Hydroxycinnamoylmalic acids and their methyl esters from pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) fruit peel

Two novel caffeoylmalic acid methyl esters, 2-O-(trans-caffeoyl)malic acid 1-methyl ester (6) and 2-O-(trans-caffeoyl)malic acid 4-methyl ester (7), were isolated from pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Chuhwangbae) fruit peels. In addition, 5 known hydroxycinnamoylmalic acids and their methyl esters were identified: 2-O-(trans-coumaroyl)malic acid (1), 2-O-(cis-coumaroyl)malic acid (2), 2-O-(cis-coumaroyl)malic acid 1-methyl ester (3), 2-O-(trans-coumaroyl)malic acid 1-methyl ester (4), and 2-O-(trans-caffeoyl)malic acid (phaselic acid, 5). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic data from ESI MS and NMR. Of all the isolated compounds, five hydroxycinnamoylmalic acids and their methyl esters (2-4, 6, 7) were identified in the pear for the first time.     

Tyrosinase inhibitor from black rice bran

The inhibitor of tyrosinase activity in black rice bran was investigated. The methanol extract from black rice bran was re-extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, or water. The ethyl acetate extract had the most potent inhibition against tyrosinase activity by 80.5% at a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL. Inhibitory compound in the ethyl acetate fraction was isolated by silica gel column chromatography, and identified as protocatechuic acid methyl ester (compound 1) by GC, GC-MS, IR, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Compound 1 inhibited 75.4% of tyrosinase activity at a concentration of 0.50 micromol/mL. ID(50) (50% inhibition dose) value of compound 1 was 0.28 micromol/mL. To study the structure-activity relationship, protocatechuic acid (2), vanillic acid (3), vanillic acid methyl ester (4), isovanillic acid (5), isovanillic acid methyl ester (6), veratric acid (7), and veratric acid methyl ester (8) were also assayed.     

Antioxidant constituents in the fruits of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem

Hydrophilic antioxidant constituents in the fruits of the vegetable Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem (sponge gourds) were separated by an antioxidant-guided assay to yield eight compounds: p-coumaric acid (1), 1-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucose (2), 1-O-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucose (3), 1-O-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucose (4), 1-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)glucose (5), diosmetin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide methyl ester (6), apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide methyl ester (7), and luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide methyl ester (8). The eight compounds were isolated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography and identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and NMR analysis, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the radical scavenging effect on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that a total amount of the eight compounds in the dried gourds without skin was about 1%. The results demonstrate that the consumption of sponge gourds can supply some antioxidant constituents to human body.     

Isolation and structural elucidation of two new glycosides from sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Six compounds, 1-O-(2,3, 4-trihydroxy-3-methyl)butyl-6-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, ethyl beta-D-glucopyranosyl tuberonate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, (-)-hydroxyjasmonic acid, caffeic acid, and 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofrunosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D- glu copyranoside, were isolated from the n-butanol-soluble fraction of sage leaf extracts. Their structures were determined by spectral methods (MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR), and their antioxidant activities were measured. Among them, two new glycosides were elucidated. All of these compounds showed DPPH free radical scavenging activity at the concentration of 30 mM, and caffeic acid was the most active compound.     

Constituents of the leaves of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. and their biological activity

In the course of our study on the isolation and structure determination of constituents in tropical plants, we focused on Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., belonging to the family Umbelliferae. In this study, a new C(13) norisoprenoid glucoside, (3S)-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-6-[3-oxo-(2S)-butenylidenyl]-1,1,5-trimethylcyclohexan-(5R)-ol (1), and two new phenylpropanoid glucosides, 3-(2-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3) and methyl 3-(2-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate (4), were isolated from the n-butanol soluble fraction of this plant's leaves, together with five known compounds. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. In addition, all isolated compounds were examined for scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase. These results suggested that 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diol (7) and 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanol (8) showed an appreciable activity in both assay systems.     

