Isolation, structure determination, synthesis, and sensory activity of N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids from cocoa (Theobroma cacao)

Application of chromatographic separation and taste dilution analyses recently revealed besides procyanidins a series of N-phenylpropenoyl amino acids as the key contributors to the astringent taste of nonfermented cocoa beans as well as roasted cocoa nibs. Because these amides have as yet not been reported as key taste compounds, this paper presents the isolation, structure determination, and sensory activity of these amino acid amides. Besides the previously reported (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-3-hydroxy-L-tyrosine (clovamide), (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine (deoxyclovamide), and (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine, seven additional amides, namely, (+)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, (+)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-glutamic acid, (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-glutamic acid, (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-3-hydroxy-L-tyrosine, (+)-N-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, and (+)-N-[(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, were identified for the first time in cocoa products by means of LC-MS/MS, 1D/2D-NMR, UV-vis, CD spectroscopy, and polarimetry, as well as independent enantiopure synthesis. Using the recently developed half-tongue test, human recognition thresholds for the astringent and mouth-drying oral sensation were determined to be between 26 and 220 micromol/L (water) depending on the amino acid moiety. In addition, exposure to light rapidly converted these [E]-configured N-phenylpropenoyl amino acids into the corresponding [Z]-isomers, thus indicating that analysis of these compounds in food and plant materials needs to be performed very carefully in the absence of light to prevent artifact formation.     

Sensory-guided decomposition of roasted cocoa nibs (Theobroma cacao) and structure determination of taste-active polyphenols

Sequential application of solvent extraction, gel permeation chromatography, and RP-HPLC in combination with taste dilution analyses, followed by LC-MS and 1D/2D-NMR experiments and thiolytic degradation, revealed that, besides theobromine and caffeine, the flavan-3-ols epicatechin, catechin, procyanidin B-2, procyanidin B-5, procyanidin C-1, [epicatechin-(4beta-->8)](3)-epicatechin, and [epicatechin-(4beta-->8)](4)-epicatechin were among the key compounds contributing to the bitter taste as well as the astringent mouthfeel imparted upon consumption of roasted cocoa. In addition, a series of quercetin, naringenin, luteolin, and apigenin glycopyranosides as well as a family of not previously identified amino acid amides, namely, (+)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, (+)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-glutamic acid, (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-glutamic acid, (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-3-hydroxy-L-tyrosine, (+)-N-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, and (+)-N-(E)-cinnamoyl-L-aspartic acid, have been identified as key astringent compounds of roasted cocoa. Furthermore, (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-3-hydroxy-l-tyrosine (clovamide), (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine (deoxyclovamide), and (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine, reported previously as antioxidants, have been found as contributors of cocoa's astringent taste. By means of the half-tongue test, the taste thresholds of flavan-3-ols and glycosides have been determined.     

Quantitative analysis of N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids in roasted coffee and cocoa powder by means of a stable isotope dilution assay

Since recent reports on the role of N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids as powerful antioxidants and key contributors to the astringent taste of cocoa nibs, there is an increasing interest in the concentrations of these phytochemicals in plant-derived foods. A versatile analytical method for the accurate quantitative analysis of N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids in plant-derived foods by means of HPLC-MS/MS and synthetic stable isotope labeled N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids as internal standards was developed. By means of the developed stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA), showing recovery rates of 95-102%, 14 N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids were quantified for the first time in cocoa and coffee samples. On the basis of the results of LC-MS/MS experiments as well as cochromatography with the synthetic reference compounds N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan, N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan, and N-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine, respectively, were detected for the first time in cocoa powder, and (-)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine, (-)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine, N-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tyrosine, (+)-N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, (+)-N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-aspartic acid, N-[3',4'-dihydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan, N-[4'-hydroxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan, and N-[4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxy-(E)-cinnamoyl]-L-tryptophan, respectively, were detected for the first time in coffee beverages.     

Biotransformation of vinclozolin by the fungus Cunninghamella elegans

This study investigated the biotransformation of the dicarboximide fungicide vinclozolin [3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5-vinyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione] by the fungus Cunninghamella elegans. Experiments with phenyl-[U-ring-14C]vinclozolin showed that after 96 h incubation, 93% had been transformed to four major metabolites. Metabolites were separated by HPLC and characterized by mass and NMR spectroscopy. Biotransformation occurred predominantly on the oxazolidine-2,4-dione portion of vinclozolin. The metabolites were identified as the 3R- and 3S- isomers of 3',5'-dichloro-2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutyranilide, N-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-oxobuten-3-yl)-3,5-dichlorophenyl-1-carbamic acid, and 3',5'-dichloro-2-hydroxy-2-methylbut-3-enanilide. The enanilide compound has been reported previously as a plant and mammalian metabolite and is implicated to contain antiandrogenic activity. The 3R- and 3S- isomers of 3',5'-dichloro-2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutyranilide are novel metabolites.     

