bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Mg2+- ATPase Activity in the Hypoglycemic Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Tsakiris Stylianos , Koromilas Christos , Schulpis Kleopatra H.
Published: February 2015

The effects of different a-D-Glucose (Glu) concentrations (0 -16 mᴍ) on Na+, K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities were investigated in homogenates of adult male rat whole brain at 37 °C. The enzyme activities were determined after 1h preincubation with Glu. Brain Na+, K+-ATPase was not affected by Glu different concentrations. On the contrary, Mg2+-ATPase activity was considerably reduced with Glu concentrations lower than 4 mᴍ. The enzyme was inhibited 40%, 50% or 80% with 3, 2 or 1 mᴍ of Glu, respectively. The above results suggest: a) The various concentrations of Glu have no effect on brain Na+, K+-ATPase activity, b) The inhibited brain Mg2+-ATPase in hypoglycemia produces low intracellular Mg2+, which could modulate the activity of Mg2+ -dependent enzymes and the rates of protein syn­thesis and growth of the cell.
Flavonoids from Achillea nobilis L.
Authors: Krenn Liselotte , Miron Anca , Pemp Enne , Petr Ursula , Kopp Brigitte
Published: February 2015

The detailed investigation of a methanolic extract of aerial parts of Achillea nobilis resulted in the isolation of 10 flavonoids. A new C-glycosylflavone, luteolin-6-C-apiofuranosyl-(1‴→2″)-glucoside, was isolated besides orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isoschaftoside, luteolin- 7-O-β-glucuronide, luteolin-4′-O-β-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-methyl ether and two rare flavonolglycosides, quercetin-3-O-α-arabinosyl-(1‴→6″ )-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-methylether-7-O-β-glucoside. The structures were established either by comparison with authentic substances or by UV, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods including 2ᴅ-NMR techniques and ESI-MS
Cytotoxic Hydroazulene Diterpenes from the Brown Alga Dictyota dichotoma
Authors: Gedara Sahar R. , Abdel-Halim Osama B. , El-Sharkawy Saleh H. , Salama Osama M. , Shier Thomas W. , Halim Ahmed F.
Published: February 2015

Two new hydroazulenoid (prenyl guaiane) diterpenes, dictyone acetate (2) and 3,4-epoxy 13-hydroxy pachydictyol A (4) were isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of the alcoholic extract of the brown alga, Dictyota dichotoma (Hudson) Lamouroux, which was collected from the Red Sea coasts at Hurgada, Egypt, together with three known ones, pachydictyol A (1), dictyone (3) and 11-hydroxypachydictyol A (dictyol E) (5). In addition, the steroidal compound, stigmasta-5,(E)-24(28)-dien-3-β-ol (fucosterol) (6) was also isolated. The structures of the isolated compounds have been determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidences as well as physical and chemical correlation with known compounds. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 showed moderate cytotoxic activity
Cytotoxic Hydroazulene Diterpenes from the Brown Alga Cystoseira myrica
Authors: Ayyad Seif-Eldin N. , Abdel-Halim Osama B. , Shier W. Thomas , Hoye Thomas R.
Published: February 2015

Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of the alcohol extract of the brown alga, Cystoseira myrica, afforded four new cytotoxic hydroazulene diterpenes, dictyone acetate (2), dictyol F monoacetate (4), isodictytriol monoacetate (6), and cystoseirol monoacetate (8), together with two known cytotoxic hydroazulene diterpenes, pachydictyol A (1) and dictyone (3). The constitution of each isolated compound has been determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence
Chemical Constituents from the Infusion of Zollernia ilicifolia Vog. and Comparison with Maytenus Species
Authors: Gomes Coelho Roberta , Di Stasi Luiz Claudio , Vilegas Wagner
Published: February 2015

The new flavonoid glycoside kaempferol-3-O-α→ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl(1→

2)-O-[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl( 1→6)]-O-β-ᴅ-galactopyranoside-7-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranoside was isolated together with (S)-zierin from the leaves of Zollernia ilicifolia (Fabaceae), a medicinal plant used as analgesic and antiulcerogenic effects in Brazilian Tropical Atlantic Rain Forest. The structures were established on the basis of 1H, 13C NMR and 2D NMR (COSY, HMBC, HMQC), UV, MS and IV spectra. The infusion of Zollernia ilicifolia was qualitatively compared to the infusion of the espinheiras-santas (Maytenus aquifolium and Maytenus ilicifolia) by HPLCDAD
The Mis-identification of the Major Antioxidant Flavonoids in Young Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Leaves
Authors: Markham Kenneth R. , Mitchell Kevin A.
Published: February 2015

Several papers have appeared in the literature since 1992 which refer to a major “isoflavonoid” antioxidant in young green barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare) as 2″-O-glucosylisovitexin. In the present paper the original NMR data supporting this structural assignment are examined and found to have been misinterpreted. HPLC and NMR data are used to prove that the major flavonoid antioxidants in young green barley leaves are in fact the flavone-C-glycosides, saponarin and lutonarin
Antifungal Activity of Biflavones from Taxus baccata and Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Krauze-Baranowska Mirosława , Wiwart Marian
Published: February 2015

