value as authentic phillyrin. The potential phillyrin-producing fungus G10 was further analyzed by HPLC and HPLC-MS, and the results showed that the isolate G10 possessed of a retention time and ion peaks identical with the authentic compound phillyrin. The isolate G10 was identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides based on the morphological characteristics and ITS sequence analysis. The current research indicates that the numerous endophytic fungi inside the medicinal plants are precious resource for the pharmaceutical natural products that are originally from the plants.     

Cytotoxicity of withanolides isolated from Acnistus arborescens

A new withanolide identified by spectroscopic analysis as 12β-acetoxy-4-deoxy-5,6-deoxy-Δ⁵–withanolide D and Withanolide D, were isolated from the leaves of Acnistus arborescens. Cytotoxic activity of these two compounds against human tumor cell lines HT-29, MCF-7, MKN-45, HEp-2, HeLa, U-937 and two human normal fibroblast cultures, Fib04 and Fib05, were assessed. Withanolide D presented in vitro cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines at the low micromolar range (LC₅₀:1.0 to 1.69 µM) and showed a slightly lower activity against Fib04, suggesting moderated selectivity among tumoral and normal cells. No cytotoxic effect was observed for 12β-acetoxy-4-deoxy-5,6-deoxy-Δ⁵–withanolide D.     

Sesquiterpenoids from Trichoderma atroviride, an endophytic fungus in Cephalotaxus fortunei

Two new sesquiterpenoids, identified as (rel 1S, 3R, 4R, 7R)-3-[5-hydroxy-4-methylpent-3-enyl]-1, 3, 7-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2, 2, 1] heptane (1) and (rel 1S, 3R, 4R, 7R)-3-[3, 4-dihydroxy-4-methylpentyl]-1, 3, 7-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2, 2, 1] heptane (2), were isolated from cultures of Trichoderma atroviride (strain no. S361), an endophytic fungal strain residing in the bark of Cephalotaxus fortunei. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses on the basis of NMR, IR, and MS data. Both compounds 1 and 2 were potent inhibitors on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 15.3 and 9.1 μM, respectively.     

A new seco-friedelolactone acid from the bark and twigs of Itoa orientalis

A new seco-friedelolactone, named itoaic acid, together with 5 known compounds was isolated from the bark and twigs of Itoa orientalis. The structure was elucidated by means of MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 was evaluated for several compounds from I. orientalis and another Flacourtiaceae plant Xylosma controversum.     

A new anxiolytic fatty acid from Aethusa cynapium

The present investigation was carried out with a view to separate bioactive constituent from Aethusa cynapium. Bioactivity guided fractionation of the anxiolytic methanol extract has led to the isolation of a novel unsaturated fatty acid. Structure of the acid characterized by UV, IR, 1H NMR, C13 NMR, MS techniques was found to be trideca-7, 9, 11-trienoic acid. Antianxiety activity was confirmed using the mCPP-induced hypolocomotion test. This new fatty acid—trideca-7,9,11-trienoic acid, isolated from A. cynapium was found to be responsible for the antianxiety activity of the plant.     

Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants from India

The results of a preliminary antimicrobial screening of the methanol extracts of Zingiber officinale, Asteracantha longifolia, Citrus acida, Salacia microsperma and Tinospora cordifolia are reported.     

胡杨基因组片段转化拟南芥表型研究

[目的]本研究旨在探索与挖掘胡杨基因组大片段的潜在功能,发掘具有潜在育种价值的胡杨基因簇。[方法]利用已构建的胡杨基因组BIBAC文库,采用花序浸染法,将胡杨基因组大片段78A2D10导入模式植物拟南芥基因组中。采用抗性筛选、分子检测及表型观察等方法鉴定、分析转化型植株。[结果]共获得15株特异表型的转化植株。与野生型相比,转化型植株主侧茎生长受到抑制,莲座叶面积增大近3倍,叶片数量增多,叶边缘皱缩,抽薹推迟约13周,株高增加近32.0 cm,侧茎发育成次生莲座,植株寿命延长约7周。[结论]胡杨基因组片段78A2D10可延长植株营养生长期及植株寿命,据此推测该基因片段可能与营养生长有关。     

A new norlignan from Taxodium ascendens

A new norlignan, (2R,3R,4S,5S)-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-tetrahydropyran (1), together with 9 known compounds were isolated from the branches and leaves of Taxodium ascendens. Their structures were mainly determined on the basis of MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectral evidences. Methanol extract showed inhibitory activity on carbonic anhydrase II with an IC₅₀ value of 4.27 µg/ml, acetone extract and methanol extract inhibited activity of cathepsin B with IC₅₀ values of 2.12 and 3.71 µg/ml, respectively.     

