Biological Activities of Sesquiterpenoids： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sesquiterpenoids are natural compounds composed of 15 carbon atoms， which can be divided into sesquiterpene alcohols， ketones， lactones， aldehydes， and carboxylic acids according to oxygen groups. These compounds are widely distributed in nature， and their physiological activities are diverse. For example， many sesquiterpenes with potential anticancer effects have been found for anti-tumor effects， including cytotoxicity， antioxidant， immune regulation， cell proliferation， and so on. In addition， some sesquiterpenoids have good application prospects in antibacterial， anti-inflammatory， and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Malignant tumors， inflammation， bacterial diseases， and cardiovascular diseases are the main diseases that cause human death， and natural products have unique advantages in the treatment of these diseases. Therefore， the development of new drugs that are easy to promote has become a new research hotspot. In this paper， the sesquiterpenes extracted from the natural components of Chinese herbs and plants with anti-tumor， anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， and anti-cardiovascular activities， such as Xanthium， Atractylodes， Convolvulus， Acanthium， Ligularia， Artemisia， Ligularia， Ligularia， Labiaceae Mint， Acanthophyllum， Turmeria， Ginger， and other Chinese herbs and plants， were discussed. The biological activities and related mechanisms of this compound were reviewed， which provided a reference for further research and clinical application of sesquiterpenes.

Research progress on natural guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids and their biological activities / 中国中药杂志

Guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids are a class of terpenoids with [5,7] ring-fused system as the basic skeletal structure composed of three isoprene units, which are substituted by 4,10-dimethyl-7-isopropyl. According to the difference in functional groups and degree of polymerization, they can be divided into simple guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpene dimers, and sesquiterpene trimers. Natural guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids are widely distributed in plants, fungi, and marine organisms, especially in families such as Compositae, Zingiberaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Lamiaceae, and Alismataceae. Guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids have good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. In this paper, the novel guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids isolated and identified in recent 10 years(2013-2022) and their biological activities were reviewed in order to provide refe-rences for the research and development of guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids.

Chemical constituents of Lindera aggregata and their bioactivities: a review / 中国中药杂志

The medicinal Lindera aggregata(Lindera, Lauraceae) boasts abundant resources, which is widely used in clinical settings. It has been found that the main chemical constituents of this medicinal species are sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenoid dimers, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Some unreported novel structures, including lindenane-type sesquiterpene dimers and trimers, have been discovered from L. aggregata in recent years. The extracts and active components of L. aggregata have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antalgic, liver-protecting, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and glucose-lowering activities, and their mechanisms of action have been comprehensively investigated. This study summarizes the research on the chemical constituents and bioactivities of L. aggregata over the past decade, which is expected to serve as a reference for the future research and utilization of L. aggregata.

Chemical constituents from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and their neuroprotective effects / 药学学报

Fourteen compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of 90% EtOH extracts of the dried fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla by silica gel, MCI, RP-18, Sephadex LH-20, TLC and semi-preparative HPLC column chromatography. Their structures were identified by HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, NMR, ECD and X ray single crystal diffraction spectroscopic data as: (2R,5R,7R,10S)-2,7-dihydroxyl-eudesmane-3(4),11(12)-diene (1), α-rotunol (2), diketone I (3), (1S,4S,5R,7S)-1-hydroxyl-eremophilane-9(10),11(12)-diene-8-one (4), cyperusol A1 (5), (6R,9S,10S)-10-hydroxyl-11,12,13-trinor-cadinane-4(5)-ene-3-one (6), (2E,4E)-6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylhepta-2,4-dienal (7), oxyphyllacinol (8), yakuchinone A (9), (5R)-5-hydroxy-1,7-diphenylhept-3-heptanone (10), (5S)-5-hydroxy-7-(4″-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-3-heptanone (11), (5S)-5-hydroxy-7-(4″-hydroxyl-3″-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (12), 7-(4″-hydroxy-3″-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3,5-heptadione (13), bis-(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (14). Compounds 1-6 were sesquiterpenoids in which compound 1 is a new eudesmane sesquiterpenoid and compound 7 was a monoterpenoid. Compounds 8-13 were diarylheptanoids, and compounds 2-6 and 14 were isolated from A.oxyphylla for the first time. The experiments on H2O2 induced SH-SY5Y cells showed that compounds 2, 6, 7, 12 and 13 had neuroprotective effects at low and medium concentrations. In particular, compound 6 showed obvious neuroprotective effect at low, medium and high concentrations whose cell viability was higher than that of the positive control.