Bilobetin and 4‴-O-methylamentoflavone were isolated and identified in the needles of Taxus baccata, for the first time in this species. The antifungal activity of biflavones from T. baccata and Ginkgo biloba, namely amentoflavone, 7-O-methylamentoflavone, bilobetin, ginkgetin, sciadopitysin and 2,3-dihydrosciadopitysin towards the fungi Alternaria alternata, Fusarium culmorum, Cladosporium oxysporum was determined employing computer-aided image analysis couplet to a microscope. Bilobetin exhibited a significant antifungal activity with values of ED50 14, 11 and 17 μm respectively. This compound completely inhibited the growth of germinating tubes of Cladosporium oxysporum and Fusarium culmorum at a concentration 100 μm. Activity of ginkgetin and 7-O-methylamentoflavone towards Alternaria alternata was stronger than that of bilobetin. Moreover, slight structural changes in the cell wall of Alternaria alternata exposed to ginkgetin at concentration of 200 μm were observed
Attenuation of Blood Parameters in Smokers and Non-Smokers after Intake of a Complex Food Additive
Authors: Hippeli Susanne , Dornisch Kerstin , Brink Martina , Lorenz Rudolf , Jeschke Dieter , Elstner Erich F.
Published: February 2015

This report describes an intervention study with healthy volunteers (20 smokers, 28 nonsmokers) taking a food additive mainly containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (α- tocopherol), ubiquinone (Q10), vitamin A and zinkoxide for four weeks in a double blind, randomized and placebo controlled manner. Before and after the intervention blood was withdrawn and general blood parameters were analyzed. In addition, lipid soluble antioxidants were analyzed in blood plasma by HPLC and the water soluble antioxidative properties were testet with the enzymic xanthin/xanthinoxidase-reaction. In summary the results show that the smoker-verum group exhibit a significant down regulation of the leukocyte counts. The test for antioxidants show the following significant differences after intervention: Smokers exhibit an increase of both vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 and an attenuation of their (before intervention) clearly increased water soluble - antioxidative potential, nonsmokers showed only an increase of vitamin E and trends of an increase of Q10 and water soluble-antioxidative potential. These results may contribute to the discussion of the intrinsic deficiency brought about by smoking and the possible attenuation of part of these deficiency by increasing the intake of certain vitamins or food additives
First Evidence for the Presence of Weddellite Crystallites in Opuntia ficus indica Parenchyma
Authors: Malainine Mohamed E. , Dufresne Alain , Dupeyre Danielle , Vignon Michel R. , Mahrouz Mostafa
Published: February 2015

Calcium oxalate crystallites occur very often in the plants tissues and their role is still poorly known. We report here the experimental protocol leading to the isolation of two forms of calcium oxalate crystallites differing in their hydration level in the parenchymal tissues of Opuntia ficus indica (Miller). Whereas the whewellite crystallites are habitual in all Opuntia species, the weddellite form has never been isolated from these species before, which is probably due to their small size (about 1 μm). We have identified these forms using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
Silphiperfolane Sesquiterpene Acids from Artemisia chamaemelifolia Vill.
Authors: Trendafilova-Savkova Antoaneta B. , Todorova Milka N. , Gussev Chavdar V.
Published: February 2015

The aerial parts of Artemisia chamaemelifolia Vill. afforded, in addition to five known sesquiterpene acids, a new 5-epi-cantabrenolic acid (6).
Clastogenic Effect of Carthamus lanatus L. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Topashka-Ancheva Margarita , Taskova Rilka , Handjieva Nedjalka , Mikhova Bozhanka , Duddeck Helmut
Published: February 2015

The clastogenic effect of total dichloromethane, methanol and water extracts, four bioactive fractions and three individual constituents from Carthamus lanatus aerial parts were evaluated in mice by bone marrow chromosome aberration assay with mitomycin C as positive control. Significant differences in the percentage of aberrant mitosis of the extracts were observed. The dichloromethane extract exhibited a considerable clastogenic effect and the water extract a negligible one. Different types of chromosome aberrations and time-dependant effects for the active fractions and individual compounds were found.
Influence of Polyphenols on Bacterial Biofilm Formation and Quorum-sensing
Authors: Huber Birgit , Eberl Leo , Feucht Walter , Polster Jürgen
Published: February 2015

Many bacteria utilize sophisticated regulatory systems to ensure that some functions are only expressed when a particular population density has been reached. The term ‘quorumsensing’ has been coined to describe this form of density-dependent gene regulation which relies on the production and perception of small signal molecules by bacterial cells. As in many pathogenic bacteria the production of virulence factors is quorum-sensing regulated, it has been suggested that this form of gene regulation allows the bacteria to remain invisible to the defence systems of the host until the population is sufficiently large to successfully establish the infection. Here we present first evidence that polyphenolic compounds can interfere with bacterial quorum-sensing. Since polyphenols are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, they may be important for promoting plant fitness.
rDNA Methylation in Hypericum perforatum Diploids and Tetraploids
Authors: Halušková Jana , Liu Benye , Beerhues Ludger
Published: February 2015

The effect of the gene dosage on the expression of rRNAs was studied in Hypericum perforatum. The methylation levels of rDNA were analysed using the isoschizomers MspI and HpaII and eleven additional methylation-sensitive enzymes. No differences in rDNA methylation were observed between diploids and tetraploids at an early ontogenetic stage.
Ionone, Iridoid and Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Ajuga salicifolia
Authors: Akbay Pınar , Çalιş İhsan , Heilmann Jörg , Sticher Otto
Published: February 2015

From the aerial parts of Ajuga salicifolia (L.) Schreber, a new ionone glycoside (3β-hydroxy- 7,8-dihydro-4-oxo-β-ionol-9-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside) was isolated, along with the known compounds, corchoionoside C, 8-O-acetylmioporoside, ajugol, harpagide, 8-O-acetylharpagide, lavandulifolioside and leonosides A and B. This is the first report of the occurrence of ionone glycosides and 8-O-acetylmioporoside in Ajuga species. Ajugol, lavandulifolioside, leonoside A and B were isolated for the first time from Ajuga salicifolia. The structures were elucidated by means of 1D-, 2D-NMR spectroscopy, and HR-MALDI mass spectrometry.
Iridoids from Globularia dumulosa
Authors: Kirmizibekmez Hasan , Akbay Pinar , Sticher Otto , Çalış İhsan
Published: February 2015

