Vasorelaxation activity guided separation of the methanol extract of Calophyllum scriblitifolium bark led to the isolation of 6 chromanones (calofolic acids A–F, 1–6). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and their absolute configurations were investigated by a combination of CD spectroscopy and DFT calculation. All isolated chromanones showed dose-dependent vasorelaxation activity on isolated rat aorta.Download high-res image (41KB)Download full-size image

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum seed) is widely used in food and natural health products. In our search for osteoclast differentiation inhibitors, some cyclic peptides isolated from flaxseed, known as the cyclolinopeptides, were discovered to have osteoclast differentiation inhibition activity. The osteoclast differentiation inhibition activity of cyclolinopeptides A–I (1–9) and their related derivatives (10–14) are described herein. Cyclolinopeptides F, H and I (6, 8 and 9), in particular, showed potent osteoclast differentiation inhibition activity.

Oxomollugin (2) is a degradation product of mollugin (1) and a potent inhibitor of NO-production including nuclear factor kappa B signals. In our endeavor to develop a potent anti-inflammatory compound, we synthesized several aza-derivatives of oxomollugin (2) and evaluated their NO-production inhibitory activity. Azamollugin (3) showed a potent inhibitory activity, and its activity (IC50 0.34 μM) was proved to be more potent than that of oxomollugin (2, IC50 1.3 μM).

The ceramicines, a series of limonoids from Chisocheton ceramicus (Meliaceae), were evaluated for anti-melanin deposition activity on α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-treated B16-F10 melanoma cell, and several ceramicines were found to be active. The structure–activity relationship of ceramicines as anti-melanin deposition inhibitors was deduced. Furthermore, the mechanism of anti-melanin deposition activity of ceramicine B, a major constituent of C. ceramicus that showed potent anti-melanin deposition activity, was investigated. Tyrosinase enzymatic activity and tyrosinase mRNA expression were not affected by ceramicine B. The anti-melanin deposition activity of ceramicine B was shown to be related to the downregulation of tyrosinase protein expression. These results suggest that ceramicines have potential to be used as depigmentation agents.

We have previously reported that bisleuconothine A (Bis-A), a novel bisindole alkaloid isolated from Leuconotis griffithii, showed cytostatic activity in several cell lines. In this report, the mechanism of Bis-A-induced cytostatic activity was investigated in detail using A549 cells. Bis-A did not cause apoptosis, as indicated by analysis of annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Expression of all tested apoptosis-related proteins was also unaffected by Bis-A treatment. Bis-A was found to increase LC3 lipidation in MCF7 cells as well as A549 cells, suggesting that Bis-A cytostatic activity may be due to induction of autophagy. Subsequent investigation via Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining indicated that Bis-A induced formation but prevented degradation of autophagosomes. Mechanistic studies showed that Bis-A down-regulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and its downstream kinase, PRAS40, which is an mTOR repressor. Moreover, phosphorylation of p70S6K, an mTOR-dependent kinase, was also down-regulated. Down-regulation of these kinases suggests that the increase in LC3 lipidation may be due to mTOR deactivation. Thus, the cytostatic activity shown by Bis-A may be attributed to its induction of autophagosome formation. The Bis-A-induced autophagosome formation was suggested to be caused by its interference with the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.

Two new aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids, dysosesquiflorins A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from Dysoxylum densiflorum bark, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data. These dysosesquiflorins showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines.

Mollugin, a naphthoquinone derivative, was reported to possess various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity. Mollugin isolated from Rubia tinctorum roots inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages. However, mollugin synthesized for further investigation of its anti-inflammatory mechanism showed weak activity in addition to unstable assay results. From the result of analysis on a degradation product of mollugin, oxomollugin was found to be the main active substance of mollugin degradation, showing a potent inhibitory activity on NO-production including nuclear factor kappa B signals.

Four new compounds, 2-hydroxy-6-(12′-hydroxyheptadec-13′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (1), 2-hydroxy-6-(13′-hydroxyheptadec-11′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (2), 2-hydroxy-6-(10′-hydroxypentadec-11′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (3), and 2-hydroxy-6-(11′-hydroxypentadec-9′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (4) were isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba and the structures of new ginkgolic acids were deduced on the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical means. Compounds 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 examined as an inseparable mixture of hydroxyl and double bond positional isomers, were ultimately defined by total synthesis. Compounds 1–4 showed moderate lipid droplets accumulation inhibitory activity on mouse pre-adipocyte cell line, MC3T3-G2/PA6.

