Xanthorrhizol derivatives and their biological properties as caspase-7 inhibitors.

Xanthorrhizol (1) is known as the major terpenoid component of the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and having some interesting biological activities. In this report, we synthesised five derivatives of 1 containing nitrogen-functional groups. Four of them are new synthesised compounds, including (R)-4-(3-(2-methyl-5-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)phenoxy)propyl)morpholine (2), (R)-N-benzyl-3-(2-methyl-5-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)phenoxy)propan-1-amine (3), (R)-6,7-dimethoxy-3-(3-(2-methyl-5-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)phenoxy)propyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (4), and (R)-6-methyl-3-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)-2-nitrophenol (5) groups. Meanwhile the other is the known compound, that is (R)-2-methyl-5-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)-4-nitrophenol (6). The caspase-7 inhibitory activity of compounds 1-6 was evaluated as well. In comparison to other derivatives, compounds 5 and 6 exhibited higher activity. Consequently, compounds 5 and 6 may be a promising lead compound for further development as a caspase-7 inhibitor.

Pentacyclic triterpenes from the leaves extract of Sandoricum koetjape.

Three new pentacyclic triterpenes, trivially named sandkoetjapic acids A-C (1-3), have been isolated from the leaves extract of Sandoricum koetjape, along with the known triterpenes 3-oxo-olean-12-en-29-oic (4), bryonolic (5), and bryononic (6) acids. The structures of the new triterpenes were determined mainly by NMR spectroscopic and mass spectroscopic data. The isolation of these pentacyclic triterpenes in the plant's leaves is for the first time. Preliminary biological evaluation of 1-6 was done against eight receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including EGFR, HER2, HER4 (epidermal growth factor receptor), IGF1R, InsR (insulin receptor), KDR (kinase insert domain receptor), and PDGFRα/-ß (platelet-derived growth factor receptor), and their inhibitory properties against ß-lactamase. The results showed that none of them were active both as the inhibitors of these RTKs and ß-lactamase.

Epoxyquinophomopsins A and B from endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. and their activity against tyrosine kinase.

Two new quinone derivatives, epoxyquinophomopsins A (1) and B (2), were purified from the EtOAc extract of endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp isolated from Morus cathayana. The structures of both compounds were determined based on 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectral data, as well as by x-ray diffraction analysis for 1. Compounds 1 and 2 were screened against eight receptor- (RTKs) and eight non-receptor tyrosine kinases (nRTKs). Both compounds showed strong inhibitory properties against Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (nRTK) with their kinase activity were 19% and 20%, respectively. Only compound 1 that showed strong inhibitory properties against RTKs EGFR and HER-4 with its kinase activity were 16 and 15%, respectively. Thus, both compounds have potential as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

5,6-Dihydro-α-pyrones from the leaves of Cryptocarya pulchinervia (Lauraceae).

Three new 5,6-dihydro-α-pyrones derivatives, named (S)-rugulactone (1) pulchrinervialactone A (2), and pulchrinervialactone B (4), along with one known pyrone, cryptobrachytone C (3), and three known amide derivatives (5-7) have been isolated from the leaves of Cryptocarya pulchrinervia. The structures of 1-7 were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data and comparison with literatures. The configurations of compounds 3 and 4 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. This is also the first report in finding (S)-rugulactone (1) as a natural product. In addition, the preliminary cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against P-388 cells using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. All the pyrones, except compound 4, were active significantly inhibiting the growth of P-388 cells, while the amides derivatives (5-7) showed moderate to weak activities. Therefore, compounds 1-3 could be potentially examined further for anticancer agents.

Antibacterial and antifungal two phenolic sesquiterpenes from Dysoxylum densiflorum.