松材线虫(Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)耐久型幼虫(LIV)携带的香茅醇假单胞杆菌(Pseudomonas citronellolis)分离与鉴定

[目的]目前有关松材线虫与伴生细菌的关系及伴生细菌的病原作用是松树枯萎病研究的重点。为了揭示松材线虫与伴生细菌之间存在的密切关系,作者对松材线虫L_IV幼虫携带的细菌进行了分离鉴定。[方法]根据培养性状和16S rDNA序列同源性以及系统发育学等方面进行分析鉴定。[结果]确定L_IV幼虫携带的是香茅醇假单胞杆菌（Pseudomonas citronellolis）,携带率为100%;每条L_IV幼虫携带量在1.4×10⁵~4.5×10⁵。L_IV幼虫生活在松褐天牛体内,是引起松材线虫病侵染流行的唯一虫态;新发现的香茅醇假单胞杆菌能分解纤维素及降解或合成萜烯和酚类化合物。[结论]L_IV幼虫携带香茅醇假单胞杆菌的发现,揭示了松树、松褐天牛、松材线虫、细菌同为一体的紧密关系,并为揭示松树枯萎病机制提供了一种新病原和重要的研究思路。     

角倍蚜及其寄主植物盐肤木游离氨基酸研究

[目的]明确角倍蚜、角倍与寄主盐肤木协同生长过程中游离氨基酸变化的营养关系。[方法]用全自动氨基酸分析仪Biochrom30+检测角倍发育初、中、后期的角倍蚜、角倍、有倍叶、无倍叶及无角倍盐肤木叶片(CK)的游离氨基酸含量,分析不同时期各试样游离氨基酸总量(FAA)、昆虫必需氨基酸总量(EAA)、昆虫必需氨基酸总量与检出物质总量比值(EAA/TAA)及几种游离氨基酸含量的变化。[结果]表明:不同时期各试样均检出32种游离氨基酸(包括17种蛋白氨基酸和15种非蛋白氨基酸),2种其他组分(不含氨),其中,游离氨基酸含量从大到小依次为角倍蚜(5.569)角倍(2.122)有倍叶(0.560)无倍叶(0.537)CK(-0.114)。从角倍生长初期至后期,角倍蚜体内必需氨基酸总量呈递增变化,而其他材料EAA/TAA变化幅度从大到小依次为CK(1.73%)有倍叶(0.52%)=无倍叶(0.52%)角倍(0.43%)角倍蚜(0.02%),但角倍蚜EAA/TAA稳定为(27.91±0.01)%,角倍蚜对寄主盐肤木叶片EAA/TAA的变化幅度有显著减缓影响。在角倍生长发育期间,角倍蚜体内精氨酸和苯丙氨酸含量均增加2.93倍;而寄主植物组织中脯氨酸含量发生变化,增幅大小为角倍(0.028)有倍叶(0.003)无倍叶(-0.001)CK(-0.018)。[结论]角倍蚜取食盐肤木不会改变寄主盐肤木叶片中游离氨基酸组分,但可使其游离氨基酸含量增加;在角倍生长过程中,盐肤木植株游离氨基酸总量与角倍蚜个体数量和角倍体积的增加趋势基本一致,反映了角倍蚜取食与盐肤木防御之间的平衡。     

