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Because of the problematical identity and status of the type of the xeniid soft coral genus Cespitularia Milne-Edwards & Haime, 1850, the species C. stolonifera Gohar, 1938 is revised. Examination of the type colonies has led to the establishment of the new genus Unomia gen. n. which is described and depicted. This genus features a stalk, commonly divided into branches featuring a diffuse polypiferous part consisting of distal clustered polyps and proximal individual ones on the stalk or the basal membranous part of the colonies. The sclerites are ellipsoid platelets composed of dendritic calcite rods whose tips are distinct on the surface of the platelets. Freshly collected material from Venezuelan reefs where the species is invasive was subjected to molecular phylogenetic analysis, the results of which substantiate the taxonomic assignment of the new genus under U. stolonifera comb. n. A new species, U. complanatis, from Japan and Green Island (Taiwan) is described and further illustrates the extent of the interspecific morphological variation within the genus. The results reveal that the biogeographic distribution of Unomia gen. n. includes Pacific Ocean reefs in addition to the previously reported invaded Caribbean reefs.

In the present study, a new ceramide, namely 2S, 3R-4E, 8E-2-(heptadecanoylamino)-heptadeca-4, 8-diene-1, 3-diol (1), along with four known steroids, including 24-methylcholesta-5, 24(28)-diene-3β-ol (2), 24-methylcholesta-5, 24(28)-diene-3β-acetate (3), 4-methyl-24-methylcholesta-22-ene-3-ol (4), and cholesterol, was isolated and characterized from CH2Cl2/MeOH extract of Cespitularia stolonifera. A new acetate derivative of compound 1, termed 2S, 3R-4E, 8E-2-(heptadecanoylamino)-heptadeca-4, 8-diene-1, 3-diacetate (1a), was also prepared in the present study. All the structures were established on the basis of modern spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, 1D, 2D-NMR, HRESI-MS, and GC-MS, in addition of chemical methods. (-)-Alloaromadendren, ledane, (1)-alloaromadendren oxide, isoaromadendrene epoxide and (-)-caryophellen oxide were identified from the n-hexane fraction using GC-MS. The extract and the two ceramides (1) and (1a) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against lung cancer A549 cells, while the extract and the two steroids (2) and (3) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The CH2Cl2/MeOH extract exhibited significant antiulcer activity in both ethanol and acetic acid induced ulcer models in rats, as evidenced by histopathological, histochemical, and biochemical examinations.

Graphical abstract This review furnishes an overview of all naturally isolated compounds, especially diterpenoids as well as biological activities of these species such as anticancer, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities., Soft corals belonging to the genus Cespitularia have been well recognized as a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites especially diterpenoids. This review furnishes an overview of all naturally isolated compounds from Cespitularia genus as, diterpenoids, nitrogen-containing diterpenes, sesquiterpenoids and steroids as well as biological activities of these species. Cespitularia species have been studied for their anticancer, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This work is the first review published on this topic.

In our current study, alcyonolide and its congeners isolated from the Okinawan soft coral, Cespitularia sp., have shown an antitumor activity in HCT116 colon cancer cells. This study investigated the biological activities of these compounds (1-12) for the apoptotic activity in the HCT116 cells and the anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. As a result, the apoptotic cells with a nuclear condensation were detected by treatment with these compounds. The apoptotic cells dependent on the caspase 3/7 activation was also induced in the low concentration range of 2.5-10 μM. While a similar concentration of the compounds inhibited the NO production in the LPS-stimulated inflammatory RAW264.7 cells, the pro-inflammatory gene expressions of the iNOS and COX-2 mRNA were also suppressed. The structurally unique alcyonolides (5, 12) having the dual biological activity of apoptotic activity and anti-inflammatory effect could be a potential development as pharmaceutical agents.

