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Objectives Despite considerable advancement in antiretroviral therapy, development of safe, effective, and multi-targeted drugs for HIV still remains a big challenge. Endophytes are untouched and, hence, an important and novel sources in drug discovery endeavours. The present study was conducted to identify the anti-HIV compounds from Morus alba and endophytes isolated from it. Methods The extracts of isolated endophytes were screened using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, all samples were analysed for their cytotoxicity using a thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. Subsequently, anti-HIV activity was performed using cell-based and cell-free assay. At the end, potential endophytes were identified using gene sequencing. Results A total of 27 endophytes were isolated from the eight stem bark samples of M. alba. Of the 27 endophytes, extracts of total of four endophytes showed a profile similar to the M. alba plant when analysed by HPLC. Further experimentation with extracts of these four endophytes, along with an extract of M. alba stem bark and its bioactive molecule, mulberroside C, revealed that all these six samples have good inhibitory potential for HIV. Among them, mulberroside C and two endophytic fungal extracts showed very potent anti-HIV activity. Subsequently, mechanistic studies at the molecular level showed that out of six test samples, three acted as protease inhibitors. Further, all four potential endophytes were identified using gene sequencing. Conclusions The overall findings of these studies can help in the development of a novel anti-HIV candidate from mulberroside C, an extract of stem bark of M. alba and extracts of these endophytes. However, further validation and clinical studies are required to develop an anti-HIV drug.

Introduction Xanthones are metabolites with a variety of biological properties. The Clusiaceae family, which until recently included the genus Calophyllum, is recognised for its production of monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated xanthones. Presently, C. brasiliense is the only Calophyllum spp. known to occur in the Yucatan peninsula. Objective To use a combination of traditional phytochemical methods and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C-NMR) dereplication analysis to identify xanthones in the stem bark of C. brasiliense. Material and methods Initial fractionation and purification of the stem bark extract of C. brasiliense produced macluraxanthone (1). Additional xanthones, together with chromanones and terpenoids, were identified using 13 C-NMR dereplication analysis in different semipurified fractions obtained from the low and medium polarity fractions of the stem bark extract of C. brasiliense. Results Initial identification of macluraxanthone (1) was confirmed by 13 C-NMR dereplication analysis; additionally, 13 C-NMR dereplication analysis allowed the identification of a number of monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated xanthones, together with chromanones and terpenoids. Conclusion This study confirms C. brasiliense as a rich source of xanthones and the 13 C-NMR dereplication analysis as a suitable method to quickly identify the presence of different families of secondary metabolites in semipurified fractions.

Introduction An innovative application of the voltammetry of microparticles methodology to characterize the phytochemical composition of extracts of different parts of Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. angustifolium Engl. is described. Objective Characterize the phytochemical composition of extracts of different parts of plants by electrochemical methodologies. Methods The voltammetry of microparticles methodology was applied to alcoholic extracts from leaves, seeds, fruits, roots and stem bark of Zanthoxylum chiloperone. Results In contact with aqueous phosphate buffer, characteristic cathodic signals of its main natural products (canthin-6-one, 5-methoxycanthin-6-one and trans-avicennol) were recorded. The study of the voltammograns allows the estimation of the relative amounts of canthin-6-one, 5-methoxycanthin-6-one and trans-avicennol from the different parts of Zanthoxylum chiloperone. Conclusion The voltammetric responses of alcoholic extracts from different parts of Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. angustifolium allows their phytochemical characterization without need of sample pretreatment thus illustrating the capabilities of the voltammetry of microparticles methodology to increase the tools applied to phytochemical analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Three new stilbenoids, including α-(3′-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5′-methoxyphenyl)-2-methoxy-3-methylbenzofuran (1), 4-methyl-(E)-resveratrol 3-(2″-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), and 5-O-methyl-(E)-resveratrol 3-(6″-acetyl)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with six known stilbenoids and phenols, acetovanillone 1-(6′-vanilloyl)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, eugenyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, α-(3′-hydroxy-5′-methoxy-2′-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxybenzofuran, α-(3′-hydroxy-5′-methoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxybenzofuran, pinosilvin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and (E)-resveratrol 3-(6″-galloyl)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated from the EtOH extract of the stem bark of Acanthopanax brachypus. Their structures were determined by spectral analysis including extensive 2D-NMR spectral analyses. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human tumor A549 cell line (IC50 values of 4.87 and 5.63 μM, resp.).