Further investigation into maple syrup yields 3 new lignans, a new phenylpropanoid, and 26 other phytochemicals

Maple syrup is made by boiling the sap collected from certain maple ( Acer ) species. During this process, phytochemicals naturally present in tree sap are concentrated in maple syrup. Twenty-three phytochemicals from a butanol extract of Canadian maple syrup (MS-BuOH) had previously been reported; this paper reports the isolation and identification of 30 additional compounds (1-30) from its ethyl acetate extract (MS-EtOAc) not previously reported from MS-BuOH. Of these, 4 compounds are new (1-3, 18) and 20 compounds (4-7, 10-12, 14-17, 19, 20, 22-24, 26, and 28-30) are being reported from maple syrup for the first time. The new compounds include 3 lignans and 1 phenylpropanoid: 5-(3″,4″-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)dihydrofuran-2-one (1), (erythro,erythro)-1-[4-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl]-1,2,3-propanetriol (2), (erythro,threo)-1-[4-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl]-1,2,3-propanetriol (3), and 2,3-dihydroxy-1-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone (18), respectively. In addition, 25 other phenolic compounds were isolated including (threo,erythro)-1-[4-[(2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]-3-methoxyphenyl]-1,2,3-propanetriol (4), (threo,threo)-1-[4-[(2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]-3-methoxyphenyl]-1,2,3-propanetriol (5), threo-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4'-dihydroconiferyl alcohol (6), erythro-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy]-1,3-propanediol (7), 2-[4-[2,3-dihydro-3-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(3-hydroxypropyl)-7-methoxy-2-benzofuranyl]-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy]-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediol (8), acernikol (9), leptolepisol D (10), buddlenol E (11), (1S,2R)-2-[2,6-dimethoxy-4-[(1S,3aR,4S,6aR)-tetrahydro-4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H,3H-furo[3,4-c]furan-1-yl]phenoxy]-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediol (12), syringaresinol (13), isolariciresinol (14), icariside E4 (15), sakuraresinol (16), 1,2-diguaiacyl-1,3-propanediol (17), 2,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone (19), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-1-one (20), dihydroconiferyl alcohol (21), 4-acetylcatechol (22), 3',4',5'-trihydroxyacetophenone (23), 3,4-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzaldehyde (24), protocatechuic acid (25), 4-(dimethoxymethyl)pyrocatechol (26), tyrosol (27), isofraxidin (28), and 4-hydroxycatechol (29). One sesquiterpene, phaseic acid (30), which is a known metabolite of the phytohormone abscisic acid, was also isolated from MS-EtOAc. The antioxidant activities of MS-EtOAc (IC(50) = 75.5 μg/mL) and the pure isolates (IC(50) ca. 68-3000 μM) were comparable to that of vitamin C (IC(50) = 40 μM) and the synthetic commercial antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (IC(50) = 3000 μM), in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. The current study advances scientific knowledge of maple syrup constituents and suggests that these diverse phytochemicals may impart potential health benefits to this natural sweetener.     

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) flavonoids. 2. Tricin and chrysoeriol glycosides from aerial parts.

Ten flavone glycosides have been isolated and identified in aerial parts of alfalfa. These included six tricin, one 3'-O-methyltricetin, and three chrysoeriol glycosides. Most of these compounds were acylated with ferulic, coumaric, or sinapic acids, and acylation occurred on the terminal glucuronic acid. Eight of these compounds, including 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-3'-O-methyltricetin, 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosidechrysoeriol, 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]chrysoeriol, 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]chrysoeriol, 7-O-[2'-O-sinapoyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, 7-O-[2'-O- feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, 7-O-[2'-O-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, and 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, have not been reported previously in the plant kingdom. Two previously identified alfalfa flavones, 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosidetricin and 7-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, were also isolated.     

