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In the present study, two new limonoids, 1 α , 7 α -dihydroxyl-3 α -acetoxyl-12 α -ethoxylnimbolinin ( 1 ) and 1 α -tigloyloxy-3 α -acetoxyl-7 α -hydroxyl-12 β -ethoxylnimbolinin ( 2 ), together with other four known limonoids ( 3 − 6 ), were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan . Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analyses (NMR and ESI-MS) and comparisons with the data reported in the literature. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities. Compound 4 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against an oral pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, with an MIC value of 15.2 μg·mL −1 . Compound 2 was also active against P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, with an MIC value of 31.25 μg·mL −1 . In conlcusion, our resutls indicate that these compounds may provide a basis for future development of novel antibiotics.

Two new limonoids, 12-ethoxynimbolinins G and H (compounds 1 and 2), and one known compound, toosendanin (Chuanliansu) (compound 3), were isolated from the bark of Melia toosendan. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and X-ray techniques. The absolute configuration of toosendanin (3) was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five tumor cell lines.

Four new limonoids (1-4), together with five known limonoids (5-9), were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D- and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS, IR, [α](D)). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their neurite outgrowth-promoting activities. Compounds 2 and 6 significantly enhanced NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50.0 μM.

A new C-glucosyl flavone, 6‴-vanilloylspinosin (1), was isolated from the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, together with three known C-glucosyl flavones, spinosin (2), 6‴-feruloylspinosin (3), and isospinosin (4). The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectral methods (1D NMR, ESI-MS, HR-MS, 2D NMR).

Since two asymmetric centres are usually present in the bisbenzylisoquinolines, the circular dichroism is known to be an important method to elucidate their stereochemistry. We studied the relationships of the CD spectra with the stereochemistry of synthetic RR-(1), SS-(2), RS-daurisoline (3) and SR-daurisoline (4). By comparision of the CD spectrum of natural daurisoline (1) from Menispermum dauricum (Menispermaceae) with those of synthetic enantiomers, the absolute configuration was established as RR-daurisoline (1).

Two new limonoids, 1α-tigloyloxy-3α-acetoxyl-7α-hydroxyl-12α-ethoxyl nimbolinin (1) and 1α-benzoyloxy-3α-acetoxyl-7α-hydroxyl-12α-ethoxyl nimbolinin (2), were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. Their structures were established on the basis of various NMR spectroscopic analyses, including 2D-NMR techniques (HSQC, HMBC, NOESY) and HR-ESI-MS.

Toosendanone A (1), a new euphane (tirucallane)-type triterpene bearing a five-membered ring in the side chain and the first cyclopentanyl protolimonoid, was isolated from the bark of Melia toosendan, along with two new tirucallanes, toosendanic acids A (2) and B (3). The structure and absolute configuration of compound 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a small panel of cancer cell lines.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the stem of Caesalpinia decapetala . METHODS The compounds were isolated by column chromatography using silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, and their structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis. RESULTS Seven compounds were obtained from the ethanol extract and their structures were elucidated as 6′-hydroxy-3, 4-(1′′-hydroxy-epoxy-propane)-2′, 3′-(1′′β-hydroxy-2′′′-carbonyl-cyclobutane)-1, 1′-diphenyl ( 1 ), octacosyl 3, 5-dihydroxycinnamate ( 2 ), 2′, 4, 4′-trihydroxychalocone ( 3 ), bonducellin ( 4 ), 7, 3′, 5′-trihydroxyflavanone ( 5 ), daucosterin ( 6 ), and β-sitosterol ( 7 ). CONCLUSION Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds and 3 - 6 were obtained from this plant for the first time.

In this study five new limonoids, toosendone [24,25,26,27-tetra-nor-6alpha-acetoxy-21,22-epoxy-7alpha-tigloyl-1alpha,3alpha,28-trihydroxyapotirucalla-(apoeupha)-14,20,22-trien-12-one, 1] and 12-ethoxynimbolinins A-D (2-5), together with five known limonoids, 1-acetyltrichilinin (6), 1-cinnamoyltrichilinin (7), trichilinin B (8), 1,7-di-O-acetyl-14,15-deoxyhavanensin (9) and 12-O-methylnimbolinin B (10),were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. Their structures and relative configurations were established based on spectroscopic analysis. Compound 4 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the oral pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33 277, with an MIC value of 15.6 microg/mL. Compounds 7 and 8 were also active against P. gingivalis ATCC 33 277, with MIC values of 31.3 and 31.5 microg/mL respectively.