This study aimed to assess the effects of a Mangifera indica stem bark extract (MSBE) and mangiferin (MG) on pain-related acute behaviors in the formalin 5% test. Rats received repeated oral MSBE (125–500 mg/kg) once daily for 7 days before formalin injection. Other four groups with the same treatments were performed in order to study the effect of MSBE on the formalin-induced long-term secondary mechano-hyperalgesia at 7 days after the injury by means of the pin-prick method. Additional groups received a single oral MSBE dose (250 mg/kg) plus ascorbic acid (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Also, repeated oral MG doses (12.5–50 mg/kg) during 7 days were administered. MSBE decreased licking/biting and flinching behaviors only in phase II and reduced the long-term formalin injury-induced secondary chronic mechano-hyperalgesia. The combination of MSBE plus ascorbic acid produced a reinforcement of this effect for flinching behavior, advising that antioxidant mechanisms are involved, at least in part, in these actions. Chronic administration of MG reproduced the effects of MSBE. For the first time, the antihyperalgesic effects of MSBE and MG in formalin 5% test, a recommended concentration for studying the antinociceptive activity of nitric oxide-related and N-methyl-d-aspartate-related compounds, were reported. These results could represent an important contribution to explain the analgesic ethnobotanical effects recognized to M. indica and other species containing MG. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The stem bark of Raputia simulans (Rutaceae) has been reported to contain simple and dimeric indole alkaloids. Further phytochemical investigation of R. simulans stem bark resulted in the isolation of three new alkaloids. These compounds represent a relatively new category of dimeric indole alkaloids with a cyclohexene moiety in their core. Their structure elucidations were based on NMR and HR-MS techniques, while structural aspects concerning their relative configuration were investigated using molecular mechanics calculations and NOESY experiments.

Phytochemical investigation of the 70% EtOH extract from the stem bark of Dysoxylum lukii led to the isolation of three new ergostane steroids, (3β)-3,20-dihydroxyergosta-5,24(28)-dien-7-one (1), (3β,4β,7α)-ergosta-5,24(28)-diene-3,4,7-triol (2), and (3β,7α)-3,20-dihydroxyergosta-5,24(28)-dien-7-yl acetate (3), together with the known compound (3β,4β)-ergosta-5,24(28)-diene-3,4,20-triol (4). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) analyses.

Two novel indole alkaloids with plumeran skeleton, N-benzoyl-12-demethoxycylindrocarine and N-cinnamoyl-12-demethoxycylindrocarine (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the stem bark of Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon Mull.Arg. These compounds were obtained by high-speed counter-current chromatography, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of their NMR (1D and 2D) data. They were tested in vitro against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, and only 2 showed a weak activity (IC50 127.97 ng/ml with respect to the standard drug). Several other known compounds, comprising steroids, flavonoids, the rarely found atraric acid, as well as the previously reported alkaloid 3, were also isolated by conventional chromatographic techniques.

Six new triterpenoids, meliasenins S-X (1-6, resp.), were isolated from the stem bark of Melia toosendan. Their structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry, NMR experiments, and comparison with the known compounds. Particularly, the absolute configuration at C(24) in new compounds was determined through their CD spectra of the [Pr(FOD)3 ] complex (fod=1,1,1,2,2,3,3,7,7,7-decafluoroheptane-4,6-dione) in CCl4 , as well as by using Mosher's method.

Three new ent-kaurane diterpenoids, (4α)-19-nor-ent-kaurane-4,16,17-triol (1), (4α,16α)-17-(acetyloxy)-19-nor-ent-kaurane-4,16-diol (2), and 17-hydroxy-ent-kaur-15-en-19-al (3), together with 11 known compounds, were isolated from the stem bark of Annona squamosa L. The structures of 1–3 were identified by analysis of their spectroscopic data. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer (95-D) and ovarian cancer (A2780) cell lines, and compounds 3, 5, 7, 11–14 exhibited promising antiproliferative activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.38 to 34.66 μM.