Two new iridoids, 10-O-benzoylglobularigenin (1) and dumuloside (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Globularia dumulosa together with seven known iridoid glucosides, davisioside (3), aucubin (4), melampyroside (5), catalpol (6), 10-O-benzoylcatalpol (7), alpinoside (8) and deacetylalpinoside (9). Three phenylethanoid glycosides, verbascoside, decaffeoylverbascoside, leucosceptoside A and three flavone glucosides, pectolinarigenin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside, nepetin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside, demethoxycentaureidin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside were also isolated and characterized. The structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was performed by spectroscopic (UV, IR, HR-MALDIMS, 1D- and 2D NMR) methods.
Pharmacological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Adiantum cuneatum Growing in Brazil
Authors: Bresciani Louisiane F. V. , Priebe Jacks P. , Yunes Rosendo Augusto , Dal Magro Jacir , Delle Monache Franco , de Campos Fátima , de Souza Márcia Maria , Cechinel-Filho Valdir
Published: February 2015

This work describes the phytochemical analysis and analgesic activity of a non polar fraction obtained from Adiantum cuneatum grown in Brazil. The results showed that the hexane fraction as well as two pure compounds, identified as filicene (1) and filicenal (2), given intraperitoneally, exhibited potent analgesic activity when evaluated in two models of pain in mice, writhing test and formalin-induced pain. Compound 1 presented a calculated ID50 value of 19.5 μmol/kg body weight, when evaluated in writhing test, being about 7-fold more active than some reference drugs, like as acetyl salicylic acid and acetaminophen. It also inhibited both phases (neurogenic and inflammatory) of the formalin test at 10 mg/kg (24 μmol/kg). The chemical composition of the plant grown in Brazil is similar to that grown in other countries. The results confirm and justify the popular use of this plant for the treatment of dolorous processes.
The Bioactive Essential Oil of Heracleum sphondylium L. subsp. ternatum (Velen.) Brummitt
Authors: İşcan Gökalp , Demirci Fatih , Kürkçüoǧlu Mine , Kıvanç Merih , Can Başer K. Hüsnü
Published: February 2015

The essential oil of Heracleum sphondylium L. subsp. ternatum (Velen.) Brummit (Umbelliferae) was isolated from crushed seeds by means of hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Major components were identified as 1-octanol (50.3%), octyl butyrate (24.6%), and octyl acetate (7.3%). Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated using microdilution broth and agar diffusion methods. The bioactive constituent of the essential oil was determined as 1-octanol by using a bioautography assay.
C6-Aldehyde Formation by Fatty Acid Hydroperoxide Lyase in the Brown Alga Laminaria angustata
Authors: Boonprab Kangsadan , Matsuia Kenji , Yoshida Miyuki , Akakabe Yoshihiko , Chirapart Anong , Kajiwara Tadahiko
Published: February 2015

Some marine algae can form volatile aldehydes such as n-hexanal, hexenals, and nonenals. In higher plants it is well established that these short-chain aldehydes are formed from C18 fatty acids via actions of lipoxygenase and fatty acid hydroperoxide lyase, however, the biosynthetic pathway in marine algae has not been fully established yet. A brown alga, Laminaria angustata, forms relatively higher amounts of C6- and C9-aldehydes. When linoleic acid was added to a homogenate prepared from the fronds of this algae, formation of n-hexanal was observed. When glutathione peroxidase was added to the reaction mixture concomitant with glutathione, the formation of n-hexanal from linoleic acid was inhibited, and oxygenated fatty acids accumulated. By chemical analyses one of the major oxygenated fatty acids was shown to be (S)-13-hydroxy-(Z, E)-9, 11-octadecadienoic acid. Therefore, it is assumed that n-hexanal is formed from linoleic acid via a sequential action of lipoxygenase and fatty acid hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), by an almost similar pathway as the counterpart found in higher plants. HPL partially purified from the fronds has a rather strict substrate specificity, and only 13-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid, and 15-hydroperoxide of arachidonic acid are the essentially suitable substrates for the enzyme. By surveying various species of marine algae including Phaeophyta, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta it was shown that almost all the marine algae have HPL activity. Thus, a wide distribution of the enzyme is expected.
Chemistry and Immunomodulatory Activity of Frankincense Oil
Authors: Mikhaeil Botros R. , Maatooq Galal T. , Badria Farid A. , Amer Mohamed M. A.
Published: February 2015

The yield of steam distillation of frankincense essential oil (3%); and its physicochemical constants were determined. Capillary GC/MS technique was used for the analysis of the oil. Several oil components were identified based upon comparison of their mass spectral data with those of reference compounds published in literature or stored in a computer library. The oil was found to contain monoterpenes (13.1%), sesquiterpenes (1%), and diterpenes (42.5%). The major components of the oil were duva-3,9,13-trien-1,5α-diol-1-acetate (21.4%), octyl acetate (13.4%), o-methyl anisole (7.6%), naphthalene decahydro-1,1,4a-trimethyl- 6-methylene-5-(3-methyl-2-pentenyl) (5.7%), thunbergol (4.1%), phenanthrene-7- ethenyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,10,10a-dodecahydro-1,1,4a,7-tetramethyl (4.1%), α-pinene (3.1%), sclarene (2.9%), 9-cis-retinal (2.8%), octyl formate (1.4%), verticiol (1.2%) decyl acetate (1.2%), n-octanol (1.1%). The chemical profile of the oil is considered as a chemotaxonomical marker that confirmed the botanical and geographical source of the resin. Biologically, the oil exhibited a strong immunostimulant activity (90% lymphocyte transformation) when assessed by a lymphocyte proliferation assay.
Acid Phosphatase Distribution and Localization in the Fungus Humicola lutea
Authors: Aleksieva Penka , Spasova Dimitrina , Radoevska Spasimira
Published: February 2015

