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The new natural products reported in 2023 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2023 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pterocarpan fraction from aerial parts of Bituminaria bituminosa was investigated for both chemical characterization and biological evaluation. Chemical studies were in accordance with the literature data on Bituminaria genus resulting in the identification of typical 4,8-prenyl pterocarpans. Three new members, bituminarins A–C (1–3), were isolated along with main bitucarpin A (4), erybraedin C (5) and erybraedin D (6) already reported from this plant. Further, biological studies evidenced antiproliferative properties of the most abundant pterocarpans 4 and 5 on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, in agreement with previously described antiproliferative activity of these compounds against cancer cell lines other than neuroblastoma. The structure and the stereochemistry of the new molecules was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical derivatization methods. The biological investigation was carried out by using an assay platform based on a live-cell imaging system revealing an apoptotic cell death induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The science of psychedelics is an intriguing, multi-disciplinary field that has recently been the subject of heightened public interest. This has mainly resulted from publicity associated with a number of high-profile investigations into psychedelic-assisted therapy for a range of difficult-totreat mental health conditions. With many psychedelic substances known, including natural, semisynthetic and fully synthetic, and a rangeof receptors, enzymes and transporters implicated in their modes of action, although very interesting, the field can appear daunting to newcomers to the area. This Primer Review is designed to give an overview of the chemistry and pharmacology of psychedelics. It is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for science undergraduates, postgraduates and their instructors, and experienced scientists who require a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the field. The Review begins with a summary of the important classes of psychedelics and then goes on to summarise the known history of their traditional human use, dating back to prehistoric times. Following that, important classes of psychedelics are examined in more detail, namely the ergolines, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), tryptamines like psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, phenethylamines typified by mescaline and 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), arylcyclohexylamines including ketamine and phenylcyclohexylpiperidine (PCP), and a group of naturally occurring drugs that do not belong to any of these three classes, examples being muscimol and salvinorin A. The contributions made by early pioneers like Albert Hofmann and Alexander Shulgin are briefly summarised. References to primary literature and more specialised reviews are provided throughout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for novel antibiotic agents prompts an investigation into natural resources, notably plant-derived compounds. In this study, various extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, aqueous-ethanolic, and enzymatic) of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum were systematically evaluated against bacterial strains isolated from dental lesions (n = 6) and food sources (raw milk and broiler carcass, n = 2). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), antibiofilm activity, and time-kill kinetics were assessed across a range of extract concentrations, revealing a dose-responsive effect. Notably, some extracts exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared to standard clinical antibiotics, and the time-kill kinetics demonstrated a rapid elimination of bacterial loads within 24 h. The susceptibility pattern proved strain-specific, contingent upon the extract type, yet all tested pathogens exhibited sensitivity. The identified extracts, rich in phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, as well as other antioxidant properties, contributed to their remarkable antibiotic effects. This comprehensive investigation not only highlights the potential of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum extracts as potent antibacterial agents against diverse bacterial strains including caries pathogens, but also underscores their rapid action and dose-dependent efficacy. The findings suggest a promising avenue for harnessing plant-derived compounds in the development of novel antimicrobial strategies against dental caries and other oral inflammations, bridging the gap between natural resources and antibiotic discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pterocarpan fraction from aerial parts of Bituminaria bituminosa was investigated for both chemical characterization and biological evaluation. Chemical studies were in accordance with the literature data on Bituminaria genus resulting in the identification of typical 4,8-prenyl pterocarpans. Three new members, bituminarins A–C (1–3), were isolated along with main bitucarpin A (4), erybraedin C (5) and erybraedin D (6) already reported from this plant. Further, biological studies evidenced antiproliferative properties of the most abundant pterocarpans 4 and 5 on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, in agreement with previously described antiproliferative activity of these compounds against cancer cell lines other than neuroblastoma. The structure and the stereochemistry of the new molecules was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical derivatization methods. The biological investigation was carried out by using an assay platform based on a live-cell imaging system revealing an apoptotic cell death induction.

