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A new morphinan alkaloid (6 S , 9 S , 13  R , 14 S )-6-O-acetyl-7,8-Didehydro-4-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxymorphinan-6-ol ( 1 ), and a new naturally occurring cularine alkaloid ( S )-2, 3, 12, 12a-tetrahydro-5, 6, 9, 10-tetramethoxy-1-methyl-1H-[1]benzoxepino[2, 3, 4- ij ]isoquinoline( 5 ), along with four known alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Stephania cepharantha . The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analyses. Cytotoxic activities of the compounds against three human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7 and SW480) were also evaluated.

Two new abietane diterpenoids ( 1 and 2 ) and two known analogs ( 3 and 4 ) were isolated from the whole plants of Phlegmariurus carinatus . Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, NMR, and HRESIMS). Moreover, all compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against U251 glioblastoma cells. Notably, compounds 1-4 exhibited potential cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values ranging from 19.81 to 81.49 μM. In addition, their stabilities were checked by HPLC in the preservation conditions and in the cell lines medium. The result showed that they were relatively stable in the preservation conditions, except for 3 , but that they were decomposed in the incubation process. Finally, the most possible structures of impurities i1 , i3 and i4 were deduced by spectroscopic methods (UV, HRESIMS and MS/MS). This work provides potential insights for the development of abietane diterpenoids as candidate drugs for the treatment of glioma.

Two new furanone derivatives, byssochlanones A-B ( 1 - 2 ) were purified from the endophytic fungus Byssochlamys sp. isolated from the wetland plant, Phragmites australis . Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1 - 2 represented typical furanone analogues which are not common in natural products. The absolute configuration of compounds 1 - 2 were identified through quantum-chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation compared with their experimental CD. In addition, compounds 1 - 2 were tested for their cytotoxic activities against HCT-8 and Hela cancer cell lines, and compound 2 showed moderate activity against HCT-8 cells with IC 50 value of 21.3  μ M.

A new isocoumarin, 8-hydroxy-3-methyliscoumarin-6-yl acetate ( 1 ), was isolated together with five known compounds from sponge endophytic fungus Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis. The structure of the new compound was established based on 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis. Compounds 1-6 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 1 and 6 display cytotoxic activities against mouse melanoma cells B16 with IC 50 values 72.5 ± 2.6 and 1.0 ± 0.5  µ M, respectively. Compounds 4 and 5 displayed faint antimicrobial activities of Bacillus subtilis , Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus .

A new, canniprene B ( 4 ), along with five known ( 1 - 3 and 5 - 6 ) dihydrostilbenes were isolated from the leaves of Cannabis sativa collected at CSIR - IIIM, Jammu, India. Structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. Canniprene B is a new prenylated dihydrostilbenes, a positional isomer of the known compound canniprene ( 5 ). The cytotoxic activities of these compounds ( 1 - 6 ) were evaluated using the SRB assay against a panel of five human cancer cell lines. Notably, canniprene B ( 4 ) exhibited varying levels of cytotoxicity with IC 50 values ranging from 2.5 to 33.52 μM, demonstrating the most potent activity against pancreatic cancer cells.

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, laurenolide A ( 1 ) and laurenolide B ( 2 ), along with six known compounds, palmitic acid ( 3 ), ( R , R )-hexahydrofarnesyl acetone ( 4 ), trans -phytol acetate ( 5 ), cholesterol ( 6 ), cholesteryl acetate ( 7 ), cholesteryl heptadecanoate ( 8 ) were isolated from Palisada intermedia . The chemical structures of all compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS analysis as well as compared with data in the literature. The petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol extracts and compounds 1 , 2 were tested for the inhibition of two cancer cell lines MCF-7, NCI-H460 and they showed weak or none activities.

Previous results from the our research group have isolated numerous compounds, including novel ones, but the anticancer activity of Miliusa velutina has not been demonstrated. In this study, from the most active ethyl acetate extract of the stems of Miliusa velutina , seven compounds were isolated and determined structures, including a new drimane sesquiterpenoid compound named miliutine C methyl ester ( 1 ) and three bioactive alkaloids ( 5 - 7 ). These three alkaloids ( 5 - 7 ) exhibited strong anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, HepG2, HeLa, NCI H460 and normal fibroblasts. Especially, on MCF-7 and normal fibroblasts with values of IC 50 (μM) in order for compounds 5 (3.38, 31.15), 6 (21.96, 102.00), 7 (7.90, greater than 300), to compare with positive control camptothecin (0.020, 4.51); which is highly noteworthy. These results contribute to elucidating and confirming the value of Miliusa velutina , similar to other published and folkloric findings.