A new phenolic sesquiterpene, dysoxyphenol (1), and the known sesquiterpene, 7R,10S-2-hydroxycalamenene (2), were isolated from the acetone extract of Dysoxylum densiflorum seeds. The structures of these compounds were determined based on physical, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and mass spectral data. Both compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal properties against seven pathogenic bacteria and two wood-rotting fungi, respectively. The results showed that both compounds have significant antibacterial properties only against Bacillus subtilis (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 28 µM), while in the antifungal evaluation compound 1 was found to be more active than compound 2. Therefore, compound 1 has promising antifungal properties that can be developed further for finding new antifungal agents.

Four limonoids from the seeds extract of Sandoricum koetjape.

Three andirobin- and one trijugin-class limonoids, named koetjapins A-D (1-4), have been isolated from the seed extracts of Sandoricum koetjape. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive NMR and mass spectral data, and the chemotaxonomic significance of these limonoids in the family Meliaceae is highlighted. Preliminary biological activity showed that only compound 4 has significant inhibitory activity against P-388 cells, while antibacterial tests showed that none of these compounds were active.

Flavonoid and stilbene derivatives from Macaranga trichocarpa.

A new farnesylated flavonol (4'-O-methylmacagigantin) and a new geranylated stilbene (macatrichocarpin H), together with eight known phenolic compounds, have been isolated from the leaves of Macaranga trichocarpa. Structures of these compounds were determined based on NMR and mass spectrroscopic data. Cytotoxic properties of the isolated compounds were tested against P-388 cells showing that mactrichocarpin G was the most active compound with IC50 was 3.5µM.

Two Pyrones with Antibacterial Activities from Alpinia malaccensis.

A new pyrone derivative, malakavalactone (2), was isolated from the acetone extract of Alpinia malaccensis fruits, along with a known compound kavalactone (1). The structure of the new compound was determined based on NMR and mass spectral data. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weak antibacterial activities against eight pathogenic bacteria.

A new stilbenoid compound from the lianas of Gnetum microcarpum.

A new stilbene, malaysianol E (1), together with five known stilbenes namely gnetol (2), gnetucleistol C (3), gnetucleistol D (4), resveratrol (5) and E-viniferin (6) were successfully discovered from the acetone extract of the lianas of Gnetum microcapum. The structures of these stilbenes were determined on the basis of spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and MS evidence. This paper describes the structural elucidation of the new compound, malaysianol E. The chemotaxonomic significance of this compound is briefly discussed.

Antibacterial flavanones and dihydrochalcones from Macaranga trichocarpa.

Previously we had isolated two prenylated flavanones and two prenylated dihydrochalcones, macatrichocarpins A-D (1-4), from the acetone extract of the leaves of Macaranga trichocarpa. Re-examination of the fractions containing minor components resulted in the isolation of four more flavonoid derivatives, including two new prenylated dihydrochalcones, oxymacatrichocarpin C (5) and isomacatrichocarpin C (6). The structures of these compounds were determined by the analysis of UV, NMR, and mass spectral data. The eight isolated flavonoids were tested on eight pathogenic bacteria and found to be mostly moderate antibacterial agents, with the lowest MIC value of 26.5 µM achieved by the flavanone macatrichocarpin A (1) against Bacillus subtilis.

Dihydroflavonol and flavonol derivatives from Macaranga recurvata.

Two new dihydroflavonol derivatives, macarecurvatins A and B, have been isolated from the leaves of Macaranga recurvata (Euphorbiaceaae), along with the known compounds diisoprenylaromadendrin, glyasperin A and broussoflavonol F. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Upon cytotoxic evaluation against P-388 cells, macarecurvatin B showed strong activity with an IC50 of 0.83 microM.

Geranylated flavonols from Macaranga rhizinoides.

Two geranylated and methylated flavonol derivatives, macarhizinoidins A (1) and B (2), along with a known phenolic compound methyl 4-isoprenyloxycinnamate (3), have been isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves M. rhizinoides. The structures of these compounds were identified based on their spectroscopic data. On cytotoxic evaluation against murine leukemia P-388 cells, compounds 1-2 showed IC50 values of 11.4 and 13.9 microM, respectively, while compound 3 was inactive.