There were five new diterpenoids, 18-beta-D-3',4'-diacetoxyxylopyranosyl-ent-kaur-16-ene (1), 18-beta-L-3',5'-diacetoxyarabinofuranosyl-ent-kaur-16-ene (2), 18-beta-D-3',6'-diacetoxyglucopyranosyl-ent-kaur-16-ene (3), ent-isopimar-8(14),15-dien-19-oic acid (4), and 5alpha-hydroxy-ent-rosa-15-en-18-oic acid (5), isolated from the whole herb of Sagittaria pygmaea. Their structures and relative configurations were established based on spectroscopic studies, chemical methods, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 2 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25 175 and Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 27 044, with MIC values against both pathogens of 15.6 microg/mL. Compound 3 was active against only A. viscosus ATCC 27 044 with an MIC value of 62.5 microg/mL. Compounds 4 and 5 were active against S. mutans ATCC 25 175 and A. viscosus ATCC 27 044, with MIC values against both pathogens of 125.0 microg/mL.

Two novel C29-5beta-sterols, opuntisterol [(24R)-24-ethyl-5beta-cholest-9-ene-6beta,12alpha-diol] (1) and opuntisteroside [(24R)-24-ethyl-6beta-[(beta-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5beta-cholest-9-ene-12alpha-ol] (2), together with nine known compounds, beta-sitosterol (3), taraxerol (4), friedelin (5), methyl linoleate (6), 7-oxositosterol (7), 6beta-hydroxystigmast-4-ene-3-one (8), daucosterol (9), methyl eucomate (10) and eucomic acid (11), were isolated from the stems of Opuntia dillenii collected in Guizhou Province, China. Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 were deduced from comparative 1H NMR data of the (S)- and (R)-methoxyphenyl acetate derivatives. Compounds 6-8, 10 and 11 were isolated from O. dillenii for the first time.

The new sesquiterpenoid (6R)-2-chloro-6-[(1S)-1,5-dimethylhex-4-en-1-yl]-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (1), together with ten known compounds, (6R)-6-[(1S)-1,5-dimethylhex-4-en-1-yl]-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (2), bauerenol acetate (3), lupenone (4), alpha-amyrenone (5), beta-sitosterol (6), stigmasterol (7), beta-amyrin (8), ursolic acid (9), betulinic acid (10), scopolin (11), have been isolated from the roots of Euphorbia chrysocoma Lévl. et Vant. Their structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic data.

Three new diterpenoids, yuexiandajisu D (1), E (2) and F were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia ebracteolata, along with eight known diterpenoids, jolkinolide B (4), jolkinolide A, ent-11alpha-hydroxyabieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12alpha-olide (6), ent-(13S)-hydroxyatis-16-ene-3,14-dione, ent-3beta,(13S)-dihydroxyatis-16-en-14-one, ent-3-oxokaurane-16alpha,17-diol, ent-16alpha,17-dihydroxyatisan-3-one and ent-atisane-3beta,16alpha,17-triol. The structures of all compounds were deduced using spectroscopic methods and confirmed for 1 and 2 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A biogenetic pathway for the formation of 1 and 2 is proposed briefly. Cytotoxic activities were evaluated against ANA-1, B 16 and Jurkat tumor cells. Jolkinolide B (4) displayed modest activity on ANA-1, B 16 and Jurkat tumor cells with IC50 values 4.46 x 10(-2), 4.48 x 10(-2), 6.47 x 10(-2) microM, and ent-11alpha-hydroxyabieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12alpha-olide (6) showed significant activity against ANA-1 and Jurkat cells with IC50 values 7.12 x 10(-3) and 1.79 x 10(-2) microM. Compound 1 was found to be slightly active against ANA-1 cells with an IC50 value 2.88 x 10(-1)microM. Structure-activity relationships of isolated compounds are also discussed.

A new compound, 3′(R)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3′,4′-dihydroxanthyletin (1), and a known compound, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (2), were isolated from the roots of Peucedanum dissolutum. The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectral evidence and chemical reaction. The NMR signals of carbons and protons of 2 were assigned for the first time by analysis of 1H–1H COSY, HMQC and HMBC spectra.

