Bioactive 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives from Morus wittiorum

Investigation of an ethanol extract from the stem bark of Morus wittiorum led to the isolation of five new 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives that were named wittifuran S, wittifuran T, wittifuran V, wittifuran W and wittifuran X (1–5). Structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Two new wittifurans and five previously isolated compounds were assayed for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.     

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic 2-arylbenzofurans from Morus wittiorum

Three new 2-arylbenzofurans named wittifuran H, wittifuran I and wittifuran U (1-3) were obtained during our ongoing investigation of an ethanol extract from the stem bark of Morus wittiorum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compound 2 displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity and selective cytotoxicity against human gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 with an IC(50) value of 1.45μM.     

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.     

Malaysianol A, a new trimer resveratrol oligomer from the stem bark of Dryobalanops aromatica

A new resveratrol trimer, malaysianol A (1), five known resveratrol oligomers: laevifonol (2), ampelopsin E (3), α-viniferin (4), ε-viniferin (5), diptoindonesin A (6), and bergenin (7) have been isolated from the acetone extract of the stem bark of Dryobalanops aromatica by combination of vacuum and radial chromatography techniques. Their structures were established on the basis of their spectroscopic evidence and comparison with the published data. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was tested against several cell lines in which compound 4 was found to inhibit strongly the growth of HL-60 cell line.     

Effects of Morus alba leaf extract on the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages

Morus alba leaf methanolic extract and its fractions (chloroform, butanol, and aqueous fractions) were found to inhibit NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages without an appreciable cytotoxic effect at concentration from 4 to 100 microg/ml. LPS-induced PGE2 production was significantly reduced only by butanol fraction. In addition, M. alba leaf extract and its fractions significantly decreased the production of TNF-alpha. These findings suggest that M. alba leaf extract seems to be able in suppressing inflammatory mediators. Moreover, the inhibitory activities on COX-2 and iNOS of its butanol fraction are warranted for further elucidation of active principles for development of new antiinflammatory agents.     

Antimicrobial activity of 2-arylbenzofurans from Morus species against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Nine 2-arylbenzofurans isolated from Morus species were tested for their antimicrobial activities against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these compounds, chalcomoracin (a leaf phytoalexine of mulberry tree) exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against MRSAs (MICs 0.78 μg/ml).     

Neolignans and flavonoids from the root bark of Illicium henryi

Two new neolignans (1 and 2) were isolated from the root bark of Illicium henryi, along with four known neolignans and seven known flavonoids (3–13). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by the CD spectrum.     

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effect of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves on Caco-2

The effects of brewing time on dry weight content and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory active component released from mulberry (Morus alba) tea were studied. Different tea products showed significant differences in inhibitory activity against both sucrase and maltase. The most effective enzyme inhibition was observed when 3 to 5 min brewing time was applied in tea preparation. In a Caco-2 cell culture experiment the tea reduced the liberated glucose contents in both apical and basal sides of the cell monolayers. It can be concluded that hot water extract of mulberry leaves does have inhibitory effect against alpha-glucosidases, sucrase and maltase enzymes, and has a potential to be consumed as antidiabetic herb tea.     

Tyrosinase inhibition constituents from the roots of Morus australis

The phytochemical profiles of Morus australis roots, stems and twigs were firstly compared by HPLC analysis. It was found that Morus australis stem extract mainly contained one known tyrosinase inhibitor, oxyresveratrol, while its root and twig extract might contain some unknown potential tyrosinase inhibitors. The root extract of Morus australis was further investigated in this study. One new compound, austraone A, together with 21 known compounds, was isolated and their structures were identified by interpretation of MS and NMR data. In the tyrosinase inhibitory testing, some of them, such as oxyresveratrol, moracenin D, sanggenon T, and kuwanon O, exhibited stronger tyrosinase inhibitory activities than that of kojic acid. These results suggested the Morus australis root extract as a good source of natural tyrosinase inhibitors with a great potential to be used in foods as anti-browning agents and in cosmetics as skin-whitening agents.     