Phenolic derivatives with an irregular sesquiterpenyl side chain from Macaranga pruinosa.

A stilbene and two flavonoid derivatives, macapruinosins A-C (1-3), together with two known flavonoids, papyriflavonol A and nymphaeol C, have been isolated from the acetone extract of the leaves of Macaranga pruinosa. The structures of these compounds were identified based on spectral data analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first examples of natural compounds containing an irregular sesquiterpenyl side chain with a cyclobutane skeleton.

Phenolic compounds from Cryptocarya konishii: their cytotoxic and tyrosine kinase inhibitory properties.

Two chalcone derivatives, 2'-hydroxychalcone (1) and desmethylinfectocaryone (2), together with five known phenolic compounds infectocaryone (3), cryptocaryone (4), kurzichalcolactone A (5), pinocembrin (6) and trans-N-feruloyltyramine (7), were isolated from the methanol extract of the wood of Cryptocarya konishii. The structures of the new compounds were determined based on the analysis of spectroscopic data, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectra. Evaluation of the cytotoxic and tyrosine kinase inhibitory activities of compounds 1-7 showed that compounds 2-4 strongly inhibited the growth of murine leukemia P-388 cells, whereas compound 4 significantly inhibited the enzyme.

Prenylated flavones from Artocarpus lanceifolius and their cytotoxic properties against P-388 cells.

New prenylated flavones, artoindonesianins Z-4 and Z-5, together with four known prenylated flavones, artonin E, 12-hydroxyartonin E, artobiloxanthone, and cycloartobiloxanthone, have been isolated from the methanol extract of the tree bark of Artocarpus lanceifolius. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectra. The cytotoxic effect of the isolated compounds against murine leukemia P-388 cells is described.

A 2-arylbenzofuran derivative from Hopea mengarawan.

A new 2-arylbenzofuran derivative (diptoindonesin G) (1), along with nine known oligostilbenes, have been isolated and identified from the acetone extract of the tree bark of Hopea mengarawan. The structures of these compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data, including 2D NMR and HREIMS spectra. On cytotoxic evaluation of the isolated compounds against murin leukemia P-388 cells, compound 1 was the strongest in inhibiting the growth of the cells.

A modified oligostilbenoid, diptoindonesin C, from Shorea pinanga Scheff.

A new oligostilbenoid, diptoindonesin C, has been isolated from the tree bark of Shorea pinanga Scheff., along with the two known oligostilbenoids gnetin H and hopeaphenol, and a known coumarin scopoletin. The new oligostilbenoid was moderately active against brine shrimps Artemia salina.

Isoprenylated flavanones and dihydrochalcones from Macaranga trichocarpa.

Two isoprenylated flavanones, macatrichocarpins A and B, and two isoprenylated dihydrochalcones, macatrichocarpins C and D, have been isolated and identified from the acetone extract of the leaves of Macaranga trichocarpa. The structures of these compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and HREIMS data. This is the first report of the presence of dihydrochalcone derivatives in the genus Macaranga.

An oxepinoflavone from Artocarpus elasticus with cytotoxic activity against P-388 cells.

A new oxepinoflavone, artoindonesianin E1 (1), was isolated from the wood of Artocarpus elasticus, along with four known prenylated flavones: artocarpin (2), cycloartocarpin (3), cudraflavones A (4) and C (5). The structure of the new compound was identified by spectroscopic methods. Upon cytotoxic evaluation against murine leukemia P-388 cells, the new compound showed IC(50) 5.0 microg/mL.

Macagigantin, a farnesylated flavonol from Macaranga gigantea.

A new farnesylated flavonol derivative, macagigantin (1), together with two known flavonoids, glyasperin A (2) and apigenin (3), had been isolated from the acetone extract of the leaves of Macaranga gigantea. The structure of the new compound was elucidated as 6-farnesylkaempferol based on its spectroscopic data, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-EI-MS spectra. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against P-388 cells, their IC(50) values being 11.3, 6.0, and 5.1 microM, respectively.