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One new indole alkaloid derivative, 5,6-dioxo-11-hydroxy voacangine (1) together with four known compounds (2-5), were isolated from the fruits of Tabernaemontana inconspicua Stapf (Apocynaceae). T...

One new indole alkaloid derivative, 5,6-dioxo-11-hydroxy voacangine (

A chemical investigation of the aerial parts of Bupleurum montanum (Coss. & Dur.) (Apiaceae) afforded five compounds, quercitin 1, tamarexetin 2, isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside 3, kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside 4, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Protocatechuic acid) 5. The structural elucidation was performed mainly by MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectrum data.

A new acylated tritrepene, 3β-hexadecanoyloxy-lup-20(29)-en-21-ol (1), along with seven known compounds, lupeol (2), betulinic acid (3), ursonic acid (4), -sitosterol (5), β-stigmasterol (6), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-stigmasterol (7), and palmitic acid (8), were isolated from the leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. The new acylated triterpene exhibited interesting antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans (a yeast) with the MIC value 64 μg/mL.

A new friedelane-type triterpene named 3 β -hydroxyfriedelane-7,12,22-trione, as well as nine known compounds were isolated from the whole stems of Drypetes laciniata Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods. The new triterpene derivative and a known saponin were tested for antimicrobial and antifungal activities and they appeared to be moderate active.

The air-dried stems and ripe fruit of Drypetes inaequalis Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae) were studied. Four triterpene derivatives, characterized as lup-20(29)-en-3beta,6alpha-diol, 3beta-acetoxylup-20(29)-en-6alpha-ol, 3beta-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-6alpha-ol and 28-betad-glucopyranosyl-30-methyl 3beta-hydroxyolean-12-en-28,30-dioate along with 10 known compounds were isolated from the whole stems. One triterpene, characterized as 3alpha-hydroxyfriedelan-25-al along with six known compounds were isolated from the ripe fruit. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. The triterpenes were tested for antimicrobial activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and two of them appeared to be modestly active.

Two new friedelane-type triterpenes named 12alpha-hydroxyfriedelane-3,15-dione and 3beta-hydroxyfriedelan-25-al, together with six known compounds were isolated from the stems of Drypetes paxii Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae). Their structures were established on the basis of conventional 1 dimensional (1D) NMR methods, 2D shift-correlated NMR experiments and mass spectra. The five friedelane-type triterpene derivatives and one olean-12-ene triterpene saponin were tested for antimicrobial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and they appeared to be modestly active.

Two new compounds 7-hydroxy-5- O -(β- d -glucopyranoside) flavan ( 1 ) and ( Z )-4′,6′-dihydroxy-2′- O -(β- d -glucopyranoside) chalcone ( 2 ), along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the stem bark of Drypetes parvifolia (Euphorbiaceae). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence.

The essential oils of the aerial parts of Kundmannia sicula (L.) DC collectedfrom two Algerian localities, El Kala (near the coast) and Béjaia (from a meadow about 10km from the coast), were analysed by GC and GC-MS. Although both samples showedsimilar overall chemical compositions, the major components of the Béjaia sample wereidentified as being spathulenol (14.8%), caryophyllene oxide (12.2%), salvial-4(14)en-1-one (10.1%), 1,5-epoxysalvial-4(14)ene (5.2%) and germacrene D (3.2%), while in the ElKala sample the main compounds were found to be salvial-4(14)en-1-one (16.4%), 1,5-epoxysalvial-4(14)ene (6.5%), chrysanthenyl acetate (5.2%) and α-amorphene (2.9%).

An efficient methodology for the preparation of a series of 2,3-disubstituted-quinazolin-4(3 H )-ones is described via a three step reaction from anthranilic acid. The obtained results also reveal that microwave-assisted rapid decomposition of formamide under controlled conditions of power, temperature and time is a very convenient source of ammonia for the synthesis of 2-substituted-quinazolin-4(3 H )-ones and other rings.

Chemical studies of the EtOAc extract of Gambeya boukokoensis Aubr. et Pellegr. stem bark led to the isolation of eight compounds. Three of them were elucidated as new compounds and designated as: gamboukokoensein A, 1alpha,2alpha,3beta,19alpha,23-pentahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid; gamboukokoenside A, 2beta,3beta,6beta,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-23-oic acid 23-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester and gamboukokoenside B, 6beta,28-dihydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-23-oic acid 23-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester. The other five compounds were known and identified as myrianthic acid, protobassic acid, oleanolic acid, erythrodiol and chondrillasterol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of one and two dimensional NMR spectroscopic techniques, FABMS, ESMS and chemical evidence.