Artemdubinoids A-N: novel sesquiterpenoids with antihepatoma cytotoxicity from Artemisia dubia / 中国天然药物

In pursuit of effective agents for hepatocellular carcinoma derived from the Artemisia species, this study built upon initial findings that an ethanol (EtOH) extract and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of the aerial parts of Artemisia dubia Wall. ex Bess. exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with inhibitory rates of 57.1% and 84.2% (100 μg·mL-1), respectively. Guided by bioactivity, fourteen previously unidentified sesquiterpenes, artemdubinoids A-N (1-14), were isolated from the EtOAc fraction. Their structural elucidation was achieved through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and corroborated by the comparison between the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Single crystal X-ray diffraction provided definitive structure confirmation for artemdubinoids A, D, F, and H. Artemdubinoids A and B (1-2) represented unique sesquiterpenes featuring a 6/5-fused bicyclic carbon scaffold, and their putative biosynthetic pathways were discussed; artemdubinoid C (3) was a novel guaianolide derivative that might be formed by the [4 + 2] Diels-Alder reaction; artemdubinoids D and E (4-5) were rare 1,10-seco-guaianolides; artemdubinoids F-K (6-11) were chlorine-containing guaianolides. Eleven compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1) with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values spanning 7.5-82.5 μmol·L-1. Artemdubinoid M (13) exhibited the most active cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 14.5, 7.5 and 8.9 μmol·L-1 against the HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1 cell lines, respectively, which were equivalent to the positive control, sorafenib.

Seven drimane-type sesquiterpenoids from an earwig-associated Aspergillus sp / 中国天然药物

Drimane-type sesquiterpenoids are widely distributed in fungi. From the ethyl acetate extract of the earwig-derived Aspergillus sp. NF2396, seven new drimane-type sesquiterpenoids, named drimanenoids A-G (1-7), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by diverse spectroscopic analysis including high-resolution ESI-MS, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Drimanenoids A-F (1-6) are new members of drimane-type sesquiterpenoid esterified with unsaturated fatty acid side chain at C-6. Drimanenoids C (3), D (4) and F (6) showed antibacterial activity against five types of bacteria with different inhibition diameters. Drimanenoid D (4) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against human myelogenous leukemia cell line K562 with an IC50 value of 12.88 ± 0.11 μmol·L-1.

Eleven new sesquiterpenoids from peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia / 中国中药杂志

The peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia(SP) is a representative Mongolian folk medicine with the effects of anti-depression, heat clearance, pain relief, and respiration improvement. It has been clinically used for the treatment of coronary heart disease, insomnia, asthma, and other cardiopulmonary diseases. As part of the systematic study on pharmacological substances of SP, 11 new sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the terpene-containing fractions of the ethanol extract of SP by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H-NMR) guided isolation methods. The planar structures of the sesquiterpenoids were identified by MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR data analysis, and were named pinnatanoids C and D(1 and 2), and alashanoids T-ZI(3-11), respectively. The structure types of the sesquiterpenoids included pinnatane, humulane, seco-humulane, guaiane, carryophyllane, seco-erimolphane, isodaucane, and other types. However, limited to the low content of compounds, the existence of multiple chiral centers, the flexibility of the structure, or lack of ultraviolet absorption, the stereoscopic configuration remained unresolved. The discovery of various sesquiterpenoids enriches the understanding of the chemical composition of the genus and species and provides references for further analysis of pharmacological substances of SP.

Sesquiterpenoids from the leaves of Sarcandra glabra / 中国天然药物

Sarglanoids A-F, six new sesquiterpenoids belonging to eudesmane (1-5) and eremophilane (6) types, were isolated from the leaves of Sarcandra glabra, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1-2 were rare N-containing eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids. Compound 3 exhibited inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values at 20.00 ± 1.30 μmol·L-1. These findings provide scientific evidence for sesquiterpenoids as the material foundation of S. glabra.