New anthocyanidin and anthocyanin pigments from blue plumbago

Phytochemical investigations of blue plumbago ( Plumbago auriculata Poir. syn. Plumbago capensis Thunb.) flowers have led to the isolation of six new anthocyanins based on three new anthocyanidins with 5,7-dimethoxylated A-rings. Their structures were identified by 2D nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry as the 3-O-β-galactopyranosides (1,2,4) and 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosides (3,5,6) of 5,7-dimethyldelphinidin, 5,7-dimethylpetunidin, and 5,7-dimethylmalvidin. Identification of 1-6 implies new structures for the previously reported anthocyanidins pulchellidin, europinidin, and capensinidin to be 5,7-dimethoxy-3,3',4',5'-tetrahydroxyflavylium, 5,7,3'-trimethoxy-3,4',5'-trihydroxyflavylium, and 5,7,3',5'-tetramethoxy-3,4'-dihydroxyflavylium cations, respectively. The anthocyanins (0.4 mg/g flowers) were accompanied by the dihydroflavonol taxifolin 3'-O-β-glucopyranoside (1.4 mg/g) and the flavonols 5-methylquercetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (8.8 mg/g) and 5-methylquercetin (0.4 mg/g). The anthocyanins 1-6 are the first reported natural anthocyanins with no free hydroxyl groups in their 5- and 7-positions on their A-rings. They have thus no possibility of forming the tautomeric quinonoidal bases (anhydrobases), which are related to the free hydroxyl groups in the 5- and 7-positions of previously reported anthocyanins. The genes behind the 5,7-dimethoxylated anthocyanins might be useful for making anthocyanins with special properties (colors, etc.).     

A convenient route to the synthesis of isotopomeric dihydro-2(3H)furanones

A general synthetic procedure leading to isotopomeric dihydro-2(3H)furanones (gamma-butyrolactones) containing two, four, or six deuterium atoms has been developed. The labeled dihydro-2(3H)furanones were synthesized in quantitative yield from the saturated diacid C4 (succinic) or unsaturated diacids C4 (fumaric, maleic, or acetylendicarboxylic) in the presence of Ru4H4(CO)8(PBu3)4 using a deuterium pressure of 180 bar at 180 degrees C. This methodology was applied to the total synthesis of a hexadeuterated matairesinol lignan: The 3,4-bis[[3-methoxy-4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]methyl]dihydro-2(3H)furanone-[7,7',8,8',9',9'-D6] (benzyl-protected matairesinol-D6) was fully characterized.     

Characterization of phenolic compounds from lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)

Phenolic compounds from the lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) were identified using LC-TOFMS, LC-MS/MS, and NMR experiments. The compounds were extracted from the plant material using methanol in an ultrasonicator and further isolated and purified using solid-phase extraction and preparative liquid chromatographic techniques. A total of 28 phenolic compounds were at least tentatively identified, including flavonols, anthocyanidins, catechins and their glycosides, and different caffeoyl and ferulic acid conjugates. This is apparently the first report of coumaroyl-hexose-hydroxyphenol, caffeoyl-hexose-hydroxyphenol, coumaroyl-hexose-hydroxyphenol, quercetin-3-O-alpha-arabinofuranoside, kaempferol-pentoside, and kaempferol-deoxyhexoside in the plant, and the flavonol acylglycosides quercetin-3-O-[4' '-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)]-alpha-rhamnose and kaempferol-3-O-[4' '-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)]-alpha-rhamnose are presented here for the first time ever. In addition, more detailed structure in comparison to earlier reports is described for some compounds previously known to exist in lingonberry.     

Flavone C-glycoside,phenolic acid,and nitrogen contents in leaves of barley subject to organic fertilization treatments

From the leaves of barley, Hordeum vulgare, one new flavone C-glucoside and three known flavone glucosides were isolated and characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR and MALDI-TOF-MS. The novel flavone C-glucoside was isovitexin 7-O-beta-[6' "-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl]glucoside (6' "-coumaroylsaponarin), and the known compounds were isovitexin 7-O-beta-[6' "-O-(E)-feruloyl]glucoside, isoorientin 7-O-beta-[6' "-O-(E)-feruloyl]glucoside, and tricin 7-O-beta-glucoside. The sum of all the flavone glycosides and soluble phenolic acids in the leaves decreased with increased rate of plant nutrients given in animal manure and with increased crop yield. All of the major phenylpropanoids showed the same general response to nutrient level. The concentration of nitrogen in the leaves was not directly related to nutrient application or to contents of phenylpropanoids.     