The science of psychedelics is an intriguing, multi-disciplinary field that has recently been the subject of heightened public interest. This has mainly resulted from publicity associated with a number of high-profile investigations into psychedelic-assisted therapy for a range of difficult-to-treat mental health conditions. With many psychedelic substances known, including natural, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic, and a rangeof receptors, enzymes and transporters implicated in their modes of action, although very interesting, the field can appear daunting to newcomers to the area. This Primer Review is designed to give an overview of the chemistry and pharmacology of psychedelics. It is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for science undergraduates, postgraduates and their instructors, and experienced scientists who require a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the field. The Review begins with a summary of the important classes of psychedelics and then goes on to summarise the known history of their traditional human use, dating back to prehistoric times. Following that, important classes of psychedelics are examined in more detail, namely the ergolines, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), tryptamines like psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, phenethylamines typified by mescaline and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), arylcyclohexylamines including ketamine and phe-nylcyclohexylpiperidine (PCP), and a group of naturally occurring drugs that do not belong to any of these three classes, examples being muscimol and salvinorin A. The contributions made by early pioneers like Albert Hofmann and Alexander Shulgin are briefly summarised. References to primary literature and more specialised reviews are provided throughout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple synthesis method of solanidane alkaloids from common steroidal sapogenins was developed. Previously described multi‐step transformations of tigogenin to demissidine (8–12 steps) were shortened to four steps only. The key‐step of the present synthesis was the epimerization at C25 of the lactam intermediate. Different approaches to this reaction, i. e., a classical one via enolate, and a chemoselective umpolung transformation, were thoroughly investigated. The epimerization step is unnecessary if the starting sapogenin has the same configuration at C25 as the target alkaloid because the configuration at C25 (either R or S) remains intact throughout the synthesis. Thus, the related solanidane alkaloids, 12β‐hydroxy‐25‐epi‐demissidine and 5‐epi‐demissidine, were synthesized in the three‐step procedure with retention of configuration at this stereogenic center from rockogenin (25R‐5α‐sapogenin) or sarsasapogenin (25S‐5β‐sapogenin), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new natural products reported in 2021 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2021 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic organisms detect chemical cues to sense the local environment, for example, to find a mate, locate food, and identify danger. Knowledge of chemical cues can be used in aquaculture, in practical applications such as controlling mating behavior to increase fertility, enhance feeding, and decrease stress; in fisheries, by catching selected species with low-cost artificial attractants; and to address maritime issues, by decreasing biofouling. Aquatic organisms also detect chemical cues related to global environmental changes, ocean acidification, and increases in ocean plastics, all of which can affect their chemosensory behaviors. Here we discuss the nature of chemical cues and chemosensory biology and ecology of aquatic organisms, and potential applications with an emphasis on sex pheromones in commercially important and well-studied animals, namely, decapod crustaceans and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight iridoid glucosides were reported from the aerial parts of Wendlandia ligustroides. 10-deoxygeniposidic acid (1), 7-deoxygardoside (2), geniposidic acid (3), 7-deoxy-8-epi-loganic acid (4), deacetyl-daphylloside (5), scandoside methyl ester (6), 6-O-methyl-deacetyl-daphylloside (7), 6-O-methyl-scandoside methyl ester (8). Compounds 3 – 8 were isolated as a pure form while 1 and 2 as a mixture. The structures of the compounds 1 – 8 were established by spectroscopic methods including 1D-NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT-135), 2D-NMR (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) and HRMS.

The new natural products reported in 2020 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2020 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The respiratory infection COVID-19 caused by the virus SARS CoV-2 has continued to be a major health problem worldwide and has caused more than a million mortalities. Even if the development of COVID-19 vaccines has shown much progress, efforts to find novel, natural anti-viral drugs should be pursued. Halymenia durvillei is a marine red alga widely distributed around Southeast Asia. This study aimed to develop new anti SARS CoV-2 compounds from ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of H. durvillei via a computational approach, focusing onthe inhibitory action against the main protease (3CL-Mpro). In this study, 37 compounds were extracted and identified by GC–MS analysis. The potentials of compounds 1–2 tetradecandiol and E,E,Z-1,3,12-nonadecatriene-5,14-diol were identified for therapeutic purposes based on our pharmacophore study, while cholest-5-En-3-Ol (3.Beta.)- had a high fitness score in molecular docking studies both in monomer and dimer state compared to the N3 inhibitor and remdesivir affinity scores. As these compounds show competitive affinity scores against the 3CL-Mpro, these natural compounds may be effective for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. The ADME and pharmacokinetic studies should also be employed to assess the ability of the natural compounds as oral drugs. These promising results have shown the potentials of H. durvillei as an alternative drug in addressing COVID-19 infection. Accordingly, further studies should explore the effectiveness of these active compounds.

