bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plants as a Still Unexploited Source of New Drugs
Authors: Hostettmann Kurt , Marston Andrew
Published: March 2019

Higher plants are a source of thousands of natural products, with an almost infinite variety of different structural variations. These molecules often have specific functions and many of them have biological activities which can be of use to humans. They may provide lead compounds for the development of new drugs or they may be indispensable tools in biomedical research.
Activity-guided Isolation and Identification of Antioxidant Components from Ethanolic Extract of Peltiphyllum Peltatum (Torr.) Engl
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon
Published: March 2019

Activity-directed fractionation and isolation procedures were used to identify the antioxidant components of Peltiphyllum peltatum. Fresh leaves were extracted with ethanol and subsequently fractionated into light petroleum, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction, which showed the strongest antioxidant activity, was subjected to Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, followed by repetitive preparative TLC, to afford the major antioxidant principle, quercitrin, together with other antioxidants (isoquercitrin, catechin and gallate) as minor principles. The identities of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR and MS) and by direct comparison with authentic samples and literature values. Quercitrin displayed a potent protective effect of DNA from UV generated hydroxyl radical damage.
Naturally Occurring Flavanones: An Overview
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam
Published: March 2019

Flavanones are one of the most interesting naturally occurring flavonoids in view of their structural pattern as well as biological and pharmacological potentials. The present review deals with natural flavanones reported from 1998 to mid 2007, along with their biological and pharmacological activities. The review includes more than 160 new naturally occurring flavanones from 135 references. The reported flavonoids belong to thirty-six plant families.
Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Leaf Essential Oils of Twelve Species of Piper from Monteverde, Costa Rica
Authors: Setzer William N. , Park Grace , Agius Brittany R. , Stokes Sean L. , Walker Tameka M. , Haber William A.
Published: March 2019

The leaf essential oils of twelve species of Piper (Piperaceae) from Monteverde, Costa Rica ( Piper aequale, Piper amalago, Piper biasperatum, Piper bredemeyeri, Piper dotanum, Piper fimbriulatum, Piper glabrescens, Piper imperiale, Piper lanceifolium, Piper nemorense, Piper oblanceolatum, and Piper sp. A near aereum) have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The Piper leaf oils have been screened for antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli; for Artemia salina (brine shrimp) lethality; for in-vitro cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (human breast tumor) cells; and inhibition of the cysteine protease cruzain. A cluster analysis comparison with previously published Piper leaf oil compositions was carried out in order to discern the differences and similarities between the volatile chemical compositions of Piper species.
Two New Steroid Oligoglycosides from the Caribbean Sponge Mycale laxissima
Authors: Afiyatullov Shamil Sh. , Antonov Alexandr S. , Kalinovsky Anatoly I. , Dmitrenok Pavel S.
Published: March 2019

Two new steroid oligoglycosides, mycalosides J (1) and K (2) have been isolated from the polar extract of the Caribbean sponge Mycale laxissima. Their structures have been elucidated as (20 R)-3- O-{[α-D-Gal p-(1→2)-β-D-Ara p-(1→3)]-[β-D-Gal p-(1→4)]-β-D-Glc p}-15-oxo-3β,21-dihydroxy-cholest-5-ene (1) and (22 E,20 R,24 R)-3- O-{[α-D-Gal p-(1→2)-β-D-Ara p-(1→3)]-[β-D-Gal p-(1→4)]-β-D-6- O-acetyl-Glc p}-3β,4β,15α,21-tetrahydroxy-24-methylcholesta-5,22-diene (2) by interpretation of spectral data. Mycaloside J (1) was structurally identified as a 4-nor derivative of the previously known mycaloside G. Mycaloside K (2) was shown to be an epimer at C-24 of the previously known mycaloside D.
Structural Analysis of Fucoidans
Authors: Bilan Maria I. , Usov Anatolii I.
Published: March 2019

Sulfated polysaccharides of brown algae (“fucoidans”) constitute a wide variety of biopolymers from simple sulfated fucans up to complex heteropolysaccharides composed of several neutral monosaccharides, uronic acid and sulfate. The increased interest in this class of polysaccharides is explained by their high and versatile biological activities, and hence, by their possible use in new drug design. Structural analysis of several fucoidans demonstrates that their biological properties are determined not only by charge density, but also by fine chemical structure, although distinct correlations between structure and biological activity cannot be formulated at present. The aim of this review is to describe the methods of structural analysis currently used in fucoidan chemistry, and to discuss some new information on the structures of fucoidans presented in recent publications.
Antiproliferative Oleanane Saponins from Polyscias Guilfoylei
Authors: Cioffi Giuseppina , Vassallo Antonio , Lepore Laura , Venturella Fabio , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , De Tommasi Nunziatina
Published: March 2019

Three new oleanane saponins (1–3), together with four known ones (4–7), were isolated from the aerial parts of Polyscias guilfoylei. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, including 1D TOCSY, DQF-COSY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC spectroscopy, as well as ESIMS analysis. The antiproliferative activity of all compounds was evaluated using three murine and human cancer cell lines; J774.A1, HEK-293, and WEHI-164. All the compounds were inactive except for 3β- O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-echinocystic acid 28-[ O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6) O-β-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (3), which was active against all the cell lines.
A New Carbazole Alkaloid from Murraya koenigii Spreng (Rutaceae)
Authors: Mandal Suvra , Nayak Anupam , Banerjee Samir K. , Banerji Julie , Banerji Avijit
Published: March 2019

