Search

Eight new caffeoyl derivatives, elephantomentosides A–H (1 − 8), together with ten known ones (9 − 18), were isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopos tomentosus L. Their structures were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic analysis. Structurally, compounds 1 − 8 are composed of β-D-glucopyranose, and almost all of the substituent positions are at the C-1′ and C-4′ of glucopyranose. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro. Compounds 9–10, 13–15, and 17–18 exhibited significant DPPH scavenging capacity with IC50 values in the range of 10.01–25.07 μM, in comparison with Vc (IC50, 17.98 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automated headspace solvent free microextraction (HS-SFME) based gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed for discrimination of Radix Angelica sinensis (RAS) from different cultivation regions. The MS data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) to rapidly find the potential characteristic components of RAS from top-geoherb region and non top-geoherb region. Totally, fifty-one volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified, in which β -ocimene, α -pinene, 3-methylbutanal, heptanes, butanal were identified as potential markers for distinguishing RAS from top-geoherb region and non top-geoherb region. Sulphur dioxide was detected in some commercial RAS samples, which implied that sulphur-fumigation might be the main reason for the quality inconsistencies of commercial RAS samples. These results suggested that RAS from top-geoherb region and non-top geoherb region could be discriminated by the method. And characteristic chemical markers found in current study can be used for ensuring consistent quality of top-geoherb of RAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four novel diterpenes possessing rare five-membered peroxide ring, aphanaperoxides E–H (1–4), were isolated from stem bark of Aphanamixis polystachya. Their structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by spectroscopic data and CD analysis. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against a panel of human cancer cell lines were evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Numerous efforts have been conducted in searching for effective agents against cancer, in particular from herbal medicines. Justicia procumbens is a traditional herbal remedy which was produced in the south-western and southern provinces of China and Taiwan province used to treat fever, pain, and cancer. Here, we identified a new compound 6′-hydroxy justicidin A (JR6) from Justicia procumbens, which showed obvious anti-cancer effects. Materials and methods: The cytotoxicity activity was assayed using MTT and SRB. Intracellular ROS visualization and quantification were acquired by using a laser scanning confocal microscopy. Apoptosis was measured using a propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis detection kit by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases (caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9) was evaluated respectively using GloMax luminescence detector and Caspase-Glo 3,8,9 assay kits. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed by microscopy using JC-1 dye. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was employed to detect the expression of protein associated with cell death. Results: JR6 remarkably inhibited growth in human bladder cancer EJ cells by decreasing cell proliferation, reduced the SOD activity, increased the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induced apoptosis. Activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and the subsequent activation of caspase-3 indicated that JR6 may be inducing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 inhibition rendered this extract ineffective, thus JR6-induced apoptosis is caspase-dependent. JR6 also disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and unregulated the Bax and p53 expressions in EJ cells. Conclusion: These observations suggest that JR6 induce apoptosis through caspase-dependent pathway in human bladder cancer EJ cells, emphasizing the importance of this traditional medicine and thus presents a potential novel alternative to bladder cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]