Research progress on chemical constituents and biological activities of Sarcandra glabra / 中国中药杂志

Sarcandra glabra, a medicinal plant in family Chloranthaceae, has been taken as an important raw material for multiple Chinese patent drugs due to its diverse indications. Considering the diversified chemical constituents and rich biological activities of S. glabra, numerous phytochemical and pharmacodynamic investigations were conducted to explore the material basis for its medicinal use. It has been found that its main chemical constituents were sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpenoid polymers, phenolic acids, coumarins, and flavonoids. As revealed by pharmacological research, it possesses multiple biological activities like anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, and neuroprotection. Some unreported novel structures, including polymers of lindenane sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, sesquiterpene trimers, and adducts of flavonoids and monoterpenes, have been identified from S. glabra in recent years. Moreover, biological studies relating to its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities have been deepened. This paper reviewed the chemical constituents and bioactivities of S. glabra explored over the past ten years, so as to provide a scientific basis for further development and utilization of this plant.

Anti-tumor mechanism of sesquiterpenoids from Cryptoporus volvatus based on molecular docking / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the target genes mediating anti-tumor effect of sesquiterpenoids from Cryptoporus volvatus and explore the possible mechanism using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.@*METHODS@#Based on the chemical structure of sesquiterpenes from C. volvatus, we explored the online reverse target finding websites PharmMapper, SEA, Target Hunter and related literature for preliminary prediction of possible anti-tumor targets. Discovery Studio 4.0 (Libdock function) and Maestro 12.3 were used to connect sesquiterpenes with the possible targets, and the potential targets were selected according to the scores. The interaction between the sesquiterpenes and the targets were analyzed using 2D interaction diagram, and the influence of different sesquiterpene skeletons on their activity was inferred based on their activity measurements in experiment. Kinetic simulation was performed for front-end protein sequence (1UNQ) of the Akt (protein kinase B) and for the complex formed by 1UNQ and compound 4 (which had the best cytotoxic activity in vitro) in its optimal conformation, and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) value and root mean square float (RMSF) value of the complex and 1UNQ were measured to evaluate the stability of the binding of compound 4 to the target.@*RESULTS@#The sesquiterpenes showed optimal binding with 1UNQ. Analysis of 2D interaction diagram suggested that the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic force were the most important forces mediating the interaction between the sesquiterpenes and 1UNQ. Analysis of the optimal 3D conformation showed that for different sesquiterpenes, a slight change of the molecular framework produced a steric hindrance effect and caused changes in their bioactivity. Kinetic simulation showed that the complex formed by compound 4 and1UNQ had a lower RMSD than the target pure protein sequence, indicating that compound 4 could stably bind to 1UNQ. The anti-tumor effect of the sesquiterpenoids from C. volvatus was associated with their ability to cause Lys-144 acetylation, which blocks Akt binding to the downstream PIP3 and thus affects the proliferation of tumor cells.@*CONCLUSION@#1UNQ is the target of sesquiterpenoids from C. volvatus, which affects the proliferation of tumor cells by acetylating Lys-14.

Sesquiterpenes and polyphenols with glucose-uptake stimulatory and antioxidant activities from the medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus sanghuang / 中国天然药物

A chemical investigation on the fermentation products of Sanghuangporus sanghuang led to the isolation and identification of fourteen secondary metabolites (1-14) including eight sesquiterpenoids (1-8) and six polyphenols (9-14). Compounds 1-3 were sesquiterpenes with new structures which were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. All the isolates were tested for their stimulation effects on glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, and cellular antioxidant activity. Compounds 9-12 were subjected to molecular docking experiment to primarily evaluate their anti-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity. As a result, compounds 9-12 were found to increase the glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells by 18.1%, 62.7%, 33.7% and 21.4% at the dose of 50 μmol·L

Research progress on chemical constituents from Chloranthus plants and their biological activities / 中国中药杂志

The genus Chloranthus has 13 species and 5 varieties in China, which can be found in the southwest and northeast regions. Phytochemical studies on Chloranthus plants have reported a large amount of terpenoids, such as diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and sesquiterpenoid dimers. Their anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, antifungal, antivirus, and neuroprotection activities have been confirmed by previous pharmacological research. Herein, research on the chemical constituents from Chloranthus plants and their biological activities over the five years was summarized to provide scientific basis for the further development and utilization of Chloranthus plants.