Several species of the family Xeniidae, previously assigned to the genusCespitulariaMilne Edwards & Haime, 1850 are revised. Based on the problematical identity and status of the type of this genus, it became apparent that the literature has introduced misperceptions concerning its diagnosis. A consequent examination of the type colonies ofCespitularia coeruleaMay, 1898 has led to the establishment of the new genusConglomeratuscleragen. n.and similarly to the assignment ofCespitularia simplexThomson & Dean, 1931 to the new genus,Caementabundagen. n.Both new genera are described and depicted and both feature unique sclerite morphology, further highlighting the importance of sclerite microstructure for generic position among Xeniidae. Freshly collected material was subjected to molecular phylogenetic analysis, whose results substantiated the taxonomic assignment of the new genera, as well as the synonymies of several others.

Chemical investigation of Cespitularia taeniata has led to the isolation of three new verticillanes, cespitulins E-G (1-3, resp.). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, especially HR-MS and 2D-NMR techniques. Compound 1 possesses a rare norverticillane skeleton with two adjacent OH groups at C(5) and C(6), while the seco-compound 2 with an aldehyde group at C(9) results from an unusual bond cleavage between C(9) and C(10). Pharmacological studies revealed that compound 3 exhibited significant activities on superoxide-anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to FMLP/CB. A plausible biogenetic pathway for compound 2 is also discussed.

An Okinawan soft coral Cespitularia sp. has proven to be a good source of cytotoxic metabolites having a carbon skeleton of the seco-type variety of xenicin. This soft coral yielded alcyonolide, the major constituent, and other related compounds, all of which have proven to be cytotoxic. Reinvestigation of the cytotoxic ethyl acetate extracts of the coral yielded two new alcyonolide congeners, trisnorditerpenoid 1 and diterpenoid 2 , possessing the same carbon skeleton. Their structures were elucidated by a detailed analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D NMR, and MS). Metabolites 1 and 2 showed cytotoxicity against HCT116 cells (IC 50 6.04 and 47.0 μM, respectively) and a dose dependent, anti-inflammatory effect in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

When compared, principal octocorals collected in the Chagos Archipelago before and after the 1998 ENSO shared many common taxa. While a few discontinuities in their biodiversity revealed subtle changes in more persistent genera (Lobophytum, Sarcophyton), some fast-growing "fugitive" genera (e.g. Cespitularia, Efflatounaria, Heteroxenia) disappeared after the ENSO-related coral bleaching. Such transient fugitives might thus be eliminated from soft coral communities on isolated reef systems, possibly in the long term, by events of this nature. The appearance of Carijoa riseii, a species often considered a fouling organism, even an invasive, may well be indicative of reef degradation during the ENSO event. The post-ENSO recovery manifested by this fauna nevertheless gives cause for hope for their survival in the face of climate change.

Four novel diterpenoids, designated cespitulins A–D ( 1 – 4 ) were isolated and characterized from the Taiwanese soft coral Cespitularia taeniata . Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses ( 1 H- 1 H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY). Compounds 1 – 4 possess an unprecedented bond cleavage between C-9 and C-10 with a hemiacetalic lactone ring rather than a verticillane skeleton.

Four new diterpenes, cespihypotins W–Z (1–4), having the verticillane skeleton and characterized by an α,β-unsaturated γ-hydroxycyclopentanone moiety, and a new eudesmanolide-type sesquiterpene, cespilactam A (5), containing an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactam residue, were isolated from the AcOEt-soluble fraction of the Taiwanese soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata. The structure and relative configuration of these metabolites was elucidated through extensive interpretation of MS, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY experiments and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds.

Chemical investigations of the Formosan soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata ROXAS led to the isolation of two new verticillane diterpenoids, cespitularins R and S (1, 2), along with seven known compounds (3-9). The structures of these isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with those of reported in literature. The anti-inflammatory activity using RAW 264.7 macrophages of compounds 1-9 were evaluated in vitro.

Five new diterpenes, cespihypotins W–Z (1–4, resp.) and cespihypotone (5) have been isolated from the AcOEt-soluble fraction of the Formosan soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata. Two of them having the norverticillane skeleton, i.e., 1 and 2, and the other three, 3–5, possessing a verticillane skeleton. The structures were established as (+)-(1βH,7E)-6β,11β-dihydroxynorverticilla-4(18),7-diene-10,12-dione (1), (+)-(1βH,7E)-6β-acetoxy-11β-hydroxynorverticilla-4(18),7-diene-10,12-dione (2), (−)-(1βH,7E)-6β-acetoxyverticilla-4(18),7,11-triene-10,12-γ-lactone (3), (+)-(1βH,7E)-6β-acetoxy-10-hydroxyverticilla-4(18),7,11-triene-10,12-γ-lactone (4), and (+)-(1βH,3Z)-10β-hydroxy-6-oxoverticilla-3,11-diene-10,12-γ-lactone (5), respectively, on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses.