Isolation and characterization of structurally novel antimutagenic flavonoids from spinach (Spinacia oleracea).

Thirteen compounds, isolated from spinach (Spinacia oleracea), acted as antimutagens against the dietary carcinogen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The antimutagens were purified by preparative and micropreparative HPLC from a methanol/water (70:30, v/v) extract of dry spinach (commercial product) after removal of lipophilic compounds such as chlorophylls and carotenoids by solid-phase extraction (SPE). Pure active compounds were identified by instrumental analysis including FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. All of these compounds were flavonoids and related compounds that could be attributed to five groups: (A, methylenedioxyflavonol glucuronides) 5,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavonol 3-O-beta-glucuronide (compound 1), 5,2',3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavonol 3-O-beta-glucuronide (compound 2), 5-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavonol 3-O-beta-glucuronide (compound 3); (B, flavonol glucuronides) 5,6,3'-trihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavonol 3-O-beta-glucuronide (compound 4), 5,6-dihydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavonol 3-O-beta-glucuronide (compound 5); (C, flavonol disaccharides) 5,6,4'-trihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyflavonol 3-O-disaccharide (compound 6), 5,6,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-7-methoxyflavonol 3-O-disaccharide (compounds 7 and 8); (D, flavanones) 5,8,4'-trihydroxyflavanone (compound 9), 7,8,4'-trihydroxyflavanone (compound 10); (E, flavonoid-related compounds) compounds 11, 12, and 13 with incompletely elucidated structures. The yield of compound 1 was 0.3%, related to dry weight, whereas the yields of compounds 2-13 ranged between 0.017 and 0.069%. IC(50) values (antimutagenic potencies) of the flavonol glucuronides ranged between 24.2 and 58.2 microM, whereas the flavonol disaccharides (compounds 7 and 8), the flavanones (compounds 9 and 10), and the flavonoid-related glycosidic compounds 11-13 were only weakly active. The aglycons of compounds 7 and 8, however, were potent antimutagens (IC(50) = 10.4 and 13.0 microM, respectively).     

Identification of flavonoid markers for the botanical origin of Eucalyptus honey

European Eucalyptus honeys showed a common and characteristic HPLC profile in which the flavonoids myricetin (3,5,7,3',4', 5'-hexahydroxyflavone), tricetin (5,7,3',4',5'-pentahydroxyflavone), quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), luteolin (5,7,3', 4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), and kaempferol (3,5,7, 4'-tetrahydroxyflavone) were identified. Their contents, and relative amounts, in the analyzed honey samples were quite constant and supported their floral origin. In addition, ellagic acid and the propolis-derived flavonoids pinobanksin, pinocembrin, and chrysin were detected in most samples. The contents of these nonfloral phenolics were much more variable as could be expected for their propolis origin. Myricetin, tricetin, and luteolin had not been identified as floral markers in any other honey sample previously analyzed in our laboratory (chestnut, citrus, rosemary, lavender, acacia, rapeseed, sunflower, heather, lime tree, etc.) or reported in the literature, suggesting that these could be useful markers. Only in some individual heather samples produced in Portugal has tricetin previously been detected in minor amounts. These samples, however, were contaminated with Eucalyptus as revealed by their pollen analysis and the lack of tricetin or their glycosides in heather floral nectar. It remains to be established if myricetin, tricetin, and luteolin originate from Eucalyptus floral nectar where the corresponding glycosides should be present.     

Antimutagens in gaiyou (Artemisia argyi levl. et vant.)