Two new isoquinoline alkaloids, hypecocarpinine (1) and leptocaramine (2) along with five known ones including leptopidine (3), corydamine (4), protopine (5), dihydroprotopine (6) and oxohydrastinine (7), were isolated from Hypecoum leptocarpum Hook. f. et Thoms. Structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated using MTT assay. The results showed that compounds 2, 4, and 7 have moderate cytotoxicity against human lung cancer (A549) and human gastric carcinoma (MGC-803) cell lines.

Ziziphora capitata (Lamiaceae family) aerial parts extract contains 57 metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and coumarins, as assessed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Successive extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol 95%, and water) were tested in vitro cytotoxic activity against HepG-2, MCF-7, HCT-116, A549, and PC3 cell lines. The results revealed that hexane extract exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity among PC3 and A549 cell lines, IC 50  = 47.1 ± 1.75 and 49.2 ± 1.08 µg/mL compared to Vinblastine IC 50  = 42.47 ± 1.95 and 24.64 ± 1.18 µg/mL, respectively, and had a moderate impact on the remaining cell lines. Moreover, the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited moderate affinity among all tested cell lines. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed. The molecular docking simulation was performed inside the effective sites of VEGFR-2 and TS as anticancer targets for the top ten phytochemicals. The results showed higher binding energy values for VEGFR-2 than for TS compared to vinblastine and co-crystallized ligands.

Aspidiatas C and D ( 1 and 2 ), two new spirostanol saponins, were isolated along with two known compounds, (25  R* )-spirost-5-en-3 β -yl α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)- α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[ α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]- β -D-glucopyranoside ( 3 ), (25  R* )-spirost-5-en-3 β -yl α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)- α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)- β -D-glucopyranoside ( 4 ) from the whole plant of Aspidistra triradiata collected in Vietnam. The chemical structures were determined by HRESIMS, 1D- and 2D-NMR analysis, and comparison with published data. Compound 3 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MCF7, HepG2, SK-LU-1, and HT-29 human cancer cell lines with IC 50 values ranging from 0.19 to 0.65 µM. Compounds 1 , 2 , and 4 displayed moderate cytotoxic effects with IC 50 values ranging from 12.32 to 82.27 µM. Compounds 1 - 4 were isolated from the genus Aspidistra for the first time.

Three new dammarane-type triterpenoids, namely elliptaglin A-C ( 1 - 3 ) were isolated from the stem bark of Aglaia elliptica (C.DC.) Blume along with three known derivatives, namely (20 S )-hydroxydammar-24-en-3-on ( 4 ), cabralealactone ( 5 ), and E -25-hydroperoxydammar-23-en-20-ol-3-one ( 6 ). Subsequently, their chemical structures were determined using HR-ESI-MS, FTIR, 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis as well as comparison with previous studies. The cytotoxicity activities of the isolated compounds against MCF-7 breast cancer and B16-F10 melanoma cell lines were then tested using PrestoBlue reagent. The analysis results showed that elliptaglin B ( 2 ) had the strongest activity against both cell lines with IC 50 values of 60.98 and 51.83 µM, respectively.

A new alkaloid, demethylorychophragine A ( 1 ), together with 18 known compounds was isolated from the aerial parts of Orychophragmus violaceus. Structure of the new compound was identified by extensive spectroscopic techniques. 2 and 3 were isolated from nature for the first time. Known compounds were identified by comparison with data reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for anti-radiation activities against X-ray irradiation in HUVEC cell line. Results showed that 10 , 12 , and 15 showed excellent anti-radiation activity. All compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against SH-SY5Y and HeLa cell lines. 16 exhibited significant cytotoxicity activity against SH-SY5Y cells, with IC 50 value of 23.86 ± 0.38 µM (p = 0.045). The anti-inflammatory effects of all compounds were assessed by determining their ability to inhibit the production of NO, which was induced by stimulating the RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line with lipopolysaccharide. 16 markedly decreased NO to a level of 27.34 ± 1.29 µM.

