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Sarcopenia is having a serious impact on highly aged populations. A Japanese traditional medicinal remedy containing Schisandra fruits and Astragalus roots recently showed effective treatment of sarcopenia and thus needed to be investigated further. This current study selected Schisandra cauliflora fruits for investigation of their chemical constituents and evaluation of their antisarcopenia effects. Dried S cauliflora fruits were ultrasonically extracted with methylene chloride. This extract was purified by a combination of chromatographic techniques. The isolated compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism, and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods. Antisarcopenia activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by their effects on the viability and proliferation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Seven dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, including 2 that had been previously undescribed, cauliflorins A and B (1 and 2), ananolignan C (3), 6- epi-ananolignan D (4), ananolignan F (5), ananonin H (6), and ananonin J (7) were isolated from the methylene chloride extract of the fruits of S cauliflora. The C2C12 cells treated with compounds 1-7 (5 µM) exhibited proliferation in the range of 75.7% ± 7.4% to 98.2% ± 11.7%, compared to 100.0% ± 6.0% of the untreated cells. Two previously undescribed and 5 known dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans were isolated from S cauliflora fruits. All the isolated compounds were inactive on the proliferative enhancement of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells.

Objective Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (family Acanthaceae) is distributed in the mangrove areas of northern Vietnam. The whole plant has the effect of dissolving blood stasis, reducing swelling, relieving pain, dissolving phlegm, and is often used to treat back pain, numbness, cough, and asthma. In our screening program for seeking cytotoxic active compounds, the methanol extract of this plant significantly showed activity and was selected for further study. In this paper we report the chemical constituents of A. ebracteatus and their cytotoxic activity towards two cancer cell lines, HepG2 and SK-LU1 in vitro. Methods The dried and powdered aerial parts of A. ebracteatus were ultrasonically extracted with methanol. This extract was suspended in water and successively partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate to give n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water-soluble extracts. These extracts were fractionated and purified by column and HPLC chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of the isolates were determined by analysis of HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR, and CD spectra. The isolates were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity by SRB assay. Results One new flavone glycoside (1) and ten known compounds (2-11), including five flavones (2-6), three alkaloids (7-9), and two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11), were isolated from the aerial parts of A. ebracteatus. Compounds 7–9 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and SK-LU1 cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 28.2 to 31.1 µM. Compounds 2–6, 8, 9, and 11 are reported herein from A. ebracteatus for the first time. Conclusion One new (1) and five known flavonoids (2-6), together with three alkaloids (7-9) and two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11) were recorded from A. ebracteatus. Our results preliminarily revealed that alkaloids may be cytotoxic ingredients of A. ebracteatus.

Objective: Rauvolfia cambodiana has been used as a Vietnamese folk medicine to treat high blood pressure and for sedation and memory loss diseases. However, to date, there have been few studies on the chemical constituents and biological activity of this medicinal plant. This study aimed to find the chemical constituents of R cambodiana and evaluate their enhancement memory properties. Methods: The aerial parts of R cambodiana were powdered and ultrasonically extracted with methanol. The methanol extract was suspended in water and successively partitioned with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate to give dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water-soluble extracts. Each extract was fractionated and purified by column and HPLC chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by analysis of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and experimental and TD-DFT calculated ECD spectra. The enhancement memory property of the compounds was evaluated by their in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Results: Five alkaloids (1-5) and 2 iridoids (6 and 7), including one new one named rauvolcambonine (1), and 6 known compounds, perakine (2), ajmaline (3), 10-hydroxy-16- epi-affinine (4), sitsirikine (5), loganic acid (6), and secoxyloganin (7) were isolated and identified from the aerial parts of R cambodiana. Compounds 4 and 5 significantly showed acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects in vitro with IC50 values of 30.1 ± 1.4 µM and 65.5 ± 3.3 µM, respectively. The other compounds inhibited acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values ranging from 111.0 ± 6.0 µM to 197.6 ± 19.8 µM. Conclusion: One new (1) and 3 other compounds (2, 4-7) were recorded from R cambodiana for the first time. The NMR spectroscopic data of compound 4 are reported herein for the first time. Our study preliminarily revealed that the vobasenal framework type alkaloids could be active ingredients of Rauvolfia species and responsibility for the enhancement memory property of these plants.