Bioactive polyphenols, cartenoids, and anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables are receiving much attention because of their potential antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to determine antioxidant activity of leaves, peels, stem bark, and kernel of mango varieties langra and chonsa. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) in segments of langra ranged from 63.89 to 116.80 mg GAE/g DW and 45.56 to 90.89 mg CE/g DW, respectively, and that of chonsa were 69.24 to 122.60 mg GAE/g DW and 48.43 to 92.55 mg CE/g DW, respectively. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and linoleic inhibition capacity in segments of langra ranged from 53.30% to 61.10% and 40.0% to 47.20%, respectively, whereas for chonsa; 56.40% to 66.0% and 48.1% to 49.0%, respectively. The reducing potentials of different segments of langra and chonsa at concentration of 10 mg/mL were 0.512 to 0.850 and 0.595 to 0.665 mV, respectively. Comparison between both varieties showed chonsa exhibited better antioxidant activity. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using completely randomised design (CRD) under factorial.

Two new cyclopeptides, nagitides A and B, were isolated from the stem bark of Podocarpus nagi. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR experiments including 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY, etc. This is the first report of cyclopeptides separated from this plant.

From the stem bark of Mangifera indica, seven cycloartane-type secondary metabolites were isolated. Compound 1 has been isolated for the first time from M. indica, whereas compounds 2 (2a and 2b, as an epimeric mixture), 3, and 4 are new triterpenoid-type cycloartanes. Unambiguous (13) C and (1) H NMR assignments for these compounds and the known compounds mangiferonic acid (compound 5), isomangiferolic acid (compound 6), ambolic acid (compound 7), and friedelin (compound 8) are reported; the latter because full NMR data for these compounds are not available in the literature.

Five new biflavonoids, 1–5, were isolated from the stem bark of Daphne aurantiaca. The structures were elucidated as 2,2″-bisteppogenin (1), 2,2″-bisteppogenin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (2), 2′′′-dehydroxy-2,2″-bisteppogenin (3), 2′′′-dehydroxy-2,2″-bisteppogenin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (4), and 7-methoxyneochamaejasmin B (5) on the basis of spectral analyses.

Bark anatomy is an unappreciated discipline in plant systematics, despite its great potential to reveal systematically informative features. In this paper, main reasons for the lack of detailed bark anatomical data in many plant families are identified, including problems with sectioning, terminological issues, and difficulties in observation of dilated stems. We deal with these problems by focusing on two aspects: (1) compare, discuss and improve existing sectioning and maceration techniques using two species with soft and hard bark tissues; and (2) discuss the best way to collect stem bark samples. We hope that this paper will stimulate inclusion of bark anatomical data in future systematic studies.

The structure elucidation and complete 1H- and 13C-NMR assignments are reported for two new compounds: the ceramide citropremide (1), and the acridone alkaloid citropridone (2). Both of these secondary metabolites were isolated from the stem bark of Citropsis gabunensis. High-resolution mass, IR and UV spectrometry, and NMR experiments including COSY, HMQC, and HMBC were used for the determination of the structures and NMR spectral assignments.

The methanol extract from the stem bark of Diospyros sanza-minika as well as five norbergenin derivatives isolated from this crude extract were evaluated for their in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum K1 and cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cells. 4-O-(3'-methylgalloyl)norbergenin was found to be the most potent compound (IC(50) 0.6 μg/mL; CC(50) 24.7 μg/mL), followed by 4-O-galloylnorbergenin (IC(50) 3.9 μg/mL; CC(50) > 64 μg/mL) and 11-O-p-hydroxy-benzoyl-norbergenin (IC(50) 4.9 μg/mL; CC(50) > 64 μg/mL). Norbergenin and 4-O-syringoylnorbergenin were inactive (IC(50) > 32 μg/mL; CC(50) > 64 μg/mL). The antimalarial activity of the pure constituents and of the methanol extract from the stem bark of Diospyros sanza-minika is reported for the first time. The results provide interesting baseline information for the potential use of the crude extract well as some of the isolated compounds in the search for novel antimalarial compounds.

In a preliminary note [1] we established the plane structure of the prosopine 1,2-hydroxymethyl 3-hydroxy 6-dodecyl 11°-hydroxypiperidine and the prosopinine 8, 2-hydroxymethyl 3-hydroxy 6-dodecyl 10°-keto piperidine, alkaloids isolated from Prosopis africana (Guill & Perr) Taub. This paper contains the study of the reduction products of the pyrrolidine 18b and the establishment of the relative and absolute configurations of these two alkaloids. The experimental part involves the details for the determination of these structures and also the extraction method of these two alkaloids as well as the new alkaloids: prosophylline, prosafrine and the prosafrinine isolated from leaves of P. africana and isoprosopinines A and B extracted from roots and stem bark of the same plant. The establishment of the structure of the new five alkaloids is the subject of the next paper.