A new carbazole alkaloid (kurryam) oxygenated at the 4-position, hitherto unknown among carbazole alkaloids, has been isolated from the seeds of an Indian medicinal plant, Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae). The structure has been established as 4-hydroxy-(2′,2′,3)-trimethyl-(6,7)-dimethoxy pyranocarbazole from extensive 2D NMR spectral studies. In addition, two known carbazole alkaloids, (2′,2′,3)-trimethyl 6-methoxy pyranocarbazole and (2′,2′,3)-trimethyl 6-hydroxy pyranocarbazole were isolated from the seeds of the same plant, of which (2′,2′,3)-trimethyl 6-methoxy pyranocarbazole exhibited significant antidiarrhoeal activity, as also did the new compound.
Self-Organizing Maps as a New Tool for Classification of Plants at Lower Hierarchical Levels
Authors: Correia Mauro V. , Scotti Marcus T. , Ferreira Marcelo J. P. , Alvarenga Sandra A. V. , Rodrigues Gilberto V. , Emerenciano Vicente P.
Published: March 2019

A chemotaxonomic analysis is described of a database containing various types of compounds from the Heliantheae tribe (Asteraceae) using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM). The numbers of occurrences of 9 chemical classes in different taxa of the tribe were used as variables. The study shows that SOM applied to chemical data can contribute to differentiate genera, subtribes, and groups of subtribes (subtribe branches), as well as to tribal and subtribal classifications of Heliantheae, exhibiting a high hit percentage comparable to that of an expert performance, and in agreement with the previous tribe classification proposed by Stuessy.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Carramboa pittieri (Cuatrec.) Cuatrec. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Rojas Luis B. , Gutiérrez Rebeca , De Rojas Yndra Cordero , Usubillaga Alfredo
Published: March 2019

The essential oil from the leaves of Carramboa pittieri (Cuatrec.) Cuatrec. was isolated by hydrodistillation, yielding 0.1%. The chemical composition was determined by GC-FID and GC-MS. Forty-one components were identified by comparison of their mass spectra with Wiley and NIST Library data. The major constituents of the oil were germacrene-D (28.9%), ent-kaur-16-en-19-al (15.1%), β-selinene (8.2%), β-caryophyllene (6.1%) and α-copaene (5.1%).
21,28-Epoxy-18β,21β-Dihydroxbaccharan-3-one and Other Terpenoids from the Liverwort Lepidozia Chordulifera T. Taylor
Authors: Zapp Hildegard , Orth Kerstin , Zapp Josef , Connolly Joseph D. , Becker Hans
Published: March 2019

A new triterpenoid, 21,28-epoxy-18β,21β-dihydroxybaccharan-3-one (1), with a spiro-hemiketal side-chain, has been isolated from the liverwort Lepidozia chordulifera. The plant also yielded (6S*, 7S*)-3-norhimachal-1-en-3-one (3), an epimer of a known norhimachalane, the rare 3β-hydroxy-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanordammaran-20-one and the triterpenoids shoreic acid, taraxerol, betulinic acid, betulonic acid and ursolic acid. Their structures have been assigned on the basis of their spectroscopic properties.
A New Hyptadienic Acid Derivative from Hyptis Verticillata (Jacq.) with Insecticidal Activity
Authors: Biggs Duanne A. C. , Porter Roy B. R. , Reynolds William F. , Williams Lawrence A. D.
Published: March 2019

A new triterpene, A(1)-1-benzoate-19α-hydroxy-urs-2(3),12(13)-dien-28-oic acid (1), was isolated from Hyptis verticillata, in addition to the known triterpenes tormentic acid, isolated as the diacetate (2), betulinic acid (3), α- and β-amyrin, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1–3 exhibited insecticidal activity against the sweet potato weevil Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers).
Prenylated Benzophenones from Hypericum Hypericoides
Authors: Christian Omar E. , McLean Stewart , Reynolds William F. , Jacobs Helen
Published: March 2019

The roots of Hypericum hypericoides (Clusiaceae) have yielded five prenylated benzophenone derivatives. Three of these are new: 18-hydroxy-7-epi-clusianone, 18-hydroxyclusianone, isolated as the acetate, and 18-hydroxyhyperibone K. The known compounds obtained were 7-epi-clusianone and clusianone.
Botanical Medicines for Oral Health
Authors: Halberstein Robert A.
Published: March 2019

The use of natural medicines for dental care is an ancient cross-cultural practice that persists in the majority of cultures today. Medicinal plants have been employed in dentistry since prehistoric times in different societies for both therapeutic and preventive oral health care. The various applications of phytomedicines for dental health and healing were explored through a survey of 91 medicinal plant shops in Miami, Florida, original research results from the Caribbean, and a review of published cross-cultural evidence. Anecdotal informant reports, case-study field data, clinical research trials, and biochemical laboratory tests all indicate that botanical medicines represent an historically effective and promising complementary approach to dental health maintenance, therapy, and support. Botanical remedies have proven effective in the treatment and management of a variety of oral disorders, partly due to the action of beneficial phytochemicals they contain. Contraindications and potentially negative side effects have also been recorded in the safety profiles for several of the medicinal plants.
General Approach to the Total Synthesis of Macroline-Related Sarpagine and Ajmaline Alkaloids1
Authors: Edwankar Chitra R. , Edwankar Rahul V. , Rallapalli Sundari , Cook James M.
Published: March 2019