Chemical ecology is the highly interdisciplinary study of biochemicals that mediate the behavior of organisms and the regulation of physiological changes that alter intraspecific and/or interspecific interactions. Significant advances are often achieved through the collaboration of chemists and biologists working to understand organismal survival strategies with an eye on the development of targeted technologies for controlling agricultural, forestry, medical, and veterinary pests in a sustainable world. We highlight recent advances in chemical ecology from multiple viewpoints and discuss future prospects for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new natural products reported in 2019 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2019 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight iridoid glucosides were reported from the aerial parts of Wendlandia ligustroides. 10-deoxygeniposidic acid (1), 7-deoxygardoside (2), geniposidic acid (3), 7-deoxy-8-epi-loganic acid (4), deacetyl-daphylloside (5), scandoside methyl ester (6), 6 -O- methyl-deacetyl-daphylloside (7), 6 -O- methyl-scandoside methyl ester (8). Compounds 3 – 8 were isolated as a pure form while 1 and 2 as a mixture. The structures of the compounds 1 – 8 were established by spectroscopic methods including 1D-NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT-135), 2D-NMR (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) and HRMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new natural products reported in 2018 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2018 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, one third of the world's population is latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), while 8.9–9.9 million new and relapse cases of tuberculosis (TB) are reported yearly. The renewed research interests in natural products in the hope of discovering new and novel antitubercular leads have been driven partly by the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant strains of MTB and the adverse effects associated with the first- and second-line antitubercular drugs. Natural products have been, and will continue to be a rich source of new drugs against many diseases. The depth and breadth of therapeutic agents that have their origins in the secondary metabolites produced by living organisms cannot be compared with any other source of therapeutic agents. Discovery of new chemical molecules against active and latent TB from natural products requires an interdisciplinary approach, which is a major challenge facing scientists in this field. In order to overcome this challenge, cutting edge techniques in mycobacteriology and innovative natural product chemistry tools need to be developed and used in tandem. The present review provides a cross-linkage to the most recent literature in both fields and their potential to impact the early phase of drug discovery against TB if seamlessly combined.

The rising demand for novel antibiotic agents prompts an investigation into natural resources, notably plant-derived compounds. In this study, various extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, aqueous-ethanolic, and enzymatic) of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum were systematically evaluated against bacterial strains isolated from dental lesions ( n = 6) and food sources (raw milk and broiler carcass, n = 2). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), antibiofilm activity, and time-kill kinetics were assessed across a range of extract concentrations, revealing a dose-responsive effect. Notably, some extracts exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared to standard clinical antibiotics, and the time-kill kinetics demonstrated a rapid elimination of bacterial loads within 24 h. The susceptibility pattern proved strain-specific, contingent upon the extract type, yet all tested pathogens exhibited sensitivity. The identified extracts, rich in phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, as well as other antioxidant properties, contributed to their remarkable antibiotic effects. This comprehensive investigation not only highlights the potential of Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum extracts as potent antibacterial agents against diverse bacterial strains including caries pathogens, but also underscores their rapid action and dose-dependent efficacy. The findings suggest a promising avenue for harnessing plant-derived compounds in the development of novel antimicrobial strategies against dental caries and other oral inflammations, bridging the gap between natural resources and antibiotic discovery.