Catunaregin (1) and epicatunaregin (2), two novel norneolignans with a unique O-bridged furopyran ring, together with three known neolignans, ficusal, balanophonin, and 5″-methoxy-4″-O-(8-guaiacylglycerol)buddlenol A, were isolated from the stem bark of Catunaregam spinosa, a Chinese mangrove associate. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means, including two-dimensional NMR techniques. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate inhibition against the mammary cancer F10 cell line.

Four new coumarins, micromelosides A-D, together with four known coumarins were isolated from the stem bark of Micromelum fatcatum. The complete assignments of the H-1 and C-13 NMR chemical shifts for these new compounds were achieved by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including H-1-H-1 COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOE difference. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From the stem bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera, two new oleanane-type saponins, tetrapteroside A 3-O-{6-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxyocta-2,7-dienoyl]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl}-3,27-dihydroxyoleanolic acid (1), and tetrapteroside B 3-O-{ beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-6-O-[(E)-feruloyl]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl}-3,27-dihydroxyoleanolic acid (2), were isolated. Further extractions from the roots led to the isolation of four known oleanane-type saponins. Their structures were elucidated by the combination of mass spectrometry (MS), one and two-dimensional NMR experiments.

Three new prenylated xanthones, 1-3, along with ten known compounds, were isolated from the stem bark of Garcinia lancilimba. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra, as well as HR-MS experiments. Some of these compounds showed apoptotic effects or growth-inhibition effects against HeLa cells expressing a caspase sensor protein.

Six new butanolides, litseadioxanins A and B (1 and 2, resp.) bearing a 1,2-dioxane moiety, litseatrinolides A and B (3 and 4, resp.), and litseakolides D1 and D2 (5 and 6, resp.), were isolated from the stem bark of Litsea akoensis, together with six known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were characterized by in-depth NMR-spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses. Butanolides 1–4, and a mixture of 6 and litsenolide E2, and litsenolide B1 were tested against human tumor cells, including MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (non-small-cell lung cancer), and SF-268 (glioblastoma) cell lines. Among the tested compounds, litsenolide B1 exhibited marginal cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, NCI-H460, and SF-268 cell lines in vitro.

In search of effective antidiabetic agents having therapeutic effect by inhibiting α-glucosidase and preventive effect by scavenging free radicals, Horsfieldia macrobotrys showed promising bioactivity required for the proposed criteria. Bioassay-guided isolation of the stem bark extract resulted in two new arylalkanones named horsfieldone A (1) and maingayone D (2), together with a new flavanone C-glucoside named 8-C-β-d-glucopyranosylpinocembrin (3). Their structures and stereochemistry were determined by spectroscopic techniques as well as Mosher's method. Of isolated compounds, maingayone D (2) was the most potent inhibitors against both α-glucosidases and free radicals. The presence of additional phenolic moieties in 2 clearly indicated their critical roles in inhibitory effects. Further investigation on mechanism underlying α-glucosidase inhibition indicated that maingayone D (2) could retard the enzyme function by both competitive and noncompetitive manners.

Cinnamomum champokianum Baruah & S. C. Nath. is illustrated and described as a new species, with a note on its leaf, panicle and stem bark essential oils, reported earlier as a variant of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.–Ham.) Sweet.

Four new podocarpane-type trinorditerpenenes, (5 beta,10 alpha)-12,13-dihydroxypodocarpa-8,11,13-trien-3-one (1), (5 beta,10 alpha)-12-hydroxy-13-methoxypodocarpa-8,11,13-trien-3-one (2), (5 beta,10 alpha)-13-hydroxy-12-methoxypodocarpa-8,11,13-trien-3-one (3), and (3 alpha,5 beta,10 alpha)-13-methoxypodocarpa-8,11,13-triene-3,12-diol (4), together with four known diterpenes, 12-hydroxy-13-methylpodocarpa-8,11,13-trien-3-one (5), spruceanol (6), ent-3 alpha-hydroxypimara-8(14),15-dien-12-one (7), and ent-3 beta,14 alpha-hydroxypimara-7,9(11),15-triene-12-one (8), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Aleurites moluccana. Their structures were elucidated by means of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR and MS. Except 8, all compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity; compound 4 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Raji cells with an IC50 value of 4.24 mu g/ml.