Described in this review is a general and efficient strategy for the synthesis of macroline-related sarpagine and ajmaline alkaloids. The tetracyclic ketone in the parent system, as well as the alkoxy substituted series served as templates for the synthesis of these complex molecules. The palladium-mediated enolate cross coupling process, regiospecific hydroboration, and Tollens reaction are some of the key transformations that have been employed for further functionalization of these templates. Synthetic routes that have been improved, in order to obtain gram quantities of these alkaloids form a part of this review.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antiradical Properties of Sarcodon imbricatus (L.:Fr) Karsten
Authors: Marcotullio Maria Carla , Mwankie Gildas Norbert Oball-Mond , Cossignani Lina , Tirillini Bruno , Pagiotti Rita
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of Sarcodon imbricatus (L.:Fr) Karsten (Hydnaceae) was evaluated to assess it as source of nutrients and nutraceuticals. The analyzed mushroom contains ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide. S. imbricatus methanolic extract showed a moderate antiradical activity (measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity). The combination of bioactive compounds and rich nutritional composition (high contents in protein, low content in fat, and its content of unsaturated fatty acids) makes the mushroom a good food.
Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Callistemon Comboynensis and C. Citrinus Leaf Essential Oils from the Northern Plains of India
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Kumar Ajai , Srivastava Kunal , Srivastava Santosh K. , luqman Suaib , Maurya Anupam , Darokar Mahendra P. , Syamsundar Kodakandla V. , Khanuja Suman P. S.
Published: March 2019

Biological and chemical investigations were carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Callistemon comboynensis and C. citrinus leaf oils for herbal medicines. Disk diffusion and micro broth dilution methods were used for the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils against selected strains of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and Sporothrix schenckii). Analysis of the leaf essential oils of C. comboynensis and C. citrinus using GC and GC-MS resulted in the identification of thirty and twenty eight compounds, respectively. 1,8-Cineole (58.5% and 58.0%), α-pinene (22.7% and 24.1%), and (E)-β-terpineol (6.4% and 1.8%), were the major constituents. The isolated essential oils could be of use for the future development of antimicrobial agents.
Optimization and Validation of an HPLC–Method for Quality Control of Pueraria Lobata Root
Authors: Bebrevska Lidiya , Theunis Mart , Vlietinck Arnold , Pieters Luc , Apers Sandra
Published: March 2019

Pueraria lobata Willd. (Fabaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant, known as “Kudzu” and “Ge” in Japanese and Chinese traditional medicine, respectively. P. lobata is a rich source of isoflavones with phytoestrogenic properties, and its commercial use is widespread. In this study the optimization and validation of an HPLC-method for quality control of Pueraria root material is presented. By means of this analytical method the major individual constituents, i.e. the isoflavone 8- C-glycosides hydroxypuerarin, puerarin, methoxypuerarin and xylosylpuerarin, the 7- O-glycosides daidzin and genistin, and the aglycones daidzein and genistein could be quantified. The extraction procedure and the extraction solvent composition were optimized in order to ensure the exhaustive extraction of the plant material. The HPLC - conditions were evaluated and optimized for the exact quantification of all individual compounds. The HPLC analysis was carried out on a Agilent XDB RP C18 (150 × 4.6) column eluted with a binary system consisting of water (+ 0.01% formic acid) and methanol (+ 0.01% formic acid) using a linear gradient; detection was at 262 nm. Daidzin, daidzein, genistin and genistein were used as external standards. Due to the great difference in content between the C-glycosides on the one hand, and daidzin, genistin and the aglycones on the other, two separate HPLC runs were necessary for a complete analysis. The final method was fully validated according to the ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, precision and accuracy. Linear relationships for the responses of all four standards were proven. The method was shown to be repeatable for the individual compounds, i.e. RSD% betweendays values were within 2 to 7.5%. The accuracy of the method was demonstrated to be equal to 100% by recovery experiments. These validation results demonstrated the suitability of the method for the precise and accurate determination of Pueraria root isoflavones.
Pharmacokinetics of Luteolin and Metabolites in Rats
Authors: Sarawek Sasiporn , Derendorf Hartmut , Butterweck Veronika
Published: March 2019

The pharmacokinetic parameters of luteolin and its glucuronide/sulfate conjugates were studied in rats after a single 50 mg/kg dose of luteolin administered as intravenous bolus or oral solution. Plasma and urine samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed to determine conjugate concentrations of luteolin. Noncompartmental analysis revealed a half-life of 8.94 h for free (unconjugated) and 4.98 h for conjugated luteolin following intravenous administration. Following oral administration, plasma concentrations of luteolin attained a maximum level of 5.5 μg/mL at 5 min and decreased to below LOQ (100 ng/mL) after 1 h. Ke could not be calculated because the elimination phase was below LOQ. The low bioavailability (F) of luteolin, 4.10% at a dose of 50 mg/kg, is presumably due to the significant first pass effect. For i.v. administration, the maximum concentration of luteolin was 23.4 μg/mL at 0 h. The plasma concentration versus time profile of luteolin was biphasic, subdivided into a distribution phase and a slow elimination phase for oral and intravenous administration. Luteolin was found to have a large volume of distribution and a high clearance. Double peaks were found after intravenous and oral administration, suggesting enterohepatic recirculation.
Chemical Composition of Thymus Serrulatus Hochst. Ex Benth. Essential Oils from Ethiopia: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Tirillini Bruno , Pellegrino Roberto Maria , Chessa Mario , Pintore Giorgio
Published: March 2019