Seven phenolic compounds, including a new phenylethanoid, named passifoside (1), and 6 previously described compounds, syringaresinol (2), berchemol (3), threo-guaiacylglycerol (4), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl- O- β-D-glucopyranoside (6), and trans- p-coumaric acid (7), were identified from the aerial parts of Passiflora foetida. Their chemical structures were elucidated from HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectral data, and comparison with the literature. Compound 2 inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells, showing an IC50 value of 9.45 ± 0.33 µM. The other compounds showed either weak or no significant activity compared to L-NMMA, which was used as a positive control.

Two new 13,27-cyclo pentacyclic triterpenes (1 and 2), together with ten pentacyclic triterpenoids (3-12), were characterized from the stems and leaves of Sarcosperma kontumense Gagnep. ex Aubrév. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectra as 2 α,3 β,19 α,23-tetrahydroxy-13,27-cyclours-11-en-28-oic acid (1), 2 α,3 β,19 α,23-tetrahydroxy-13,27-cycloolean-11-en-28-oic acid (2), 2 α,3 α,19 α,23-tetrahydroxy-13,27-cyclours-11-en-28-oic acid (3), corosolic acid (4), pomolic acid (5), masilinic acid (6), 1 β,2 α,3α,19 α,23-pentahydroxyurs-11-en-28-oic acid (7), rotundic acid (8), euscaphic acid (9), jacoumaric acid (10), 3- O- trans-coumaroyltormetic acid (11), and 3- O- cis-coumaroyltormetic acid (12). Compounds 3, 4, 6-8, and 10-12 were isolated from the genus Sarcosperma for the first time.

Two new (1 and 2) and six known (3-8) compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of the Vietnamese marine spider conch Lambis lambis Linnaeus, 1758. Based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, particularly HRESIMS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra, their chemical structures were determined to be 25,26,27-tri-nor-cholest-5-ene-2 β,3 α,24-triol-2,24-disulfate (1), 25,26,27-tri-nor-cholesta-2 β,3 α,24-triol-3,24-disulfate (2), 25,26,27-tri-nor-cholesta-2β,3α,24-triol-2,3,24-trisulfate (solomonsterol A, 3), 1- O-arachidonoyl-3- O-stearylglycerol (4), eicosapentaenoic acid (5), adenosine (6), adenine (7), and uracil (8). This is the first report of compounds 3-8 from L. lambis.

Panax pseudoginseng Wall. is famous as a traditional Vietnamese medicinal plant used to promote health and aid in cancer treatment. From the roots of this plant, 1 new (1) and 4 known (2-5) Δ20(22)-dammarane-type triterpenoid glycosides were isolated by various chromatographic methods. Their chemical structures were determined as 3β,6α,12β-trihydroxydammarane-( Z)-20(22),24-diene 6 -O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3β,6α,12β-trihydroxy-dammar-( E)-20(22),25-diene 6 -O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2, ginsenoside Rh4), ginsenoside Rg5 (3), 3β,12β-dihydroxydammarane-( E)-20(22),24-diene 6 -O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), and 3β,12β-dihydroxydammarane-( E)-20(22),24-diene 6 -O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (5). The E/ Z-Δ20(22) configurations in the dammarane compounds were further evidenced by 1D and 2D NMR data.

Phytochemical study of the methanolic extract of the stems and leaves of Strychnos vanprukii led to the isolation of three new (1-3) and four known (4-7) compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated to be (+)-lyoniresinol 3 α-O- β-D-allopyranoside (1), (-)-lyoniresinol 3 α-O- β-D-allopyranoside (2), 2 α-[(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy)-benzoyl]-(-)-lyoniresinol-3 α-O- β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (+)-lyoniresinol 3 α-O- β-D-glucopyranoside (4), (-)-lyoniresinol 3 α-O- β-D-glucopyranoside (5), palicoside (6), and rutin (7) by means of detailed HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the absolute configurations of 1–3 were determined by experimental Circular Dichroism (CD) spectra. This is the first report of compounds 5 and 7 from S. vanprukii. Compounds 1 - 7 showed inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 58.50 ± 2.30, 67.70 ± 2.23, 54.44 ± 1.26, 71.58 ± 3.59, 74.47 ± 2.61, 83.62 ± 2.25, and 47.57 ± 4.01 µM, respectively, compared to a value of 43.24 ± 2.41 µM for the positive control compound, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA).