Two new iridoid glycosides, named scyphiphorins A (1) and B (2), together with four known compounds. geniposidic acid (= (1S, 4aS, 7aS)-1-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)- 1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydro-7-(hydroxylmethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyr an-4-carboxylic acid; 3), 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)butan-2-one, oleanolic acid (=(3 beta)-3-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid). and stigmasterol beta-D-glucoside ( =(3 beta,22E)-stigmasta-5.22-dien-3-yl beta-D-glucopyranoside), were isolated for the first time from the stem bark of a Chinese mangrove. Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea GAERTN. f.. The structures of compounds I and 2 were determined as 10-O-benzoylgeniposidic acid and 10-O-[(2E, 6R)-8-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-1-oxooct-2-en-1-yl]geniposidic acid. respectively. on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical methods, including 2D NMR techniques.

Four new triterpenoid saponins, Catunaroside I [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-arjunic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside] (1), Catunaroside J [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-arjunic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside] (2), Catunaroside K [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-tormentic acid] (3), and Catunaroside L [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-pomolic acid] (4), and two known triterpenoid saponin Arjunetoside (5) and Randiasaponin VII (6), were isolated from the stem bark of Catunaregam spinosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidence.

coupled aromatic protons H-5′, H-2′ and H-6′, respectively. The aromatic protons H-10 resonated as a one-proton singlet at δ 7.58. The oxygenated methylene protons appeared at δ 6.08 as two-proton broad singlets where as methoxy protons resonated as two three-proton broad singlets at δ 4.05 and 3.99. A one-proton doublet at δ 3.85 (

A new lupane-triterpene acid ester, dillenic acid (I), is isolated along with four known compounds from the stem bark of Dillenia indica Linn (Dilleniaceae).

In a search for structurally interesting substances from traditional Chinese medicines, eight compounds were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Daphne giraldii Nitsche. On the basis of one-and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data, and chemical methods, their structures were determined to be 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one-8-hydroxy-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5-(2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-hydroxy-8-yloxy) (compound 1), 1-pentanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl (compound 2), octadecyl caffeate (compound 3), (+)syringaresinol-4,4′-diglycoside (compound 4), daphnetin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (compound 5), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (compound 6), 7,7′-dihydroxy-[6, 8′-bi-2H-benzopyran]-2, 2′-dione (compound 7), and daphnorin (compound 8), respectively. Of the compounds isolated, compounds 1 and 2, which we named daphnolin and daphnolon, respectively, were new, and the others were obtained from this plant for the first time. (Managing editor: Wei Wang)

Ultraviolet light is the major cause of skin cancers in human, and several effects of ultraviolet light B (UVB) are thought to contribute to skin photocarcinogenesis. 3Beta-methoxy-13alpha,14alpha-epoxyserratan-21beta-ol (PJJ-34; 1) isolated from Picea jezoensis Carr. var. jezoensis showed the strongest antitumor-promoting activity among naturally occurring triterpenoids in the in vivo two-stage mouse skin-carcinogenesis test. To investigate the anti-initiating activity, we further studied mouse models initiated with ultraviolet-B (UVB) and promoted with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Oral administration of the PJJ-34 (1) during a period before and after the three times of UVB irradiation led to a remarkable effect: oral administration of a 0.0025% solution of 1 only to the test group, which started one week before and ended one week after the irradiation, showed less than half papillomas, and inhibition of tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity in comparison to the control group. Therefore, it was recognized that PJJ-34 (1) showed strong anti-initiating activity as well as anti-promoting activity. After all, 1 seems to be useful as cancer-chemopreventive agent.

This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological features of honokiol (3′,5-di-2-propenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,4′-diol), an isomer of neolignans isolated and identified from the stem bark of Magnoliaceous plants (Magnolia obovata Thunb, Wa-Koboku in Japanese). The magnolia bark has been utilized as a herbal remedy for the treatment of a wide variety of clinical disorders. Honokiol and magnolol (an isomer of honokiol) were recently identified as anxiolytic agents in the extracts of Saiboku-to, an oriental herbal medicine (Kampo). Behavioral evaluation through an elevated plus-maze test demonstrated that honokiol, 0.2–2 mg/kg, p.o., for 7 days, was at least 5000 times more potent than Saiboku-to. Honokiol has a comparatively lower risk of causing benzodiazepine-like side effects, such as central depression, muscle relaxation, amnesia, or physical dependence. In addition to these central actions, a wide variety of pharmacological effects and biochemical activities of honokiol have been reported during the past 10 years. The main effects, including the limited information regarding the metabolism and kinetics of the compound, are briefly introduced in this text. Information available on honokiol, including its specific and simple chemical structure, suggests the possibility of deriving more potent compounds in the drug design process.