From the essential oil (EO) obtained from the aerial parts of T. serrulatus collected in Ethiopia, fifty-three compounds were identified by GC/MS, accounting for more than 99% of the total volatile fraction. Thymol and carvacrol were the main compounds, ranging from 10.0 ± 0.9 to 43.8 ± 3.8% and 4.5 ± 0.4 to 39.1 ± 3.8%, respectively, of the total. o-Cymene, γ-terpinene, and linalool were the most representative compounds in all the EOs.
Therapeutic Potential of Kalanchoe Species: Flavonoids and other Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Costa Sônia S. , Muzitano Michelle F. , Camargo Luiza M. M. , Coutinho Marcela A. S.
Published: March 2019

The Kalanchoe genus (syn. Bryophyllum), family Crassulaceae, comprises 125 species, most of them native to Madagascar. The great importance of several of these species for the traditional medicine in several regions of the World, esspecially India, Africa, China and Brazil, stimulated research programs into these plants from both a pharmacological and chemical point of view. The present review focuses on the main results obtained during the last decade on the secondary metabolites isolated from these species – endowed or not with a specific biological profile – with emphasis on flavonoids. The distribution of these molecules in the genus will be summarized and special attention will be given to K. brasiliensis and K. pinnata, two species well-known for healing inflammatory and infectious processes. Ornamental Kalanchoe species are also discussed as a potential source of bioactive compounds. This review covers the period 1970–2008.
Canthin-6-one Alkaloids and a Tirucallanoid from Eurycoma longifolia and Their Cytotoxic Activity against a Human HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Cell Line
Authors: Miyake Katsunori , Tezuka Yasuhiro , Awale Suresh , Li Feng , Kadota Shigetoshi
Published: March 2019

Phytochemical investigation of the stems of Eurycoma longifolia Jack led to the isolation of two new canthin-6-one alkaloids, 4,9-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (1) and 10-hydroxy-11-methoxycanthin-6-one (2), and a new tirucallane-type triterpenoid, 23,24,25-trihydroxytirucall-7-en-3,6-dione (3), along with 37 known compounds. Among these, an oxasqualenoid (4) was isolated as a natural product for the first time. The structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic and mass spectrometric means. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. Among them, 9,10-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (14, IC50 = 5.0 μM), 10-hydroxy-9-methoxycanthin-6-one (15, IC50 = 7.2 μM), dihydroniloticin (18, IC50 = 8.2 μM), and 14-deacetyleurylene (34, IC50 = 3.2 μM) displayed stronger activity than the positive control 5-FU (IC50 = 9.2 μM).
New Antiinflammatory Sterols from the Red Sea Sponges Scalarispongia aqabaensis and Callyspongia siphonella
Authors: Youssef Diaa T. A. , Ibrahim Amany K. , Khalifa Sherief I. , Mesbah Mostafa K. , Mayer Alejandro M. S. , van Soest Rob W. M.
Published: March 2019

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the anti-inflammation fractions of the Red Sea sponges Scalarispongia aqabaensis and Callyspongia siphonella yielded two new sterols from chloroform fractions of methanol extracts, namely scalaristerol (5α,8α-dihydroxycholest-6-en-3β-ol) (1) from Scalarispongia aqabaensis, and callysterol (ergosta-5,11-dien-3β-ol) (2) from Callyspongia siphonella. Structure determination was based on extensive NMR studies and mass spectrometry. The antiinflammatory activity of compounds 1 and 2 was assessed using the rat-hind paw edema method and by study of their effect on the release of O2- and TXB2 from LPS-activated rat neonatal microglia.
Ocimum basilicum L.: Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant-related Activity
Authors: Dorman H.J. Damien , Hiltunen Raimo
Published: March 2019

Ocimum basilicum L. leaf material was extracted by maceration with (80:20:1 v/v/v) methanol: water: acetic acid to produce a crude extract (CE), which was further fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction to isolate light petroleum (PE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (n-BuOH) and H2O-soluble subfractions. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the resulting samples were estimated using colorimetric-based methods, and their iron(III) reductive and free radical scavenging activities were determined in a battery of in vitro assays. The CE and subfractions contained phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The samples, except for PE, gave a positive result for the presence of flavones and flavonols; however, flavanones only appeared to be present in the CE. In iron(III) reduction, CE and n-BuOH were the most potent followed by EtOAc and H2O (statistically indistinguishable, p > 0.05). However, in the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, H2O was the most potent followed by CE and EtOAc (statistically indistinguishable, p > 0.05) and n-BuOH and PE. In 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, all the samples, except PE, were effective against this reactive nitrogen species, with CE, EtOAc and n-BuOH being the most potent (statistically indistinguishable, p > 0.05). In alkylperoxyl scavenging, all the samples, except for PE, were effective against this reactive oxygen species (ROS). In superoxide anion scavenging, all the samples were capable of scavenging this ROS with CE being the most effective, followed by n-BuOH and H2O (statistically indistinguishable, p > 0.05) and EtOAc and PE. Similarly, in hydroxyl scavenging, all the samples were capable of scavenging this ROS with CE and n-BuOH being the most effective (statistically indistinguishable, p > 0.05) followed by EtOAc and H2O (statistically indistinguishable, p > 0.05) and PE.
4′-O-Methylglycosylation of Curcumin by Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Zeng Jia , Yang Nan , Li Xiu-Min , Shami Paul J. , Zhan Jixun
Published: March 2019