Three new macrocyclic diterpenes, kansuinins F (1), G (2), and H (3), together with four known jatrophane diterpenes, kansuinins D (4), E (5), and A (6) and 3beta,5alpha,7beta,15beta-tetraacetoxy-9alpha-nicotinoyloxyjatropha-6(17)-11E-dien-14-one, were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia kansui. Compounds 1 and 2 were assigned as 6(17)-en-11,12-epoxy-14-one-type jatrophane diterpenes, and compound 3 as a 6(17)-en-11,14-epoxy-12-one jatrophane diterpene. The structures of compounds 1-3 and the relative configurations of compounds 4 and 5 were determined by spectral data analysis. Kansuinin E (5) exhibited a specific survival effect on fibroblasts that expressed TrkA, a high-affinity receptor for nerve growth factor.

With a history of several thousand years, traditional Chinese medicine has been well documented to be effective in the treatment of various disorders. We have investigated the activities of potential neuroactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicine such as Melia toosendan using an in vitro model system, rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. We report here that treatment of PC12 cells with a crude extract of the fruits of M. toosendan reduces cell growth in a dose-dependent manner without detectable cytotoxicity. Upon treatment with M. toosendan, PC12 cells exhibit robust neurite outgrowth, to a greater extent than that observed with nerve growth factor. Results obtained with specific kinase inhibitors and protein kinase A-deficient PC12 cells indicate that the actions of M. toosendan are mediated by the activation of protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinases.

The cyclopeptide, squamtin A (1, formula: C39H60O11N8S), was found to crystallized in two pseudopolymorphisms, i.e. 1·(H2O)3.5 and 1·(H2O)3.9. The composition of the amino acids and their linkage sequences are the same. The main differences between the two kinds of crystals lie in the positions and occupancies of the water molecules, the positions of the sulfur atoms and the conformation of the side chains. The absolute configuration of 1 is established by X-ray analysis in combination with the Marfey's analysis of its hydrolysates.

A new diterpenoid, named euphpekinensin, along with three known diterpenoids, was isolated from the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis for the first time and the structures were elucidated by spectral analysis. The 2D-NMR techniques such as 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY spectra were mainly applied to determine the structure of the new diterpenoid. The four diterpenoids showed cytotoxic activity against human KB cells in vitro.

The present study was designed to isolate and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the compounds from the whole plant of Euphorbia helioscopia L.. Various chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify the compound. The structure of the compound was elucidated on basis of spectral data ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, IR, and HR-ESI-MS). A new jatrophone-type diterpenoid (14α,15β-diacetoxy-3β-benzoyloxy-7β-nicotinoyloxy-9-oxo-jatropha-5E,11E-diene), named euphoheliosnoid E (1), was isolated from the whole plant of E. helioscopia L. Compound 1 showed significant anti-microbial activity against oral pathogens.

A new jatrophane-type diterpenoid, 7β,14β,15β-triacetoxy-3β-benzoyloxy-9-oxojatropha-5 E ,11 E -diene, named euphornin N was isolated from Euphorbia helioscopia L. The structure and relative stereochemistry of the new compound was elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Five new abietane derivatives which have a commonly rearranged abietane skeleton contained a 17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abietane framework, mandarones D-H, were isolated from the stem of Clerodendrum nmantarinorum Diels (Verbenaceae). The structures were characterized as (16S)-12,16-epoxy-11-hydroxy-17(15-->16), 18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13-pentaene-7-one (mandarone D, 1), 12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11, 13,15-hexaene-7-one (mandarone E, 2), 12,16-epoxy-6,11,14-trihydroxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-7-one (mandarone F, 3),12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-2,7-dione (mandarone G, 4) and 12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-17(15-->16),18(4-->3)-diabeo-abieta-3,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-1,7-dione (mandarone H, 5) respectively, mainly based on the spectral analysis and by comparison with those of closely related compounds.