The cytotoxic and antitumor activities of cis-1,2-diacyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,14-tetrahydro-7H-benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 3, 6-9 were strongly correlated with their ability to give covalent adducts with purified, as well as genomic, DNA. Such adducts involve reaction between the exocyclic N-2 amino group of guanines exposed in the minor groove of double helical DNA and the leaving ester group at the benzylic position 1 of the drug. A transesterification process of the ester group from position 2 to position 1 in aqueous medium accounted for the intense activity of the cis-1-hydroxy-2-acyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,14-tetrahydro-7H-benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 10-13. Compounds without acyloxy or hydroxy group at position 1, such as 15, 17, 18, and 22, were inert with respect to DNA and almost devoid of significant cytotoxic activity. Condensation of 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene (26) with 3-bromo-2-naphthoic acid (27), followed by cyclization, gave access to 6-demethoxy analogues. Diacetate 32 and cyclic carbonate 33, both belonging to the latter series, were less reactive toward DNA and less cytotoxic than their 6-methoxy counterparts 3 and 34. DNA alkylation appears thus to play an important role in the antitumor properties of benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives.

The methanol extract of the dried stem bark of Drypetes armoracia Pax & Hoffm. afforded two compounds named drypearmoracein A, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroxy-2-benzylhept-2-enoic acid and drypearmoracein B, 2,3-dihydroxy-9,10-tetrahydroanthra-1,4-quinone along with five known compounds: friedelan-3 β-ol, friedelin, friedelane-3,7-dione, drypemolundein B and β-stigmasterol. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence.

A new iridoid glucoside dimer, coelobillardin (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Coelospermum billardieri. Its structure has been elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR data. From a biogenetic point of view, this compound, which includes a cyclobutane basic core, should be considered as a [2+2] dimerization product of (E)-10-(4-hydroxycinnamoyloxy)loganin, which is the major iridoid isolated from the plant.

Five new hexaoxygenated chalcones and one new chalcone photodimer were synthesized and their cytotoxicity against leukemia cell line L-1210 was studied. The three more active compounds were tested for their activity on the inhibition and promotion of tubulin assembly and it was found that these chalcones do not interfere with the tubulin-microtubule system at cytotoxic concentrations, and therefore operate by some different mechanism of action.

A phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Centaurea microcarpa resulted in the isolation of two known flavonoids: 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone 7-O-β-glucoside (1), 6- methoxykaempferol (2). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy. Compounds: (1) and (2) were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity through DPPH free radical-scavenging assay.

Condensation of either 2-bromobenzoic acid (4) or 2-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (5) with suitable aminoquinolines 6-8 afforded phenylquinolylamines 9-13. Acid mediated cyclization gave the corresponding 12H-benzo[b][1,7]phenanthrolin-7-ones 14 and 15, and 12H-benzo[b][1,10]phenanthrolin-7-ones 16-18. Compounds 14, 16, and 17 were subsequently N-methylated to 6-demethoxyacronycine and acronycine analogues 19-21, whereas reduction of the aromatic nitro group of 18 gave the amino derivative 22. Unsubstituted 12H-benzo[b][1,10]phenanthrolin-7-ones 16, 17, 20, and 21 were devoid of significant cytotoxic activity, whereas 18 and 22, bearing a nitrogen substituent at position 11, were significantly active. Unsubstituted 12H-benzo[b][1,7]phenanthrolin-7-ones 14 and 19, which include a pyridine nitrogen in the same 4-position as the pyran oxygen of acronycine exhibited cytotoxic activities within the same range of magnitude as acronycine itself.

Prototypes corresponding to glycopeptide fragments of actinoidin antibiotics have been synthesized using an L-acosaminyl-D-glucose-containing heterodisaccharide linked to 4-hydroxyphenylglycine as pivotal synthon. This latter compound has been obtained by coupling of a suitably protected D-glucopyranosyl bromide with the blocked amino acid, followed by selective deprotection of the glucopyranosyl moiety at C-2 and subsequent stereospecific attachment of the acosaminyl unit.

The composition of the essential oils of stems and seeds of Pituranthos scoparius was determined by GC-MS. Almost 50 compounds were identified. In the seed oil, the main compounds were α-pinene (8.2%), β-pinene (4.6%), p-cymene (7.5%), limonene (11.2%), thymol (5.9%), myristicin (11.1%) and dill apiole (12.2%); in the stem oil, the main compounds were α-pinene (6.8%), α-phellandrene (7.1%), limonene (9.8%), methyl eugenol (5.6%) germacrene D (12.7%), myristicin (7.2%), spathulenol (4.5%) and β-eudesmol (4.1%).

A new dicoumarinyl ether, rutamontine and two rare furocoumarins, heraclenol and isopimpinellin, were isolated from Ruta montana. The structure of rutamontine as 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3,7'-dicoumarinylether was determined by spectroscopic methods.

Vitex madiensis Oliv. (Lamiaceae) is traditionally used to treat malaria symptoms in Haut-Ogooue, Gabon. Leaves and stem barks extracts were obtained using dichloromethane (CH(2)Cl(2)), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) as extraction solvents and fractionated on silica gel column. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of CH(2)Cl(2), EtOAc and MeOH extracts and fractions was evaluated against the chloroquine-resistant FCB strain and field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum using the DELI test. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested on MRC-5 and THP1 cells using the tetrazolium salt MTT colorimetric assay, and the selectivity index (SI) of each extract was calculated. CH(2)Cl(2) extract, the EA1 fraction from EtOAc extract of stem barks and cyclohexane (L(cycl)), dichloromethane (L(DM)) and butanol (L(but)) fractions from MeOH/H(2)O extract of leaves exhibited the highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity on FCB strain and field isolates (IC(50) from 0.53 to 4.87 μg/ml) with high selectivity index (of 20.15-1800). These data support the use of V. madiensis in malaria treatment along with continued investigations within traditional medicines in the search of new antimalarial agents. The EA1, C(6)H(12) and CH(2)Cl(2) fractions could be selected for future investigation or/and for the treatment of malaria symptoms after standardization.

International audience; Quinas contains several compounds, such as quinoline alkaloids, principally quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and cichonidine. Identified from barks of Cinchona, quinine is still commonly used to treat human malaria. Microwave-Integrated Extraction and Leaching (MIEL) is proposed for the extraction of quinoline alkaloids from bark of Cinchona succirubra. The process is performed in four steps, which ensures complete, rapid and accurate extraction of the samples. Optimal conditions for extraction were obtained using a response surface methodology reached from a central composite design. The MIEL extraction has been compared with a conventional technique soxhlet extraction. The extracts of quinoline alkaloids from C. succirubra obtained by these two different methods were compared by HPLC. The extracts obtained by MIEL in 32 min were quantitatively (yield) and qualitatively (quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, cinchonidine) similar to those obtained by conventional Soxhlet extraction in 3 hours. MIEL is a green technology that serves as a good alternative for the extraction of Cinchona alkaloids.

Two new isoflavones, erysenegalensein D, 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy-6(γ,γ-dimethylallyl)-8-(2‴-hydroxy-3‴-methylbut-3‴-enyl)isoflavone and erysenegalensein E, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6-(γ,γ-dimethylallyl)-8-(2⋯'-hydroxy-3‴-methylbut-3‴-enyl)isoflavone in addition to the known compounds, 8-prenyl-luteone and 6,8-diprenylgenistein, have been isolated and characterized from the stem bark of the Cameroonian medicinal plant Erythrina senegalensis. Their structures were determined by the usual spectroscopic methods and by 2D NMR techniques.

Prototypes corresponding to glycopeptide fragments of actinoidin antibiotics have been synthesized using an L-acosaminyl-D-glucose-containing heterodisaccharide linked to 4-hydroxyphenylglycine as pivotal synthon. This latter compound has been obtained by coupling of a suitably protected D-glucopyranosyl bromide with the blocked amino acid, followed by selective deprotection of the glucopyranosyl moiety at C-2 and subsequent stereospecific attachment of the acosaminyl unit.

Condensation of 2-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid with either 5-amino-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene or 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene afforded diphenylamines 14 and 15. Trifluoroacetic anhydride mediated cyclization gave the corresponding acridones 16 and 17, which were subsequently N-methylated and reduced to 11-aminoacronycine and 11-amino-6-demethoxyacronycine. These two amino compounds, which gave stable water soluble salts, were 2- to 3-fold more potent than acronycine or 6-demethoxyacronycine in inhibiting L1210 cell proliferation.

Condensation of either 2-bromobenzoic acid (4) or 2-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (5) with suitable aminoquinolines 6-8 afforded phenylquinolylamines 9-13. Acid mediated cyclization gave the corresponding 12H-benzo[b][1,7]phenanthrolin-7-ones 14 and 15, and 12H-benzo[b][1,10]phenanthrolin-7-ones 16-18. Compounds 14, 16, and 17 were subsequently N-methylated to 6-demethoxyacronycine and acronycine analogues 19-21, whereas reduction of the aromatic nitro group of 18 gave the amino derivative 22. Unsubstituted 12H-benzo[b][1,10]phenanthrolin-7-ones 16, 17, 20, and 21 were devoid of significant cytotoxic activity, whereas 18 and 22, bearing a nitrogen substituent at position 11, were significantly active. Unsubstituted 12H-benzo[b][1,7]phenanthrolin-7-ones 14 and 19, which include a pyridine nitrogen in the same 4-position as the pyran oxygen of acronycine exhibited cytotoxic activities within the same range of magnitude as acronycine itself.

A new iridoid glucoside dimer, coelobillardin (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Coelospermum billardieri. Its structure has been elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR data. From a biogenetic point of view, this compound, which includes a cyclobutane basic core, should be considered as a [2+2] dimerization product of (E)-10-(4-hydroxycinnamoyloxy)loganin, which is the major iridoid isolated from the plant.

International audience; Two new dimethylpyrano-isoflavones, named erymildbraedin A (4) and B (5), were isolated from the stem bark of the Cameroonian medicinal plant Erythrina mildbraedii, along with four known ones, the linear congeners, scandenone (1), erysenegalinsein M (2), 5,4'-dihydroxy-2'-methoxy-8-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-2'',2''-dimethylpyrano[5,6:6,7]isoflavone (3), and the angular isoflavone eryvarin B (6), and two other compounds, fraxidin and scoparone. Their structures were elucidated by the usual spectroscopic methods and isoflavone effects on the growth of human breast, prostate, and endometrial adenocarcinoma cells were determined. Isoflavones 1, 3, and 6 strongly inhibited the growth of all three cell lines, supporting the notion that a non-oxidized isoprenyl group at C-8 is requisite for cytotoxic activity.

Two new friedelane-type triterpenes named 12α-hydroxyfriedelane-3,15-dione and 3β-hydroxyfriedelan-25-al, together with six known compounds were isolated from the stems of Drypetes paxii HUTCH. (Euphorbiaceae). Their structures were established on the basis of conventional 1 dimensional (1D) NMR methods, 2D shift-correlated NMR experiments and mass spectra. The five friedelane-type triterpene derivatives and one olean-12-ene triterpene saponin were tested for antimicrobial activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and they appeared to be modestly active.

The stereoselective synthesis of hordenine β-L-rhamnopyranoside (3) was achieved using 4-O-acetyl-2,3-O-carbonyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl bromide (14) as key intermediate. The regiospecific syntheses of the peracetyl derivatives of (E)-O-(6-O-cinnamoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1 → 2)-, (1 → 3)-, and (1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranoses and of their 4-acetoxycinnamoyl counterparts were achieved through the use of various types of rhamnose-derived intermediates, i.e., 1,2-O-orthoester for the (1 → 2) series, 2,3-O-orthoester for the (1 → 3) series, and 2,3-O-isopropylidene for the (1 → 4) series.

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract from the stem bark of Drypetes tessmanniana, fractions (DTB1-5) as well as compounds [friedelin (2), 3,7-dioxofriedelane (3), 3,15-dioxofriedelane (4), 3beta- O-(E)-3,5-dihydroxycinnamoyl-11-oxo-olean-12-ene (6), and 3beta,6alpha-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene (7).Agar disc diffusion was used to determine the sensitivity of the above samples, whilst the microdilution method was used for the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal concentrations (MMC).The diffusion test showed that the crude extract was able to prevent the growth of all tested organisms. All other samples showed selective activity. The inhibitory effect of the fraction DTB2 was noted on 63.7%, that of DTB1 and DBT3 on 54.6%, whilst DTB4 and DTB5 were active on 9.1% of the 11 tested organisms. The tested compounds prevented the growth of 81.8% of the tested microbial species for compounds 3 and 4, 36.7% for compound 6, and 18.2% for compound 7. The results of the MIC determinations indicated perceptible values for DTB and compound 4 on 81.8% of the tested organisms. For other samples, MICs were detected on 0-63.7%. The lowest MIC value (78.12 microg/mL) for the crude extract and fractions (DTB2) was observed on M. audouinii. The corresponding value for isolated compounds (156.25 microg/mL) was noted with compounds 3 on S. faecalis and 4 on M. audouinii audouinii. The results of the MMC determination suggested that the microbicidal effect of most of the tested samples on the studied microorganisms could be expected.The methanol extract from the stem bark of Drypetes. tessmanniana (Euphorbiaceae) as well as some of the isolated compounds might be potential sources of new antimicrobial drugs.

The MeOH extract of the stem barks of Drypetes tessmanniana (Euphorbiaceae) afforded two new triterpene derivatives characterized as 3β-O-(E)-3,5-dihydroxycinnamoyl-11-oxo-olean-12-ene and 3β,6α-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene together with seven known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analysis.

A new flavone glycoside, hispidulin 7-O-methylglucuronide (1) has been isolated from the aerial part of Centaurea furfuracea.

Condensation of 2-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid with either 5-amino-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene or 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene afforded diphenylamines 14 and 15. Trifluoroacetic anhydride mediated cyclization gave the corresponding acridones 16 and 17, which were subsequently N-methylated and reduced to 11-aminoacronycine and 11-amino-6-demethoxyacronycine. These two amino compounds, which gave stable water soluble salts, were 2- to 3-fold more potent than acronycine or 6-demethoxyacronycine in inhibiting L1210 cell proliferation.

The MeOH extract of the stem barks of Drypetes tessmanniana (Euphorbiaceae) afforded two new triterpene derivatives characterized as 3beta-O-(E)-3,5-dihydroxycinnamoyl-11-oxo-olean-12-ene and 3beta,6alpha-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene together with seven known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analysis.

Sarcodifurines A and B are two original dihydrofuroquinolines isolated from Sarcomelicope follicularis, a New Caledonian tree. The cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity of these two alkaloids were investigated against 8 distinct cell lines representative of the most frequent solid tumors developing in human. Cytotoxicity of sarcodifurines was low on the 8 cell lines, with, for example, less than 10% of the total cells killed after 24 h exposure at 10 microM and IC(50) approximately 7.10(-5) M (MCF-7 and MDA MB 231 cell lines). Proliferation studies confirmed that sarcodifurines had a weak effect on cancer cells growth, with less than 5% growth inhibition at 10 microM. Sarcodifurine A activity was comparable to that of Sarcodifurine B, in term of cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity on all cell lines. In spite of the weak activity of sarcodifurines and furoquinolines, rationalized pharmacomodulations to obtain planar analogs could lead to efficient topoisomerases inhibitors and DNA intercalants.

International audience; In continuation of our studies on Algerian Apiaceous plants [1] we report here a phytochemical study of aerial parts of Bupleurum montanum, an Algerian endemic species [2], collected from Megress Mountain (Eastern Algeria) at 1500m above sea level, during June 2006. Quercitin 1 [3] and tamarixetin 2 [4] were isolated from the ethylacetate extract. Isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside 3 [5], originally isolated from the flowers of Narcissus tazetta [6], and kaempferol-3-rutinoside 4 [4] were obtained from the n-butanol extract. The structural elucidation was performed mainly by MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectrum data.

An efficient methodology for the preparation of a series of 2,3-disubstituted-quinazolin-4(3 H )-ones is described via a three step reaction from anthranilic acid. The obtained results also reveal that microwave-assisted rapid decomposition of formamide under controlled conditions of power, temperature and time is a very convenient source of ammonia for the synthesis of 2-substituted-quinazolin-4(3 H )-ones and other rings.

Synthesis of hordenine-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and of the three possible isomers resulting from its glycosylation by (E)-6-O-cinnamoyl glucose, as their acetyl derivatives

Investigation of the aerial parts of Centaurea granata afforded, in addition to two known polymethoxylated flavones, a new eudesmanolide. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by spectroscopic methods as 8 α -hydroxy-11 β ,13-dihydro onopordaldehyde.

This study investigated, in mice, the antidepressant like effect of hyperfoliatin, a prenylated phloroglucinol derivative isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum perfoliatum , as well as its action on monoaminergic systems. In the forced-swimming test, hyperfoliatin dose-dependently reduced immobility time. Immobility was interpreted as an expression of “behavioural despair”, which could be a component of depression syndrome. The effect of hyperfoliatin did not result from the stimulation of animal motor activity. Hyperfoliatin inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the [ 3 H]-dopamine, [ 3 H]-serotonin and [ 3 H]-noradrenaline synaptosomal uptakes, but did not prevent the binding of specific ligands to the monoamine transporters. These data suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of hyperfoliatin on the forced-swimming test is probably associated to monoamine uptake inhibition, due to a mechanism of action different from that of known antidepressants.

International audience; The influence of chemical neighbouring on oxidation of substituted 2,2‐dimethylchromenes derivatives 5‐8 by a biomimetic catalytic system was first studied. It was then applied to acronycine an anti‐cancer drug in order to obtain in one single step oxidized products resulting from the reactivity of the 1,2‐double bond in the pyranic D‐ring. These 2,2‐dimethylchromenes constitute the structural moiety responsible for the activity of acronycine. This oxidation showed the sensitivity of the ethylenic bond, leading to the formation of the corresponding epoxides, diols and/or ketoalcohol. In the case of 5‐dimethylamino‐2,2‐dimethylchromene 8 , the double bond was not sensitive to oxidation, but the N ‐methyl groups reacted to lead to the formamide derivative 16 and an imino‐alcohol 17 . This methodology applied to acronycine molecule 1 , allowed to obtain in one step, two oxidized compounds, a trans ‐diol 3 and a ketoalcohol 4 under preparative conditions.

Condensation of 1-bromo-2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid (9) with 7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-5-ylamine (13) followed by acid-mediated cyclization afforded 6-methoxy-3,3-dimethyl-3,14-dihydro-7H-benzo[c]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one (15), which was further methylated into 6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-3,14-dihydro-7H-benzo[c]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one (benzo[c]acronycine) (3) and 6,7-dimethoxy-3,3-dimethyl-3H-benzo[c]pyrano[3,2-h]acridine (4). Osmium tetroxide oxidation of 15 gave the (+/-)-cis-diol 16, which afforded the benzopyranoacridine and benzopyranoacridone esters 17-22 upon acylation. Condensation of 9 with suitable aminoquinolines 23-25 afforded the carboxylic naphthylquinolylamines 26-28. Cyclization gave the corresponding naphtho[1,2-b][1,10]-phenanthrolin-7(14H)-ones 29 and 30, and naphtho[1,2-b][1,7]-phenanthrolin-7(14H)-one 31, which were subsequently N-methylated to the desired 14-methylnaphtho[1,2-b][1,10] and [1,7]-phenanthrolinones 6, 7, and 8. Benzo[c]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 3, 16, and 22 displayed cytotoxic activities within the same range of magnitude as acronycine itself, whereas 7-alkoxybenzo[c]pyrano[3,2-h]acridine and 7-acyloxybenzo[c]pyrano[3,2-h]acridine derivatives 4 and 17-21 were less active when tested against L1210 murine leukemia cells in vitro. Naphthophenanthrolinones 6-8 were devoid of significant antiproliferative activity, but compounds 29-31 bearing no substituent on the nitrogen atom at position 14 were more potent.

An actinomycete strain NM94 was isolated from a Saharan soil sample by a dilution agar plating method using chitin-vitamins B medium supplemented with penicillin. The strain presented the morphological and chemical characteristics of the genus Nonomuraea. On the basis of 16S rDNA analysis and physiological tests, this isolate was found to be quite different from the known species of Nonomuraea and might be new. The strain NM94 secreted several antibiotics on yeast extract malt extract glucose medium that were active against some Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The antibiotics were extracted with dichloromethane and detected by bioautography on silica gel plates using Mucor ramannianus and Bacillus subtilis as the test organisms. Among these antibiotics, a complex called 94A showed interesting antifungal activity. It was selected and purified by reverse-phase HPLC. This complex was composed of five compounds. Spectroscopic studies by infrared, mass, and 1H NMR of the compounds were carried out. Initial results showed that these molecules differed from the known antibiotics produced by other Nonomuraea species.