Genetic diversity, reproductive capacity and alkaloids content in three endemic Alkanna species.

The Balkans endemic species Alkanna primuliflora Griseb., A. stribrnyi Velen., and A. graeca Boiss. & Spruner have limited distribution in the Balkan Peninsula and a large variation in the morphological characteristics. The populations of the three Alkanna species in the Bulgarian flora are small and fragmented. There are no previous reports on the chemical profile or on the embryology of these species. The hypothesis was that the limited distribution of A. primuliflora, A. stribrnyi, and A. graeca was due to their reproductive capacity and genetic diversity. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the three species will contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), as other species of the genus Alkanna (Boraginaceae), but they would have differential alkaloids composition. The population genetic structure and differentiation showed a clear distinction between species and revealed average levels of genetic diversity among the natural populations of the three Alkanna species. The embryological investigation observed stability of the processes in the male and female generative spheres and high viability of mature pollen and embryo of the three species. The normal formation of male and female gametophytes without deviations or degenerative processes, and observed levels of genetic diversity between Alkanna individuals are important in maintaining the size and resilience of the Alkanna populations. Eight alkaloids were identified by GC-MS in A. primuliflora and A. graeca and six alkaloids in A. stribrnyi. The main pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in all investigated species was triangularine. A. primuliflora and A. graeca showed similar chemical composition that comprised 9-angeloylretronecine, 7-tigloylretronecine, 9-tigloylretronecine, triangularicine, dihydroxytriangularine, dihydroxytriangularicine, whereas, in A. stribrnyi 9-tigloylretronecine, triangularicine and dihydroxytriangularicine were not found. This is the first report on the presence of PAs in A. primuliflora, A. stribrnyi and A. graeca. Besides, this is the first report on the embryology of these endemic species. The results contribute to the knowledge of the three endemic Alkanna species and will facilitate policy-making and defining new strategies for their conservation.

Hypepontine, a new quaternary alkaloid with antimicrobial properties.

New isoquinoline alkaloid hypepontine (1) together with a five known compounds, were identified in Hypecoum ponticum Velen, the partial synonym of Hypecoum procumbens L. The structure of the new substance was elucidated based on spectroscopic evidence. The tertiary and quaternary alkaloid mixtures as well as the isolated alkaloids were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The result revealed that the crude alkaloid mixture containing quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids showed potent antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Alkaloids from the aerial parts of Leptopyrum fumarioides express immunomodulatory activity.

A new type aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid leptofumarine (1) was isolated from Leptopyrum fumarioides L. The structure of 1 was elucidated based on spectroscopic evidence. Leptofumarine together with the previously isolated leptopyrine (2) were evaluated for their effect on macrophages and bone marrow (BM) cells in vitro. Both alkaloids inhibited cytokine production by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Leptopyrine suppressed osteoclast and osteoblast formation, while leptofumarine affected only osteoblastogenesis.

Comparative Study of Alkaloid Pattern of Four Bulgarian Fumaria species.

The alkaloid pattern of four Fumaria species (Fumaria kralikii, Fumaria rostellata, Fumaria schleicherii, Fumaria thureii) growing in Bulgaria was investigated by GC-MS and twenty isoquinoline alkaloids were determined. Phytochemical investigation of the alkaloid composition on Fumaria thuretii Boiss was made for the first time. The alkaloid profile of the species was compared at two levels, between different species and within two species from different habitats. Two chemotypical groups, based on the types of isoquinoline alkaloids were suggested. To group A belong species F. kralikii, F. rostellata (F. r. 1) and F. thuretii containing more than 50% spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids of the crude alkaloid mixtures. To group B belong species F. rostellata (F. r. 2) and F. schleicherii containing more than 40% protopine alkaloids and relatively high percentage phthaldeisoquinoline alkaloids (11-19%). In group A phthaldeisoquinoline alkaloids were not detected.

Acetylated derivative of glaucine inhibits joint inflammation in collagenase-induced arthritis.

CONTEXT: Osteoarthritis (OA) has become by far the most common joint disorder. A number of studies using OA animal models have explored the effects of agents that can modulate bone metabolism. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigated the effect of acetylated derivative of plant alkaloid glaucine (ADG) on experimental OA in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arthritis was induced by two intraarticular (i.a.) injections of collaganase. Histopathological changes were observed through hematoxylin and eosine (H&E), safranin O and toluidine blue staining. Differentiation of bone marrow (BM) cells was evaluated by tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assay. The expression of phospho-Janus kinase 2 (pJAK2) and phospho signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (pSTAT3) expression in the joints was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We established that ADG significantly decreased cell infiltration (2.32 ± 0.14 versus 1.62 ± 0.13), cartilage loss (2.42 ± 0.12 versus 1.12 ± 0.10) and bone erosion (1.76 ± 0.13 versus 1.04 ± 0.14) in arthritic mice. It appeared that the substance inhibited in a dose-dependent manner osteoclast differentiation in vitro. ADG suppressed the expression of pJAK2 in the joint and partially affected the expression of pSTAT3. CONCLUSION: Present results suggest that ADG is a suitable candidate for further development as an anti-arthritic agent.

Leptopyrine, new alkaloid from Leptopyrum fumarioides L. (Ranunculaceae).

A new type of isoquinoline alkaloid leptopyrine was isolated from the aerial parts of Leptopyrum fumarioides L. (Ranunculaceae) of Mongolian origin. The known alkaloids protopine and thalifoline were isolated for the first time from this the species. All structures were established by physical and spectral analyses.

Steroidal alkaloids of Veratrum lobelianum Bernh. and Veratrum nigrum L.

Twelve steroidal alkaloids were isolated from four populations of Veratrum lobelianum Bernh. and Veratrum nigrum L. Full NMR data for veralosinine (1), and extensive 1H NMR data for veralosine (3) and teinemine (5) are presented here for the first time. (+/-)-15-O-(2-Methylbutyroyl)germine (10) is undescribed up to now. The antiproliferative activities of veranigrine, veralosinine, and neogermitrine have shown that they are a perspective for further studies.

6alpha-Angeloylplatynecine: a new alkaloid from Senecio nemorensis subsp. fuchsii (C.C. Gmelin) celak.

The new alkaloid 6alpha-angeloylplatynecine, together with other four known pyrrolizidine alkaloids was identified from above ground parts of Senecio nemorensis subs. fuchsii.