Acid phosphatase activities in a culture liquid and mycelial extract were studied in submerged cultures of the filamentous fungus Humicola lutea 120-5 in casein-containing media with and without inorganic phosphate (Pi). The Pi-repressible influence on the phosphatase formation was demonstrated. Significant changes in the distribution of acid phosphatase between the mycelial extract and culture liquid were observed at the transition of the strain from exponential to stationary phase. Some differences in the cytochemical localization of phosphatase in dependence of Pi in the media and the role of the enzyme in the release of available phosphorus from the phosphoprotein casein for fungal growth were discussed.
Mitomycin C-Activity Effected by Vitamins B1, C, E and β-Carotene under Irradiation with γ-Rays
Authors: Heinrich Edith , Getoff Nikola
Published: February 2015

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) can essentially effect the activity of mitomycin C (MMC), added individually or in combination with antioxidant vitamins (C, E-acetate, β-carotene) as found in experiments in vitro (Escherichia coli bacteria, AB 1157) under irradiation with γ-rays. The environment plays a crucial role. In airfree media vitamin B1 leads to a 2-fold increase of the MMC-efficiency, but adding vitamin C it decreases. In the presence of all vitamins (B1, C, E-ac., and β-carotene) the MMC-action increases about 1.8-fold. In aerated media vitamin B1 causes an about 4-times increase of the MMC-efficiency, but by adding vitamin B1 and C the MMC-activity decreases by a factor of two, whereas in the presence of B1, C, E-ac., and β-carotene it rises again to 2.6-fold. In environment saturated with N2O (conversion of e-
aq into OH radicals) a different picture is observed. The presence of vitamin B1 or vitamin B1 + C causes a strong decrease of the MMC-efficiency, but the addition of all vitamins (B1, C, E-ac., and β-car.) leads to a small increase of the cytostatic action. The results demonstrate the influence of vitamin B1 used individually or in combination with other antioxidants on the MMC-efficiency and the strong effect of the environment. The results are of interest for the application of MMC in radiotherapy.
Determination of Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acids
Authors: Youhnovski Nikolay , Schulz Daria , Schwarz Caroline , Spiteller Gerhard , Schubert Klaus
Published: February 2015

Oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases and aging. The main oxidation products of LDL are stereoisomeric 9-hydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acids (9-HODEs) and 13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acids (13-HODEs). Nevertheless the content of HODEs in natural oxidized LDL is low compared to other components, thus determination of HODEs requires a sample enrichment in most cases. Big losses are encountered during the necessary processing due to the instability of HODEs against acidic conditions. Therefore the use of labeled standards is required. Standards with an 18O label in the carboxylic group used previously may partly suffer a loss of the label by exchange with water. In this paper we describe an improved work-up procedure and the preparation of standards labeled with 18O in the hydroxylic group which is not exchangeable.
Effect of CDP-choline on Hippocampal Acetylcholinesterase and Na+,K+-ATPase in Adult and Aged Rats
Authors: Plataras Christos , Angelogianni Panagoula , Tsakiris Stylianos
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) concentrations (0.1-1 mm) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na+,K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities in homogenates of adult and aged rat hippocampi. Tissues were homogenised, centrifuged at 1000 × g for 10 min and in the supernatant, AChE activity and Na+,K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities were determined according to Ellman’s method and Bowler’s and Tirri’s method, respectively. After an 1-3 h preincubation of the homogenised tissue with CDP-choline, a maximal AChE stimulation of about 25% for both adult and aged rats (p < 0.001) and a Na+,K+-ATPase activation of about 50% for adult rats (p < 0.001) and about 60% for aged rats (p < 0.001) were observed, while hippocampal Mg2+- ATPase activity was not influenced in either adult or aged animals. It is suggested that: CDP-choline can restore hippocampal AChE and Na+,K+-ATPase activities in the aged rat and thus it may play a role in improving memory performance which is impaired by aging and some neuronal disturbances.
Sterols and Triterpenes in Cell Culture of Hyssopus officinalis L.
Authors: Skrzypek Zuzanna , Wysokińska Halina
Published: February 2015

Cell suspension cultures from hypocotyl-derived callus of Hyssopus officinalis were found to produce two sterols i. e. β-sitosterol (1) and stigmasterol (2), as well as several known pentacyclic triterpenes with an oleanene and ursene skeleton. The triterpenes were identified as oleanolic acid (3), ursolic acid (4), 2α, 3β-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (5), 2α, 3β- dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (6), 2α, 3β, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7), and 2α,3β, 24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (8). Compounds 5-8 were isolated as their acetates (6, 8) or bromolactone acetates(5, 7)
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Two Chinese Endemic Meconopsis Species
Authors: Yuan Changchun , Nan Peng , Shi Suhua , Zhong Yang
Published: February 2015

The essential oils from two Chinese endemic Meconopsis species, i. e., M. punicea and M. delavayi, were analyzed by using GC-MS for the first time. The major constituents were hexadecanoic acid (16.8%), 1,2-dimethyl naphthalene (11.4%), 1,4-dimethyl naphthalene (6.6%), 1,3-dimethyl-5-ethyl naphthalene (5.9%), and 3-methyl biphenyl (5.6%) for M. punicea, and hexadecanoic acid (9.9%), 1,2-dimethyl naphthalene (7.9%), 1,3-dimethyl-5-ethyl naphthalene (6.2%), tetradecane (5.9%), and hexyl cinnamaldehyde (5.5%) for M. delavayi.
Essential Oil of One of the Iranian Skullcaps
Authors: Ghannadi Alireza , Mehregan Iraj
Published: February 2015