The applications of curcumin have been limited by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. In this study, we successfully synthesized a new curcumin derivative, curcumin-8′-O-4″-O-methyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, by biotransformation with the fungal strain Beauveria bassiana ATCC 7159. The structure of this new product was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data. This is the first record of a curcumin glycoside that has been synthesized by a fungus.
The Biotransformation of Aromatic Amino Acids by Phoma macrostoma
Authors: Tyagunova Yevgeniya , Sorensen John L.
Published: March 2019

A search for natural products produced in fermentation cultures of a strain of Phoma macrostoma led to the identification of tyrosol as the major metabolite produced by this organism. The addition of the amino acid tyrosine to growing fermentation cultures of P. macrostoma resulted in an increase in the production of tyrosol. It was subsequently determined that this strain of P. macrostoma was also capable of the biotransformation of other amino acids into similar alcohols.
Solvent–free Microwave Extraction of Essential Oils from Laurus nobilis and Melissa officinalis: Comparison with Conventional Hydro-distillation and Ultrasound Extraction
Authors: Uysal Burcu , Sozmen Fazli , Buyuktas Birsen S.
Published: March 2019

Solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) has been applied to the extraction of essential oils from Melissa officinalis L. and Laurus nobilis L. The results of SFME were compared with those obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (USE) of essential oils from dried plant materials. The compositions of the essential oils were identified by GC–MS. The essential oil obtained with SFME contained substantially higher amounts of oxygenated compounds and lower amounts of monoterpenes than the oils obtained by conventional methods. The three different extraction methods used showed differences in the compositions and contents of the essential oils.
Biological Activities of Bellis perennis Volatiles and Extracts
Authors: Kavalcioğrlu Neslihan , Açık Leyla , Demirci Fatih , Demirci Betül , Demir Hülya , Başer K. Hüsnü Can
Published: March 2019

Different parts of Bellis perennis were subjected to hydrodistillation and the products were subsequently analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Aqueous and methanol extracts were prepared from the aerial parts. Antioxidant [1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, reducing activity, total antioxidant] and antimicrobial activity of the plant materials were studied. The aqueous extracts showed higher DPPH scavenging activity (85.8% at 102.5 μg/mL) than the methanol extract. Reducing power was also observed for both tested extracts, where the formation of linoleic acid peroxides was more for the aqueous extract than the methanol extract. Antimicrobial activities of all plant materials were evaluated at varying concentrations against a panel of pathogens, but without pronounced inhibitory effect.
Antiproliferative Effects of Volatile Oils from Centipeda minima on Human Nasopharyngeal Cancer CNE Cells
Authors: Su Miaoxian , Wu Peng , Li Yaolan , Chung Hau Yin
Published: March 2019

Volatile oils from Centipeda minima extracted by steam distillation (SD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were investigated for their antiproliferative effects on the human nasopharyngeal cancer CNE cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay results showed that CNE cells were more susceptible to the SFE oil than to the SD oil. The IC50 values of the SFE oil were 56.6, 8.7 and 5.2 μg/mL after 24-, 48- and 72-h of treatment, respectively, whereas those of the SD oil were 123.5 μg/mL (24 h), 97.1 μg/mL (48 h) and 83.3 μg/mL (72 h). Mechanistic investigation revealed that SFE oil induced CNE cell death via induction of apoptosis by regulating the expression of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, resulting in the dysfunction of mitochondria, leading to the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which then activated caspase-9, and subsequently cleaved caspases-3 and −7. This study provided strong evidence for the anti-NPC potential of the SFE oil from C. minima.
Essential Oil Biosynthesis and Regulation in the Genus Cymbopogon
Authors: Ganjewala Deepak , Luthra Rajesh
Published: March 2019

Essential oils distilled from Cymbopogon species are of immense commercial value as flavors and fragrances in the perfumery, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents and in pharmaceutical industries. Two major constituents of the essential oil, geraniol and citral, due to their specific rose and lemon like aromas are widely used as flavors, fragrances and cosmetics. Citral is also used for the synthesis of vitamin A and ionones (for example, β-ionone, methyl ionone). Moreover, Cymbopogon essential oils and constituents possess many useful biological activities including cytotoxic, antiinflammatory and antioxidant. Despite the immense commercial and biological significance of the Cymbopogon essential oils, little is known about their biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms. So far it is known that essential oils are biosynthesized via the classical acetate-MVA route and existence of a newly discovered MEP pathway in Cymbopogon remains as a topic for investigation. The aim of the present review is to discuss the biosynthesis and regulation of essential oils in the genus Cymbopogon with given emphasis to two elite members, lemongrass (C. flexuosus Nees ex Steud) and palmarosa (C. martinii Roxb.). This article highlights the work done so far towards understanding of essential oil biosynthesis and regulation in the genus Cymbopogon. Also, based on our experiences with Cymbopogon species, we would like to propose C. flexuosus as a model system for the study of essential oil metabolism beyond the much studied plant family Lamiaceae.
Anti-tuberculosis Compounds from Mallotus philippinensis
Authors: Hong Qi , Minter David E. , Franzblau Scott G. , Arfan Mohammad , Amin Hazrat , Reinecke Manfred G.
Published: March 2019