A novel C16N2-type Lycopodium alkaloid consisting of a quinolizidine with a 6-dimethylaminohexyl side chain, hupermine A (1), was isolated from the club moss of Huperzia phlegmaria, and the structure and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data.

Four new chromone alkaloids, chrotacumines G–J (1–4), have been isolated from the barks of Dysoxylum acutangulum. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of NMR and CD data. Chrotacumines G and J (1 and 4) showed osteoclast differentiation inhibitory activity in a dose dependent manner.

Chemical investigation of the flowers of Cassia siamea (Leguminosae), resulted in the isolation of two novel tetracycles connecting 5-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzene-1,3-diol, cassibiphenols A (1) and B (2). The structures were elucidated by analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS spectra. Synthesis of a tetracyclic core of 1 and 2 led to determine the absolute configuration of 1 and C-12 of 2.Chemical investigation of the flowers of Cassia siamea (Leguminosae), resulted in the isolation of two novel tetracycles connecting 5-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzene-1,3-diol, cassibiphenols A (1) and B (2). The structures were elucidated by analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS spectra. Synthesis of a tetracyclic core of 1 and 2 led to determine the absolute configuration of 1 and C-12 of 2.

Recently people often suffer from unhealthy energy metabolism balance as they tend to take more energy than required. Normally, excess energy taken in is converted into triglyceride and stored in adipocyte as lipid droplets. Recent studies have suggested that irregular accumulation of triglyceride in adipocyte might be a cause of many metabolic diseases. Thus, the awareness of the detrimental effects on health of excessive lipid droplets accumulation (LDA) has urged the development or finding of drugs to counter this effect, including those from botanical origins. This review summarized recent progress in this field from the viewpoint of crude drug studies with references to their anti-LDA activity. Possible mechanisms involved in their anti-LDA effect and isolations of the relevant bioactive compounds were also discussed.

Four new Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (1–4) possessing a homolycorine-type or a crinine-type skeleton have been isolated from the aerial part of Zephyranthes candida, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The stereochemistry was elucidated by combination of NOESY correlations and CD analyses.

Three new terpenoids, opaciniols A–C (1–3), were isolated from the barks of Garcinia opaca, together with malabarica-17,21-dien-3β,14-diol (4) and 13βH-malabarica-14,17,21-trien-3β-ol (5). Their structures were determined on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data. 3 and 4 showed moderate cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells.

Determination of the absolute configuration (AC) is often a challenging aspect in the structure elucidation of natural products. When chiral compounds possess appropriate chromophore(s), electronic circular dichroism (ECD) may provide a powerful approach to the determination of their absolute configuration. Recently, ECD calculations by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) have come to be used more commonly. In the present review, we give several examples of recent studies using TDDFT-calculated ECD spectra for the AC determination of natural products.

The Meliaceae family of plants has been shown to contain a vast number of compounds with the potential to be developed for medicinal purposes. We have previously reported the isolation of limonoids from a plant in the Meliaceae family named Chisocheton ceramicus. Ceramicine B was identified as an active compound in inhibiting lipid droplets accumulation (LDA) in the mouse preadipocyte cell line MC3T3-G2/PA6. The presence of ceramicine B was found to inhibit the expression of glucose transporter type 4, lipoprotein lipase, and 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA, and also adipogenic master regulator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) mRNA. However, for early adipogenic regulators, such as C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ, and intermediary adipogenic regulators, Krüppel-like factors were unaffected. Western blot analysis showed that ceramicine B was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of Forkhead box O1 (Foxo1), a key process in the insulin signaling pathway. This suggested that the mechanism of anti-LDA activity of ceramicine B was partly via the inhibition of Foxo1 phosphorylation.

Justidrusamides A–D (1–4), four new alkaloids containing 2-aminobenzyl alcohol, succinic acid, and 2,3-dihydroxy-2-(1-hydroxyethyl) butanoic acid skeletons have been isolated from leaves of Justicia gendarussa, and their structures were elucidated using 2D NMR data and chemical means. This is the first report of a 2,3-dihydroxy-2-(1-hydroxyethyl) butanoic acid derivative in nature.