Maple syrup phytochemicals include lignans, coumarins, a stilbene, and other previously unreported antioxidant phenolic compounds

Twenty-three phenolic compounds were isolated from a butanol extract of Canadian maple syrup (MS-BuOH) using chromatographic methods. The compounds were identified from their nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral data as 7 lignans [lyoniresinol (1), secoisolariciresinol (2), dehydroconiferyl alcohol (3), 5'-methoxy-dehydroconiferyl alcohol (4), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4'-coniferyl alcohol (5), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4'-dihydroconiferyl alcohol (6), and [3-[4-[(6-deoxy-α-l-mannopyranosyl)oxy]-3-methoxyphenyl]methyl]-5-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)dihydro-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2(3H)-furanone (7)], 2 coumarins [scopoletin (8) and fraxetin (9)], a stilbene [(E)-3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-dihydroxystilbene (10)], and 13 phenolic derivatives [2-hydroxy-3',4'-dihydroxyacetophenone (11), 1-(2,3,4-trihydroxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanone (12), 2,4,5-trihydroxyacetophenone (13), catechaldehyde (14), vanillin (15), syringaldehyde (16), gallic acid (17), trimethyl gallic acid methyl ester (18), syringic acid (19), syringenin (20), (E)-coniferol (21), C-veratroylglycol (22), and catechol (23)]. The antioxidant activities of MS-BuOH (IC50>1000 μg/mL), pure compounds, vitamin C (IC50=58 μM), and a synthetic commercial antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50=2651 μM), were evaluated in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Among the isolates, the phenolic derivatives and coumarins showed superior antioxidant activity (IC50<100 μM) compared to the lignans and stilbene (IC50>100 μM). Also, this is the first report of 16 of these 23 phenolics, that is, compounds 1, 2, 4-14, 18, 20, and 22, in maple syrup.     

Isolation, characterization, and antioxidant activity of bromophenols of the marine red alga Rhodomela confervoides

A total of 19 naturally occurring bromophenols, with six new and 13 known structures, were isolated and identified from the methanolic extract of the marine red alga Rhodomela confervoides. The new compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods as 3,4-dibromo-5-((methylsulfonyl)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (1), 3,4-dibromo-5-((2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (2), 5-(aminomethyl)-3,4-dibromobenzene-1,2-diol (3), 2-(2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid (4), 2-methoxy-3-bromo-5-hydroxymethylphenol (5), and (E)-4-(2-bromo-4,5-dihydroxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one (6). Each compound was evaluated for free radical scavenging activity against DPPH (α,α-diphenyl-β-dipicrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt] radicals. Most of them exhibited potent activities stronger than or comparable to the positive controls butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid. The results from this study suggest that R. confervoides is an excellent source of natural antioxidants, and inclusion of these antioxidant-rich algal components would likely help prevent the oxidative deterioration of food.     

Analysis of a model reaction system containing cysteine and (E)-2-methyl-2-butenal, (E)-2-hexenal, or mesityl oxide

Cysteine conjugates, resulting from the addition of cysteine to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, are important precursors of odorant sulfur compounds in food flavors. The aim of this work was to better understand this chemistry in the light of the unexpected double addition of cysteine to two unsaturated aldehydes. These reactions were studied as a function of pH. When (E)-2-methyl-2-butenal (tiglic aldehyde, 4) was treated with cysteine in water at pH 8, the major product formed was the new compound (4R)-2-(2-[[(2R)-2-amino-2-carboxyethyl]thio]methylpropyl)-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (6). Under acidic conditions (pH 1), we also observed a double addition, but the second cysteine was linked by a vinylic sulfide bond to form the previously unreported major product, (2R,2'R,E)-S,S'-(2,3-dimethyl-1-propene-1,3-diyl)bis-cysteine (7). When (E)-2-hexenal (12) was treated with cysteine under acidic conditions, the major product was the novel (4R,2' 'R)-2-[2'-(2' '-amino-2' '-carboxyethylthio)pentyl]-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (13), and the formation of an vinylic sulfide compound analogous to 7 was not observed. Reduction of the acidic crude reaction mixture with NaBH(4) afforded 13 and the cysteine derivative (R)-S-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)butyl]cysteine (14) in 14% yield. Treating (E)-2-hexenal with cysteine at pH 8 followed by NaBH(4) reduction yielded the new product (3R)-7-propylhexahydro-1,4-thiazepine-3-carboxylic acid (15). Addition of cysteine to mesityl oxide (16), at pH 8, followed by reduction with NaBH(4) furnished (R)-S-(3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylbutyl)cysteine (3) and the new compound (3R)-hexahydro-5,7,7-trimethyl-1,4-thiazepine-3-carboxylic acid (18).     

