Identification of haemanthamine as a phytotoxic alkaloid in (Daffodil) emerging buds.

Emerging buds of were found to accumulate the alkaloid haemanthamine () at high concentrations, exceeding that of narciclasine (), the most abundant constituent in bulbs of the plant. A phytoactivity screening assay demonstrated the novel phytotoxicity of haemanthamine against (radish), (lettuce), (red wheat), (tomato), (cucumber), (Morning glory), and (lentil). Haemanthamine () phytotoxicity was found to exceed that of the commercial herbicide glyphosate and less toxic than narciclasine ().

Truncated ring-A amaryllidaceae alkaloid modulates the host cell integrated stress response, exhibiting antiviral activity to HSV-1 and SARSCoV-2.

The total synthesis of four novel mono-methoxy and hydroxyl substituted ring-A dihydronarciclasine derivatives enabled identification of the 7-hydroxyl derivative as a potent and selective antiviral agent targeting SARSCoV-2 and HSV-1. The concentration of this small molecule that inhibited HSV-1 infection by 50% (IC50), determined by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPCS)-derived brain organ organoids generated from two iPCS lines, was estimated to be 0.504 µM and 0.

The synthesis of densely functionalised α-acyloxy enaminals and enaminones via a novel homogeneous silver(i) catalysed rearrangement.

A synthesis of densely functionalised α-acyloxy enaminals and enaminones via a novel homogeneous silver(i) catalyzed rearrangement of 1-acyloxy-3-azido ketones is reported. This silver catalyzed reaction involves an internal redox process comprised of four net transformations: loss of nitrogen, reductive cleavage of the azide, 1,2-acyl migration and oxidation of the acyloxy position to an aldehyde (enaminal) or ketone (enaminone). These mild reaction conditions have been applied to acyclic, cyclic, and chiral substrates yielding the rearranged enaminals or enaminones in up to 91% yield, all of which prove to be stable, isolatable products.

R430: A potent inhibitor of DNA and RNA viruses.

Acyclovir (ACV) is an effective antiviral agent for treating lytic Herpes Simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) infections, and it has dramatically reduced the mortality rate of herpes simplex encephalitis. However, HSV-1 resistance to ACV and its derivatives is being increasingly documented, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. The burgeoning drug resistance compels the search for a new generation of more efficacious anti-herpetic drugs.

Comparison of three cell-based drug screening platforms for HSV-1 infection.

Acyclovir (ACV) and its derivatives have been highly effective for treating recurrent, lytic infections with Herpes Simplex Virus, type 1 (HSV-1), but searches for additional antiviral drugs are motivated by recent reports of resistance to ACV, particularly among immunocompromised patients. In addition, the relative neurotoxicity of ACV and its inability to prevent neurological sequelae among HSV-1 encephalitis survivors compel searches for new drugs to treat HSV-1 infections of the central nervous system (CNS). Primary drug screens for neurotropic viruses like HSV-1 typically utilize non-neuronal cell lines, but they may miss drugs that have neuron specific antiviral effects.

Direct Synthesis of Thioethers from Carboxylates and Thiols Catalyzed by FeCl3.

A new and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of thioethers from carboxylates and thiols. The reaction proceeds via a Fe(III)-catalyzed direct displacement of carboxylates from benzylic or allylic esters by heterocyclic thiols. Short reaction times, good to excellent yields of products, and few side reactions are the significant features of the new protocol.