Five new resveratrol (=5-[(E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]benzene-1,3-diol) tetramers, upunaphenols H-J (1-3) and trans-(4) and cis-upunaphenol K (5), were isolated from the stem of Upuna borneensis (Dipterocarpaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR as well as FAB-MS data. Compounds 1-3 bear a rare biphenyl bond in their frameworks. Compounds 1 and 2 have an unprecedented nonacyclic fused ring system, and compounds 2 and 3 have symmetrical structures.

Four new spiro-biflavonoids, named olgensisinols A–D (1–4), along with a known one, vitisinol (5), were isolated from the stem bark of Larix olgensisHenry var. koreanaNakai. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and molecular-model studies.

Three new resveratrol oligomers, hopeahainanphenol (1), neohopeaphenol A (2), and neoisohopeaphenol A (3), were isolated from the stem bark of Hopea hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae). Their structures were elucidated by in-depth spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, and by HR-ESI-MS. All the three phytochemicals were tested in vitro for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and antitumor activity. The dimeric compound 2, which corresponds to (1S*,6S*,7S*,11bS*)-1,6,7,11b-tetrahydro-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-[(1R*,6R*,7R*,11bR*)-1,6,7,11b-tetrahydro-4,8,10-trihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2,3-cd]benzofuran-6-yl]benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2,3-cd]benzofuran-4,8,10-triol, was found to be significantly active against AChE, with an IC50 value of 7.66 ± 0.13 μm.

Five new cardenolides and one new cardiac aglycone, i.e., (5 alpha)-sarmentogenin 3-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside) (1), (5 alpha)-sarmentogenin (2), 11-oxouzarigenin 3-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside) (3), (5 alpha)-gitoxigenin 3-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside) (4), (5 alpha)-oleandrigenin 3-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside) (5). and (5 alpha)-oleandrigenin 3-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside] (6), together with two known cardenolides, i.e.. frugoside (= (3 beta,5 alpha)-3-[(6-deoxy-beta-D-allopyranosyl)oxy]-14,19-dihydroxycard-20(22)-enolide) and (17 alpha)-ascleposide (=(3 beta,5 alpha,17 alpha)-3-[(6-deoxy-alpha-D-allopyranosyl)oxy]-14-hydroxycard-20(22)-enolide), were isolated from the stem bark of Trewia nudiflora L. (Euphorbiaceac) collected in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. Their structures were established by spectroscopic studies, Cardenolides were first found in the genus Trewia (Euphorbiaceae).