Four new steroids cynansteroid G-I ( 1-3 ) and cynansteroid K ( 4 ), a new natural product 5,6-deacidizingcaudatin ( 5 ), and a known compound glycocaudatin ( 6 ), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum . The structures of new compounds were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR, HRESI-MS, ECD, UV, and IR spectral data. The cytotoxic activities of all the isolates against two human tumour cell lines (COLO-205 and BGC-823) were screened, unfortunately, which were weaker than positive control.

A new spirostanol steroid, aspidiata A ( 1 ), and a new spirostanol steroidal saponin, aspidiata B ( 2 ), along with three known compounds, paris saponin VII ( 3 ), daucosterol ( 4 ), and (25 R )-spirostane-1 β ,2 β ,3 β ,4 β ,5 β ,6 β -hexol ( 5 ), were isolated from whole plants of Aspidistra triradiata collected in Vietnam. Their chemical structures were established by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with previously published data. Compound 3 showed strong cytotoxicity against LU-1, Hep-G2, MCF-7, and KB human cancer cell lines with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values ranging from 0.57 to 1.23 µM. Compound 5 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against the LU-1 cell line, with an IC 50 value of 95.81 µM.

Phytochemical investigation the resins of Ferula sinkiangensis K.M.Shen yielded three new tetrahydrobenzofuran derivatives named as Sinkiangensis A-C ( 1-3 ). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by analysis of their NMR, HRMS, and ECD spectra, and the absolute configurations were established through the comparison of experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Compound 3 exhibited moderate antitumor activities against AGS cancer cell with IC 50 values of 15.6 µM. Moreover, assays demonstrated that compound 3 could induce AGS cancer cell apoptosis.

Two new tigliane- and daphnane-type diterpenoids, given the trivial names daphnegens A-B (1 - 2) were isolated from the buds of Daphne genkwa . Their structures were assigned on the basis of extensive spectroscopic. The absolute configurations of both compounds were determined by comparison of their calculated and experimental CD curves. In addition, compounds 1 - 2 were tested for their cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 and HepG-2 human cancer cell lines, and compound 2 showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 cell line with the IC 50 value of 11.5  μ M.

One monoterpene indole alkaloid, atheruramine ( 1 ) bearing an ether bridge linking, one hydrobenzoin derivative, tricalydioloside ( 2 ) and two ursane-type triterpenes, atherurosides (A and B) ( 3 and 4 ) were isolated from the leaves of Tricalysia atherura , together with eight known compounds. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of the results of spectroscopic analysis, and the relative configurations of compounds 1-3 were established by NOE difference. Four of the metabolites were screened in vitro against both chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7) and -resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum ; they were found to exhibit moderate activity against chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) (IC 50 64.99-92.29 μg/mL). Meanwhile, crude extract possesses high antiplasmodial activity against both 3D7 and Dd2 strains of P. falciparum (IC 50 4.39-7.54 μg/mL) and high selectivity indices values (SI > 10) and was found to be safe.

A new triterpenoid saponin, 3- O - β -D-allopyranosyl (1→3)- α -L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)- α -L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28- O - α -L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4)- β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)- β -D-glucopyranosyl ester (IV), together with six known ones Hederacholichiside F (I), Tanguticoside B (II), Tauroside St-H 1 (III), Hederoside H 1 (V), Kalopanaxsaponin G (VI), Hederasaponin B (VII) were separated from Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh. Their cytotoxic activities were evaluated. Saponins IV (new compound) and I showed selective inhibitory activities against HGC-27 with IC 50 values of 20.17 and 66.18 μM. Saponin VII exhibited extensive inhibitory action against HGC-27, Hela and SK-OV-3 with IC 50 values of 16.47-71.36 μM. Saponin III showed selective inhibitory activity against SK-OV-3 with the IC 50 value of 48.70 μM. All isolated saponins were inactive (IC 50 >150 μM) to GES-1.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of dichloromethane extract from Athenaea velutina leaves led to the isolation of three withanolides, all being reported for the first time in this species. They were identified as withacnistin ( 1 ), withacnistin acetate ( 2 ) and a new withanolide, designated as withalutin ( 3 ). The structures were established by spectral data analysis, including MS, 1D and 2D NMR. In addition, in silico ADMET studies were employed to understand the pharmacokinetic properties of these withanolides. The withanolides isolated from A. velutina reduced cancer cell viability with IC 50 values ranging from 1.52 to 5.39 µM. In silico prediction revealed that withanolides have good gastrointestinal absorption or oral bioavailability properties; and are not likely to be mutagenic or hepatotoxic. These findings revealed that A. velutina is an important source of cytotoxic withanolides.