A new phenylpropane (1) and 9 known (2-10) compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of Pandanus tonkinensis roots. Their chemical structures were determined as (7 S)-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl-7,9-propanediol-1 -O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), isorhapontigenin (2), pinoresinol-4,4′-di -O-β-D-glucoside (3), isoeucommin A (4), pinoresinol-4′ -O-β-D-glucoside (5), acanthoside B (6), eucommin A (7), urolignoside (8), benzyl O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6) -β-D-glucopyranoside (9), and (6 S,9 S)-roseoside (10) by comprehensive analysis of high-resolution electron spray ionization mass spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data, as well as by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. In addition, the stereochemistry of 1 was successfully determined by both theoretical and calculated CD spectra. All the isolates were tested for their lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects by in vitro assay. Compounds 2-7 exhibited significantly lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 21.3 ± 1.7, 61.9 ± 3.9, 57.5 ± 5.5, 10.4 ± 0.7, 28.9 ± 0.3, 54.2 ± 3.5 µM, respectively, compared to that of the positive control, trolox (31.4 ± 2.2 µM).

A new sterol (1) and 8 known (2-9) compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of the Vietnamese marine sponge Halichondria panicea (Pallas, 1766) by various chromatographic methods. Their chemical structures were determined as 5 α,6 α-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-3 β,7 α-diol-8,22,25-triene (1), (22 E)-ergosta-7,22,25-triene-3 β,5 α,6 β-triol (2), 3 β-hydroxycholest-5ene-7-one (3), cholesterol sulfate (4), 3-formamidotheonellin (5), para-hydroxybenzylideneacetone (6), indole-3-carbaldehyde (7), thymidine (8), and adenosine (9) by using a combination of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, as well as by comparison with the previous literature. This is the first report of these compounds from H panicea. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic effects on Hep-G2, SK-Mel-2, LU-1, and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 9.27 ± 1.25, 11.34 ± 1.18, 15.45 ± 1.47, and 10.85 ± 1.19 µM (for 1), and 6.45 ± 0.77, 9.74 ± 1.03, 7.08 ± 0.64, 5.61 ± 0.39 µM (for 2), compared to the positive control compound, ellipticine, 1.60 ± 0.37, 2.53 ± 0.51, 1.82 ± 0.20, and 2.17 ± 0.66 µM, respectively.

A new cucurbitane-type glycoside (1) and two known compounds (2-3) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the fruits of Momordica charantia L. Their chemical structures were determined as (19 S,23 E)-5 β­,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 β,25-diol 3 -O-β-D-allopyranoside (1), goyaglycoside d (2), and (19 S,23 E)-5 β,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 β,25-diol (3) on the basis of the extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and in comparison with the reported data. Compounds 1 to 3 were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Compounds 1 and 2 showed anti α-glucosidase activity with IC50 values of 134.12 ± 11.20 and 163.17 ± 13.71 µM, respectively, compared with the positive control, acarbose, IC50 160.99 ± 14.30 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 were first isolated from plant M. charantia growing in Vietnam.

Four new acyclic diterpenes, siegetalises A-D (1-4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia orientalis. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data. The effects of the isolated compounds on the activity of xanthine oxidase were evaluated by the oxidative reaction with xanthine as a substrate. At a concentration of 50 µM, compounds 1-4 exhibited xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity at levels of 13.59% ± 0.51%, 19.64% ± 1.54%, 17.45% ± 1.26%, and 21.36% ± 1.40%, respectively.

A new β-carboline alkaloid, 10-hydroxy-capitelline (1) together with three known anthraquinones, hedanthroside B (2), hedanthroside C (3), and rubiadin (4) were isolated from the aerial part methanol extract of Hedyotis capitellata. Their structures were established by spectroscopic data (one-dimensional, two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D, 2D-NMR) and high-resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, HR-ESI-MS) and comparison with those reported in the literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds is evaluated by their inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. At a concentration of 20 µM, compounds 1 to 4 showed weak inhibitory effects on NO production with inhibitory values ranging from 1.2% to 23.9% compared to a value of 74.5% for the positive control compound, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA).