Summary The bark miner Spulerina simploniella (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) was found in coppice chestnut (Castanea sativa) forests in Greece but was not found in chestnut orchards. Its larvae mine under the thin periderm of young trees, 4–10 years old, while the stem bark is still smooth. Under normal conditions it does not cause any damage to the trees. However, when chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica is present in the area, the insect may be an agent of disease spread. Experiments revealed that spraying of 23 pupation sites with a C. parasitica conidiospore suspension caused canker formation at a rate of 100% in the coppice chestnut forests of Mount Athos, North Greece. It is believed that rain during the pupation period (approximately May 23 to June 15) may deposit conidiospores on the freshly exposed phloem and cause cankers. This bark miner has been detected in several parts of Greece, however, always in intensively managed chestnut coppice forests. Resume La mineuse de l’ecorce Spulerina simploniella (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) a ete trouvee en Grece dans des taillis forestiers de châtaigniers (Castanea sativa) mais pas en vergers. La larve creuse sous le fin periderme des jeunes arbres, de 4 a 10 ans, quand l’ecorce de la tige est encore lisse, sans causer de dommages en conditions normales. Toutefois, quand le chancre du châtaignier, cause par Cryphonectria parasitica est localement present, l'insecte pourrait etre un agent de dissemination de la maladie. Au cours d'experimentations realisees dans des taillis du Mont Athos, dans le nord de la Grece, des pulverisations de suspensions de conidies de Cryphonectria parasitica sur 23 sites de pupation ont conduit a un taux de 100% de formation de chancres. La pluie pendant la periode de pupation (du 23 mai au 15 juin environ) pourrait favoriser le depot de conidies sur les zones de phloeme recemment exposees et conduire a la formation de chancres. Cette mineuse de l’ecorce a ete detectee dans plusieurs regions de Grece, mais toujours dans des taillis forestiers de châtaigniers a gestion intensive. Zusammenfassung Die Rindenminiermotte Spurelina simploniella (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) wurde in Kastanien-Niederwaldern (Castanea sativa) in Griechenland nachgewiesen, sie kommt jedoch in Kastanien-Obstgarten nicht vor. Die Larven dieses Insekts minieren unter dem dunnen Periderm der Baume (Alter 4–10 Jahre), deren Stammrinde noch glatt ist. Normalerweise entstehen dabei keinerlei Schaden fur den Baum. Wenn jedoch der Kastanienkrebs (Cryphonectria parasitica) im Gebiet vorhanden ist, kann das Insekt zur Ausbreitung der Krankheit beitragen. Die experimentelle Inokulation von 23 Verpuppungsstellen von S. simploniella in Niederwaldern am Berg Athos (N-Griechenland) mit einer Konidiensuspension von C. parasitica fuhrte in 100% der Falle zur Bildung von Rindennekrosen. Es wird vermutet, dass Niederschlage wahrend der Verpuppungsperiode (ca. 23. Mai bis 15. Juni) zur Deposition von Konidien auf dem frisch exponierten Phloem fuhren und so zur Entstehung der Rindenkrebse beitragen. Die Rindenminiermotte wurde in mehreren Regionen Griechenlands nachgewiesen, sie kommt allerdings nur in intensiv bewirtschafteten Niederwaldern vor.

A detailed NMR study and full assignments of the 1H and 13C spectral data for two novel triterpenoid saponins isolated from the stem bark of Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze are described. Their structures were established using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques including 1H,1H-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, gs-HMQC and gs-HMBC, and also electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and chemical methods. The structures were established as 3beta-O-([O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1--2)]-[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--4)])-alpha-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin (1) and 3beta-O-)[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1--2)]-[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--4)])-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid (2).

Two new flavones, 8-hydroxy-7,3',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone and 8,4'-dihydroxy-7,3',5'-trimethoxyflavone, together with thirteen known compounds have been isolated from the stem bark of Muntingia calabura. The structures of two new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, 8-hydroxy-7,3',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone, 8,4'-dihydroxy-7,3',5'-trimethoxyflavone, and 3-hydroxy-1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one exhibited effective cytotoxicities (ED 5 0 values = 3.56, 3.71, and 3.27 pg/mL, respectively) against the P-388 cell line in vitro.

Two new esters, methyl 4-(prenyloxy)dihydrocinnamate and methyl 4-(geranyloxy)dihydrocinnamate, together with fourteen known compounds have been isolated from the stem bark of Zanthoxylum pistaciiflorum. The structures of two new compounds were determined through spectral analyses. Among the isolates, four compounds exhibited effective cytotoxicities against P-388 and HT-29 cell lines in vitro.

Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Calophyllum inophyllum resulted in the isolation of a new dipyrenoxanthone, calophinone (1), together with four related xanthones (2-5). Identification of the isolated compounds was achieved through intensive studies of their spectral data, especially 2D NMR.

Benzofuran heterocycles are fundamental structural units in a variety of biologically active natural products as well as synthetic materials. Over the time, benzofuran derivatives have attracted many researchers due to the broad scope of their biological activity, which include anticancer, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Egonol, homoegonol and moracin families are biologically active natural products containing benzofuran heterocycle as basic structural units. This paper focuses on the moracin family (moracin A to Z). Morus, a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae, comprises 10-16 species of deciduous trees commonly known as mulberries. The root bark, stem bark and leaves of Morus alba, M. lhou, Morus macroura are the main sources for arylbenzofuran derivatives including the moracins. A large volume of research has been carried out on moracins and their derivatives, which has shown the pharmacological importance of this benzofuran heterocyclic nucleus. In this mini-review, we attempt to highlight the importance of moracins, as they have been a major source for drug development. Herein, we also summarize the current state of the art concerning the synthesis and medicinal use of moracins A-Z.