Identification and Attribution of Chemical Constituents in Naizilai Granules by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry （UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS） was used to rapidly analyze and assign the chemical constituents of Naizilai granules. Method:An ACQUITY UPLC BEH Shield RP C₁₈ column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 µm） was selected for chromatographic analysis， the mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （A） and acetonitrile （B） for gradient elution （0-3 min， 1%B； 3-16 min， 1%-11%B； 16-30 min， 11%-34%B； 30-37 min， 34%-52%B； 37-42 min， 52%-100%B； 42-44 min， 100%B）， flow rate was 0.3 mL·min^-1 and the column temperature was 35 ℃. Mass spectrometry data of Naizilai granules were collected in positive and negative ion modes， the chemical constituents of this preparation were speculated and identified according to the precise molecular weight， secondary fragmentation and other information， combined with reference substance and literature data. Result:A total of 175 compounds were identified and speculated， including 72 flavonoids， 77 organic acids， 15 sesquiterpenes， 6 coumarins and 5 other compounds. Among these identified chemical constituents， there were 154 from <italic>Artemisia rupestris</italic>， 64 from <italic>Hyssopus cuspidatus</italic>， 33 from <italic>Cordia dichotoma</italic>， 42 from <italic>Viola tianshanica</italic>， 56 from <italic>Lactuca sativa</italic>， 65 from <italic>Mentha haplocalyx</italic>， 78 from <italic>Matricaria chamomilla</italic>， 28 from <italic>Ziziphus jujuba</italic>， 7 of which were common components of these eight herbs. Conclusion:The established analytical method can realize the rapid and accurate identification of the chemical constituents in Naizilai granules， and basically covers the main constituents of each medicinal material in the formula， so as to provide a basis for improving the quality evaluation system of the preparation and lay a foundation for elucidating the pharmacodynamic mechanism.

A new cadinane-type sesquiterpenoid from Commiphora myrrha / 药学学报

Five cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the n-hexane extract of Commiphora myrrha by using various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel, ODS and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data. These compounds were defined as (3S,4R)-3,9-dimethoxymyrrhone (1), 9-methoxymyrrhone (2), myrrhone (3), commiterpene B (4) and comosone Ⅱ (5). Compound 1 is a new compound, of which the absolute configuration was established by single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 5 is firstly isolated from the Commiphora genus.

Chemistry research on natural product derivatives of dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids / 中国中药杂志

Dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids possess chemical diversity and biodiversity. A dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenoid with only hydroxyl groups has been prepared by basic hydrolysis of crude extract of Euonymus bungeanus with 0.4% yield. Twelve derivatives were available in esterification, oxidation, decarboxylation, etc. Extensive ~1H-NMR,~(13)C-NMR, MS spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with Cu Kα radiation indicated that eleven derivatives were new compounds. The results will provide reference for chemistry study on natural product derivatives of dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids.

Analysis of chemical constituents in Eupatorium lindleyanum by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS / 中草药

Objective: To analyze and identify the chemical constituents from Lindley eupatorium by using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Methods: The separation was performed on Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column with gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid (A)-acetonitrile (B), the flow rate was 0.2 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 35 ℃. The MS analysis was based on information associated mode (IDA), and positive and negative ions were collected respectively. Results: A total of 26 compounds in L. eupatorium were identified by PeakView, combined with the mass spectrometry data of each chromatographic peak in the database, and the cleavage law of secondary fragment of each peak of which11 compounds were first reported for L. eupatorium. The main chemical constituents included flavonoids, nucleosides, alkaloids, phenylpropanoid, sesquiterpenoids, coumarins, polyols, etc. Conclusion: The method is accurate, reliable and effficient, which is suitable for rapid identification of ingredients in L. eupatorium, which provides a reference for clarify its efficacy and material basis.

A new benzofuran from Penicillium oxalicum, an endophytic fungus isolated from Pseudostellariaheterophylla / 中草药

Objective: To study the secondary metabolites of Penicillium oxalicum, an endophytic fungus isolated from the medicinal plant Pseudostellariaheterophylla. Methods: The secondary metabolites were isolated by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies, and prep-TLC methods. Their structures were elucidated by using various spectroscopic techniques including HRESIMS and NMR spectra. Results: A benzofuran compound 5,7-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxylic acid (1), five isocoumarins including (3R,4R)-(-)-4-hydroxymellein (2), O-methylmellein (3), acremonone G (4), decarboxycitrinone (5) and decarboxyhydroxycitrinone (6), four bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids including (7S,11S)-(+)-12-acetoxysydonic acid (7), (S)-(+)-11-dehydrosydonic acid (8), sydonic acid (9) and 1-hydroxy-boivinianin A (10), as well as two meroterpenoid-type alkaloids decaturin D (11) and decaturinC (12) were isolated. Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new benzofuran compound and named as oxafuranone A, while compounds 2-6 and 10 are characterized from P. oxalicum for the first time.