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the organic extract of Mallotus philippinensis gave five compounds (1-5), the most active of which against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was a new compound, 8-cinnamoyl-5,7-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-6-geranylchromene (1) for which the name mallotophilippen F is suggested. Compound (2), 8-cinnamoyl-2,2-dimethyl-7-hydroxy-5-methoxychromene, was isolated from a natural source for the first time, while the remaining three compounds, rottlerin (3), isoallorottlerin=isorottlerin (4) and the so-called “red compound,” 8-cinnamoyl-5,7-dihydroxy-2,2,6-trimethylchromene (5), had been isolated previously from this plant. All compounds were identified by analysis of their spectra including 2D-NMR, which was used to correct the literature NMR spectral assignments of compounds 2-4. The C-13 NMR of 5 is reported for the first time.
Hexaoxygenated Flavonoids from Pteroxygonum giraldii
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Su Yanfang , Yan Shilun , Wu Zhenhai , Zhang Xiao , Wang Tianqi , Gao Xiumei
Published: March 2019

Two flavonoids with an unusual 2′,4′,5′-trisubstituted B-ring (1 and 2), four myricetin derivatives (3-methylmyricetin-3′-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (3), myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, and 3-methylmyricetin), and myricetin were isolated from the roots of Pteroxygonum giraldii Damm. & Diels. Their structures were elucidated using various spectroscopic methods and acid hydrolysis. Compound 1 was a new flavonoid and the NMR spectroscopic data of compounds 2 and 3 are reported for the first time.
Comparative Study of the Antioxidant Activities of Eleven Salvia Species
Authors: Janicsák Gábor , Zupkó István , Máthé Imre , Hohmann Judit
Published: March 2019

The lipid peroxidation-inhibiting activities of aqueous methanolic extracts of eleven Salvia species (Fam. Lamiaceae) were evaluated in an enzyme-independent biological system. The total polyphenol contents and the amounts of the most abundant phenoloids of the genus, caffeic and rosmarinic acids, were also determined. The EC50 values of the extracts displayed substantial differences. All of the investigated species except S. jurisicii (EC50 191.2 μg/mL) exhibited higher activities than that of ascorbic acid (EC50 123.8 μg/mL), the reference compound. Among the studied species, S. scabiosifolia (EC50 5.4 μg/mL) demonstrated the highest effect, followed in sequence by S. dumetorum, S. transsylvanica, S. officinalis l albiflora, S. nemorosa l albiflora and S. recognita (EC50 6.5 – 10.2 μg/mL). The close correlation was confirmed between the antioxidant activities and the total phenol contents of the extracts. For caffeic and rosmarinic acids, the correlation was much weaker, indicating the important role of other polyphenols in the antioxidant activity.
Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans from Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis Improve Glucose Uptake in vitro
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shi Lei Ling , Zheng Yi Nan
Published: March 2019

Glucose uptake assay-guided fractionations of the methanol extract of Schisandra chinensis led to the isolation of the dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans: gomisin J (1), gomisin N (2), wuweizisu B (3), wuweizisu C (4), gomisin C (5), gomisin D (6), (+)-schisandrin A (7), schisandrin C (8), schisandrol A (9), gomisin H (10), angeloylgomisin H (11), gomisin A (12), and schizandrin (13). Among these, 1, 2, 7, and 8 significantly improved basal glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Their improving effects were concentration-dependent. Compound 2 exhibited a stronger effect than that of rosiglitazone, which has been used as an antidiabetic drug. The results suggest that these lignans may partially contribute to the antidiabetic activity of Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis in traditional use by stimulating the glucose uptake into peripheral tissue, which may be responsible for reducing the level of blood glucose in circulation. Thus, these findings show the potential of these lignans for development as hypoglycemic drugs.
Essential Oil from the Underground Parts of Laserpitium zernyi: Potential Source of α-Bisabolol and its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Popović Višnja , Petrović Silvana , Pavlović Milica , Milenković Marina , Couladis Maria , Tzakou Olga , Duraki Šemija , Niketić Marjan
Published: March 2019

The composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the underground parts (roots and rhizomes) of Laserpitium zernyi Hayek (Apiaceae) were investigated. The pale blue essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation, was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty-three compounds were identified (94.3% of total oil). The main constituent, beside α-pinene (31.6%) was α-bisabolol (30.9%), so this oil may be a novel potential natural source of this sesquiterpene alcohol. The antimicrobial activity was tested using the microdilution method against Gram (+) bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Enterococcus faecalis), Gram (–) bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli), and two strains of yeast (Candida albicans). L. zernyi oil showed significant antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus and M. luteus, but lower activities against the other tested strains.
Foeniculum vulgare Essential Oils: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Miguel Maria Graça , Cruz Cláudia , Faleiro Leonor , Simões Mariana T. F. , Figueiredo Ana Cristina , Barroso José G. , Pedro Luis G.
Published: March 2019

The essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare commercial aerial parts and fruits were isolated by hydrodistillation, with different distillation times (30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h), and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The antioxidant ability was estimated using four distinct methods. Antibacterial activity was determined by the agar diffusion method. Remarkable differences, and worrying from the quality and safety point of view, were detected in the essential oils. trans-Anethole (31-36%), α-pinene (14-20%) and limonene (11-13%) were the main components of the essentials oil isolated from F. vulgare dried aerial parts, whereas methyl chavicol (= estragole) (79-88%) was dominant in the fruit oils. With the DPPH method the plant oils showed better antioxidant activity than the fruits oils. With the TBARS method and at higher concentrations, fennel essential oils showed a pro-oxidant activity. None of the oils showed a hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity >50%, but they showed an ability to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase. The essential oils showed a very low antimicrobial activity. In general, the essential oils isolated during 2 h were as effective, from the biological activity point of view, as those isolated during 3 h.
Composition and Anti-Wood-Decay Fungal Activities of the Leaf Essential oil of Machilus philippinensis from Taiwan
Authors: Ho Chen-Lung , Hsu Kuang-Ping , Wang Eugene I-Chen , Lin Chai-Yi , Su Yu-Chang
Published: March 2019

The hydrodistilled leaf essential oil of Machilus philippinensis was analyzed to determine its composition and yield. Seventy compounds were identified, the main ones being β-caryophyllene (13.6%), α-pinene (12.0%), α-cadinol (7.4%), cis-ocimene (7.0%), spathulenol (5.6%), (E)-nerolidol (5.3%), tau-cadinol (4.8%) and β-pinene (4.5%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons (36.1%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (33.0%) were the predominant groups of compounds. The leaf oil exhibited excellent anti-wood-decay fungal activities.
New 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromone Derivatives from the Seeds of Cucumis melo L var. reticulatus
Authors: Ibrahim Sabrin R. M.
Published: March 2019

Chemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the seeds of Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus (Cucurbitaceae) afforded three new chromone derivatives; 5,7-dihydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone 3, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone 4, and 7-glucosyloxy-5-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone 6, together with three known compounds; β-amyrin 1, β-sitosterol 2, and β-sitosterol-3- O-β-glucopyranoside 5. Their structures were established by UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, in addition to mass spectroscopic data and comparison with literature data. The n-hexane and methanolic extracts were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, as well as cytotoxic activity using the brine shrimp bioassay.
A New Lignan Dimer from Mallotus philippensis
Authors: Mai Nguyen Thi , Cuong Nguyen Xuan , Thao Nguyen Phuong , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Khoi Nguyen Huu , Van Minh Chau , Heyden Yvan Vander , Thuan Ngo Thi , Van Tuyen Nguyen , Quetin-Leclercq Joëlle , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2019

A new lignan dimer, bilariciresinol (1), was isolated from the leaves of Mallotus philippensis, along with platanoside (2), isovitexin (3), dihydromyricetin (4), bergenin (5), 4 -O-galloylbergenin (6), and pachysandiol A (7). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic experiments including 1D and 2D NMR and FTICR-MS.
Antioxidants from Tropical Herbs
Authors: Razab Rasyidah , Aziz Azlina Abdul
Published: March 2019

Plants that contain high amounts of polyphenolic compounds are potential candidates for natural antioxidant sources. Studies are on going in the search for new sources of antioxidants. Not much data are available on the antioxidant capacity of tropical herbs. With this in mind, 19 commonly consumed Malaysian herbs were analyzed for their polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities. A majority of these plants have never been studied before with regards to their polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities. The shoots of Anacardium occidentale, the shoots and fruits of Barringtonia racemosa, Pithecellobium jiringa and Parkia speciosa had high polyphenolic contents (> 150 μg gallic acid equivalents/mg dried plant) and antioxidant activities when measured using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (>1.2 mM) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays (>2.4 mM). A strong correlation was observed between the two antioxidant assays (FRAP vs TEAC) implying that the plants could both scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidants. There was also a strong correlation between the antioxidant activities and polyphenolic content suggesting the observed antioxidant activities were contributed mainly by the polyphenolics in the plants.
Seasonal Variation in the Leaf Essential Oil Composition of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis growing in Huntsville, Alabama
Authors: Eiter Lauren C. , Fadamiro Henry , Setzer William N.
Published: March 2019

The seasonal variation in the chemical composition of the leaf essential oil of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis has been analyzed by GC-MS. Three individual trees were sampled four times during the course of the 2004 growing season. Notable differences were recorded in the essential oil yields from the three trees on the four collection dates; yields were highest in May and lowest in July The leaf essential oils were made up of 25 components, largely menthane monoterpenoids, dominated by limonene (44-73%) and 1,8-cineole (16-43%), with lesser amounts of α-thujene, linalool, γ-terpinene, and α-terpineol. The ratio of oxygenated monoterpenoids to monoterpene hydrocarbons generally increased during the season, largely reflected in the 1,8-cineole/limonene ratio.
Essential Oil Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Antifungal Activity of Piper divaricatum
Authors: da Silva Joyce Kelly R. , Andrade Eloísa Helena A. , Guimarães Elsie F. , Maia José Guilherme S.
Published: March 2019