Previously, we reported the isolation of cassane-type diterpenes, sucutiniranes A–F, from the seeds of Bowdichia nitida. In this study, a series of sucutinirane derivatives was prepared, and their in vitro toxicity in the HL-60 cell line was evaluated. Then the action mechanism of a representative compound that induces cell death was investigated. Whereas C-6 or C-7 diol esters and ether decreased the activity against the HL-60 cell line, furan-oxidized derivatives 12 and 13 showed improvement or retention of the activity compared with those of the natural products sucutinirane A (11), E (1), and F (2). Treatment with sucutinirane derivative 13 elevated caspase 3/7 activity and also decreased expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, Mcl-1, and Bid. Derivative 13 generated reactive oxygen species in HL-60 cells, whose apoptotic effects were attenuated by the addition of an antioxidant, N-acetyl-l-cysteine. These results suggest that cassane butenolide 13 induces apoptosis in HL-60 via its oxidative effects.

A novel C16N-type Lycopodium alkaloid consisting of a decahydroquinoline and a cyclohexanone, huperminone A (1), was isolated from the club moss of Huperzia phlegmaria, and the structure and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. This unique C16N-type skeleton lacking in a nitrogen atom may be generated from C16N2-type phlegmarane skeleton.

In our search for lipid-droplets accumulation (LDA) inhibitors, some ceramicines, a series of limonoids isolated from the barks of Chisocheton ceramicus, were discovered to be active as anti-LDA. Preliminary structure–activity relationships (SAR) of ceramicines as LDA inhibitors based on ceramicines A–L (1–12) and ceramicine B derivatives were described.

The aim of this study was to search for bioactive natural products from medicinal plants targeting vasorelaxant activity and we found the methanol extract from bark of Tabernaemontana dichotoma showed vasorelaxant activity on rat aorta. We isolated eight indole alkaloids including 10-methoxyalstonerine (1), a new macroline type indole alkaloid, from bark of T. dichotoma. These were respectively identified as 10-methoxyaffinisine (2), lochnerine (3), cathafoline (4), (−)-alstonerine (5), 19,20-dehydro-10-methoxytalcarpine (6), alstonisine (7), and alstonal (8) based on spectroscopic analysis. Among them, sarpagine type (2 and 3), akuammiline type (4), and macroline oxindole type (7 and 8) showed potent vasorelaxant activity. Mechanism of action on vasorelaxant activity of 10-methoxyaffinisine (2), cathafoline (4), and alstonisine (7) was clarified. Effects of 10-methoxyaffinisine (2), cathafoline (4), and alstonisine (7) were partially mediated the NO release from endothelial cells. Furthermore, 10-methoxyaffinisine (2) and alstonisine (7) attribute to the inhibitory effect of VDC and ROC, and cathafoline (4) have inhibitory effect on Ca2+ influx via ROC. In addition, 10-methoxyaffinisine (2) as a major compound from bark of T. dichotoma showed hypotensive effect on normotensive rats in vivo.

Two new limonoids, sanjecumins A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the leaves of Sandoricum koetjape, together with sandoripins A (3) and B (4). Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of NMR and CD data. Sandoripins A (3) and B (4) moderately inhibited nitric oxide production in mouse macrophage-like cell line J774.1 stimulated by lipopolysaccharide.

Seven new ajmaline type alkaloids, alstiphyllanines I–O (1–7) were isolated from the leaves of Alstonia macrophylla together with six related alkaloids (8–13). Structures and stereochemistry of 1–7 were fully elucidated and characterized by 2D NMR analysis. A series of alstiphyllanines I–O (1–7) as well as the known ajmaline type alkaloids (8–13) showed that they relaxed phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions against rat aortic ring. Among them, vincamedine (10) showed potent vasorelaxant activity, which may be mediated through inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCs) and/or receptor-operated Ca2+ channels (ROCs) as well as partially mediated the NO release from endothelial cells. The presence of substituents at both N-1 and C-17 may be important to show vasorelaxation activity.

Novel C16N2-type Lycopodium alkaloids consisting of a decahydroquinoline with an aminohexyl side chain, lycobelines A–C (1–3), were isolated from the club moss of Huperzia goebelii, and their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical correlations.Novel C16N2-type Lycopodium alkaloids consisting of a decahydroquinoline with an aminohexyl side chain, lycobelines A–C (1–3), were isolated from the club moss of Huperzia goebelii, and their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical correlations.