Two new fucose containing spirostanol glycosides, (25 R)-spirost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4) -β-D-fucopyranoside (1) and (25 S)-spirost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4) -β-D-fucopyranoside (2), together with five known spirostan glycosides, (25 R)-spirost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2) -β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4) -β-D-galactopyranoside (3), (25 S)-spirost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2) -β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-galactopyranoside (4), (25 R)-spirost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4) -β-D-galactopyranoside (5), (25 R)-26-[( β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-22 α-methoxyfurost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-galactopyranoside (6), and (25 R)-26-[( β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-22 α-hydroxyfurost-5-en-3 β-yl O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-galactopyranoside (7) were isolated from the rhizomes of Disporopsis longifolia Craib. Their structures were determined by extensive analysis of HRESIMS and NMR spectral data, as well as by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1 to 7 inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values in the range from 24.5 ± 2.5 μM to 81.3 ± 4.2 μM. The NO production inhibitory activities of compounds 1 and 2 with IC50 values of 26.6 ± 1.9 μM and 24.5 ± 2.5 μM are as potent as that of the positive control of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA) with an IC50 value of 23.8 ± 2.1 μM.

Two new pregnane glycosides were isolated from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm. Their chemical structures were determined as (20 S)−12 β-tigloyloxy-5 α-hydroperoxy-3 β,8 β,14 β,17 β,20-pentahydroxypregn-6-ene 3- O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)‐6-deoxy-3- O-methyl- β-D-allopyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-cymaropyranoside (1) and (20 S)−12 β-benzoyloxy-5 α-hydroperoxy-3 β,8 β,14 β,17 β,20-pentahydroxypregn-6-ene 3- O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)‐6-deoxy-3- O-methyl- β-D-allopyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)- β-D-cymaropyranoside (2) on the basis of the extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and in comparison with the reported data. At the concentration of 200 µM, compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate anti α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities with inhibitory percentage of 31.1 ± 1.2 and 42.3 ± 1.7% (for α-glucosidase), and 27.8 ± 1.3 and 34.5 ± 1.5% (for α-amylase), respectively.

Seven compounds (1-7) were isolated from the marine sponge Aaptos aaptos living in the Vietnamese sea. Their structures were determined as 2 hours, 5 H,7 H,9 H-9 S-hydroxy-imidazo[1,5- α]pyridine-1,3-dione (1), 3-([9-methylhexadecyl]oxy)propane-1,2-diol 2, 2,3-dihydro-2,3-dioxoaaptamine (3), indol-3-aldehyde (4), methyl indole-3-carboxylate (5) 4-hydroxy-5-(indole-3-yl)−5-oxo-pentan-2-one (6), and thymidine (7) by extensive analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectral data, as well as by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. In addition, the absolute configuration of 1 was determined from the experimental ECD spectrum and comparison of this with the theoretical ECD calculations using the TDDFT method. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from nature for the first time. Compound 3 induced cytotoxic activity against SK-LU-1, MCF-7, HepG2, and SK-Mel-2 cell lines with IC50 values of 41.27 ± 2.63, 40.70 ± 2.65, 34.31 ± 3.43, and 36.63 ± 1.40 µM, respectively.

Two new acylated sucroses, (6- O-axetoxyl)- β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-(6- O-feruloyl- α- d-glucopyranoside (1) and (6- O-axetoxyl)- β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-(6- O-( E)- p-coumaroyl- α- d-glucopyranoside (2), and four known compounds, 2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol-4′- O-[4′′′-hydroxy-3′′′,5′′′-dimethoxybenzoyl-(→6′′)- β-d-fructofuranoside (3), tryptophol glucoside (4), corchonoside C (5), and 2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl β-d-fructofuranoside (6), were isolated from the roots of Canna indica L. (Cannaceae). Their structures were determined by extensive analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectral data, as well as by comparison of these with those reported in the literature. Antioxidant activity of compounds 1-6 were evaluated by peroxyl radical absorbance capacity assay. Compounds 1 and 3 neutralized high amounts of peroxyl radical. At a concentration of 1 µM, their ORACROO* values were 3.07 ± 0.15 and 4.27 ± 0.30, respectively, many times greater than that of trolox, which was used as an internal standard. At 10 µM, the peroxyl radical absorbance capacity of compounds 1 and 3 exhibited equivalents to 15.60 ± 0.22 and 24.91 ± 0.43 times the net protection by 1 µM of trolox.