The major components of the essential oil of Piper divaricatum from Marajó Island, PA, Brazil, were methyleugenol (63.8%) and eugenol (23.6%), which were identified by GC and GC-MS. Essential oils of Piper species from the Brazilian Amazon are rich in either mono- and sesquiterpenes or phenylpropanoids, as seen in this study. The oil was able to scavenging the DPPH radical, displaying an inhibition varying from 19% to 74%, with an EC50 value of 16.2 ± 1.9 μg mL−1. In the bleaching of β-carotene, the inhibition of the oil oxidation was 60.0 ± 2.7%. The oil gave minimum inhibitory concentrations for the fungi Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. sphareospermum of 0.5 μg and 5.0 μg, respectively. The oil also showed significant brine shrimp larvicidal activity (LC50, 38.8 ± 0.8 μg mL−1).
Novel Bisabolane Sesquiterpenes from the Marine-derived Fungus Verticillium tenerum
Authors: Almeida Celso , Elsaedi Somaia , Kehraus Stefan , König Gabriele M.
Published: March 2019

Chemical investigations of the marine-derived fungus Verticillium tenerum yielded two new hydroxylated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes verticinol A (1) and B (2). The planar structures of the new compounds were elucidated by employing spectroscopic (NMR, UV, and IR) and mass spectrometric techniques. The absolute configuration of the cyclohexenyl moiety was deduced by a combination of CD spectroscopy and NOESY measurements.
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Inula oculus-christi
Authors: Mosaddegh Mahmoud , Moghadam Maryam Hamzeloo , Ghafari Saeedeh , Naghibi Farzaneh , Ostad Seyed Nasser , Read Roger W.
Published: March 2019

Inula oculus-christi L. (Compositae) extract was chromatographed and three sesquiterpene lactones ergolide, gaillardin and pulchellin C were isolated. The structures of these compounds were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data, and their crystal structures were defined using X-ray crystallography; the isolation of ergolide and pulchellin C is reported for the first time from this species. These three compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against MDBK, MCF7 and WEHI164 cells; ergolide and gaillardin exhibited lower and significantly different IC50 values compared with pulchellin C ( p<0.001).
Stemphol Galactoside, a New Stemphol Derivative Isolated from the Tropical Endophytic Fungus Gaeumannomyces amomi
Authors: Jumpathong Juangjun , Abdalla Muna Ali , Lumyong Saisamorn , Laatsch Hartmut
Published: March 2019

A new stemphol derivative, stemphol 1- O-β-D-galactopyranoside (1b), together with three known metabolites, stemphol (1a), indole-3-carboxylic acid, and kojic acid, has been isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of cultures of Gaeumannomyces amomi BCC4066, an endophytic fungus found on healthy parts of ginger ( Alpinia malaccensis; Thai name Kha-pa). The structure of 1b was established via spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR measurements and GC/MS experiments.
Betaine Yields from Marine Algal Species Utilized in the Preparation of Seaweed Extracts Used in Agriculture
Authors: Blunden Gerald , Morse Peter F. , Mathe Imre , Hohmann Judit , Critchley Alan T. , Morrell Stephen
Published: March 2019

Ascophyllum nodosum, and to a lesser extent, Laminaria digitata, L. hyperborea and Fucus serratus, are marine algal species utilized in the commercial production of seaweed extracts used in agriculture. Betaines have been shown to be important constituents of these extracts, but there appears to have been no study made on whether there are variations in the betaine contents of these species based on either the place or date of collection. Samples of each of the four species were collected from widely separated areas at different times of the year. Also, in the case of A. nodosum, approximately monthly collections were made from one location. The betaines detected in the various collections of the same species showed little variation, although in the case of A. nodosum, glycinebetaine was found as a minor constituent in some samples, but was not detected in others. Trigonelline was found in all the tested samples of the two Laminaria species; this is, to our knowledge, the first record of this betaine in marine algae. With the exception of trigonelline in the Laminaria species, the betaine yields from the various samples of L. digitata, L. hyperborea and F. serratus showed little variation, regardless of either the place or date of collection. The trigonelline contents of the Laminaria species collected at one location (Finavarra, Ireland), in particular of L. hyperborea, was substantially greater than those from the other places of collection. In the case of A. nodosum, the betaine yields from samples collected at one site (Dale, Pembrokeshire, UK) were significantly higher than those from the other places of collection, which were very similar to each other. There was no clear indication of seasonal variation in betaine yields from A. nodosum.
Compositions and in vitro Anticancer activities of the Leaf and Fruit Oils of Litsea cubeba from Taiwan
Authors: Ho Chen-Lung , Jie-Ping Ou , Liu Yao-Chi , Hung Chien-Ping , Tsai Ming-Chih , Liao Pei-Chun , Wang Eugene I-Chen , Chen Yi-Lin , Su Yu-Chang
Published: March 2019

The leaf and fruit essential oils of Litsea cubeba, extracted by hydrodistillation, were assessed for anticancer activities. A total of 53 and 50 compounds were identified, respectively from the leaf and fruit oils, and their yields were 13.9 ± 0.09% and 4.0 ± 0.03%, v/w, of the oven-dried materials, respectively. The main compound in the leaf oil was 1,8-cineol, and in the fruit oil, citral. The fruit oil, but not that of the leaf, exhibited cytotoxic activity against human lung, liver and oral cancer cells.