From the stem of Clerodendrum mandarinorum Diels (Verbenaceae), three new abietane derivatives, mandarones A, B and C, have been isolated. The structures were characterized as (5 R ,10 S )-12-hydroxy-8,11,13-abietatriene-37-dione (mandarone A), (16 S )-12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-17(15→16)- abeo -abieta-5,8,11,13-tetraene-7-one (mandarone B) and 12,16-epoxy-11,14-dihydroxy-17(15→16)- abeo -abieta-2,5,8,11,13,15-hexaene-7-one (mandarone C) on the basis of spectral analysis. Mandarones B and C possess a rearranged abietane skeleton which contains a 17(15→16)- abeo -abietane framework.

A simple, sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-UV (HPLC-UV) method has been developed for the first time to simultaneously quantify the five major biologically active ingredients of saffron, namely crocin 1, crocin 2, crocin 3, crocin 4 and crocetin. Calibration curves were derived by spiking authentic compounds and internal standard, 13-cis-retinoic acid, into herbal samples prior to extraction. Extraction was conducted simply by stirring dried herb (20 mg) with 80% aqueous methanol (5 ml) at ambient temperature in the dark for 2 h. The HPLC assay was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with linear gradient elution using methanol and 1% aqueous acetic acid. Calibrations were linear (r2 = 0.999) for all five analytes, with overall intra- and inter-day RSDs of less than 11%. The assay was successfully applied to the determination of four crocins and crocetin in three saffron samples and two Zhizi, another crocin-containing herb. Results indicate that the developed HPLC assay can be readily utilized as a quality control method for crocin-containing medicinal herbs.

Ischemic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are the leading ocular diseases that cause blindness. The etiology of these diseases is due in part to the reduction of blood flow in the retina and/or choroid. Crocin analogs isolated from Crocus sativus L. were found to significantly increase the blood flow in the retina and choroid and to facilitate retinal function recovery. Increased blood flow due to vasodilation presumably improves oxygenation and nutrient supply of retinal structures. These results indicated that crocin analogs could be used to treat ischemic retinopathy and/or age-related macular degeneration. It was noted that disaccharide analogs of crocin, such as crocin-1 and crocin-2, were less potent than monosaccharide analogs of crocin, such as crocin-3 and crocin-4, constituting an interesting structure-activity relationship.

To study the chemical constituents of the fruits of Melia toosendan, three limonoids were isolated and purified by repeated silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC from the EtOAc extract of M. toosendan. Their structures were determined by their physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic data (1D-NMR, 2D-NMR) as: 24, 25, 26, 27-tetranorapotirucalla-(apoeupha)-1alpha-tigloyloxy-3alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxyl-12alpha-acetoxyl-14, 20, 22-trien-21, 23-epoxy-6, 28-epoxy (1), nimbolinin B (2), and trichilinin D (3), separately. Compound 1 is a new compound, and compound 2 is obtained from this plant for the first time.

A new neo-clerodane diterpene, ajugacumbin G, was isolated from Ajuga decumbens THUNB. (Labiatae), and the structure was characterized as 6α-acetoxy-4α, 17-epoxy-18-(3'-hydroxy-2'-methylenebutyryloxy)-neo-cleroda-13-en-15, 16-olide by 1H-and 13C-NMR spectral study and by comparison with the known compounds of ajugacumbins A and B. Reactions to an epoxy moiety of ajugacumbin compounds with halogen acid, HX (X=Cl, Br and I) and with Jones reagent were prepared to supply some samples with different substituents at C-4 for insect antifeedant examination.

A new angular dihydropyranocoumarin named qianhucoumarin H and four known coumarins, peucedanocoumarin I, 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen, isoscopoletin, umbelliferone along with anchoic acid were isolated from the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum . By spectral analysis and chemical evidence, the structure of qianhucoumarin H was elucidated as 3′( S )-angeloyloxy-4′( R )-isovaleryloxy-3′,4′-dihydroseselin and the absolute configurations were established by chemical correlations with known compounds.

Two novel royleanones, bungone A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the stem of Clerodendrum bungei. The structures of these two compounds [9, 10-dihydro-3, 4, 9-trimethyl phenanthro[3, 2-b]pyran (7H)-7, 12(8H)-dione (bungone A) and 9, 10-dihydro-8-hydroxymethyl-3, 4, 9-trimethyl phenanthro[3, 2-b]pyran (2H)-7, 12-dione (bungone B)] were determined mainly on the spectral analysis.