The hydro-distilled essential oil from dried aerial parts of one of widespread Iranian skullcaps, Scutellaria pinnatifida A. Hamilt. ssp. alpina (Bornm.) Rech. grown in Khorassan province was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty components were characterized representing 93.8% of the total components detected. The major components of the oil were germacrene- D (39.7%) and beta-caryophyllene (15.0%).
Iridoid and Bisiridoid Glycosides from Globularia cordifolia
Authors: Kirmizibekmez Hasan , Çaliş Ihsan , Akbay Pinar , Sticher Otto
Published: February 2015

From the methanolic extract of the underground parts of Globularia cordifolia, a new iridoid glycoside, 5-hydroxydavisioside (1) and a new bisiridoid glycoside, globuloside C (2) were isolated along with six known iridoid glycosides, aucubin, melampyroside, monomelittoside, globularifolin, alpinoside and asperuloside. The structures of the isolates were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy in combination with IR, UV and MS analyses.
GC-MS Analysis of Compounds Extracted from Buds of Populus balsamifera and Populus nigra
Authors: Isidorov Valery A. , Vinogorova Vera T.
Published: February 2015

The composition of hexane and ether extracts from buds of two poplar species (Populus balsamifera and P. nigra) was investigated by GC-MS method. In hexane extracts, 54 “neutral” compounds were recorded. The greatest amounts of them are sesquiterpenes and nalkanes. Among 56 components of ether extracts, many aliphatic acids and hydroxyacids were detected. However, the main fraction consists of phenolcarboxylic acids, substituted cinnamic acids, and their esters. It was established that chemotaxonomic differences between Populus balsamifera and P. nigra are observed in the case of both hexane and ether bud extracts.
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of Lipophylic N- and O-Acyl Derivatives of β-Hydroxy ᴅʟ-α-Amino Acids
Authors: Dirvianskytė Nijole , Straukas Juozapas , Razumas Valdemaras , Butkus Eugenius
Published: February 2015

Synthesis of N- and O-acyl derivatives of ᴅʟ-serine and threo-ᴅʟ-phenylserine was accomplished by a regioselective acylation of the corresponding amino acid. The residues introduced into amino acid structure contain hydrophobic long chain or aromatic, namely lauroyl, myristoyl and phenylacetyl moieties. The fungicidal activity against six strains of fungi was studied. Several compounds were found to be effective against growth of fungi, and Omyristoyl- ᴅʟ-serine 2 and N-phenylacetyl-threo-ᴅʟ-phenylserine 8 completely inhibited the growth of the mycelium of the fungus Verticillium dahliae.
Comparison of Carotenoid Content, Gene Expression and Enzyme Levels in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Leaves
Authors: Simkin Andrew J. , Labouré Anne-Marie , Kuntz Marcel , Sandmann Gerhard
Published: February 2015

Physiological conditions which lead to changes in total carotenoid content in tomato plantlets were identified. Carotenoid levels were found to increase after the onset of a dark period during a normal 24h cycle. This rapid initial increase is followed by a steady decrease in carotenoid content throughout the night. A decrease in the expression of several carotenogenic genes, namely pds, zds (carotenoid desaturases) and ptox (plastid terminal oxidase), was observed following the removal of the light (when carotenoid content is at its highest). An increase in gene expression was observed before the return to light for pds and zds (when carotenoid levels were at their lowest), or following the return to light for ptox. The phytoene desaturation inhibitor norflurazon leads to a decrease coloured carotenoid content and, in the light, this correlated with pds and zds gene induction. In the dark, norflurazon treatment led to only a weak decrease in carotenoid content and only a small increase in pds and zds gene expression. The striking absence of phytoene accumulation under norflurazon treatment in the dark suggests a down-regulation of carotenoid formation in darkness. However, prolonged dark conditions, or treatment with photosynthetic inhibitors, surprisingly led to higher carotenoid levels, which correlated with decreased expression of most examined genes. In addition to light, which acts in a complex way on carotenoid accumulation and gene expression, our results are best explained by a regulatory effect of carotenoid levels on the expression of several biosynthetic genes. In addition, monitoring of protein amounts for phytoene desaturase and plastid terminal oxidase (which sometimes do not correlate with gene expression) indicate an even more complex regulatory pattern.
Effects of a Switched Weak Magnetic Field on Lecithin Liposomes, Investigated by Nonlinear Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Pazur Alexander
Published: February 2015

Three types of liposomes in aqueous solution were subjected to a low frequency switched weak magnetic field. A differential non-linear dielectric spectroscopy (DNLDS) was performed at 40 °C with two planar orthogonal electrodes, positioned parallel and vertical to the earth surface. The difference of the free voltage release (FVR) signals for the two orthogonal directions following electric pulses with an amplitude of 1.0 V and a duration of 25 ms, were Fourier-transformed. An additional magnetic field was switched with a period of 400 ms and a variable amplitude from 0 to 100 G, whose direction was parallel to the vertical electrode plane. With two of the liposomes (egg yolk lecithin (EY), asolectin doped with cholesterol (ASCO)) a decrease of the signal amplitude with increasing magnetic fields could be seen in most of the 25 observed harmonic frequencies (relative to the electric pulse frequency f(0) = 40 Hz). For EY liposomes this decrease was highly significant and not linear for the 1.-5., and above the 20. harmonic frequency, ASCO liposomes showed a similar effect. Asolectin liposomes showed the reverse response. Quantum mechanical conditions of charges on the liposome surface are discussed as a possible origin of these effects.
Proton Magic Angle Spinning NMR Reveals New Features in Photodynamically Treated Bacteria
Authors: Johansen Yngve , Widerøe Hege Christin , Krane Jostein , Johnsson Anders , Johnsson Anders
Published: February 2015