Chemical investigation of the EtOH extract of the soft coral Cespitularia taeniata May collected in Taiwan has resulted in the isolation of two new sesquiterpene lactams, taenialactams A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and a new sesquiterpene lactone, taenialactone A (3), together with 8beta-methoxyatractylenolide (4) and atractylenolactam (5). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the isolated metabolites were tested against KB, Daoy, and WiDr cell lines. A biogenetic pathway for these novel compounds was proposed.

Chemical investigation of the soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata resulted in the isolation of six new diterpenes, cespihypotins Q-V. The new metabolites comprised five verticillane-type diterpenes and one nor-verticillane derivative. Their structures were determined through detailed spectroscopic analyses, especially HRESIMS and 2D NMR techniques. The relative configuration was deduced by interpretation of NOESY spectra. Cespihypotin T exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against human Daoy and WiDr tumor cell lines.

Investigation of the MeOH/CH2Cl2 extract of the soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata collected in Taiwan has resulted in the isolation of four new verticillane-type diterpenoids, cespihypotins M–P (1–4). Compounds 2 and 3 are C(20)-epimers. Compound 4 with a CO group at C(10) and a methoxycarbonyl group at C(12) may be an important precursor of cespitularins and cespihypotins. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses.

An examination of xeniid octocorals was carried out on specimens held in the National Museum of Natural History, Naturalis, Leiden, Netherlands. Samples collected during the Tyro expedition to the Seychelles Islands in the Western Indian Ocean were identified. Six species belong to the genera Cespitularia, Heteroxenia, and Ovabunda are described; five of these are new records for this location. Three new species belonging to the genera Anthelia, Cespitularia and Ovabunda are illustrated. In addition, a new genus belonging to the family Xeniidae is introduced accompanied by scanning electron micrographs of its sclerites. Gross morphology and the ultra-structure of the sclerites indicate there are some similarities in this new genus with Anthelia. However, the colonial morphology is distinct enough to make this genus unique among the Xeniidae and thus the new genus Fasciclia is introduced.

Chemical investigation of the soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata resulted in the isolation of eight new diterpenes, cespihypotins E–L ( 1 – 8 ). The new metabolites comprise of six verticillene-type diterpenes, one cespitularane derivative, and one derivative with 14-membered lactone ring. The structures were determined through detailed spectroscopic analyses, especially high resolution ESIMS and 2D NMR techniques. The relative stereochemistry was deduced from NOESY spectrum and application of Mosher's ester technique. Immunomodulatory and antiviral activities of 1 – 8 were tested and evaluated. The biogenetic pathways for 1 – 8 were also proposed.

Two new nitrogen-containing verticillene diterpenoids, cespilamides A and B (1 and 2), three new nitrogen-containing sesquiterpenoids, cespilamides C–E (3–5), and five new norverticillene and verticillene diterpenoids, cespitaenins A–E (6–10), were isolated from the Taiwanese soft coral Cespitularia taeniata. Compound 1 possesses an unusual oxazo ring system at C-10 while compound 2 displays an unprecedented C–C bond cleavage between C-10 and C-11 with an N-ethylphenyl group at C-10. Biogenetic pathways of 1 and 2 are proposed. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by Mosher’s method and molecular mechanics calculations (MM2). The cytotoxicities of compounds 1–10 were evaluated against a small panel of human cancer cell lines.

Four new norditerpenoids, designated as cespihypotins A ( 1 ), B ( 2 ), C ( 3 ) and D ( 4 ), were isolated from Cespitularia hypotentaculata Roxas (Xeniidae) that was collected in Taiwan. Compounds 1 and 2 are unprecedented structures having 13- and 14-membered lactone ring, respectively. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. A plausible biogenetic pathway for compounds 1 – 4 was also proposed.