Two novel indole alkaloids and new quinazoline alkaloids, namely leucomidines A–C (1–3), were isolated from the barks of Leuconotis griffithii. The structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, chemical means, and CD calculations. The quinazoline alkaloid, 3, is proposed to be derived from the same biogenetic precursor as the indole alkaloids 1 and 2.Two novel indole alkaloids and new quinazoline alkaloids, namely leucomidines A–C (1–3), were isolated from the barks of Leuconotis griffithii. The structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, chemical means, and CD calculations. The quinazoline alkaloid, 3, is proposed to be derived from the same biogenetic precursor as the indole alkaloids 1 and 2.

Three new limonoids, ceramicines J (1), K (2), and L (3), were isolated from the hexane layer of Chisocheton ceramicus bark extract. Their structures were elucidated from 1D and 2D NMR data. Ceramicines J–L (1–3) exhibited dose-dependent moderate cytotoxicity against the HL-60 cell line.

A new indole alkaloid, leucoridine A N-oxide (1), consisting of two units of a strychnan type of skeleton, was isolated from the leaves of Leuconotis griffithii. Its structure was elucidated by various spectroscopic means such as NMR and MS, and also by chemical means. Antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 of indole alkaloids isolated from L. griffithii was investigated.

Five bisbenzyl isoquinolines (1–5), three benzyl isoquinolines (6–8), four isoquinoline alkaloids (9–12), and two unclassified compounds (13 and 14) from Popowia perakensis and Phaeanthus crassipetalus were evaluated for their vasorelaxant effect on rat aortic arteries. In aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE, 0.3 μM), some of the bisbenzyl isoquinoline alkaloids, benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids, and isoquinoline alkaloids showed clearly vasorelaxant effects at 30 μM. The action of (−)-limacine (4) was deduced to be mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells, and that of pecrassipine A (7) and backebergine (12) partly mediated by NO release. Further, the action of pecrassipine A (7) and backebergine (12) may be attributed to their inhibition of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel and receptor-operated Ca2+ channel.

Three new limonoids, chisomicines A−C (1−3), have been isolated from the bark of Chisocheton ceramicus. Their structures were determined by 2D NMR, CD spectroscopic methods, and X-ray analysis. Chisomicine A (1) exhibited NO production inhibitory activity in J774.1 cells stimulated by LPS dose-dependently at high cell viability.

Villocarines A–D (1–4), four new indole alkaloids have been isolated from the leaves of Uncaria villosa (Rubiaceae) and their structures were elucidated by 2D NMR methods and chemical correlations. Villocarine A (1) showed vasorelaxation activity against rat aortic ring and showed inhibition effect on vasocontraction of depolarized aorta with high concentration potassium, and also inhibition effect on phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction in the presence of nicardipine in a Ca2+ concentration-dependent manner. The vasorelaxant effect by 1 might be attributed mainly to inhibition of calcium influx from extracellular space through voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDC) and/or receptor-operated Ca2+-channels (ROC), and also partly mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells and opening of voltage-gated K+-channels.

Vasorelaxant effects of a series of bis(bibenzyls) from liverworts such as Marchantia polymorpha and Marchantia paleacea on rat aorta demonstrated that they relaxed phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions, which may be mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells as well as opening of K+ channels, and inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCs) and/or receptor-operated Ca2+ channels (ROCs). Structure–activity relationship based on their structures was discussed. The presence of two aromatic rings which can be connected through two atoms bridge spacer may play an important role for vasorelaxant effect.

Two new indole alkaloids, bisnicalaterine D (1), consisting of an eburnane and a corynanthe type of skeletons, and nicalaterine A (2) were isolated from the bark of Hunteria zeylanica. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic data such as NMR and CD spectra. A series of bisnicalaterines and nicalaterine A showed potent antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.Two new indole alkaloids, bisnicalaterine D (1), consisting of an eburnane and a corynanthe type of skeletons, and nicalaterine A (2) were isolated from the bark of Hunteria zeylanica. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic data such as NMR and CD spectra. A series of bisnicalaterines and nicalaterine A showed potent antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.