New polyphenol derivative in Ipomoea batatas tubers and its antioxidant activity

Four different polyphenolic compounds were isolated by chromatographic methods from methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts of Ipomoea batatas tuber flour. On the basis of UV, mass, and NMR analysis procedures, the structure of the isolated compounds were determined as 4,5-di-O-caffeoyldaucic acid (1), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (2), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3), and 1,3-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and characterization of compound 1. Then, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of daucic acid derivative by using DPPH and FRAP methods together with authentic antioxidant standards, l-ascorbic acid, tert-butyl-4-hydroxy toluene (BHT), and gallic acid. The activity of compound 1 in both methods was higher than that of all standards used at the same molar concentration.     

Free radical scavenging and antioxidative activity of caffeic acid amide and ester analogues: structure-activity relationship.

The structure-activity relationships of synthetic caffeic acid amide and ester analogues as potential antioxidants and free radical scavengers have been investigated. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH.) scavenging activity of the test compounds was N-trans-caffeoyl-L-cysteine methyl ester (5) > N-trans-caffeoyldopamine (4) > N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (3) > N-trans-caffeoyl-beta-phenethylamine (2) > Trolox C (8) > caffeic acid phenethyl ester (1) > caffeic acid (6) > ferulic acid (7). This established that the radical scavenging activity of the compounds increased with increasing numbers of hydroxyl groups or catechol moieties and also with the presence of other hydrogen-donating groups (-NH, -SH). The antioxidative activity of the compounds was also investigated in an emulsified linoleic acid oxidation system accelerated by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. The order was 1 > 2 > 4 > 3 > or = 5 > 6 > 8 > 7. Therefore, in the emulsion system, the antioxidative activity of the test compounds depends not only on the hydroxyl groups or catechol rings but also on the partition coefficient (log P) or hydrophobicity of the compounds. This supports the concept that hydrophobic antioxidants tend to exhibit better antioxidative activity in an emulsion system.     

Isolation and identification of antiplatelet aggregatory principles from the leaves of Piper lolot

The methanolic extract of Piper lolot, having shown potent inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and platelet activating factor (PAF), was subjected to activity-guided isolation to yield twelve new amide alkaloids, piperlotine A-L (1-12), along with twenty-nine known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory activity on the rabbit platelet aggregation. The compounds piperlotine A (1), piperlotine C (3), piperlotine D (4), piperlotine E (5), 3-phenyl-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one (21), 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one (22), 1-trans-cinnamoylpyrrolidine (24), sarmentine (26), pellitorine (27), methyl 3-phenylpropionate (32), and (10S)-10-hydroxypheophorbide a methyl ester (40) showed potent antiplatelet aggregation activity.     

Dihydropiperazine neonicotinoid compounds. Synthesis and insecticidal activity

Syntheses of various isomeric dihydropiperazines can be approached successfully by taking advantage of the regioselective monothionation of their respective diones. Preparation of the precursor unsymmetrical N-substituted piperazinediones from readily available diamines is key to this selectivity. The dihydropiperazine ring system, as exemplified in 1-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-3-oxopiperazin-2-ylidenecyanamide (4) and 1-[(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-3-oxopiperazin-2-ylidenecyanamide (25), has been shown to be a suitable bioisosteric replacement for the imidazolidine ring system contained in neonicotinoid compounds. However, placement of the cyanoimino electron-withdrawing group further removed from the pyridine ring, as in 4-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-3-oxopiperazin-2-ylidenecyanamide (3a), or relocation of the carbonyl group, as in 1-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-5-oxopiperazin-2-ylidenecyanamide (5), results in significantly decreased bioisosterism. The dihydropiperazine ring system of 4 and 25 also lends a degree of rigidity to the molecule that is not offered by the inactive acyclic counterpart 2-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-methyl-(methyl)amino]-2-(cyanoimino)-N,N-dimethylacetamide (6). A pharmacophore model is proposed that qualitatively explains the results on the basis of good overlap of the key pharmacophore elements of 4 and imidacloprid (1); the less active regioisomers of 4 (3a, 5, and 6) feature a smaller degree of overlap.     