Two dammarane glycosides ( 1-2 ) were isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus . The structures of new compounds were established by application of spectroscopic methods, including one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR, HRESIMS, and chemical hydrolysis. When evaluated against seven human cancer cell lines, the two compounds exhibited selective cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells.[Formula: see text].

Chemical investigation of the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus sydowii MCCC 3A00324 led to the isolation of one new acremolin type alkaloid (acremolin D, 1 ) and five known alkaloids ( 2‒6 ). The planar structure of 1 was established by the extensive analyses of the NMR and HRESIMS data, while its absolute configuration was assigned by the comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD data. Acremolin D ( 1 ) represented the second analogue of acremolin found in nature. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against six human cancer cell lines (A549, Hela-S3, MCF-7, HepG2, K562, and SF-268). As a result, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited a certain inhibitory effects against the proliferation of the A549, Hela-S3, HepG2, and K562 cell lines at the concentration of 20  µ M.[Formula: see text].

Preliminary in vitro cytotoxic test on different extracts of Melicope pteleifolia collected at Dăk Nong province, Vietnam showed that the n -hexane one was the most potent. From this n -hexane extract, three new quinolinone alkaloid-phenylpropanoid derivatives ( 1-3 ) and three known compounds ( 4-6 ) were isolated. Based on NMR and HR-MS analysis, their chemical structures were elucidated as melicoptines A-C ( 1-3 ), flindersine (4), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (5) and (24S)-methylcholestan-1α,3β-diol (6). Isolated compounds ( 1-4 ) were evaluated for their anti-bacterial and cytotoxic activities against human non-small cell lung cancer (A549), human cervical cancer (HeLa), human Burkitt's lymphoma (Raji) and normal fibroblasts (NIH-3T3). All of them were inactive.

Two new dammarane-type triterpenoids, dammar-3 α ,12( R ),20( S )-triol-12,32( R );20,32-diepoxy-25-methy-25-en-tridecacyclic ether ( 1 ) and (23 E )-12 β ,20( R ),25( S ),26-tetrahydroxydammar-23-en-3-one ( 2 ) were isolated from the green walnut husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim together with six known compounds. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the literature, and the cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated.

Two new alkaloids, phranisines A - B ( 1-2 ), along with two known compounds, N-p-Coumaroyl serotonin ( 3 ) and N-p-coumaroyl-tryptamine ( 4 ), were isolated from the roots of Phragmites australis . The structures of 1-4 were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic. The absolute configuration of compounds 1-2 were identified through quantum-chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation compared with their experimental CD. All the isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against HeLa and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines, and compounds 2-4 showed moderate cytotoxic activities against HeLa cell lines with IC 50 values ranging from 13.2 to 18.6  μ M.

A new alkylresorcinol, myrothecol A ( 1 ), along with two known ones ( 2 and 3 ), were isolated from a fungal strain Myrothecium sp. GY170016. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by electronic circular dichroism experiment. This is the first case of the presence of alkylresorcinols in genus Myrothecium . All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell line MCF-7 with IC 50 values of 16.7, 13.2, 21.3  μ M, respectively.

Three previously undescribed dammarane triterpenoid glycosides ( 1-3 ) along with five known analogues ( 4-8 ) were isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus . Their structures and configurations were determined on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, chemical hydrolysis and DFT GIAO 13 C NMR calculation. All the isolates were evaluated cytotoxic activities against seven human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, Du145, NCI-H1975, PC-9, SKVO3 and HepG2). Moreover, compound 4 showed a wide spectrum of cytotoxicity against human cancer cells with IC 50 values ranging from 11.31 to 29.51 µM.

The chemical investigation of the root barks leaves and stem barks of Brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (Simaroubaceae) led to the isolation of a new pregnane glycoside, named Bruceadysentoside A or 3-O-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-pregn-5-en-20-one (1) together with seventeen known compounds. Their structures were established from spectral data, mainly HRESIMS, 1   D and 2   D NMR and by comparison with literature data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 were tested in vitro for their effects on the viability of two different human cancer cell lines, namely prostate PC-3 adenocarcinoma cells and colorectal HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells. No substantial activities were recorded for 2, 10, 12 and 13 (up to 10 μM concentration). 1, 5 and 8 did not show strong anti-proliferative effects up to 100 μM, however, 6 exhibited a stronger anti-proliferative effect with IC50 values of ∼ 100 μM against PC-3 and ∼ 200 μM against HT-29.