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is light-sensitive due to porphyrin-induced photosensitization. The light sensitivity increases with incubation of 5-aminolevulinic acid, ALA. For the first time, 1H magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy is used to describe the photoinduced changes in the bacterium after ALA incubation. Successful photosensitization was performed with light-emitting diodes in the blue and red regions (430 and 654 nm, respectively). The irradiation setup, suitable for irradiation of bacaterium suspensions in petri dishes is described. For NMR studies blue light diodes with about 90 μmol/m2s were chosen. After blue light irradiation, the endogenous glycine betaine, proline, glutamate and choline levels in P. acnes decreased with increasing irradiation time. For sublethal light doses (50% survival fraction), the endogenous glycine betaine level decreased 80% on average. The corresponding percentages for proline, choline and glutamate were about 40, 25 and 10, respectively. It is hypothesized that the irradiation, inducing porphyrin photosensitization amplified by ALA incubation, leads to elimination of the osmolyte glycine betaine and possibly also proline by so-called regulatory volume decrease (RVD) mechanisms. These mechanisms are known to be active in several prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells when exposed to hypotonic stress. They are also known to be present in several eukaryotic cells during photodynamic therapy (PDT) exposure leading to hypotonoc stress. The findings contribute to the knowledge of the inactivation mechanisms of P. acnes in photosensitization, and could therefore be of interest in the efforts to use PDT as treatment of the acne disease.
Organosulfur Compounds from Garlic (Allium sativum) Oxidizing Canine Erythrocytes
Authors: Yang Qing , Hu Qiuhui , Yamatoc Osamu , Lee Keun-Woo , Yoshihara Teruhiko
Published: February 2015

The sulfurous acid ester, trans-sulfurous acid allyl ester 3-allylsulfanyl-allyl ester 8, along with two known thiosulfinates was isolated from the aqueous ethanol extract of garlic (Allium sativum). The chemical structure of 8 was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data including high resolution mass and two-dimensional NMR techniques. All of these compounds induced methemoglobin formation in a canine erythrocyte suspension in vitro resulting in the oxidation of canine erythrocytes. This is the first report of sulfurous acid ester showing oxidant activity in canine erythrocytes.
Trapping Effect of Synthetic Sex Pheromone of Acleris fimbriana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Chinese Northern Orchard
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Meng Xianzuo
Published: February 2015

The yellow tortrix, Acleris fimbriana Merick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is an economically important insect pest on fruit trees with four generations a year in North China. In order to develop a new and effective method for forecasting and controlling the pest, the sex pheromone was studied. We have identified the female sex pheromone as (E)-11,13-tetradecadienal (E11,13-14:Ald), (E)-11,13-tetradecadienyl acetate (E11,13-14:Ac) and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:Ac). Trapping effect of synthetic chemicals E11,13-14:Ald, alone and in combination with E11,13-14:Ac or/and E11-14:Ac to A. fimbriana males was tested in Beijing Xishan Orchard (2001). E11,13-14:Ald on its own was much attractive to A. fimbriana males. Neither E11,13-14:Ac nor E11-14:Ac alone caught any moths. The catches markedly increased by adding E11,13-14:Ac to E11,13-14:Ald. The optimum ratio of E11,13- 14:Ald and E11,13-14:Ac was 6:4 to 5:5. This attractiveness was apparently enhanced when 5% to 10% of E11-14:Ac was added. The best field activity was in the lure baited with a 6:4:1 ratio of E11,13-14:Ald, E11,13-14:Ac and E11-14:Ac at a dosage of 1000 μg/septum. The effect of antioxidant, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol [butylated hydroxyluene (BHT)], to the synthetic pheromone blends on its duration and catching efficacy was also tested. Addition of 5-10% BHT to the synthetic pheromone could prolong the life-span of pheromone chemicals for 6-8 weeks, thereby increased its catching efficacy.
Sequestration of Dietary Alkaloids by the Spongivorous Marine Mollusc Tylodina perversa
Authors: Thoms Carsten , Ebel Rainer , Hentsche Ute , Proksch Peter
Published: February 2015

Specimens of the spongivorous Mediterranean opisthobranch Tylodina perversa that had been collected while feeding on Aplysina aerophoba were shown to sequester the brominated isoxazoline alkaloids of their prey. Alkaloids were stored in the hepatopancreas, mantle tissues, and egg masses in an organ-specific manner. Surprisingly, the known sponge alkaloid aerothionin which is found only in A. cavernicola but not in A. aerophoba was also among the metabolites identified in wild caught specimens of T. perversa as well as in opisthobranchs with a documented feeding history on A. aerophoba. Mollusc derived aerothionin is postulated to be derived from a previous feeding encounter with A. cavernicola as T. perversa was found to freely feed on both Aplysina sponges in aquarium bioassays. The possible ecological significance of alkaloid sequestration by T. perversa is still unknown.
Feeding Stimulative Activity of Steroidal and Secoiridoid Glucosides and Their Hydrolysed Derivatives toward the Olive Weevil (Dyscerus perforatus)
Authors: Kadowaki Emiko , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Baba Naomichi , Nakajima Shuhei
Published: February 2015

β-Sitosteryl-D-glucoside and oleuropein isolated from the olive tree (Olea europaea) and their hydrolysed derivatives were tested by a feeding stimulative activity bioassay using the olive weevil (Dyscerus perforatus). Although the steroidal glucoside showed potent feeding stimulative activity, the activity of the aglycone (β-sitosterol) was significantly lower than that of the glucoside. On the other hand, the difference in the activity between oleuropein, a secoiridoid glucoside, and the hydrolysed derivatives was not significant.
Alkaloids of Datura ceratocaula
Authors: Berkov Strahil
Published: February 2015