Triterpene saponins from debittered quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) seeds

Twelve triterpene saponins have been isolated from the debittered seeds of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), and their structures were characterized on the basis of hydrolysis and spectral data, especially NMR evidence. Among them, three compounds, including 3-O-beta-D-glucuropyranosyl oleanolic acid (1), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin (2), and the new compound 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-30-O-methyl spergulagenate 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), are identified for the first time from quinoa seeds. The other isolated saponins have been previously reported in quinoa.     

Saponins in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) root and their structural elucidation.

Twenty-four saponins have been identified in alfalfa roots, including 13 medicagenic acids, 2 zanhic acids, 4 hederagenins, 1 soyasapogenol A, 2 soyasapogenol B's, 1 soyasapogenol E, and 1 bayogenin glycoside. Ten of the identified compounds, including 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D- glucopyranoside medicagenate, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta -D-glucopyranoside] medicagenic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucopyranosyl]-28-beta- D-glucopyranoside medicagenate, 3-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl methyl ester]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1--> 2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] medicagenate, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-be ta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-21-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside soyasapogenol A, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)glucopy ranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1- ->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] medicagenate, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)glucopy ranosyl]-28-O-?beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-)-[beta-D-apiofurano syl-(1 -->3)]- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside? medicagenate, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyra nosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] zanhic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucopyranosyl]-28-O-?beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofurano side-(1-->3)]- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside?zanhic acid, and 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28- O-b eta-D-glucopyranoside bayogenin, were not reported before, and their structures were established by spectral (FAB-MS and NMR) techniques. In addition, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-be ta-D-glucuronopyranoside] soyasapogenol E was identified in the roots for the first time.     

Synthesis and herbicidal activity of 2-(7-fluoro-3-oxo- 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)isoindoline-1,3-diones

The mode of action of 2-(7-fluoro-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-isoindoline-1,3-diones, including the commercial herbicide flumioxazin, had been identified as inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (protox). As part of continuous efforts to search for new herbicides with high efficacy, broad-spectrum activity, and safety to crops, flumioxazin and its iodo analogue (B2055) were used as lead compounds for further optimization. Series of novel compounds were prepared by multistep synthetic procedures starting from 5-fluoro-2-nitrophenol. All of the test compounds were structurally confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Preliminary bioassay data showed that some of them possess commercial levels of herbicidal activity comparable to those of other protox-inhibiting herbicides. One of the best compounds, 5-fluoro-2-(7-fluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8e), has IC50 values for velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic) and crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) comparable to thos of B2055. With respect to crop selectivity, compound 8e is similar to flumioxazin. Compound 8e is safe to cotton and maize at a rate of 150 g of active ingredient (ai)/ha or less when applied at pre-emergent stage, and it has the best safety to wheat among the tested crops, showing no injury after post-emergent application at 7.5-30 g of ai/ha.     

Spectroscopic identification and antioxidant activity of glucosylated carotenoid metabolites from Cydonia vulgaris fruits

Carotenoid metabolites are common plant constituents with significant importance for the flavor and aroma of fruits. Three new carotenoid derivatives, (2E,4E)-8-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-2,4-decadiene-1,10-dioic acid 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), (2Z,4E)-8-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-2,7-dimethyl-2,4-decadiene-1,10-dioic acid (3), and 3,9-dihydroxymegastigmast-5-ene-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), as well as three known compounds, have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of peels of Cydonia vulgaris, the fruit of a shrub belonging to the same family as the apple. All the compounds were identified by spectroscopic techniques, especially 1D and 2D NMR. Antioxidant activities of all the isolated metabolites were assessed by measuring their ability to scavenge DPPH radical and superoxide radical (O2*-) and to induce the reduction of Mo(VI).     