中间锦鸡儿CiDR1的克隆及干旱胁迫下的表达分析

[目的]研究并了解中间锦鸡儿CiDR1基因功能及其对干旱胁迫的响应,为抗性育种提供候选基因。[方法]通过RACE技术从中间锦鸡儿中克隆CiDR1基因的c DNA全长,利用生物信息学分析软件对其基因结构及功能进行分析和预测。再通过qRT-PCR技术对干旱胁迫后的幼苗中的CiDR1表达模式进行研究。[结果]从中间锦鸡儿中克隆到CiDR1基因的c DNA全长共计4 297 bp,Gen Bank登录号为KP277100。生物信息学分析表明,预测的CiDR1蛋白序列中含有1 243个氨基酸残基,具有抗病基因特征结构域TIR、NB-ARC、LRR等,其等电点为6.35,不稳定指数为42.91,不具备信号肽,为非分泌蛋白,定位于细胞质中。定量PCR检测发现,CiDR1基因在幼年期的茎中表达量较低,在成年期的叶片中表达量较高;在干旱胁迫处理后的幼苗中,CiDR1表达水平有明显下降,表明该基因的表达受干旱抑制,可能与中间锦鸡儿适应干旱相关。[结论]中间锦鸡儿在干旱胁迫后其根、茎和叶中CiDR1的表达均明显下降,表明CiDR1的表达受干旱抑制,可能与中间锦鸡儿适应干旱相关,进一步研究发现CiDR1在根、茎、叶中的表达水平可能受发育阶段调控。     

Isolation of a deoxy lupane triterpene carboxylic acid from Finlaysonia obovata (a mangrove plant)

A deoxy lupane triterpene carboxylic acid, lup-20(29)-en-24-oic acid (1), was isolated from the active chloroform extract of Finlaysonia obovata, a latex exuding mangrove plant. Its structure was evaluated on the basis of different spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Lup-20(29)-en-24-oic acid (1) has shown moderate antimicrobial activity, against some fish pathogens.     

Ginkgolide B produced endophytic fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) isolated from Ginkgo biloba

To screen the presence of ginkgolide B-producing endophytic fungi from the root bark of Ginkgo biloba, a total of 27 fungal isolates, belonging to 6 different genus, were isolated from the internal root bark of the plant Ginkgo biloba. The fungal isolates were fermented on solid media and their metabolites were analyzed by TLC. The obtained potential ginkgolides-producing fungus, the isolate SYP0056 which was identified as Fusarium oxysporum, was successively cultured in the liquid fermentation media, and its metabolite was analyzed by HPLC. The ginkgolide B was successfully isolated from the metabolite and identified by HPLC/ESI-MS and (13)C-NMR. The current research provides a new method to produce ginkgolide B by fungal fermentation, which could overcome the natural resource limitation of isolating from the leaves and barks of the plant Ginkgo biloba.     

New gingerdione from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale

A new gingerdione has been isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale and identified as 1-dehydrogingerdione (1).     

崖柏属植物的核型分析

[目的]为了从细胞学角度探讨崖柏属植物分类与进化问题,[方法]采用根尖压片法对崖柏属5种植物进行核型研究。[结果]表明:崖柏和日本香柏的核型公式为2n=2x=22=18m(2SAT)+4sm,朝鲜崖柏、北美乔柏和北美香柏的核型公式为2n=2x=22=20m(2SAT)+2sm,5种植物的核型均属于1A类型。[结论]该属在柏科中可能处于比较进步的进化地位;通过进化趋势图分析发现,崖柏在该属中分化最晚,而朝鲜崖柏则较原始。     

Two new flavonoids from Retama raetam

Two new flavones were isolated from the aerial parts of Retama raetam subsp. raetam. Their structures were established as luteolin 4′-O-neohesperidoside (1) and 5,4′-dihydroxy-(3″,4″-dihydro-3″,4″-dihydroxy)-2″,2″-dimethylpyrano-(5″,6″:7,8)-flavone (2) by means of spectroscopic methods. Also present was ephedroidin (4′,5,7-trihydroxy-8-(2-hydroxy-3-butenyl)-flavone).     

In vitro anti-uveal melanoma activity of phenolic compounds from the Egyptian medicinal plant Acacia nilotica

Anti-uveal melanoma activity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of Acacia nilotica pods resulted in the isolation of the new compound gallocatechin 5-O-gallate (5) in addition to methyl gallate (1), gallic acid (2), catechin (3), catechin 5-O-gallate (4), 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (6), 1,6-di-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (7) and digallic acid (8). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopy and CD data. In addition to uveal melanoma, the antiproliferative activities of the isolated compounds and the related compound epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG) were evaluated against cutaneous melanoma, ovarian cancer, glioblastoma and normal retinal pigmented cells.     

A new C-methylated flavonoid glycoside from Pinus densiflora

A new C-methyl flavonol glycoside, 5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylflavone 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), has been isolated from the needles of Pinus densiflora, together with kaempferol 3-O-beta-(6"-acetyl)-galactopyranoside.