Thirty-six alkaloids were identified in the organs of Datura ceratocaula by GC/MS. Thirtythree of them have not been previously reported for the species. Furthermore, a new tropane ester was tentatively identified as 3-(3′-formyloxytropoyloxy)tropane on basis of its mass spectral fragmentation. Hyoscyamine was the main alkaloid in the plant organs.
Two Xanthones from Polygala paniculata and Confirmation of the 1-Hydroxy- 2,3,5-trimethoxy-xanthone at Trace Level by HRGC-MS
Authors: Cristiano Rodrigo , Pizzolatti Moacir G. , Monache Franco Delle , Rezende Claudia M. , Branco Alexsandro
Published: February 2015

Polygala paniculata L. yielded the xanthones 1-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2,3-methylenedioxyxanthone (1) and 1,5-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethoxyxanthone (2), together with coumarin murragatin and flavonol rutin. Their structures were established by chemical and spectroscopic methods (EIMS, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, NOE difference spectroscopy). By posterior analysis of an apolar crude extract using high resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) it was possible to characterize two sterol (spinasterol and Δ25-spinasterol) and the minor 1-hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone (3). Thus, the xanthone 3 was confirmed through of co-injection HRGC-MS of the respective extract with a certified standard obtained by methylation of 2 with diazomethane.
Naphthoquinone Derivatives and Lignans from the Paraguayan Crude Drug “Tayï Pytá” (Tabebuia heptaphylla, Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Papastergiou Fani
Published: February 2015

The Paraguayan crude drug “tayï pytá” is used to treat cancer, wounds and inflammation. It consist of the bark and trunkwood of Tabebuia heptaphylla (Bignoniaceae). A phytochemical study of the crude drug gave, in addition to previously described naphthoquinones and the known lignans cycloolivil and secoisolariciresinol, three new lapachenol (lapachonone)-, two naphthofuran-, a chromone and a naphthalene derivative. The structures were elucidated by means of high field NMR spectroscopy. The biological activity of the main compound lapachol and the related α-lapachone as well as the lignans cycloolivil and secoisolariciresinol can explain, at least in part, the effect atributed to the crude drug in Paraguayan folk medicine.
Cytotoxic Benzophenanthridine and Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids from Argemone mexicana
Authors: Chang Yuh-Chwen , Chang Fang-Rong , Khalil Ashraf T. , Hsieh Pei-Wen , Wu Yang-Chang
Published: February 2015

Fractionation of the chloroform extract from the aerial part of Argemone mexicana led to the isolation of two benzophenanthridine-type alkaloids, N-demethyloxysanguinarine and pancorine; three benzylisoquinoline-type alkaloids, (+)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-(2-hydroxymethyl- 3,4-dimethoxyphenylmethyl)-6,7-methylenedioxyisoquinoline, (+)-higenamine and (+)-reticuline. Among them, N-demethyloxysanguinarine is a new compound, and (+)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenylmethyl)-6,7-methylenedioxy-isoquinoline was isolated form a natural source for the first time, to which was assigned a trivial name, (+)-argenaxine. In addition, six known non-alkaloidal compounds were also isolated and identified. All compounds were characterized on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidences. Some isolated alkaloids from this species were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE-1) and human gastric cancer (NUGC) cell lines. Chelerythrine was found to exhibit significant activity against NUGC cell line, while angoline inhibited both types. (+)-Argenaxine showed moderate activity against the NUGC cell line.
Antifungal Methylphenone Derivatives and 5-Methylcoumarins from Mutisia friesiana
Authors: Viturro Carmen I. , Fuente Juana R. de la , Maier Marta S.
Published: February 2015

In addition to the known mutisicoumarin A, the aerial parts of the shrub Mutisia friesiana afforded five new methylphenones, two new 5-methylcoumarins and a new related chromone. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. 13C NMR data for mutisicoumarin A are reported for the first time. Mutisiphenones A and B and mutisicoumarin A showed antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum.
Lignans, Phenylpropanoids and Polyacetylenes from Chaerophyllum aureum L. (Apiaceae)
Authors: Rollinger Judith M. , Zidorn Christian , Dobner Michael J. , Ellmerer Ernst P. , Stuppner Hermann
Published: February 2015

Sub-aerial parts of Chaerophyllum aureum L. yielded two polyacetylenes, falcarinol (1), falcarindiol (2), three lignans, namely nemerosin (3), deoxypodorhizone (4), deoxypodo-phyllotoxin (5), two phenylpropanoids, 1′-hydroxymyristicin (6) and its angeloyl ester (7). Compounds 6 and 7 were isolated for the first time from plant material and their structures were elucidated by means of extensive 1- and 2-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry. In bioautographic tests on TLC plates the dichloromethane extract showed a significant antimicrobial activity. Falcarindiol was identified as the main active principle whereas the phenylpropanoids and lignans showed no activity.
Secondary Metabolites as Stimulants and Antifeedants of Salix integra for the Leaf Beetle Plagiodera versicolora
Authors: Jassbi Amir Reza
Published: February 2015