Four new cytotoxic diterpenes, cespitularins A-D (1-4), having the verticillane skeleton, a new cytotoxic norditerpene, cesputularin E (5), that possesses a novel norverticillane skeleton, and three new diterpenes, cespitularins F-H (6-8), possessing a novel carbon skeleton named cespitularane, were isolated from the methylene chloride solubles of the Formosan soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata. The structures of cespitularins A-H (1-8) were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis, and their cytotoxicity against selected cancer cells was measured in vitro.

Compounds (I) and (II) are evaluated for anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity.They show cytotoxicity against HCT116 cells (IC50 6.04 and 47 μM, respectively) and a dose dependent antiinflammatory effect in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

We conducted the first ever survey of xeniid octocorals in the Indonesian Archipelago, centre of the highly biodiverse Coral Triangle region of the Indo-Pacific. Among 48 xeniid specimens collected from Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, we identified 26 morphospecies belonging to six genera based on assessment of the morphological characters traditionally used for xeniid taxonomy. Multilocus DNA barcodes obtained from 23 morphospecies clustered into 21 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) separated by average genetic distance values >0.3%. The overall concordance between morphospecies and MOTUs was 91%; just one pair and one trio of morphospecies were not distinguished by the DNA barcodes. A molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of family Xeniidae based on four loci (COI, mtMutS, ND2, 28S rDNA) supported the distinction of Anthelia and Cespitularia+Efflatounaria from all other xeniid genera. Although the remaining genera for which molecular data were available (Asterospicularia, Heteroxenia, Ovabunda, Sansibia, Sarcothelia, Sympodium, Xenia) belonged to a single, well-supported clade, the phylogenetic relationships among them were poorly resolved. Species of Xenia were distributed among three different sub-clades within which they were paraphyletic with Ovabunda (clade X1), Heteroxenia (clade X2) and Sansibia plus Sarcothelia (clade X3). No morphological characters have yet been identified that differentiate these three phylogenetically distinct clades of Xenia. Use of molecular barcodes to discriminate species will facilitate future ecological studies of Xeniidae, a group that has been shown to opportunistically monopolize disturbed reef habitat.

The four new diterpenes (I)-(IV) and a known alcyonolide are isolated from the title plant.

Four novel diterpenoids, designated cespitulins A–D ( 1 – 4 ) were isolated and characterized from the Taiwanese soft coral Cespitularia taeniata . Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses ( 1 H- 1 H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY). Compounds 1 – 4 possess an unprecedented bond cleavage between C-9 and C-10 with a hemiacetalic lactone ring rather than a verticillane skeleton.

isolation, structure determination and antiinflammatory activity of cespitularins R (I) and S (II) along with seven known compounds

Four new diterpenes, cespihypotins W–Z (1–4), having the verticillane skeleton and characterized by an α,β-unsaturated γ-hydroxycyclopentanone moiety, and a new eudesmanolide-type sesquiterpene, cespilactam A (5), containing an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactam residue, were isolated from the AcOEt-soluble fraction of the Taiwanese soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata. The structure and relative configuration of these metabolites was elucidated through extensive interpretation of MS, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY experiments and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds.

Five new diterpenes, cespihypotins W–Z (1–4, resp.) and cespihypotone (5) have been isolated from the AcOEt-soluble fraction of the Formosan soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata. Two of them having the norverticillane skeleton, i.e., 1 and 2, and the other three, 3–5, possessing a verticillane skeleton. The structures were established as (+)-(1βH,7E)-6β,11β-dihydroxynorverticilla-4(18),7-diene-10,12-dione (1), (+)-(1βH,7E)-6β-acetoxy-11β-hydroxynorverticilla-4(18),7-diene-10,12-dione (2), (−)-(1βH,7E)-6β-acetoxyverticilla-4(18),7,11-triene-10,12-γ-lactone (3), (+)-(1βH,7E)-6β-acetoxy-10-hydroxyverticilla-4(18),7,11-triene-10,12-γ-lactone (4), and (+)-(1βH,3Z)-10β-hydroxy-6-oxoverticilla-3,11-diene-10,12-γ-lactone (5), respectively, on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses.

Chemical investigation of the EtOH extract of the soft coral Cespitularia taeniata May collected in Taiwan has resulted in the isolation of two new sesquiterpene lactams, taenialactams A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and a new sesquiterpene lactone, taenialactone A (3), together with 8beta-methoxyatractylenolide (4) and atractylenolactam (5). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the isolated metabolites were tested against KB, Daoy, and WiDr cell lines. A biogenetic pathway for these novel compounds was proposed.

Investigation of the MeOH/CH2Cl2 extract of the soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata collected in Taiwan has resulted in the isolation of four new verticillane-type diterpenoids, cespihypotins M–P (1–4). Compounds 2 and 3 are C(20)-epimers. Compound 4 with a CO group at C(10) and a methoxycarbonyl group at C(12) may be an important precursor of cespitularins and cespihypotins. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses.

Enantioselective synthesis of clavukerin A and its epimer was carried out. By the comparison of the spectral data and specific rotations of synthesized and natural ones, two trisnorsesquiterpens isolated from Clavulia and Cespitularia species are confirmed to be identical.

Chemical investigation of the soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata resulted in the isolation of eight new diterpenes, cespihypotins E–L ( 1 – 8 ). The new metabolites comprise of six verticillene-type diterpenes, one cespitularane derivative, and one derivative with 14-membered lactone ring. The structures were determined through detailed spectroscopic analyses, especially high resolution ESIMS and 2D NMR techniques. The relative stereochemistry was deduced from NOESY spectrum and application of Mosher's ester technique. Immunomodulatory and antiviral activities of 1 – 8 were tested and evaluated. The biogenetic pathways for 1 – 8 were also proposed.

An examination of xeniid octocorals was carried out on specimens held in the National Museum of Natural History, Naturalis, Leiden, Netherlands. Samples collected during the Tyro expedition to the Seychelles Islands in the Western Indian Ocean were identified. Six species belong to the genera Cespitularia, Heteroxenia, and Ovabunda are described; five of these are new records for this location. Three new species belonging to the genera Anthelia, Cespitularia and Ovabunda are illustrated. In addition, a new genus belonging to the family Xeniidae is introduced accompanied by scanning electron micrographs of its sclerites. Gross morphology and the ultra-structure of the sclerites indicate there are some similarities in this new genus with Anthelia. However, the colonial morphology is distinct enough to make this genus unique among the Xeniidae and thus the new genus Fasciclia is introduced.

Extensive column chromatography of the ethanolic extract of the soft coral Cespitularia taeniata collected in Taiwan has resulted in the isolation of eight new nitrogen-containing verticillene diterpenes, designated cespitulactams D-K ( 1- 8), together with three known diterpenes, cespitulactams A ( 9) and B ( 10) and cespitularin F. In addition, one new derivative, 6- O-acetylcespitulactam F ( 11), was prepared from compound 3. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, especially HRMS and 2D NMR experiments. The cytotoxicity against human oral epidermoid carcinoma (KB) and murine L1210 leukemia cell lines and antimicrobial activities of 1- 8 and 11 were tested and evaluated. A biogenetic pathway for these novel diterpene alkaloids was also proposed.

Ten zooxanthellae-free Dendronephthya species , twelve zooxanthellate soft coral species of the genera Sarcophyton, Lobophytum, Cladiella, Lytophyton, Cespitularia, and Clavularia, and the hermatypic coral Caulastrea tumida were examined for the first time to elucidate the fatty acid (FA) composition of total lipids. In Dendronephthya species, the main FAs were 20:4n-6, 24:5n-6, 16:0, 18:0, 7-Me-16:1n-10, and 24:6n-3 which amounted on the average to 26.0, 12.7, 12.1, 6.0, 4.8, and 4.0% of the total FA contents, respectively. For zooxanthellate soft corals, the main FAs were 16:0 (25.7%), 20:4n-6 (18.2%), 24:5n-6 (6.2%), and 18:4n-3 (5.6%), as well as 16:2n-7, which amounted up to 11.8% in Sarcophyton aff. crassum. Corals with zooxanthellae had low contents of 24:6n-3. The significant difference (p

Four new cespitularane diterpenes, cesputularins I-L (1-4), two new norverticillane norditerpenes, cespitularins M and N (5 and 6), two new verticillane diterpenes, cespitularins O and P (7 and 8), a new norditerpene, cespitularin Q (9) (having a novel carbon skeleton), a new xenicane diterpene, cespitolide (10), and two new secosteroids, 3beta,11-dihydroxy-5beta,6beta-epoxy-9,11-secocholestan-9-one (11) and 3beta,11-dihydroxy-5beta,6beta-epoxy-9,11-secogorgostan-9-one (12), were isolated from the methylene chloride solubles of the Formosan soft coral Cespitularia hypotentaculata Roxas. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, and their cytotoxicity against selected cancer cells was measured in vitro.

Three new nitrogen-containing diterpenoids, designated cespitulactams A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from Cespitularia taeniata May. Compounds 1–3 are novel structures having a phenylethyl amino side at C-10 and with an amide function at C-20. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical correlation. The cytotoxicity of 1 and its monoacetate (6) were also evaluated against human cancer cell lines.

Two new diterpenoids, designated cespitulactones A (1) and B (2), were isolated from a sample of the soft coral Cespitularia taeniata collected in Taiwan. Compound 1 possesses a novel structure with a bond cleavage between C-10 and C-11, and having a 14-membered lactone ring junction between C-10 and C-12. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical derivatization. The isolated compounds were also evaluated for cytotoxicity toward human cancer cell lines.

From a sample of the soft coral Cespitularia sp., a new caryophyllene-basedcaryophyllene-based direrpene 1 was isolated and charactetized. This is the first report of this structural class in animals of the genus Cespitularia

In order to demonstrate the power utility of the interactive computer program CONGEN, 5 an example describing its use in the identification of the tricyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, [+]-palustrol, in extracts of a marine Xeniid ( Cespitularia sp., aff subviridis ) is provided. The rotation of [+]-palustrol further supports the remarkable antipodal relationiship between sesquiterpenes from marine Coelenterates and their corresponding terrestrial forms. 6

The chemical composition of the mucus from three hard corals (Acropora formosa, Pachyseris speciosa and Fungia fungites) and three soft corals (Sarcophyton sp., Lemnalia sp., and Cespitularia sp.) collected on the Great Barrier Reef (1982–1985) was determined. Significant variation exists in the composition and structure of the six mucus samples, indicating the absence of a common structure for coral mucus. In all cases protein and/or carbohydrate polymers are the major components of the mucus, and lipids are present only in small amounts. The glycose composition varied between species, with fucose (F. fungites and Lemnalia sp.), arabinose (A. formosa), galactose (P. speciosa) and N-acetyl glucosamine (Sarcophyton sp.) being present in high concentrations. With the exception of Sarcophyton sp. and Lemnalia sp., all mucus samples were acidic and contained significant sulphate but no uronic or sialic acids. The amino acid composition of the mucus samples was not unusual, apart from A. formosa, which contained a high percentage of serine and threonine, and F. fungites, which had high levels of glutamic acid present.

The structure elucidation of three new diterpenes , isolated from a soft coral Cespitularia species, is reported. Two of the metabolites (3), (7E,11E,1R*,3aS*,4S*,12aR*)-11-iso-propyl-1,4,8-trimethyl- 1,2,3,3a,4,5,6,9,10,12a-decahydrocyclopentacycloundecene-1,4-diol, and (4), (4E,7E,11E)-11-isopropyl-1,4,8-trimethyl-1,2,3,3a,6,9,10,12a-octahydrocyclopentacyclo-undecen-1-ol, are shown to possess a further cyclized cembrane skeleton, the structure of (3) being determined by a single-crystal X-ray determination while that of (4) was deduced from spectral comparison with (3). The structure of the remaining diterpene (5) (4,5-deoxyneodolabelline) was deduced from 1H and 13C n.m.r . spectroscopic studies and shown to be closely related to the recently reported clavularian metabolite neodolabelline (8). An authentic sample of neodolabelline (8) was chemically transformed into (5) by the action of a zinc-copper couple establishing the absolute structure of (5).