A novel C20N-type Lycopodium alkaloid with an unprecedented fused-hexacyclic ring system consisting of a γ-lactone, an aza-cycloheptene, an aza-cyclohexane, a cyclohexane, a cyclopentane, and tetrahydrofuran rings, lycotetrastine A (1) was isolated from the club moss of Huperzia tetrasticha. The structure and absolute stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations and X-ray analysis.A novel C20N-type Lycopodium alkaloid, lycotetrastine A (1), was isolated from the club moss of Huperzia tetrasticha. The structure and absolute stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations and X-ray analysis.

Two novel indole alkaloids, alsmaphorazines A and B, were isolated from the leaves of Alstonia pneumatophora (Apocynaceae), and their structures were determined on the basis of the 2D NMR and MS spectral analysis. These alkaloids possessed a new skeleton consisting of an 1,2-oxazinane and an isoxazolidine chromophore. The absolute configuration of alsmaphorazine B was determined by using CD spectral analysis. Alsmaphorazine A inhibited the NO production in the LPS-stimulated J774.1 cells dose-dependently without affecting the cell viability.

Gneyulins A (1) and B (2), two new stilbene trimers consisting of oxyresveratrol constituent units, and noidesols A (3) and B (4), two new dihydroflavonol-C-glucosides, were isolated from the bark of Gnetum gnemonoides. The structures and configurations of 1−4 were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations and X-ray analysis. Gneyulins A (1) and B (2) showed inhibition of Na+-glucose transporters (SGLT-1 and SGLT-2).

Eucophylline (1), a new tetracyclic vinylquinoline alkaloid, was isolated from the bark of Leuconotis eugenifolius together with leucophyllidine (2). The structure and absolute configuration of 1 were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations and simulated CD analysis. Leucophyllidine (2) showed iNOS inhibitory activity and decreased the iNOS protein expression dose-dependently.

Three new picraline-type alkaloids, alstiphyllanines E–G (1–3) and a new ajmaline-type alkaloid, alstiphyllanine H (4) were isolated from the leaves of Alstonia macrophylla together with 16 related alkaloids (5–20). Structures and stereochemistry of 1–4 were fully elucidated and characterized by 2D NMR analysis. Alstiphyllanines E and F (1 and 2) showed moderate Na+-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1 and SGLT2) inhibitory activity. A series of a hydroxy substituted derivatives 21–28 at C-17 of the picraline-type alkaloids have been derived as having potent SGLT inhibitory activity. 10-Methoxy-N(1)-methylburnamine-17-O-veratrate (6) exhibited potent inhibitory activity, suggesting that the presence of an ester side chain at C-17 may be important to show SGLT inhibitory activity. Structure activity relationship of alstiphyllanines on inhibitory activity of SGLT was discussed.

Eight new indole alkaloids, alpneumines A–H (1–8) were isolated from the Malaysian Alstonia pneumatophora (Apocynaceae) and their structures were determined by MS and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods. Alpneumines E and G (5 and 7), vincamine, and apovincamine showed anti-melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cells.

A novel bisindole alkaloid, bisleucocurine A (1), consisting of two strychnan skeletons with an N-1–C-17′ and a C-12–C-2′ bridges, was isolated from the leaves of Leuconotis griffithii and the structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Bisleucocurine A (1) showed cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines.A novel bisindole alkaloid, bisleucocurine A (1), consisting of two strychnan skeletons with an N-1–C-17′ and a C-12–C-2′ bridges was isolated from the leaves of Leuconotis griffithii and the structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Bisleucocurine A (1) showed cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines.

Two novel elemanolide dimers, vernodalidimers A (1) and B (2), possessing a rare tricyclic ortho ester moiety, were isolated from the seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR data and CD spectra. Vernodalidimers A (1) and B (2) exhibited potent cell growth inhibitory activity against HL-60 cells (IC50 0.72 and 0.47 μM, respectively).Two novel elemanolide dimers, vernodalidimers A (1) and B (2), possessing a rare tricyclic ortho ester moiety, were isolated from seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR data and CD spectra. Vernodalidimers A (1) and B (2) exhibited potent cell growth inhibitory activity against HL-60 cells.