Plagiodera versicolora, a willow beetle living on S. sachalinensis, is found on S. integra during early June in Hokkaido Island, Japan. This insect selects several species of willows (Salix), including S. integra as host plant in Honshu Island of Japan. To determine the reasons for the limited distribution of this beetle on the willows of Hokkaido, the feeding preference of the insect to leaves of S. integra and its constituents was performed. Feeding-bioassay guided fractionation of an 80% aqueous acetone extract of fresh leaves of Salix integra to Plagiodera versicolora resulted in isolation of feeding stimulant and antifeeding constituents. Chlorogenic acid (1) and 3,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid (2) were identified as antifeedants and 1,2-di[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoyl]-3-β-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (MGDG, 3) as feeding stimulants. The feeding test was performed by an agar disk method. The treated agar disks contained sucrose and test sample in different doses. The antifeeding activities of 1 and 2 and stimulant activity of 3 may be one of the reasons for the limited presence of P. versicolora on S. integra in Hokkaido.
Propolis and Some of its Constituents Down-Regulate DNA Synthesis and Inflammatory Cytokine Production but Induce TGF-β1 Production of Human Immune Cells
Authors: Ansorge Siegfried , Reinhold Dirk , Lendeckel Uwe
Published: February 2015

Propolis, the resinous product collected by honey bees from plants, is used as folk medicine since ancient time. Recently, immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of propolis have been published. The detailed mechanisms of actions of propolis and its components on immune cells, however, are still unknown. Therefore, we studied the effects of different propolis extracts, of the flavonoids hesperidin and quercetin as well as of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on basic human immune cell functions. In detail, we measured the effects on DNA synthesis and production of different types of cytokines, namely IL-1β, IL-12, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β1, of mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as of purified T lymphocytes. Our data clearly show that propolis as well as its constituents studied are capable of dosedependently suppressing phythemagglutinin (PHA)-induced DNA synthesis of PBMC and T cells. Moreover, cytokines produced by monocytes/macrophages (IL-1β, IL-12), by Th1 type (IL-2) as well as Th2 type (IL-4) lymphocytes were found to be also suppressed, whereas the production of TGF-β1 by T regulatory cells was ascertained to be increased. These data convincingly demonstrate that propolis has a direct regulatory effect on basic functional properties of immune cells which may be mediated by the Erk2 MAP-kinase signal pathway. Thus, the bee product propolis can be considered as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory medicine influencing different types of immune-responses probably via immunoregulatory T cells.
Function of β-Carotene and Tocopherol in Photosystem II
Authors: Trebst Achim
Published: February 2015

New and known structural and functional insights in the role of β-carotene and of α- tocopherol in photosytem II are reviewed. A concept is presented connecting the failure of P680 triplet quenching by β-carotene with the formation of singlet oxygen and its scavenging in the turnover of the D1 protein and by tocopherol in the maintenance of PS II structure and function.
Tropane Alkaloids from Latua pubiflora
Authors: Muñoz Orlando , Casale John F.
Published: February 2015

Four known tropane alkaloids were isolated from the leaves of the endemic Chilean plant Latua pubiflora (Solanaceae). For the first time; 3α-cinnamoyloxitropane and apoatropine are reported in this plant. Scopolamine and hyoscyamine were previously reported.
Thalictricoside, a New Phenolic Compound from Thalictrum orientale
Authors: Erdemgil F. Zerrin , Baser Kemal Hüsnü Can , Akbay Pinar , Sticher Otto , Çalis Ihsan
Published: February 2015

From the underground parts of Thalictrum orientale Boiss., a new phenolic compound 1 was isolated in addition to one known cyanoglycoside, lithospermoside (2). For the structure elucidation of all compounds, 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques (DEPT, COSY, HMBC, HSQC) and MS (HR-MALDI) were used. The structure of the new compound was established as 2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-nitroethane-4′-O-[β-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside] (1).
A New Polyisoprenylated Phloroglucinol Derivative from Hypericum perfoliatum (Clusiaceae)
Authors: Benkiki Naòma , Kabouche Zahia , Tillequin François , Vérité Philippe , Chosson Elizabeth , Seguin Elisabeth
Published: February 2015

Hyperfoliatin, a new polyisoprenylated phloroglucinol derivative was isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum perfoliatum (Clusiaceae) collected in Algeria. The structure of hyperfoliatin was elucidated on the basis of its spectral data, mainly MS and multiple-pulse NMR.
Further Meroterpenes Produced by Penicillium sp., an Endophyte Obtained from Melia azedarach
Authors: Santos Regina M. Geris dos , Rodrigues-Fo. Edson
Published: February 2015

From the methanolextract of Penicillium sp. cultivated on sterilized rice for three weeks we isolated three new meroterpenes preaustinoid A1, A2 and B1. The fungus was isolated from the root bark of Melia azedarach after surface sterilization. The structures of these compounds were identified by intensive spectroscopic studies.
Antibacterial Polyphenol from Erodium glaucophyllum
Authors: Gohar Ahmed A. , Lahloub Mohammed F. , Niwa Masatake
Published: February 2015

Geraniin and gallic acid were isolated from the alcohol extract of the aerial parts of Erodium glaucophyllum (Geraniaceae). The identity of the compounds was verified through different physical and spectrometric methods. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of geraniin is presented.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Nepeta parnassica Oils and Isolated Nepetalactones
Authors: Gkinis Giorgos , Tzakou Olga , Iliopoulou Dimitra , Roussis Vassilios
Published: February 2015

Essential oils of Nepeta parnassica, collected at different developmental stages, were analyzed by means of GC/MS. From the fifty-five identified constituents in samples A and B, representing 94.8% and 98.7% of the oils respectively, 4aα,7α,7aβ-nepetalactone (22.0%), 1,8-cineole (21.1%), α-pinene (9.5%) and 4aα,7β,7aβ-nepetalactone (7.9%) were the major components of sample A (vegetative stage), whereas in sample B (flowering stage) the main contributors were 1,8-cineole (34.6%), 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone (17.3%), α-pinene (11.4%) and 4aα,7α,7aβ-nepetalactone (8.9%). The oils were tested on human health important insects such as the Pogonomyrmex sp. ants and the Culex pipiens molestus mosquitoes with promising results on insect repellency/toxicity.