A new δ-truxinic acid sucrose diester and a new ε-truxillic acid sucrose diester (named trigohonbanosides E and F) were isolated from the leaves of Trigonostemon honbaensis. Their chemical structures were determined by extensive analysis of their HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra. At a concentration of 20 µM, trigohonbanosides E and F exhibited weak inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with inhibitory percentages of 22.7% ± 1.1% and 18.5% ± 1.4%, respectively.

Recently, saponins derived from marine sources have received much attention because of their promising bioactivities, such as anticancer, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation. In particular, a triterpene saponin from the sea cucumber Cercodemas anceps Selenka, cercodemasoide A (CAN1), showed potent cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. Recent evidence has indicated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) could be a novel target for efficient cancer therapies. In order to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of CAN1, the compound was loaded into nanoliposomes as an ideal drug carrier. CAN1 was successfully incorporated into nanoliposomes as small unilamellar liposome vesicles with an average size of 73.39 ± 1.57 nm, zeta potential of −0.299 ± 0.046 mV, polydispersity index of 0.336 ± 0.038, and with an encapsulation efficiency of up to 62.9%. For the first time, CAN1 and its nanoliposomal forms have been shown to have a promising cytotoxic activity against NTERA-2 CSCs, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) =1.03 ± 0.04 and 0.41 ± 0.03 µM, respectively. The CAN1 nanoliposomes also presented significantly improved activities in suppressing the growth of NTERA-2 3-dimensional tumorspheres (IC50 = 1.71 ± 0.06 µM) in comparison with the free form ( P < .05). The anti-CSC effects of CAN1 nanoliposomes on NTERA-2 cells were due to their apoptotic induction through enhancing caspase-3 activity (more than 2-fold) and arresting the cell cycle at the S phase ( P < .05). The obtained CAN1-encapsulated nanoliposomes suggest valuable applications in CSC-targeting treatment for more efficient clinical therapy.

From the leaves of Aralia chinensis, 3 oleanane-type triterpene glycosides have been isolated, including 1 new glycoside, 3β,23 -dihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid 3 -O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-glucuronopyranoside 28 -O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (named as araliachinoside A, 1), and 2 known ones, 3β,23 -dihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid 3 -O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)- β-d-glucuronopyranoside 28 -O-β-d-glucopyronosyl ester (2) and 3β-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid 3 -O-β-d-glucurono pyranoside 28 -O-β-d-glucopyronosyl ester (3). Their chemical structures were elucidated by using a combination of high-resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data, and by comparison with previous literature. Compounds 1-3 displayed cytotoxic activity toward KB and HepG2 cell lines with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 8.1 ± 0.1 to 15.7 ± 0.3 µM in in vitro assay.

One new oleanane-type triterpene glycoside, oleanolic acid-[28 -O-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-3 -O-[ β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→6)- β-d-glucopyranosyl](1→3)[ α-l-arabinofuranosyl(1→4)]- β-d-glucuronopyranoside (1), and 3 known ones {oleanolic acid-[28 -O-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-3 -O-[ β-d-galactopyranosyl(1→3)]-[ β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)]- β-d-glucuronopyranoside (2) chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester (3), and chikusetsusaponin IV (4)} were isolated from the leaves of Aralia armata. Their chemical structures were elucidated using a combination of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data, as well as comparison with data in the previous literature. This is the first report of full NMR spectroscopic data of 2. Compounds 1-4 displayed weak cytotoxic activity toward KB and HepG2 cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration50 values ranging from 24.2 ± 0.3 to 32.6 ± 0.8 µM in in vitro assay.

Three dihydrostilbene derivatives (1-3) and 5 neolignans (4-8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of Pouzolzia sanguinea. Two new compounds (1 and 4) were obtained. Their structures, as well as their absolute configuration, were elucidated by means of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism spectral data. Compounds 1-8 inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV2 cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 22.7 ± 1.5 to 61.2 ± 3.1 µM. Of these, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the most NO inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 22.7 ± 1.5 and 25.1 ± 2.1 µM, respectively, in comparison with the positive control, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, IC50 value 22.1 ± 1.2 µM.

Using various chromatographic methods, two new alkaloids, antidesoic acids A (1) and B (2) along with fourteen known compounds (3-16) were isolated from the leaves of Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn. Their chemical structures were elucidated by physical and chemical methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in BV2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Bisflavone 8 significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production in BV2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 5.4 and 8.0 μM, respectively. Compounds 1–3, 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16 showed moderate inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 11.7 to 77.4 μM.