In vivo hypoglycemic effects of phenolics from the root bark of Morus alba

Moracin M (1), Steppogenin-4′-O-β-D-glucosiade (2), Mullberroside A (3) were isolated from the root bark of Morus alba L. and identified by spectral evidence. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 were studied in hypoglycemic effects on alloxan-diabetic mice. The results showed that compounds 1, 2 and 3 all produced hypoglycemic effects. The compound 2 in a dose of 50 mg/kg exerted significant effect (p < 0.05), 2 and 3 in a dose of 100 mg/kg exerted obviously effect (p < 0.01). Meantime, the compound 1 in a dose of 100 mg/kg can make the fasting blood glucose level have decreasing tendency.     

A new diterpene dimer from the bark ofChamaecyparis obtusa

This paper describes characterization of diterpenes of the bark of Japanese cypress,Chamaecyparis obtusa (S. and Z.) Endl, without the resinous stem canker to learn the difference between the cypress bark affected with the canker. A diterpene dimer and two diterpenes, 6,12-dihydroxyabieta-8,11,13-trien-7-one and 6,12-dihydroxyabieta-5,8,11, 13-tetraen-7-one, were firstly isolated from Japanese cypress. The dimer, 6-(abieta-6,8,11, 13-tetraenyl-12-oxy)-7-methoxyabieta-8,11,13-trien-12-ol, was a new compound. It is a terpene indicative ofC. obtusa not infected with the resinous stem canker. Five known diterpenes were also isolated.     

Four new prenylated flavonoids and xanthones from the root bark of Artocarpus nobilis

Chemical investigation of the n-butanol extract from the methanol extract of the root bark of Artocarpus nobilis furnished four new prenylated flavonoids together with artonin E 2'-methylether (4), isoartonin E 2'-methylether (5), dihydroisoartonin E 2'-methylether (6), artonin V 2'-methylether (7), artobiloxanthone (1), artonin E (2) and cycloartobiloxanthone (3). All these compounds showed strong radical scavenging properties towards DPPH radical.     

Andalasin A, a new stilbene dimer from Morus macroura

A new stilbene dimer, andalasin A (1), together with the known stilbene oxyresveratrol and the 2-arylbenzofuran glycoside mulberroside C, have been isolated from the wood of Morus macroura. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compound 1 shows weak antinematodal and moderate antifungal properties.     

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.     

A new cardenolide from the roots of Streptocaulon tomentosum

A new cardenolide, (17 alpha)-H-periplogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-2-O-acetyl-3-O-methyl-beta-fucopyranoside (1), was isolated from the roots of Streptocaulon tomentosum.     

A new phenolic glycoside from Paeonia lactiflora

A new phenolic glycoside , 2-methoxy-5-(E)-propenyl-phenol-beta-vicianoside, was isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora. The structure of the new glycoside was elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods.     

Four new flavonoids from the leaves of Morus mongolica

Four new flavonoids (1–4) were isolated from the leaves of Morus mongolica. The structures were determined on the basis of the spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR.     

Antioxidant activity of Maytenus ilicifolia root bark

Maytenus ilicifolia is an important plant with potential on cancer treatment and has been largely used in Brazil and other countries. We have evaluated the crude ethanolic extract of M. ilicifolia as a potential antioxidant source using an assay based on the bleaching of the radical monocation 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS(*+)) and by HOCl scavenger capacity. Trolox and uric acid were used as positive controls. The results indicated M. ilicifolia root bark as a great source of antioxidants based on its potential as scavenger of radicals.     

Antibacterial and cytotoxic compounds from the bark of Cananga odorata

O-Methylmoschatoline, liriodenine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid isolated from the barks of Cananga odorata showed antibacterial activities against a number of Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. The compounds also showed antifungal and cytotoxic activities.     

A new nortriterpenoid from Rostrinucula dependens

A new nortriterpenoid rostrinucin (1), together with five known compounds were isolated from Rostrinucula dependens. The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic evidence.