Journal of Asian Natural Products Research最新文献

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and a major cause of mortality among women worldwide. Atramacronoid A (AM-A) is a unique natural sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (known as Baizhu in Chinese). Our study demonstrated that AM-A triggers a specific form of cell death resembling PANoptosis-like cell death. Further analysis indicated that AM-A-induced PANoptosis-like cell death is associated with the CASP-3/PARP-GSDMD-MLKL pathways, which are mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest the potential of AM-A as a lead compound and offer insights for the development of therapeutic agents for breast cancer from natural products.

Five new glycosides, namely methyl 3-methoxybenzoate-4,5-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (1aS,3aS,3R)-3-(4'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3'-methoxyphenyl)-5,6-dioxa-bicyclo[3.3.0]octane-1-one (2), quinolin-4(1H)-one-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), 3-methoxy-propiophenone 4-O-(6'-β-D-xylopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), methyl 3-methoxybenzoate 4-O-(6'-β-D-xylopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), and one known compound, bambulignan B (6) were isolated from the culms of Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic analysis. All compounds were evaluated for their DPPH radical scavenging activity. Compound 6 exhibited antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 59.5 μM (positive control, L-ascorbic acid, IC₅₀ = 12.4 μM; 2,6-ditertbutyl-4-methyl phenol, IC₅₀ = 11.8 μM).

This study examined the impact of Semen raphani on the absorption of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (ginseng) using a Caco-2 cell model and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). Six primary ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd) were quantified. Results showed that Semen Raphani increased the efflux rate of ginsenosides, particularly at higher concentrations, suggesting it inhibits their absorption. The research elucidates the intestinal absorption process of ginsenosides and the antagonistic mechanism of Semen Raphani against ginseng.

In order to make more rational use of Flemingia Philippinensis, a systematic separation from the roots of F. philippinensis was performed in the current study. The investigation of chemical constituents resulted in the isolation of a rare prenylated isoflavone-quinone, fleminquinone A (1), together with four known analogues (2-5). Their structures were established by extensive physical and spectroscopic data analysis. Anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide induced mouse mononuclear macrophage leukemia cells RAW 264.7 model. Compound 1 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production and COX-2. Compound 1 also significantly affected the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

By establishing an in vitro model of D-Gal-induced brain neuronal cell (HT-22) senescence, it was found that TAX treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH, while decreasing MDA levels in aging HT-22 cells, indicating that TAX effectively restored the total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity of aging HT-22 cells induced by D-Gal, and attenuated cellular oxidative stress injury. In addition, taxifolin could also protect HT-22 cells from aging by up-regulating SIRT1 while reducing the expression of Ac-p53, indicating that TAX may be an active substance that can effectively delay cell aging.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread viral infection that causes millions of high-risk illnesses annually. Medicinal herbs such as ginseng root, echinacea purpurea, and radix astragali have a positive effect on antiviral activity by preventing viral adhesion, syncytial development, inhibiting viral internalization, relieving respiratory inflammation, strengthening the immune system, and stimulating the release of interferons. The potential benefits of natural products in terms of lower costs, better patient outcomes, and fewer adverse effects are discussed. This review examines the current evidence on the prevention and control of RSV with natural ingredients and the challenges and opportunities in clinical practice.

Twelve monoterpene indole glycoalkaloids, comprising of three new ones, 19-epi-rhynchophylloside A (1), 7-epi-rhynchophylloside A (2), and 7-epi-anthocephalusine A (3), were isolated from the hook-bearing branches of Uncaria rhynchophylla. The structures and absolute configurations of 1-3 were elucidated by analysis of MS, NMR, ECD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction or TDDFT-ECD calculations. Glycoalkaloids 1 and 3 showed significant immunosuppressive activity against the proliferation of B lymphocyte induced by LPS with broad selective index.

The global aging population highlights the need for effective anti-aging treatments. Natural products show promise, but thorough evaluation requires in vivo models due to the complexity of aging. Ethical concerns are driving a shift from traditional models like rabbits and mice to alternatives such as Caenorhabditis elegans. This microscopic nematode, with its short life cycle, genetic similarities to humans, and cost-effectiveness, is ideal for testing anti-aging compounds. We review studies using C. elegans to assess natural products, suggesting it could serve as a primary model for -evaluating the safety and efficacy of plant-derived anti-aging compounds.

Epimedium is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and contains rich bioactive compounds. These compounds often have a methyl group at their 4'-OH position catalyzed by methyltransferases. Therefore, studying methyltransferases in Epimedium plants is of great significance. In this study, a flavonol methyltransferase, EpOMT4, was isolated from Epimedium pseudowushanense B.L. Guo. The recombinant enzyme regiospecifically transferred a methyl group to the 4'-OH position of 8-prenylkaempferol forming icaritin. The study demonstrates that enzymatic methylation of flavonoids in Epimedium plants holds significant potential and could provide a promising alternative method for the biosynthetic production of bioactive methylated prenylflavonoids.

Three previously undescribed coumarins (1-3) were obtained from the roots of Notopterygium incisum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using a variety of spectroscopic techniques and chemical calculations. The inhibitory effects of these new compounds on NO production and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were investigated. Further studies revealed that compound 1 suppressed the expression of COX-2 and iNOS while also reduced ROS accumulation. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compound 1 could inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway by decreasing the levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT. Collectively, these findings suggest that compounds 1-3 exhibit promising anti-inflammatory properties.