Three new ent -kaurene diterpenoids, isodopharicin A, B and C, were isolated from the whole plant of Isodon pharicus . The structures of isodopharicin A and B established by spectroscopic and chemical means were formulated as 11β-acetoxy-3α,13α-dihydroxy- ent -kaur-16-en-15-one and 3α,11β-diacetoxy-13α-hydroxy- ent -kaur-16-en-15-one, respectively. The structure isodopharicin C was confirmed by X-ray analysis to be 11β-acetoxy-13α,19-dihydroxy- ent -kaur-16-en-15-one.

To study the constituents of the whole herbs of Vernonia cinerea. by bio-activity guided isolation with PC-12 model.The constituents were separated by column chromatography and the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.Four compounds were identified to be (+)-lirioresinol B (1), stigmasterol (2), stigmasterol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (3), 4-sulfo-benzocyclobutene (4), and their NGF inducing activity were also investigated.Compounds 1, 3, 4 were isolated from this genus for the first time, and compound 4 was identified as a new natural product. Compounds 1, 3, 4 showed cytotoxicity on PC-12, and compounds 2, 3, 4 showed inhibition activity. Compound 4 showed a specific effect on the survival of TrkA fibroblasts, and resulted in the inducing NGF activity.

A new elemanolide sesquiterpene lactone, named elescaberin (1), together with two known compounds, namely, isodeoxyelephantopin (2) and deoxyelephantopin (3), was isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopus scaber. The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. All three compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activities against human SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells in vitro (IC(50) 8.18-14.08 micromol/l).

In order to look for lower toxic and strongly active compounds, the structure of sesquiterpene lactones from Elephantopus scaber was modified. Deoxyelephantopin and scabertopin were isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopus scaber and hydrogenated and epoxidated. Five sesquiterpenoide derivatives were prepared and their structures were identified by IR, NMR and MS spectra analysis. Four sesquiterpenoides are new compounds. Part of the compounds show definite antitumor activity.

Seven new ent-rosane diterpenoids, sagittines A-G (1-7), together with one new labdane diterpene, 13-epi-manoyl oxide-19-O-alpha-l-2',5'-diacetoxyarabinofuranoside (8), were isolated from the whole plant of Sagittaria sagittifolia. The structures and relative configurations of 1-8 were characterized using spectroscopic means, chemical methods, and X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1-4 exhibited antibacterial activity against the oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and Actinomyces naeslundiis ATCC 12104, with MIC values between 62.5 and 125 microg/mL. Compound 5 was active against only A. naeslundiis ATCC 12104, with an MIC value of 62.5 microg/mL.

A new angular dihydropyranocoumarin, named qianhucoumarin I was isolated from the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum . By spectral analysis and chemical evidence, the structure was elucidated as 3′( S )-acetoxy-tigloyloxy-3′, 4′-dihydroseselin, and the absolute configurations were established by chemical correlation with known compounds.

From the medullae of Juncus effusus, 13 compounds were isolated: a (2S)-2,3-isopropylidene-1-O-p-coumaroyl glyceride (juncusyl ester A), 2-O-p-coumaroyl glyceride (juncusyl ester B), (2S)-1-O-p-coumaroyl glyceride, 5α-spinasterol, β-sitosterol, β-sitosteryl-β- d -glycoside, effusol, p-coumaric acid, isoscutellarein pentamethyl ether, nobiletin, quercetin, rutinose and vanillic acid. Juncusyl esters A and B are new compounds.

A new compound, 3'(R)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxanthyletin (1), and a known compound, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (2), were isolated from the roots of Peucedanum dissolutum. The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectral evidence and chemical reaction. The NMR signals of carbons and protons of 2 were assigned for the first time by analysis of (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC and HMBC spectra.

To isolate and elucidate the chemical constituents of the whole plant of Vernonia patula, and to provide samples for biological activity screening.The chromatography on silica gel was used and the structures were determined by IR, NMR and MS spectra analysis and physicochemical property comparion.Four triterpenoids were isolated and identified as bauerenyl acetate(I), friedelin(II), epifriedelanol(III), 20(30)-taraxastene-3 beta, 21 alpha-diol(IV).Compounds I and IV were isolated from genus Vernonia for the first time and compounds II and III were isolated from the whole plant of V. patula for the first time. The four compounds show no inhibitory effect on the growing of PC-12 cells.