Antimutagens from gaiyou (Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant., Compositae) were examined. The methanol extract prepared from aerial parts of this plant strongly reduced the mutagenicity of 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), when Salmonella typhimurium TA98 was used in the presence of the rat liver microsomal fraction. The antimutagens were purified chromatographically while monitoring the antimutagenic activity against Trp-P-2 with a modified Ames test employing a plate method. This purification resulted in the isolation of four strong antimutagens, 5,7-dihydroxy-6,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone (eupatilin), 5, 7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimethoxyflavone (jaceosidin), 5,7, 4'-trihydroxyflavone (apigenin) and 5,7, 4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone (chrysoeriol) from the methanol extract. These antimutagenic flavones exhibited strong antimutagenic activity against not only Trp-P-2 but also against other heterocyclic amines, such as 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4, 3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ), 2-amino-3, 8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeA(alpha)C) in S. typhimurium TA98. In contrast, they did not exhibit antimutagenic activity against benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO), 2-aminofluorene (2-AF), 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF) or furylfuramide (AF-2) in S. typhimurium TA98, or B[a]P, 4-NQO, 2-NF, AF-2, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) or sodium azide (SA) in Salmonella typhimurium TA100, whereas they decreased the mutagenicity caused by aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) in both of these tester strains. Regarding the structure-activity relationship, the tested flavones had distinct differences in the intensities of their antimutagenic activities according to the differences of their substitution patterns. Namely, the intensity of antimutagenic activities against Trp-P-2 decreased in the order of: 5,7,3',4'-tetrasubstituted flavones (IC(50): <0.1 mmol/plate), 5,7,4'-trisubstituted flavones (IC(50): 0.120-0.260 mmol/plate), 5,6,7,3',4'-pentasubstituted flavones (IC(50): 0.440-0. 772 mmol/plate). The four isolated flavones were also studied regarding their antimutagenic mechanisms with preincubation methods of the modified Ames test and emission spectroscopic analysis. The results suggested that all isolated flavones were desmutagens which directly inactivated Trp-P-2 or inhibited its metabolic activation.     

Structural analysis of a novel antimutagenic compound, 4-Hydroxypanduratin A, and the antimutagenic activity of flavonoids in a Thai spice, fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata Schult.) against mutagenic heterocyclic amines.

Six compounds were isolated from fresh rhizomes of fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata Schult.) as strong antimutagens toward 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1) in Salmonella typhimurium TA98. These compounds were 2',4',6'-trihydroxychalcone (pinocembrin chalcone; 1), 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxychalcone (cardamonin; 2), 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrin; 3), 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (pinostrobin; 4), (2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-[3'-methyl-2'-(3' '-methylbut-2' '-enyl)-6'-phenylcyclohex-3'-enyl]methanone (5), and (2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-[3'-methyl-2'-(3' '-methylbut-2' '-enyl)-6'-phenylcyclohex-3'-enyl]methanone (panduratin A; 6). Compound 5 was a novel compound (tentatively termed 4-hydroxypanduratin A), and 1 was not previously reported in this plant, whereas 2-4 and 6 were known compounds. The antimutagenic IC(50) values of compounds 1-6 were 5.2 +/- 0.4, 5.9 +/- 0.7, 6.9 +/- 0.8, 5.3 +/- 1.0, 12.7 +/- 0.7, and 12.1 +/- 0.8 microM in the preincubation mixture, respectively. They also similarly inhibited the mutagenicity of 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). All of them strongly inhibited the N-hydroxylation of Trp-P-2. Thus, the antimutagenic effect of compounds 1-6 was mainly due to the inhibition of the first step of enzymatic activation of heterocyclic amines.     

Bioactive lignans from a cultivar of Helianthus annuus

A bioassay-guided fractionation of water extracts from Helianthus annuus cv. SH-222 was carried out. Ten lignans and a phenylpropanoid were isolated from the polar bioactive fractions of H. annuus. This study is the first to report lignans as constituents of sunflower and is the first time that tanegool has been isolated as a natural aglycone. Additionally, we report biological activities of the isolated compounds. The general bioactivity has been evaluated using the wheat coleoptiles bioassay. The phytotoxic activities of compounds pinoresinol, lariciresinol, dihydro-dehydrodiconiferilic alcohol, and l-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-[4' '-(3hydroxypropyl)-2' '-methoxyphenoxy]propane-l,3-diol were also evaluated in a bioassay on the standard target species. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.     

Biocatalytic synthesis of butein and sulfuretin by Aspergillus alliaceus

Aspergillus alliaceus UI315 was examined for its potential to catalyze biotransformation reactions of chalcones that mimic plant biosynthetic processes. 3-(4' '-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-(2',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)propenone (4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone, isoliquiritigein) (1) was efficiently transformed to two major metabolites that were isolated chromatographically and identified by spectroscopic methods as 3-(3' ',4' '-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-(2',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)propenone (butein) (7) and 2-[(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methylene]-6-hydroxy-3(2H)benzofuranone (7,3',4'-trihydroxyaurone, sulfuretin) (10). Inhibition experiments suggested that initial C-3 hydroxylation of 1 to 7 was catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 enzyme system. A second A. alliaceus enzyme, partially purified and identified as a catechol oxidase, catalyzed the oxidation of the catechol butein (7) likely through an ortho-quinone (8) that cyclized to the aurone product 10. This work showed that A. alliaceus UI315 contains oxidative enzyme systems capable of converting phenolic chalcones such as 1 into aurones such as 10 in a process that mimics plant biosynthetic pathways.     

Flavonoids in monospecific eucalyptus honeys from Australia

The HPLC analyses of Australian unifloral Eucalyptus honeys have shown that the flavonoids myricetin (3,5,7,3',4', 5'-hexahydroxyflavone), tricetin (5,7,3',4',5'-pentahydroxyflavone), quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), luteolin (5,7,3', 4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), and kaempferol (3,5,7, 4'-tetrahydroxyflavone) are present in all samples. These compounds were previously suggested as floral markers of European Eucalyptus honeys. The present results confirm the use of flavonoid analysis as an objective method for the botanical origin determination of eucalyptus honey. Honeys from E. camaldulensis (river red gum honey) contain tricetin as the main flavonoid marker, whereas in honeys from E. pilligaensis (mallee honey), luteolin is the main flavonoid marker, suggesting that species-specific differences can be detected with this analysis. The main difference between the flavonoid profiles of Australian and European Eucalyptus honeys is that in the Australian honeys, the propolis-derived flavonoids (pinobanksin (3,5, 7-trihydroxyflavanone), pinocembrin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone), and chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone)) are seldom found and in much smaller amounts.     

Identification of flavone C-glycosides including a new flavonoid chromophore from barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.) by improved NMR techniques

Six flavone C-glycosides were isolated from young leaves of barley. One of the C-glucosides has a new type of nucleus, a 2',4',5,5', 7-penta-OH-substituted flavone bearing a 6-C-beta-D-glucoside, which has apparently never been isolated before. One mono- and two di-C-glycosyl flavones were isolated for the first time from barley and identified as isoscoparin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, carlinoside, and shaftoside, respectively. Other flavones were 7-O-beta-D-glucosides of isoorientin and isovitexin. The known problematic NMR structure elucidation of C-glycosyl flavonoids has been solved by using both a temperature close to the freezing point of the solvent (22.5 degrees C in DMSO-d(6)) and a high temperature (70, 90 degrees C) for comparison during NMR measurements. Structural determination of all the compounds was achieved by employing 1D and 2D NMR techniques.     

Oxidative metabolism of the soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein in humans in vitro and in vivo.

The soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein are found in high concentrations in human plasma and urine after soy consumption. However, in vitro and in vivo data regarding the oxidative metabolism of isoflavones in humans are scarce. Therefore, we have studied the oxidative metabolites of these compounds formed in human liver microsomes and excreted in urine of male and female humans ingesting soy products for 2 days. Human liver microsomes transformed the soy isoflavone daidzein to three monohydroxylated and three dihydroxylated metabolites according to GC/MS analysis. On the basis of a previous study with rat liver microsomes and with the help of reference substances, these metabolites were identified as 6,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone, 7,3',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone, 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone, 7,8,3',4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone, 6,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone, and 6,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone. Significant amounts of the same metabolites except 6,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone were also found in urine of female and male volunteers after soy intake. Genistein was metabolized by human liver microsomes to six hydroxylation products. The main metabolites were the three aromatic monohydroxylated products 5,6,7,4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone, 5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone and 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone. The aliphatic monohydroxylated metabolite 2,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxyisoflavone and two aromatic dihydroxylated metabolites, 5,7,8,3',4'-pentahydroxyisoflavone and 5,6,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyisoflavone, were formed in trace amounts. The same hydroxylated genistein metabolites except the aliphatic hydroxylated one could also be detected in human urine samples. Methylated forms of the catechol metabolites, which were generated by incubations with catechol-O-methyltransferase in vitro could be detected only in trace amounts in the urine samples. This implies that this reaction does not play a major role in the biotransformation of the hydroxylated daidzein and genistein metabolites in vivo. Most of these oxidative metabolites are described as human in vivo metabolites for the first time. Their biological significance remains to be established.     

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) flavonoids. 1. Apigenin and luteolin glycosides from aerial parts

Nine flavones and adenosine have been identified in aerial parts of alfalfa, and their structures were established by spectral (FABMS and NMR) techniques. Five of the identified compounds, including apigenin 7-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[2-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[2-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], apigenin 7-O-[2-O-p-coumaroyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], and luteolin 7-O-[2-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, have not been reported before in the plant kingdom. Additionally, five known compounds, including apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[beta-D- glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, and adenosine, were identified.