Using various chromatographic methods, one new sesquiterpene quinone named smenohaimien F (1) and five known, neodactyloquinone (2), dactyloquinone C (3), dactyloquinone D (4), isoamijiol (5), and amijiol (6), were isolated from the marine sponge Smenospongia cerebriformis DuchassaingMichelotti, 1864. Their structures were elucidated by ID-, 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS, and by comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature. The cytotoxic activities of the all compounds were evaluated on five human cancer cell lines, LU-1, HL-60, SK-Mel-2, HepG-2, and MCF-7. Compound 4 was found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activities on all tested human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 1.6 μg/mL.

A new phenolic (caricapapayol, 1) and 8 known compounds (2-9) were isolated from the flowers of Carica papaya. Their structures were determined by analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR spectral data, and comparison with the literature. Among known compounds, compound 2 has not been reported from natural source. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 exhibited tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 14.3 ± 2.7, 25.5 ± 1.9, and 19.8 ± 3.0 µM, respectively, in comparison with positive control kojic acid IC50 11.3 ± 1.6 µM.

Two new megastigmane glycosides, phoebenoside A (1) and phoebenoside B (2) and 4 known compounds, dendranthemoside A (3), lyoniresinol (4), (+)-3-O-L-rhamnopyranoside-5-methoxyisolariciresinol (5),...

Three new constituents (1-3) were isolated from the whole plant of Balanophora laxiflora. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by circular dichroism spectra and modified Mosher’s method. The isolated compounds weakly inhibited on both NO production and COX-2 mRNA expression in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Two new sesquiterpenes and one new bis-sesquiterpene, named dysinidins C-E (1–3) along with three known sterols, dysideasterol F, 9α,11α-epoxycholest-7-en-3β,5α,6α-triol, and 9α,11α-epoxycholest-7-en-3β,5α,6α,19-tetrol 6-acetate (4–6) were isolated from the Vietnamese marine sponge Dysidea fragilis (Montagu, 1814). Their structures were determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopies and HR-ESI-MS, as well as by comparison with reported literature data. Compounds 4–6 were found to inhibit eight human cancer cell lines (KB, LU-1, HL-60, LNCaP, SK-Mel-2, HepG-2, MCF-7, and PC-3), with IC50 values ranging from 7.3 to 31.5 μM.

Two new steroidal alkaloid saponins, solanigrosides Q and R (1 and 2), together with four known compounds khasianine (3), solamargine (4), solasonine (5), and soladulcoside A (6) were isolated from the whole plants of Solanum nigrum. The structures of new compounds (1 and 2) were determined by interpretation of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and chemical transformation. Compound 4 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231, A549, Hep3B, PC3 human cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 1.86 ± 0.45, 2.24 ± 0.15, 0.78 ± 0.11, 5.13 ± 1.34 μM, respectively.

Two new steroidal saponins, solaprocumosides A (1) and B (2), and a known compound paniculonin B (3) were isolated from the aerial parts of Solanum procumbens. Their chemical structures were determined by analysis of HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra. Compound 1 had ketone functional groups at C-16 and C-22 of sterol skeleton which is rarely found in nature. Meanwhile, compound 2 could be form by oxidative breakdown C-20/C-22 bonding of a furostane-type saponin. Compounds 1–3 showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line with IC50 values of 55.7 ± 1.5, 48.1 ± 2.2, and 78.3 ± 2.4 μM, respectively.

Two new acetylated saponins, acetyltrevesiasaponins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the leaves of Trevesia palmata. Their chemical structures were determined by analysis of HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra. Compound 2 was also confirmed by alkaline hydrolysis and identification its prosapogenin 2a. Compounds 1, 2, and 2a were evaluated inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS stimulated BV2 cells. Compound 2 showed weak activity (IC50 40.7 μM).

Using various chromatographic methods, one new lanostane triterpene, 3 α-hydroxylanosta-8,24 E-dien-26-oic acid (1), one new lignan, matairesinol 4'- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) along with five known compounds, ecdysone (3), 20-hydroxyecdysone (4), 20-hydroxyecdysone 2,3-monoacetonide (5), turkesterone (6), and polypodine B (7) were isolated from the leaves of Vitex trifolia L. Their structures were elucidated by 1D-, 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS, CD, and by comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature.

Chemical investigation of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Buddleja asiatica resulted in the isolation of a new iridoid glycoside, buddlejasiaside A (1) and 11 known compounds: 6- O -[α-L-(4-isoferuloyl)-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (2), specioside (3), verminoside (4), minecoside (5), 6- O -( p -hydroxybenzoyl)-ajugol (6), 6- O -caffeoyl ajugol (7), litanthosalin 8), eurostoside (9), 10- O -caffeoylaucubin (10), phlorizin (11), and garashangin (12). Their chemical structures were identified based on the MS and NMR spectroscopic analyses and comparing with the data reported in the literature. Compounds 1, 2, and 8-10 showed the modest inhibitory effects against nitrite production in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia, with IC50 values ranging from 43.5-79.6 μM. Compounds 6, 7, and 11 protected HT22 hippocampal cells from glutamate-induced cell death, with EC50 values of 38.9, 14.8, and 27.1 μM, respectively.

A new iridoid glycoside, buddlemacroside A (1) and 15 known compounds, including 6-α-L-(4″- O-trans-p-coumaroyl)rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (2), 6-α-L-(2″-caffeoyl)rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (3), salidroside (4), echipuroside A (5), darendoside A (6), decaffeoylacteoside (7), acteoside (8), martynoside (9), 8-hydroxylinalool 3- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), 9- O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (11), apigenin (12), acacetin-7- O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (13), mimengoside C (14), buddlejasaponin Ia (15), and buddejasaponin I (16) were isolated from a methanol extract of the aerial parts of Buddleja macrostachya Benth. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including MS and NMR spectra as well as by comparison with the data reported in the literature. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test showed that compounds 3 and 7-9 possess significant scavenging capacity, with SC50 values ranging from 6.9-19.6 μM. Compound 8 was shown to have potent inhibitory effect against the release of malondialdehyde (MDA) - the major product of the cellular lipid peroxidation, with IC50 value of 2.3 μM. Compounds 12 and 16 significantly inhibited nitrite production in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia, with IC50 values of 14.2 and 11.4 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 16 showed cytotoxicity toward three human cancer cell lines, including SK-LU-1, MCF7, HepG2, with IC50 values in the range of 6.5-8.0 μM.

A new picrotoxane sesquiterpene glucoside, dendrobinoside A (1), and three known secondary metabolites dendronobilin G (2), dendromoniliside D (3), massonside A (4) were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl.. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopic data and comparison with reported values. Chemical structure of new compound was further investigated via its aglycone by enzymatic hydrolysis.

One new isoflavane, 7,4′-dihydroxy-isoflavanquinone (1), together with ten known compounds (2–11) were isolated from the bark of Dalbergia oliveri Prain. The structures of compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and CD spectroscopic data. Using a cell proliferation assay, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their proliferation effects on hair growth. (3 R)-5’-Methoxyvestitol (2) and (6a R,11a R)-3,8-dihydroxy-9-methoxypterocarpan (10) significantly increased the proliferation of immortalized dermal papilla cells (iDPC).

Two new resorcinol derivatives, named agrimopilosides A and B (1 and 2), along with two known compounds, (2 S, 3 S)-aromadendrin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (2 S, 3 S)-glucodistylin (4) were isolated from the aerial parts of Agrimonia pilosa. Their chemical structures were determined by mean of HRMS, NMR, CD spectra, and as well as by comparison with the reported data. At concentration of 20 μM, compounds 1–4 modestly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, with the inhibitory rates in the range of 9.55–33.73%. None of them showed cytotoxicity toward HepG2, MCF-7, and SK-LU-1 human cancer cells by MTT assay.

Using various chromatographic methods, one new sesquiterpene quinone named smenohaimien F (1) and five known, neodactyloquinone (2), dactyloquinone C (3), dactyloquinone D (4), isoamijiol (5), and amijiol (6), were isolated from the marine sponge Smenospongia cerebriformis Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864. Their structures were elucidated by 1D-, 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS, and by comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature. The cytotoxic activities of the all compounds were evaluated on five human cancer cell lines, LU-1, HL-60, SK-Mel-2, HepG-2, and MCF-7. Compound 4 was found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activities on all tested human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 1.6 μg/mL.

Sea cucumbers have been used as a dietary delicacy and important ingredient in Asian traditional medicine and functional foods over many centuries. Using combined chromatographic methods, six triterpene saponins (1-6), including a new compound, stichloroside F (1), were isolated from a methanol extract of the sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus Brandt. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic (1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1lH COSY, ROESY) and FTICR-MS data and by comparison with literature values.

One new flavonol glycoside, 4'-O-methylmyricitrin 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), one new sesquiterpene, reynoudiol (11), as well as the 12 known compounds (2-10, 12-14) quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (2), quercitrin (3), isorhamnetin 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), tamarixetin 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), myricitrin (6), 4'-O-methylmyricitrin (7), isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-2)-O-beta- D-glucopyranoside (8), isorhamnetin 3-O-beta- D-apiofuranosyl(1-2)-O-beta- D-glucopyranoside (9), (+)-catechin (10), 7-drimene-3,11,12-triol (12), clovane-2 beta,9 alpha-diol (13), and a-cadinol (14), were isolated from the methanol extract of Reynoutria japonica roots. Based on in vitro screening of the anti-influenza activity of the isolated compounds, reynoudiol showed significantly higher activity than that of oseltamivir phosphate at the same concentration, and did not induce any detectable cytopathic effect in MDCK cells. The CC50 of reynoudiol was above 50 micro M and could inhibit influenza virus infection with an IC50 of 0.29 +/- 0.01 microM. The therapeutic index (TI) of reynoudiol against influenza infection was 172.4, and thus, this compound can be potentially used to treat oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus infection.

Two new phenolic glycosides, physangulosides A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the whole plant of Physalis angulata. Their chemical structures were determined by mean of HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D-NMR spectra. Both of the compounds showed weak protection against hydrogen peroxide induced hepatocytes damage.

One new tirucallane- type triterpene glycoside, antidesoside (1), along with two biflavones, podocarpusflavone A (2) and amentoflavone (3) and two megastigmane glycosides, byzantionoside B (4), and (6 S,9 R)-roseoside (5) were isolated from the methanol extract of Antidesma bunius leaves. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods and in comparison with the published data. Compounds 1 - 3 were found to show strong inhibitory effect of NO production in BV2 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages LPS-stimulated, with IC50 values ranging from 8.5 to 26.9 μM.

Two new damarane- type saponins, named gylongiposides II-III (1 and 2), along with one known compound, (23 S)-3β,20ζ,21ζ-trihydroxy-19-oxo-21,23-epoxydammar-24-ene 3- O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranoside, were isolated from the leaves of Gynostemma longipes C.Y.Wu. Their structures were determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra. Compounds 1–3 exhibited moderate activity against four human cancer cell lines, A-549, HT-29, OVCAR, and MCF-7, with IC50 values ranging from 9.8 ± 2.1 to 49.6 ± 2.6 μM.

One new flavonol glycoside, 4′- O-methylmyricitrin 3′- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), one new sesquiterpene, reynoudiol (11), as well as the 12 known compounds (2–10, 12–14) quercetin 3- O-methyl ether (2), quercitrin (3), isorhamnetin 3- α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), tamarixetin 3- α-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), myricitrin (6), 4′- O-methylmyricitrin (7), isorhamnetin 3- O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), isorhamnetin 3- O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), (+)-catechin (10), 7-drimene-3,11,12-triol (12), clovane-2 β,9 α-diol (13), and α-cadinol (14), were isolated from the methanol extract of Reynoutria japonica roots. Based on in vitro screening of the anti-influenza activity of the isolated compounds, reynoudiol showed significantly higher activity than that of oseltamivir phosphate at the same concentration, and did not induce any detectable cytopathic effect in MDCK cells. The CC50 of reynoudiol was above 50 μM and could inhibit influenza virus infection with an IC50 of 0.29 ± 0.01 μM. The therapeutic index (TI) of reynoudiol against influenza infection was 172.4, and thus, this compound can be potentially used to treat oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus infection.

One new biscembranoid, petronigrione (1), and five known compounds, methyl tortuoate B (2), lobophytone U (3), lobophytone H (4), (24 S)-ergostane 3β,5α,6β,25tetraol-25-monoacetate (5), and (24 S)-ergostane-1β,3β,5α,6β,25-pentaol-25-monoacetate (6), were isolated from the methanol extract of the marine sponge Petrosia nigricans. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. The cytotoxicity of all compounds was evaluated by MTT assay on four human cancer cell lines, HepG2, KB, LU-1, and MCF-7. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities on the four human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging of 20.7 - 28.9 μg/mL.