Identification of new heterocyclic nitrogen compounds from glucose-lysine and xylose-lysine maillard model systems

Aqueous sugar (glucose or xylose)-lysine model systems were heated at 80 degrees C for 6 h with the pH maintained at a predetermined value (3, 4, or 5). Selected compounds were isolated by combinations of solvent extraction and semipreparative HPLC, prior to identification by NMR and mass spectrometry. Two compounds were identified from the pH 5 glucose system and were identified as epsilon-[2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrole-1-yl]-L-norleucine (pyrraline) and the new compound, 1-(5-carboxy-5-aminopentyl)-2-formyl-3-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)pyrrole. A third compound was partially characterized. 2-Acetyl-5-hydroxymethyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyridinone was identified in the pH 3 xylose system, and the new compound, 8-furan-2-yl-methyl-5-hydroxymethyl-5,6-dihydro-indolizine-1,7-dione, was identified in the pH 4 xylose system. 2-Furfurylidene-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone was identified in both xylose systems. Mechanisms of formation are proposed for the novel compounds.     

Triterpene saponins from the roots of Medicago hybrida

Fourteen triterpene saponins (1-14) have been isolated from the roots of Medicago hybrida and their structures elucidated by FAB-MS and NMR analysis. Two of them are new compounds and were identified as hederagenin 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) and oleanolic acid 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (14). Seven saponins being mono- and bidesmosides of hederagenin (1, 5, 6, 9), one bidesmoside of bayogenin (2), and two bidesmosides of 2beta,3beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-23-al-28-oic acid (11) and oleanolic acid (13) are known compounds but not previously reported as saponin constituents of Medicago, whereas five other saponins, being mono- and bidesmosides of medicagenic acid (3, 4, 8, 10, 12), and one monodesmoside of hederagenin (8) have been previously isolated from other Medicago species. The presence of 2beta,3beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-23-al-28-oic acid might represent an interesting intermediate in the biosynthesis of these substances.     

Constituents of Musa x paradisiaca cultivar with the potential to induce the phase II enzyme,quinone reductase

A new bicyclic diarylheptanoid, rel-(3S,4aR,10bR)-8-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-9-methoxy-4a,5,6,10b-tetrahydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran (1), as well as four known compounds, 1,2-dihydro-1,2,3-trihydroxy-9-(4-methoxyphenyl)phenalene (2), hydroxyanigorufone (3), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)naphthalic anhydride (4), and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-4(E),6(E)-dien-3-one (5), were isolated from an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the methanol extract of the fruits of Musa x paradisiaca cultivar, using a bioassay based on the induction of quinone reductase (QR) in cultured Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cells to monitor chromatographic fractionation. The structure and relative stereochemistry of compound 1 were elucidated unambiguously by one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Isolates 1-5 were evaluated for their potential cancer chemopreventive properties utilizing an in vitro assay to determine quinone reductase induction and a mouse mammary organ culture assay.     

Antioxidative compounds from the outer scales of onion

Antioxidative compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of dry outer scales of onion (Allium cepa L.). Nine phenolic compounds (1-9) were finally obtained by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry analyses. They were the six known compounds, protocatechuic acid (1), 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (2), quercetin 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin (5), 4'-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside of quercetin dimer (7), and quercetin dimer (8), and three novel compounds, condensation products of quercetin with protocatechuic acid (4), adduct of quercetin with quercetin 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), and quercetin trimer (9). These phenolic compounds were tested for their antioxidant properties using autoxidation of methyl linoleate in bulk phase or free radical initiated peroxidation of soybean phosphatidylcholine in liposomes. The flavonoid compounds having o-dihydroxy substituent in the B-ring were shown to be effective antioxidants against nonenzymic lipid peroxidation.