A new bisindole alkaloid, bisleuconothine A (1) consisting of an eburnane–aspidosperma type skeleton, was isolated from the bark of Leuconotis griffithii. The structure including absolute stereochemistry was elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR data and X-ray analysis. Bisleuconothine A (1) showed cell growth inhibitory activity against various human cancer cell lines.A new bisindole alkaloid, bisleuconothine A (1) consisting of an eburnane–aspidosperma type skeleton, was isolated from the bark of Leuconotis griffithii. The structure including absolute stereochemistry was elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR data and X-ray analysis. Bisleuconothine A (1) showed cell growth inhibitory activity against various human cancer cell lines.

Two cyclic diarylheptanoids, acerogenins A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the bark of Acer nikoense as inhibitors of Na+-glucose cotransporter (SGLT). Acerogenins A (1) and B (2) inhibited both isoforms, SGLT1 and SGLT2. Structure–activity relationship of acerogenin derivatives on inhibitory activity of SGLT as well as conformational analysis of 1 and 2 on the basis of J-resolved HMBC spectra and X-ray analysis were discussed.Two cyclic diarylheptanoids, acerogenins A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the bark of Acer nikoense as inhibitors of Na+-glucose cotransporter (SGLT). Acerogenins A (1) and B (2) inhibited both isoforms, SGLT1 and SGLT2. Structure–activity relationship of acerogenin derivatives on inhibitory activity of SGLT as well as conformational analysis of 1 and 2 on the basis of J-resolved HMBC spectra and X-ray analysis were discussed.

A novel tetrakis monoterpene indole alkaloid, alasmontamine A (1) consisting of bis-vobtusine-type skeletons, was isolated from the leaves of Tabernaemontana elegans. The structure including the relative stereochemistry was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Alasmontamine A (1) exhibited moderate cell growth inhibitory activity against HL-60 cells.

Four new alkaloids, alstiphyllanines A−D (1−4), were isolated from Alstonia macrophylla, and their structures were determined by MS and 2D NMR analyses. Alkaloids 1−4 showed moderate antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and vasorelaxant activity against phenylephrine-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta.

A new bisindole alkaloid, bisnicalaterine A (1), consisting of two vobasine-type skeletons, and 3-epivobasinol (2) and 3-O-methylepivobasinol (3), with vobasine-type skeletons, were isolated from the leaves of Hunteria zeylanica, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical correlation. Bisnicalaterine A showed moderate cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines.

Three new alkaloids, cassiarins C−E (1−3), and a new chromone, 10,11-dihydroanhydrobarakol (4), which showed moderate antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, were isolated from flowers of Cassia siamea, and the structures of 1−4 were elucidated by 2D NMR analysis and chemical transformation. Cassiarin D (2) was a dimeric compound consisting of 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methylchromone and cassiarin C (1), and cassiarin E (3) was a dimer of cassiarins A and C (1).

Four new chromone alkaloids, chrotacumines A−D (1−4), consisting of a 5,7-dihydroxy-2-methylchromone, an N-Me piperidine ring, and an ester side chain were isolated from Dysoxylum acutangulum, and their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation including 2D NMR, CD spectra, and X-ray analysis. The known compound rohitukine (5) showed moderate cytotoxicity against human HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia and HCT-116 colon cancer cells.

Two new bisindole alkaloids, biscarpamontamine A (1), possessing an aspidosperma−iboga-type skeleton, and biscarpamontamine B (2), having an aspidosperma−aspidosperma-type skeleton, were isolated from stems of Tabernaemontana sphaerocarpa, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute configuration of biscarpamontamine B (2) was established by comparison of its CD spectrum and with that of vobtusine (3). Biscarpamontamine B (2) showed potent cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines.

Four new cassane-type diterpenes, sucutiniranes C−F (3−6), have been isolated from seeds of Bowdichia nitida, and their structures were elucidated by using 2D NMR data, chemical correlations, and X-ray analysis. Sucutiniranes E (5) and F (6) were moderately cytotoxic against human blood premyelocytic leukemia (HL-60), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and colon cancer (HCT-116) cells.

Cassiarin A 1, a tricyclic alkaloid, isolated from the leaves of Cassia siamea (Leguminosae), shows powerful antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro as well as P. berghei in vivo, which may be valuable leads for novel antimalarials. Interactions of parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) with endothelium in aorta are especially important in the processes contribute to the pathogenesis of severe malaria. Nitric oxide (NO) reduces endothelial expression of receptors/adhesion molecules used by pRBC to adhere to vascular endothelium, and reduces cytoadherence of pRBC to vascular endothelium. Cassiarin A 1 showed vasorelaxation activity against rat aortic ring, which may be related with NO production. A series of a hydroxyl and a nitrogen-substituted derivatives and a dehydroxy derivative of 1 have been synthesized as having potent antimalarials against P. falciparum with vasodilator activity, which may reduce cytoadherence of pRBC to vascular endothelium. Cassiarin A 1 exhibited a potent antimalarial activity and a high selectivity index in vitro, suggesting that the presence of a hydroxyl and a nitrogen atom without any substituents may be important to show antimalarial activity. Relative to cassiarin A, a methoxy derivative showed more potent vasorelaxant activity, although it did not show improvement for inhibition of P. falciparum in vitro. These cassiarin derivatives may be promising candidates as antimalarials with different mode of actions.

Three new limonoids, ceramicines B–D (1–3), have been isolated from the bark of Chisocheton ceramicus. Structures and stereochemistry of 1–3 were fully elucidated and characterized by 2D NMR analysis. Ceramicines exhibited a moderate antiplasmodial activity.

Lobaric acid (1) has been isolated from lichen, Stereocaulon sasakii together with a new benzofuran, sakisacaulon A (2). Lobaric acid (1) inhibited the polymerization of tubulin. Structure–activity relationship of lobaric acid and its derivatives on inhibitory activity of tubulin polymerization was discussed.Lobaric acid (1) has been isolated from lichen, Stereocaulon sasakii together with a new benzofuran, sakisacaulon A (2). Lobaric acid (1) inhibited the polymerization of tubulin. Structure–activity relationship of lobaric acid and its derivatives on inhibitory activity of tubulin polymerization was discussed.

A new chlorinated cyclic pentapeptide, hydroxycyclochlorotine (1), has been isolated from Penicillium islandicum, and the structure including absolute stereochemistry of 1 and conformational properties of 1 and cyclochlorotine (2) in DMSO-d6 were elucidated by using extensive 2D NMR and chemical means. Hydroxycyclochlorotine (1) and astin B (3) from Aster tataricus, each containing an allo threonine at residue 2, have a cis proline configuration, whereas cyclochlorotine (2) has two conformational states in solution, which may be produced from cis−trans isomerization of the proline amide bond. The presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between Ser3-NH and a hydroxyl oxygen atom of alloThr2 may serve to maintain the backbone conformation with a cis proline amide bond.

Three new Lycopodium alkaloids, lycoparins A–C (1–3), have been isolated from the club moss Lycopodium casuarinoides. Structures and stereochemistry of 1–3 were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations. Lycoparins C (3) exhibited an inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, while lycoparins A (1) and B (2) did not show activity.

Five new alkaloids, alstilobanines A (1)–E (5) were isolated from Alstonia angustiloba (Apocynaceae) and their structures were determined by MS and 2D NMR spectral analysis. Alstilobanines A–E showed a moderate vasorelaxant activity against phenylephrine-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta.

A new bischromone, chrobisiamone A (1) with an antiplasmodial activity has been isolated from the leaves of Cassia siamea and the structure was elucidated by 2D NMR analysis. Cyclization of 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (2) in the presence of ammonium acetate resulted in generation of cassiarin A (3) with an unprecedented tricyclic skeleton, supporting a biogenetic pathway proposed for 3.A new bischromone, chrobisiamone A (1) with an antiplasmodial activity has been isolated from the leaves of Cassia siamea and the structure was elucidated by 2D NMR analysis. Cyclization of 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (2) in the presence of ammonium acetate resulted in generation of cassiarin A (3) with an unprecedented tricyclic skeleton, supporting a biogenetic pathway proposed for 3.