With a history of several thousand years, traditional Chinese medicine has been well documented to be effective in the treatment of various disorders. We have investigated the activities of potential neuroactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicine such as Melia toosendan using an in vitro model system, rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. We report here that treatment of PC12 cells with a crude extract of the fruits of M. toosendan reduces cell growth in a dose-dependent manner without detectable cytotoxicity. Upon treatment with M. toosendan, PC12 cells exhibit robust neurite outgrowth, to a greater extent than that observed with nerve growth factor. Results obtained with specific kinase inhibitors and protein kinase A-deficient PC12 cells indicate that the actions of M. toosendan are mediated by the activation of protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinases.

To study the chemical constituents of the stems of Opuntia vulgaris Mill(Cactaceae).The compounds of Opuntia vulgaris were isolated by chromatography of Amberlite Dowex 50 and silica gel, and identified by means of UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR.Three compounds were isolated and identified as: opuntin B(I), 4-hydroxyproline(II) and tyrosine(III).Compound I is a new alkaloid.

A new neo-clerodane diterpene, ajugacumbin G, was isolated from Ajuga decumbens THUNB. (Labiatae), and the structure was characterized as 6α-acetoxy-4α, 17-epoxy-18-(3'-hydroxy-2'-methylenebutyryloxy)-neo-cleroda-13-en-15, 16-olide by 1H-and 13C-NMR spectral study and by comparison with the known compounds of ajugacumbins A and B. Reactions to an epoxy moiety of ajugacumbin compounds with halogen acid, HX (X=Cl, Br and I) and with Jones reagent were prepared to supply some samples with different substituents at C-4 for insect antifeedant examination.

In order to compare the calcium antagonist activity between the derivatives of (+)-praeruptorin A with C-3' and C-4' cis-configuration and trans-configuration, and to look for new active compounds, some derivatives with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration of (+)-praeruptorin A were semi-synthsized.(+)-Praeruptorin A was isolated from the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum. Basic hydrolysis of (+)-praeruptorin A was carried out. From the alkaline hydrolysis product (2), eight new products (5-12) with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration were semi-synthsized whose C-3' was linked to angeloyloxy and C-4' was linked to various acyloxy, using respective acids as acylating agents, DCC as a dehydrant, DMAP as catalyst. From the alkaline hydrolysis product (4), five new products (13-17) with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration were obtained whose C-3', C-4' is linked to various same acyloxys, using respective acids as acylating agents, DCC as dehydrant, DMAP as catalyst. Also from the alkaline hydrolysis product (4), using respective acyl chlorides as acylating agents, anhydrous dichloromethane containing minor pyridine as a solvent, the improved Schotten-Baumann reactions were carried out, two new products (18, 20) with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration were obtained whose only C-3' linked to acyloxy and two other new products (19, 21) with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration were obtained whose C-3' and C-4' linked two acyloxys. The structures of all the products were elucidated by spectral analyses including IR, 1HNMR and EIMS. The calcium antagonist activity of all of the products were tested by inhibition of the systole of rat artery ring.Seventeen compounds with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration were semi-synthesized from (+)-praeruptorin A for the first time and their calcium antagonist activity were evaluated.All of the derivatives were new compounds. Bioactivity assay indicated that some new compounds with C-3', C-4' trans-configuration showed obvious calcium antagonist activity, but they are not as strong as (+)-praeruptorin A. The activity of some products was shown to be similar to that of the derivatives with C-3', C-4' cis-configuration for the first time.

In order to look for new active compounds, the structure of (+)-praeruptorin A is modified.(+)-Praeruptorin A was isolated from the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum, basic hydrolysis of (+)-praeruptorin A and acyled reactions of hydrolysis product of (+)-praeruptorin A were carried out.Eighteen compounds were semi-synthesized from (+)-praeruptorin A.Fourteen compounds (5-18) among them are new compounds. Preliminary bioactivity assay indicated that the new compounds show calcium antagonist activity, but they are not as strong as (+)-praeruptorin A.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, 3beta-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-pyrocincholic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), and 3beta-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(l --3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-cincholic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2) were isolated from the roots of Adina pilulifera, together with 18 known compounds. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods.