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Phytochemical investigation of the aqueous methanol and butanol extracts of Salvia multicaulis from Jordan resulted in the isolation of 17 compounds including one new abietane diterpene derivative that was identified as 2,20-dihydroxyferruginol. Structural elucidation of all isolated compounds was based on extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile principles emitted from different aerial organs of two S. palaestina Benth. populations (Mediterranean (Med) and Irano-Turanian (IrT)) growing wild in Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and analysed by GC/MS technique. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated stems (59.38%, 49.67%) and leaves (93.28%, 32.39%) emissions from Med and IrT zones, respectively while monoterpene hydrocarbons had the major contribution to the aroma of pre-flowering buds (78.62%, 74.96%), opened flowers (76.12%, 59.99%) and petals (69.57%, 54.28%) and were mostly represented by sabinene (in Med zone) and ociemene isomers (Z & E) in IrT zone. Multivariate analysis classified the two populations into two different clusters based on their origin and indicated the occurrence of two ecotypes of this species. Different organs from the same collection site showed emission profiles of similar chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the chemical constituents of Salvia judaica growing wild in Jordan led to the isolation and identification of 15 known compounds. These included: luteolin-3′-methyl ether (1), indole-3-carboxyaldehyde (2), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), tricin (4), apigenin (5), methyl isoferuloyl-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactate (6), methyl rosmarinate (7), rosmarinic acid (8), salvigenin (9), β-sitosterol (10), 3β, 28-dihydroxyurs-12-ene (11), cirsilineol (12), 2,3-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (13), β-sitosteryl glucoside (14), and tormentic acid (15). Compounds 6 and 7 exhibited strong radical scavenging and chelating activities as compared to α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, compound 7 showed a 2-fold greater antioxidant activity as compared to compound 6. Furthermore, low doses of compounds 6 and 7 were able to inhibit the growth of leukemic (HL-60, Jurkat, K562 and CCRF-SB) and solid tumor cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and Caco-2). Compound 7 showed a ca. 3–4-fold stronger cytotoxicity against the tested cells as compared to compound 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation reports the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds emitted from the different aerial organs of two populations of Salvia dominica L. from Jordan collected from Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian bio-geographical zones. Oxygenated monoterpenes dominated the emission profiles of most organs from the two populations but with variable qualitative and quantitative differences. Mediterranean samples contained higher content of oxygenated monoterpenes (stems: 88.37%, leaves 89.95%, pre-flowering buds 67.14%, fully opened flowers 79.43%, sepals 90.93% and petals 92.25%) as compared to those from Irano-Turanian origin (range 39.85% to 75.06%). trans-Sabinene hydrate dominated the emission profiles of all organs from Irano-Turanian zone (range 38.54% to 73.24%) in addition to the stem, sepal and petal samples from the Mediterranean zone (51.37% to 86.98%). The other organs from the Mediterranean zone were dominated by a-terpenyl acetate (27.66-54.87%). Cluster and Principle Component statistical analysis classified the two populations into two clusters based on their origin. The current study evidenced the different VOCs composition in the two populations, that was mainly related to climatic and environmental conditions and suggested the presence of two ecotypes of S. dominica L. in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-two alkaloids, were isolated from Fumaria densiflora. Two of these alkaloids, N-methyl-5-hydroxystylopine chloride and fumaricine N-oxide, were isolated for the first time from natural sources. Parfumine and fumaritine, in concentrations ranging from 3 × 10−7 to 9 × 10−4 M, caused concentration–dependent relaxation of ileum longitudinal segment. Also, parfumine and fumaritine in concentrations ranging from 3 × 10−4 to 9 × 10−2 M, caused concentration – dependent decrease in heart rate of the isolated perfused heart. A concentration of parfumine of 3 × 10−2 M increased but a higher concentration (9 × 10−2 M) decreased the amplitude of contraction of the isolated perfused heart. On the other hand, fumaritine, in concentrations ranging from 3 × 10−4 to 3 × 10−2 M, caused concentration – dependent increase, but a higher concentration (9 × 10−2 M) caused a decrease in the amplitude of contraction of the isolated perfused heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of hydro-distilled oils of Achillea fragrantissima inflorescence (fresh and dry) at the pre- and flowering stages was evaluated by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Additionally, the essential oil and solvent extracts of the dried inflorescence were assayed for their inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). All essential oils were rich oxygenated monoterpenes especially in the flowering stage (69.27% fresh, 81.72% dry). The hydro-distilled oil of the dried inflorescence showed low activity as AChE inhibitor (IC50 0.05 ± 0.01 μg μL−1). The ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 0.063 ± 0.02 μg μL−1) showed the highest AChE inhibitor activity, whereas the hydro-alcoholic fraction had the highest BChE inhibitory effect (IC50 0.037 ± 0.010 μg μL−1). Results proposed the possible applications of A. fragrantissima flower extracts as coadjuvants in the treatment of cognitive diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioassay guided fractionation of the Robinia pseudoacacia ethanol leaf crude extract using Liquid- Solid Chromatography through silica gel and Sephadex columns had led to the determination of the most effective fractions and separation of most important compounds. Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) screening of R. pseudoacacia ethanol leaf crude extract and two of the effective fractions were conducted. GC-MS screening of R. pseudoacacia showed fourteen compounds in the crude extract with different percent, among these: pentanoic acid 2-ethyl-methyl ester with 10.65%, linolenic acid with 9.77%, phytol with 8.87%, sterols such as beta sitosterol with 6.77% and other compounds. 13H NMR,13C NMR and mass spectral data revealed the presence of luteolin (3',4',5,7- tetrahydroxyflavone) and acacetin -7-O-glycoside. These results indicated the potential of R. pseudoacacia ethanol leaf extract as a promising aphicide for controlling GPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the chemical constituents of the aerial parts ofScabiosa proliferaL. led to the isolation of one new flavonol glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-(4″,6″-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside (1), along with ten other known compounds including luteolin-7-O-(2″-O-ethyl-β-glucopyranoside), β-sitosterol, β-sitosterylglucoside, ursolic acid, corosolic acid, ursolic acid 3-O-β-D-arabinopyranoside, apigenin, methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside and isoorientin. The structures of all isolated compounds were established using chemical methods and spectroscopic methods including IR, UV, NMR (1D and 2D) and HRESIMS. All compounds were isolated for the first time from the plant. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of compounds1and2were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Investigation of the chemical constituents of Aristolochia maurorum growing wild in Jordan resulted in the isolation and characterisation of one new compound in addition to 19 known compounds. The new compound was identified as aristolochic acid II alanine amide (14). The other known compounds were the following: palmitic acid (1), β-sitosterol (2), E-ethyl-p-coumarate (3), Z-ethyl-p-coumarate (4), aristolochic acid IV methyl ester (5), aristolactam I (6), loliolide (7), (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (8), glycerol-1-palmitate (9), aristolochic acid I (10), E-p-coumaric acid (11), E-N-coumaroyltyramine (12), β-sitosteryl glucoside (13), aristolochic acid IV (15), aristolochic acid III (16), esculetin (17), uracil (18), shepherdine (19) and adenosine (20). The isolated compounds were characterised by different spectroscopic methods including NMR (1D and 2D), UV, IR and HRESIMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current investigation, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) spontaneously emitted from the different organs ofInula viscosagrowing wild in Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) method and then analyzed using GC-MS technique. Oxygenated monoterpenes dominated roots emission (52.39%) while sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main class of compounds detected in the emission of the stems (60.05%). Leaves emission was characterized with high monoterpenoids content (oxygenated 24.34%, hydrocarbons 30.06%). The emission of the fully expanded flowers and flowering organs (receptacles, petals and pistils) was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (51.96%, 46.94%, 45.45% and 53.13%, respectively). Flowering buds at the pre-flowering stage were rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (40.02%). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) analysis revealed that the emission profiles of differentI. viscosaorgans were classified into three clusters based on their chemical composition. In addition, the hydrodistilled essential oils obtained from the fresh leaves, pre-flowering buds and fully expanded flowers were dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (69.63, 92.75 and 76.70%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new cardenolides, named ischarin and ischaridin in addition to 10 known compounds, were isolated from Calotropis procera Ait. (Asclepiadaceae), growing wild in Jordan. Their structures were established mainly by the extensive application of one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inula graveolens is a poisonous annual plant of Mediterranean origin. The invasive nature of the plant suggests that it may possess phytotoxic activity. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of I. graveolens to inhibit the growth of different plants in Petri dish and to identify the main bioactive compounds. Bio-guided fractionation of the plant extracts led to the isolation of 2,3,11β,13-tetrahydroaromaticin (THA) and ilicic acid. Both compounds showed selective and significant phytotoxic activity at 25 ppm. Root length of barley, oat, millet, tuberous canary grass and lentils were significantly reduced by 25 ppm of THA, while the root of cauliflower, cress and radish were similarly reduced by ilicic acid at 25 ppm. The structure of each compound was elucidated by using NMR and HR-MS. X-ray crystallography of THA is reported for the first time to confirm the relative stereochemistry of the compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new seco-ursadiene triterpenoids 1–3 together with 11 known compounds were isolated from Salvia syriaca of Jordanian origin. The compounds were identified by using NMR spectroscopy including extensive 2D NMR experiments and mass spectrometry. The structure of compound 3 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography, and the information thus obtained was used to confirm the stereochemistry of compounds 1 and 2. This is the second report of 17,22-seco-17(28),12-ursadien-22-oic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae) is used as a traditional medicine for healing wounds and in the treatment of abdominal pain and stomach ache. Fresh and air dried flowering parts of A. biebersteinii at different growth stages were subjected to hydro-distillation and the different essential oils obtained were analyzed by GC-MS technique. Monoterpenoids dominated the different flowering stages of both, fresh and air dried flowering parts. The fresh pre-flowering stage was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (56.62%) with a-terpinene as the major component (51.67%). Oxygenated monoterpenes were detected as the principal constituents during both, the fresh flowering and fresh post-flowering stages (55.61%, 56.45%, respectively). The major representatives of this class included ascaridol (38.84%) and iso-ascaridol (25.39%). Oxygenated monoterpenes dominated all flowering stages of the air-dried blooms and ascaridol was the main volatile compound in these oils (28.20%, 27.03% and 44.39%, respectively). The oil of the dried mature flowering blooms of A. biebersteinii exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of the platelet aggregation caused by ADP and collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity of the essential oils obtained fromOnonis NatrixL.andOnonis SiculaGuss were investigated by the DPPH and ATBS methods. The oils exhibited good to moderate antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Essential oils of the two plants were analyzed by GC and GC- MS. Seventy-seven components (95.60 %) were characterized in the essential oil ofO. Sicula. The oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (66.29 %), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (20.10 %) including selin-11-en-4-α-ol (12.76 %) and α-selinene (6.27 %) as the major constituents. From the 85 identified compounds (97.11 %) in the oil ofO. Natrix(2E,6E)-farnesol (18.83 %), dodecanal (12.58 %) and 2-phenyl ethyl tiglate (5.20 %) were the main constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammodaucus leucotrichusL. (Apiaceae) is a rarely investigated important medicinal plant endemic to North African countries. The essential oil ofA. leucotrichusL. seeds obtained by hydro-distillation and SPME extraction methods were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Twenty two components were identified in the hydro-distilled oil amounting to 97.04 % of the total oil content. The oil was dominated by oxygenated monoteprenes (87.32 %) represented by perilla aldehyde (84.43 %). A total of thirty four components accounting for 99.88 % of the total composition were characterized in the SPME oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons had the highest contribution to the SPME oil (87.40 %) with terpinolene being the main component of the fraction (69.21%). The hydro-distilled oil was screened for its antimicrobial activity and was found to be inactive againstEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandSalmonella typhi.The pure oil was most active againstMicrococcus luteuswhile moderately active againstKlebsiella pneumonia,Staphylococcus aureusandBacillus subtilis. Moreover, the essential oil showed no activity against MCF7 and T47D cancer cell lines. The investigation revealed qualitative and quantitative differences between the hydro-distilled and SPME oils of the AlgerianA. leucotrichusL. seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The antiproliferative and antimicrobial effects of thirteen compounds isolated from Inula viscosa (L.) were tested in this study. The antiproliferative activity was tested against three cell lines using the MTT assay. The microdilution method was used to study the antimicrobial activity against two Gram positive bacteria, two Gram negative bacteria and one fungus. The apoptotic activity was determined using a TUNEL colorimetric assay. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphological changes in treated cancer cells and bacteria. Antiproliferative activity was observed in four flavonoids (nepetin, 3,3′-di-O-methylquercetin, hispidulin, and 3-O-methylquercetin). 3,3′-di-OMethylquercetin and 3-O-methylquercetin showed selective antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of 10.11 and 11.23 μg/mL, respectively. Both compounds exert their antiproliferative effect by inducing apoptosis as indicted by the presence of DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies in treated cancer cells. The antimicrobial effect of Inula viscosa were also noticed in 3,3′-di-O-methylquercetin and 3-O-methyquercetin that inhibited Bacillus cereus at MIC of 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. Salmonella typhimurium was inhibited by both compounds at MIC of 125 μg/mL. 3,3′-di-O-Methylquercetin induced damage in bacterial cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes. Methylated quercetins isolated from Inula viscosa have improved anticancer and antimicrobial properties compared with other flavonoids and are promising as potential anticancer and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of Osyris alba L. (Santalaceae) of Jordanian origin resulted in the isolation and identification of one new pyrrolizidine alkaloid, osyrisine (1), together with 16 other known compounds. The structures of all compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Osyrisine, catechin, and catechin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside exhibited a significant level of antiparasitic activity against two parasites, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the aerial parts of Sisymbrium irio L. (Cruciferea) collected in northern Jordan afforded two new compounds, sitosteryl-6'-O-undecanoate-β-D-glucoside (1) and (Z)-8,11,12-trihydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (2), in addition to 12 known compounds, 10 of which are reported for the first time from the plant. The structures of all of the compounds were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile compounds obtained from Sisymbrium irio growing in Jordan has been analyzed by GC-MS. The major constituents are dioctyladipate (25.44%), N-(n-proyl) acetamide (14.77%), isopropyl isothiocyanate (11.55%), isobutyl isothiocyanate (6.75%), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (6.52%), cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid (6.30%), heptacosane (3.89%), palmitic acid (3.45%), n-butyl isothiocyanate (2.85 %) and dimethoxyacetophenone (2.54 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between the chemical constituents of Phragmites australis (Reeds) and metal ions has been investigated. Complexation reactions between the three constituents of the plant: butanolic extract, tricin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and tricin with Pb(II) and Cd(II) were studied using differential pulse polarography. It was found that Pb(H) and Cd(II) form 1:2 complexes with each of the three constituents. The high conditional formation constants indicate that the removal of heavy metals from wastewater using Phragmites australis might be due to complex formation between the metal ions and flavonoid glycosides present in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of Inula viscosa of Jordanian origin afforded the new sesquiterpene 1β-hydroxyilicic acid in addition to the known 2β-hydroxyilicic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the chemical constituents of Capparis Spinosa of Jordanian origin. Proposal of a mass fragmentation pattern for the alkaloid Cadabicine; Isolation and characterization of two compounds from C. spinosa, beta-sitosterylglucosidase-6'-octodecanoate and 3-methyl-2-butenyl-beta-glucosidase; Therapeutic effects of C. spinosa.

An abstract of the article "Acylated Flavonoid Glucoside from Marrubium vulgare" by Nuha I. Sweidan and colleagues is presented.

Pituranthos scoparius is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It thrives in North Africa, and is widely distributed in the high plateau of most parts of the Sahara in Algeria. This plant is widely used in the Algerian traditional medicine to treat numerous infectious diseases, dermatoses, nervous breakdowns, digestive disorders, and calm abdominal pain. The aim of the present work was to examine the ethnomedicinal uses of Pituranthos scoparius in Setif region, Algeria, isolate and identify the chemical constituents of the n -butanol stem extract of P. scoparius (BEPS), and to determine the toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds in addition to the extract. The anti-inflammatory effects of BEPS and the four compounds isolated from the extract were evaluated using the in vitro protein denaturation assay, whereas the topical anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Toxicity was determined based on assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity using hemolytic activity against human red blood cells (RBCs). Four compounds, identified as the rare isorhamnetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl (1 → 2)-β glucopyranoside (2), in addition to three known compounds, namely isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucoside (1), D-mannitol (3), and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from BEPS. These compounds were characterized by means of NMR and high-resolution mass spectral (HRMS) data. These four compounds were isolated for the first time from this traditional Algerian medicinal plant. Screening of the extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, free quinones, coumarins and tannins. Topical anti-inflammatory effect showed that the four isolated compounds, as well as BEPS, exhibit a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent (0.5 and 1 mg/ear) anti-inflammatory effect. At a dose of 1 mg/ear, compounds 1 , 2 , and 4 , exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory effect with a percentage inhibition of 85.50 ± 2.78, 79.78 ± 4.68, and 75.78 ± 2.98%, respectively. Results from in vitro cytotoxicity showed that the % lysis of the extract, along with isolated compounds was found to be virtually nontoxic. These results suggest that BEPS and isolated compounds are safe, nontoxic, and exert remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, and can be new sources of natural anti-inflammatory agents. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of Gynandriris sisyrinchium (L.) Parl growing in Jordan resulted in the isolation and characterization of a total of twelve compounds two of which are reported here for the first time in nature. These new compounds included the isoflavones; 3′-methyl tenuifone ( 2 ) and gynandrinone ( 5 ). In addition, ten known compounds including; β-sitosterol ( 1 ), 7,3′-dimethoxy-5,6,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone ( 3 ), iristectorigenin ( 4 ), hispidulin ( 6 ), galangustin ( 7 ), 6-hydroxybiochanin A ( 8 ), ursolic acid ( 9 ), ladanetin ( 10 ), 4′-O-methylgenistein ( 11 ) and β-sitosterol glucoside ( 12 ) are also reported here for the first time from G. sisyrinchium . The isolated compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic methods including NMR (1D and 2D), UV, IR and MS (HRESIMS and EIMS). The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of isoflavones 2 , 3 and 5 were investigated. Compound 3 showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 17.3 μg/mL), as compared to compounds 5 and 2 (IC 50 = 26.7 and 51.7 μg/mL, respectively). The cytotoxic activity against the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells revealed that compound 2 was the most active (40 μM). The results indicate that the cytotoxicity of compound 2 is mediated by apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new cyclic polyketide 7,9,11-trihydroxytetracos-2-eneoic acid δ -lactone ( 1 ), together with other eleven known compounds, were isolated from Ononis spinosa , growing wildly in Jordan. All isolated compounds were identified by thorough investigation of their spectral data including NMR and HRESIMS. Antioxidant activity testing of puerol B, specionin and the new cyclic polyketide revealed that puerol B had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC 50 0.09 ± 0.006 mg/ml) as compared to α-tocopherol (IC 50 0.039 ± 0.0006 mg/ml), while specionin had the highest ABTS radical scavenging power (IC 50 0.013 ± 0.0008 mg/ml) as compared to α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid (IC 50 0.042 ± 0.0004; 0.026 ± 0 .0007 mg/ml; respectively).

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria in clinical practice has propelled a concerted effort to find new classes of antibiotics that will circumvent current modes of resistance. We previously described a set of imidazopyridine antibacterial leads that contain a core composed of benzimidazole and a central phthalic acid linker. These compounds showed potent antibacterial properties against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this respect, we conducted a systematic exploration of new disubstituted imidazole functionalities on quinoline 4-position as the central linker, to determine the factors that direct the potent antibacterial activity. We found that some of the newly synthesized compounds possessed more potent activity compared to currently available medications. The newly synthesized compounds were screened against several clinical isolates and Staphylococcus aureus, including the methicillinresistant (MRSA) and the methicillin-sensitive (MSAA)., Methods: The goal of this work is to undertake rigorous testing of new hybrid scaffolds of quinoline flanked by diaryl imidazoles and their structure-activity against a range of bacterial strains. Described herein is the account of the modification of the central linker region, the imidazole functionality, and substituents at the 4-position of the quinoline, and their effect on the antibacterial potency of the resulting derivatives. Our efforts here have been driven by previous reports on the applications of Pfitzinger cyclization protocol. This complexity-generating reaction transforms a relatively simple substrate, into a more complex products with the potential for diversification via functionalization of the resultant acid., Results: We identified compounds that possess potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against clinical isolates and drug resistant strains. Structure-Activity relationships of these compounds were further explored to determine the crucial structural features needed to enhance their antibacterial activity. In this respect, it was found that, hydrophobic and electron-withdrawing moieties, such as halogens, were required on each end of the isoquinoline-based bisaryl imidazole hybrid motifs to produce broad-spectrum activity against the tested strains. Thus, molecules containing halophenyl or pyridyl arms were found more potent than molecules containing thiophene and/or electron-releasing groups on the phenyl arms, which showed much less antibacterial activity against the tested strains., Conclusion: In summary, 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylquinoline systems can be assembled efficiently through the Pfitzinger ring expansion- condensation strategy. This approach appears to hold considerable synthetic utility. The particular value of such a synthetic route resides on the conciseness and efficiency through which imidazo-quinoline construction can be synthesized from structurally simple and accessible acetophenone precursors.

In this investigation, the screening of two furanocoumarins; 5,8- dimethoxypsoralen (1) and heraclinin (2), isolated from the methanol root-extracts of Tamus communis L for their antioxidant activity and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect was carried out, using different assays such as DPPH free radical scavenging effect, β- carotene / linoleic acid, xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition and in addition to blood total antioxidant capacity. Results revealed that the two compounds have significant DPPH radical scavenging activity and effective inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation in a dose-dependent manner; 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen exhibited the highest activity with an I% = 72.69 ± 1.88%. These results indicate that the isolated compounds inhibit xanthine oxidase activity and scavenge superoxide radicals with heraclinin (2) as the more potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor, and 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen (1) as the more effective on cytochrome c reduction, the two tested compounds can effectively protect erythrocytes against hemolytic injury induced by AAPH. These results are promising for further studies of the biological and pathological effects of these natural products.

The novel seco-ursane-type triterpenoid 3β,11α-dihydroxy-17,22-seco-17(28), 12-ursadien-22-oic acid (1) was isolated for the first time from a natural source from two Salvia species growing wild in Jordan, Salvia palaestina Benth. and Salvia syrica L. In addition to compound 1, S. syriaca afforded a new sesquiterpene named syriacine (2). S. palaestina also afforded 15 other known compounds, 6 of which are isolated for the first time from the plant, and these include velutin, hyptadienic acid, cirsilineol, 2α,3β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2α,3α-dihydroxy-24-nor-4(23),12-oleanan-28-oic acid, and 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid. S. syriaca also afforded 16 other known compounds, 7 of which are isolated for the first time from the plant. These are 1α,3α-dihydroxyolean-9(11),12-diene, maslinic acid, 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 11-oxo-oleanolic acid, 11-oxo-ursolic acid, poriferast-5-en-3,7-diol, and pectolinangenin.

Two new triterpenes of the taraxasterol skeleton are isolated for the first time form Pergularia tomentosa L. of Algerian origin. The new compounds were named pergularine A and pergularine B. In addition, eight known compounds were isolated from the plant including oleic acid, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoic acid, α-amyrin, 3-acetyltaraxasterol, 3-taraxasterol, 16α-hydroxytaraxasterol-3-acetate, 3-epi-micromeric acid, and (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoic acid glucoside. All known compounds are isolated for the first time from P. tomentosa L.