Abstract In this review, we intensively focus on the advances in research of natural products (NPs) discovery carried out by domestic scholars in China from 2015 through 2017. In general, a total of 1811 publications (1479 in English and 332 in Chinese) were accumulated regarding newly isolated NPs from plants, microorganisms, and marine sources. As a result, 277 selected papers concerning naturally occurring compounds with extraordinary frameworks, origins, and promising activities were discussed in this review article, mainly organized according to their structural classes and novelties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new natural products reported in 2017 in peer-reviewed articles in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances made by Asian research groups in the field of natural products chemistry in 2017 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on their structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role and contributions of natural products chemistry in advancements of the physical and biological sciences, its interdisciplinary domains, and emerging of new avenues by providing novel applications, constructive inputs, thrust, comprehensive understanding, broad perspective, and a new vision for future is outlined. The developmental prospects in bio-medical, health, nutrition, and other interrelated sciences along with some of the emerging trends in the subject area are also discussed as part of the current review of the basic and core developments, innovation in techniques, advances in methodology, and possible applications with their effects on the sciences in general and natural products chemistry in particular. The overview of the progress and ongoing developments in broader areas of the natural products chemistry discipline, its role and concurrent economic and scientific implications, contemporary objectives, future prospects as well as impending goals are also outlined. A look at the natural products chemistry in providing scientific progress in various disciplines is deliberated upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This short commentary adresses some problems associated with the present status and the future of research in organic synthesis. It simply reflects the personal opinion of an author who has been involved with organic synthesis for more than 50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new natural products reported in peer-reviewed articles in 2016 in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances that Asian research groups made in the field of natural products chemistry in 2016 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on structural classification. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new species of freshwater ascomycetes belonging to the genus Lindgomyces (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) are described and illustrated from submerged wood in North Carolina, USA. Lindgomyces carolinensis is characterized by immersed to erumpent ascomata, fissitunicate broadly cylindrical to clavate asci, and fusiform ascospores with acute ends surrounded by a large, fusiform gelatinous sheath. Lindgomyces cigarospora morphologically differs from L. carolinensis in that its ascospores are fusiform to cylindrical with rounded ends, without a large fusiform gelatinous sheath. These two new species nest in the family Lindgomycetaceae based on analyses of combined SSU and LSU rDNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS sequence data support the establishment of the new taxa as separate species within Lindgomyces. In addition to the new species, we report new ITS sequence data for L. cinctosporus and L. griseosporus from France, and L. ingoldianus from North Carolina, USA. We report a video exhibiting fissitunicate ascus dehiscence in L. carolinensis showing ascospore discharge and unraveling of the gelatinous sheath in real time. Chemical analysis of the organic extracts of L. carolinensis and L. cigarospora resulted in two known cyclodepsipeptides, Sch 378161 and Sch 217048. The in situ spatial mapping of these secondary metabolites on fungal cultures indicates the presence of both compounds on the surface of mycelia, as well as being exuded into the surrounding agar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

William Irwin Grayling was a chemical researcher and educator in first Nelson and then Taranaki from the 1850s to 1880s, with particular interests in agricultural chemistry and natural products chemistry. However, he is little known today because of his lack of scientific publications. This short communication explores his chemistry education, together with the context of his chemistry employment here in New Zealand and, prior to that, in New South Wales and South Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terpenes from marine-derived fungi show a pronounced degree of structural diversity, and due to their interesting biological and pharmacological properties many of them have aroused interest from synthetic chemists and the pharmaceutical industry alike. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the structural diversity of terpenes from marine-derived fungi, highlighting individual examples of chemical structures and placing them in a context of other terpenes of fungal origin. Wherever possible, information regarding the biological activity is presented.

The salinosporamides are potent proteasome inhibitors among which the parent marine-derived natural product salinosporamide A (marizomib; NPI-0052; 1) is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. Methods to generate this class of compounds include fermentation and natural products chemistry, precursor-directed biosynthesis, mutasynthesis, semi-synthesis, and total synthesis. The end products range from biochemical tools for probing mechanism of action to clinical trials materials; in turn, the considerable efforts to produce the target molecules have expanded the technologies used to generate them. Here, the full complement of methods is reviewed, reflecting remarkable contributions from scientists of various disciplines over a period of 7 years since the first publication of the structure of 1.

The surface chemistry of aquatic organisms determines their biotic interactions. Metabolites in the spatially limited laminar boundary layer mediate processes, such as antifouling, allelopathy and chemical defense against herbivores. However, very few methods are available for the investigation of such surface metabolites. An approach is described in which surfaces are extracted by means of C18 solid phase material. By powdering wet algal surfaces with this material, organic compounds are adsorbed and can be easily recovered for subsequent liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) investigations. The method is robust, picks up metabolites of a broad polarity range and is easy to handle. It is more universal compared to established solvent dipping protocols and it does not cause damage to the test organisms. A protocol is introduced for the macroalgaeFucus vesiculosus,Caulerpa taxifoliaandGracilaria vermiculophylla, but it can be easily transferred to other aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]