In a continuing effort to explore the structural diversity and pharmacological activities of natural products based scaffolds, herein, we report the isolation, synthesis, and structure determination of cannabidiol and its derivatives along with their cytotoxic activities. Treatment of cannabidiol ( 1 ) with acid catalyst POCl 3 afforded a new derivative 6 along with six known molecules 2  -  5 , 7 and, 8 . The structure of 6 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and DFT calculations of the NMR and ECD data. All the compounds ( 2  -  8 ) were evaluated for their cytotoxic potential against a panel of eight cancer cell lines. Compounds 4 , 5 , 7 , and 8 showed pronounced in vitro cytotoxic activity with IC 50 values ranging from 5.6 to 60 μM. Out of the active molecules, compounds 4 , and 7 were found to be comparable to that of the parent molecule 1 on the inhibition of almost all the tested cancer cell lines.

Three previously undescribed seco -dammarane triterpenoid glycosides O-Q ( 1-3 ) along with two known compounds ( 4 and 5 ) were isolated and characterized from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus . Their structures were determined by comprehensive analysis of 1 D, 2 D NMR and HRESIMS data. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against human pancreatic tumor (ASPC-1), human gastric carcinoma (SNU5), liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG-2) and human colon tumor (HCT116) cell lines. Among them cyclocarioside P ( 2 ) showed somewhat inhibitory activity towards those tumor cells.

Vicia sativa L. (common vetch) is a potential food source for both human beings and animals because of its abundant nutritional composition. There is a lack of phytochemical study on the whole plant, and thus the objective of this study was to investigate the isolation of phytochemicals and evaluate their biological activities. A new flavanol, ( 2R,3S )-3,3'-dihydroxy-4',7-dimethoxyflavanol ( 1 ), together with nine known compounds, two flavones ( 2 - 3 ), one coumarin ( 4 ), and six oleanane triterpenoids ( 5 - 10 ), was obtained from Vicia sativa L.. The structure of the new compound 1 was determined via its NMR spectra, IR and CD data. Compound 3 displayed the potential of the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging effect in antioxidant test. In terms of cytotoxic activities, compound 3 showed moderate cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cells, especially HeLa cells.

The investigation of chemical constituents from the whole plants Piper pleiocarpum Chang ex Tseng resulted in the isolation of one new dineolignan, pleiocarpumlignan A ( 1 ), along with one known benzoate derivative, trans -2,3-diacetoxy-1-[(benzoy1oxy)methyl]-cyclohexa-4,6-diene ( 2 ), and two known neolignans ( 3 - 4 ) as (±)- trans -dehydrodiisoeugenol ( 3 ), (7 R ,8 R ,3' S )-△ 8' -3',6'-dihydro-3'-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-6'-oxo-8,3',7, O ,4'-lignan ( 4 ). Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and by comparison with the literature. All compounds ( 1 - 4 ) were firstly isolated from Piper pleiocarpum Chang ex Tseng. The 13 C NMR spectra of 2 were completely assigned for the first time. Cytotoxic activities of these isolated compounds against five human cancer cell lines (including A-549, SMMC-7721, HL-60, MCF-7, and SW-480) were evaluated.

Five new α -tetralone glycosides, juglanbiosides A-E ( 1-5 ), together with an α -tetralone derivative ( 15 ) and nine known 1,4-naphthoquinones ( 6-14 ) were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of green walnut husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods ( 1 H, 13 C NMR, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, CD, HR-ESI-MS). In vitro cytotoxicities of all the isolated compounds were evaluated against BGC-823, HCT-15 and K562 cancer cell lines.[Formula: see text].

A phytochemical investigation of Ajuga forrestii Diels led to the isolation of 14 compounds, including eight neo-clerodane diterpenes (1-8), two phytoecdysteroids (9, 11), one stigmastane sterol (10) and three iridoid glycosides (12-14). The structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and a comparison of their data with those reported in the literature. This is the first report of compounds 1-14 from A. forrestii. The cytotoxic activities of the aqueous extract of A. forrestii and several compounds have been studied and the chemotaxonomic significance of isolated compounds has also been summarised.