A new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid from Croton yunnanensis / 中国中药杂志

Five sesquiterpenoids were isolated from 90% ethanol extract of Croton yunnanensis by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography,as well as prep-HPLC methods. Based on MS,1 D and 2 D NMR spectral analyses,the structures of the five compounds were identified as 11-methoxyl alismol(1),6β,7β-epoxy-4α-hydroxyguaian-10-ene(orientalol C,2),multisalactone D(3),arvestonol(4),and 4,5-dihydroblumenol A(5). Compound 1 was a new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid. Compounds 2-4 were isolated from the Croton genus for the first time,and compound 5 was obtained from this plant for the first time.

Sesquiterpenes from aerial parts of Hyssopus cuspidatus / 中草药

Objective To study the sesquiterpenes from the aerial parts of Hyssopus cuspidatus. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by a combination of various chromatographic techniques including D101 macroporous adsorption resin, silica gel, ODS, Toyopearl HW-40C, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data. Results Fifteen sesquiterpenes were isolated from the 95% EtOH extracts of H. cuspidatus and their structures were elucidated as 3-eudesmene-1β-11-diol (1), 4-eudesmene-1β,11-diol (2), 1β,11-dihydroxy-5- eudesmene (3), ent-4(15)-eudesmen-1α,11-diol (4), 7α,11-dihydroxy-cadin-10(14)-ene (5), eudesmane-1β,5α,11-triol (6), 5-epi- eudesma-4(15)-ene-1β,6β-diol (7), 4(15)-eudesmene-1β,6α-diol (8), (7R*)-opposit-4(15)-ene-1β,11-diol (9), cryptomeridiol (10), octahydro-4-hydroxy-3α-methyl-7-methylene-α-(1-methylethyl)-1H-indene-1-methanol (11), caryolane-1,9β-diol (12), (3S,5R,6S,7E)- 3,5,6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one (13), spathulenol (14), and 4β,10α-aromadendranediol (15), respectively. Conclusion Compounds 1-15 are isolated from the plants of Hyssopus genus for the first time.

Chemical constituents of Artemisia argyi / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Artemisia argyi. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated by silica gel column chromatography and HPLC, and its structure were identified by their spectral data and physicochemical properties analysis. Results: Thirty-four compounds were isolated from A. argyi with the structures identified as 5-hydroxy-6,7,3’,4’- tetramethoxyflavone (1), eupatorin (2), p-hydroxy-acetophenone (3), raspberry ketone (4), zingiberone (5), 7-hydroxycoumarin (6), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (7), desacetoxymatricarin (8), 3α-hydroxy-1(10),4,11(13)-triene-12,6α-olide (9), jaceosidin (10), 7-hydrxyterpineol (11), cis-2,8-dihydroxy-p-mentha-1(7)-en (12), trans-2,8-dihydroxy-p-mentha-1(7)-en (13), artemisetin (14), scopoletin (15), arteminolide C (16), desacetylmatricarin (17), artecalin (18), 11,13-dehydrodesacetylmatricarin (19), 1,9-azelaic acid (20), 3-methoxy-tanapartholide (21), phaseic acid (22), seco-guaiaretic acid (23), 5,3’,4’-trihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-flavone (24), 1,7-pimelic acid (25), 10-epi-ajafinin (26), 3-epi-iso-seco-tanapartholide (27), austroyunnane C (28), artanomaloide (29), ligustolide A (30), seco-tanapartholide B (31), 3-dehydroxy-iso-seco-tanapartholide (32), 3α-hydroxyreynosin (33), dihydrophaseic acid (34). Conclusion: Compounds 4, 22, 25, 30, 33, 34 are separated from the Artemisia for the first time. Compounds 5, 7, 8, 11-13, 21, 23, 24, 26-28 are isolated from A. argyi for the first time.