Two new cassane-type diterpenes, sucutiniranes A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the seeds of Bowdichia nitida together with 6α-acetoxyvouacapane (3) and 6α,7β-diacetoxyvouacapane (4), and the structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by using 2D NMR data and chemical correlations. Sucutinirane A (1) and 3 showed a moderate cytotoxicity against human colon carcinoma COLO201 cells, and 6α,7β-diacetoxyvouacapane (4) showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity against parasite Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.Two new diterpenes, sucutiniranes A (1) and B (2), have been isolate from Bowdichia nitida. Sucutinirane A (1) and 6α-acetoxyvouacapane (3) showed a moderate cytotoxicity and 6α,7β-diacetoxyvouacapane (4) showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity against parasite Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.

From the fruits of Phaleria macrocarpa, icariside C3 (1), phalerin (2), and mangiferin (3) were isolated and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data. Icariside C3 (1) showed a slow vasorelaxant activity against noradrenaline-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta. The structure of phalerin (2) was revised as 2,4′,6-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-2-O-β-d-glucoside.

Bioassay-guided purification from the seeds of Peganum harmala led to the isolation of harmine (1), harmaline (2), vasicinone (3), and deoxyvasicinone (4). Harmine (1) and harmaline (2) showed a moderate in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Quinazoline alkaloid, vasicinone (3), showed a vasorelaxant activity against phenylephrine-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta.

The new Daphniphyllum alkaloids, pordamacrines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the leaves of Daphniphyllum macropodum, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of interpretation of spectroscopic data and by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 2. Pordamacrines A (1) and B (2) exhibited moderate vasorelaxant effects on the rat aorta.

Two novel C27N3-type Lycopodium alkaloids, cryptadines A (1) and B (2) consisting of two octahydroquinoline rings (C11N) and a piperidine ring (C5N), have been isolated from the club moss Lycopodium cryptomerinum, and their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, chemical transformations, and computational methods. Cryptadines A (1) and B (2) exhibited an inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase.

Three new Lycopodium alkaloids, carinatumins A–C (1–3), have been isolated from the club moss Lycopodium carinatum. Structures and stereochemistry of 1–3 were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations. Carinatumins A (1) and B (2) exhibited a potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase.

Two new abietane-type diterpenes, taxodistines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated by the guidance of inhibitory effect of tubulin polymerization from the fruits of Taxodium distichum and the structures were elucidated by using 2D NMR data. Taxodistine B (2) showed inhibition of tubulin polymerization.Two new abietane-type diterpenes, taxodistines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated by the guidance of inhibitory effect of tubulin polymerization from the fruits of Taxodium distichum and the structures were elucidated by using 2D NMR data. Taxodistine B (2) showed inhibition of tubulin polymerization.

A new cyclic heptapeptide, cyclonatsudamine A (1), cyclo (-Gly-Tyr-Leu-Leu-Pro-Pro-Ser-), has been isolated from the peels of Citrus natsudaidai and the structure was elucidated by 2D NMR analysis and chemical degradation. Cyclonatsudamine A (1) relaxed norepinephrine-induced contractions of rat aorta, which may be mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells.A new cyclic heptapeptide, cyclonatsudamine A (1), has been isolated from the peels of Citrus natsudaidai and the structure was elucidated by 2D NMR analysis and chemical degradation. Cyclonatsudamine A relaxed norepinephrine-induced contractions of rat aorta.

A new cyclic nonapeptide, segetalin F, has been isolated from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis and the structure including absolute stereochemistry was elucidated by using 2D NMR and chemical means. A series of segetalins showed a vasorelaxant activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta.A new cyclic nonapeptide, segetalin F (6), has been isolated from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis and the structure was elucidated by using 2D NMR and chemical means. A series of segetalins showed a vasorelaxant activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta.

A cyclic octapeptide, cyclosquamosin B (2), isolated from the seeds of Annona squamosa showed a vasorelaxant effect on rat aorta. It showed a slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. It showed inhibition effect on vasocontraction of depolarized aorta with high concentration potassium, but moderately inhibition effect on NE-induced contraction in the presence of nicardipine. These results showed that the vasorelaxant effect by 2 might be attributed mainly to inhibition of calcium influx from extracellular space through voltage-dependent calcium channels.A cyclic octapeptide, cyclosquamosin B (2), isolated from the seeds of Annona squamosa showed a vasorelaxant effect on rat aorta. It showed a slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine-induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. It showed inhibition effect on vasocontraction of depolarized aorta with high concentration potassium, but moderate inhibition effect on NE-induced contraction in the presence of nicardipine.