The chemical investigation of whole plants Piper terminaliflorum Tseng led to the isolation of one new furofuran lignan, 7-methoxyasarinin (1), along with three known amide alkaloids (2-4) as N-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamoylpyrrole (2), dihydropipercide (3) and 1-[(2E,4E,9E)-10-(3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,4,9-undecatrienoyl]pyrrolidine (4). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS, and by comparison with the literature. Compounds (2-4) were isolated from Piper terminaliflorum Tseng for the first time. All isolated compounds (1-4) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines (including A-549, SMMC-7721, HL-60, MCF-7 and SW-480).

Three new kavalactone dimers, designated as yangonindimers A-C (1-3), along with one known analogue were isolated from the roots of Piper methysticum. Their structures were elucidated via extensive analysis of their 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectroscopic data. All these dimers possess a skeleton featuring a cyclobutane ring connecting two kavalactone units. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human tumour cell lines NCI-H46, SW480 and HepG2, but none showed significant activity.

Five new α-pyrones namely nocapyrones O-S (2-6) and nocapyrone F (1) were isolated from a deep-sea sediment strain Nocardiopsis sp. YIM M13066. Their structures were elucidated by their NMR spectroscopic data, HR-ESI-MS and crystal X-ray diffraction. Their cytotoxic activities against H1299, HeLa, HL7702, MCF-7, PC3 and U251 cell lines were evaluated.

One new norsesquiterpene polyalone A (1), and one new natural product 9-keto-cyclocolorenone (2), along with three known analogues (3-5) were isolated from the roots of Polyalthia laui. Their structures were elucidated by the detailed analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities and antibacterial activities.

Tow new arylalkenyl α,β-unsaturated δ-lactones named cryptoconcatones K (1) and L (2) were obtained from the leaves and twigs of Cryptocarya concinna. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data (MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values of 4.5 and 3.9 μM against Huh7 cancer cell line, respectively.

Investigation of the ethanol extract of the corms of Liatris spicata (L.) willd led to the isolation of two sterols: stigmasterol and its 3-O-glucoside, a triterpene: obtusifoliyl acetate, two benzofurans: euparin and 6-hydroxy-3-methoxytremetone, three phenolic acids: protocatechuic, vanillic and ferulic acid and a sesquiterpene lactone igalan. The structures of the isolated compounds were established on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral analysis (IR, EI/MS, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR). The ethanol extract and its isolated compounds evidenced cytotoxic activities against human liver cancer cell line (HepG2), where igalan showed the highest potency (3.83 ± 0.043) μg/mL, its effect was comparable to that of the standard drug doxorubicin® (3.73 ± 0.036) μg/mL.

One new compound, himalain A (1), together with 12 known compounds were isolated from Mirabilis himalaica. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR techniques, and the absolute configuration of the 1,2-diol moiety in 1 was defined through Riguera's method. All isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic and antibacterial activities.

One new alkaloid consanguine B (1), together with 10 known alkaloids (2-11), were isolated from ethanol extract of the branches and leaves of Polyalthia obliqua Hook.f. & Thomson collected in the Hainan Province, China. Their structures were elucidated by the detailed analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxic activities against Hela and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines.

Nature provides a variety of drugs and medicinal agents derived from plants. This study was conducted to determine antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts of Melia azedarach bark with methanol/water (9:1 v/v), chloroform, butanol, hexane, water and ethyl acetate. For the determination of the antimicrobial activities, the agar well diffusion method was employed. Cytotoxicity was studied by brine shrimp lethality assay; antioxidant activities were measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. The chloroform extract was active against Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus mirabilis, the ethyl acetate extract had highest antibacterial spectrum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the n-hexane extract had highest inhibition against E. aerogenes, the aqueous extract showed highest activities against P. mirabilis, the butanol fraction showed highest activities against E. aerogenes and the methanolic extract was highly active against P. mirabilis.

A new sesquiterpene glycoside, cupressusoside (1), and five known compounds were isolated from the 70% aqueous ethanol extract of the branches and leaves of Cupressus chengiana. Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic methods. All the isolates expressed no remarkable cytotoxic activity against colon carcinoma (HCT-8) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines, with IC50>40 mg/mL.