A new 2,3-dimethyl butenolide from the brittle star Ophiomastix mixta.

A new butenolide (1) was isolated, along with a known acyclic polyhalogenated monoterpene (2), from the brittle star Ophiomastix mixta. The structures were defined by analysis and comparision of the spectral data with those in the literature. The 2,3-dimethyl butenolide (1) is uncommon and first encountered in a marine organism.

New cytotoxic sulfated saponins from the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis.

Two new sulfated saponins designated as certonardosides P2 and I3 (1 and 2) were isolated from the brine shrimp active fraction of the MeOH extract of the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis. The structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested for cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, XF498, and HCT15), and compound 1 displayed significant cytotoxicity against the SK-MEL-2 skin cancer cell.

Additional cytotoxic sterols and saponins from the starfish certonardoa semiregularis.

Twelve new (1-7, 9-13) polyhydroxysterols and two new saponins (14 and 15) were isolated from the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis by activity-guided fractionation. Compounds 1-7 are rare examples of 15-keto steroids from starfish. The side chain of compound 11 was also unprecedented in nature.

Cytotoxic sterols and saponins from the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis.

Eleven new polyhydroxysterols (1-11) and eight new saponins (12-19) were isolated from the brine shrimp active fraction of the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis. The structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical derivatization. The structural variations of these compounds are due to the hydroxylation pattern of the sterol nucleus, the functionalization of the side chain, or the nature and location of the saccharide moiety.

Four new saponins from the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis.

Four new saponins, designated as certonardosides K-N (1-3, 5), were isolated, along with culcitoside C(6) (4), from the brine shrimp active fraction of the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis. The structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical derivatization. These compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity.

Bioactive sterols from the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis.

Thirteen new polyhydroxysterols (1-5, 7-12, 14, 15) and two known polyhydroxysterols (6, 13) were isolated from the brine shrimp active fraction of the starfish Certonardoa semiregularis. The structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical derivatization. These compounds displayed considerable cytotoxicity against a small panel of human solid tumor cell lines.

Cytotoxic sphingosine 4-sulfates from the sponge Spirastrella abata.

Two new sphingosine 4-sulfates (1 and 2) have been isolated from the sponge Spirastrella abata as cytotoxic constituents. The gross structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and their stereochemistry was established by chemical conversion. The compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity against a small panel of five human tumor cell lines.

Additional cytotoxic diacetylenes from the stony coral Montipora sp.

Three new diacetylenes (1, 4, 6) have been isolated as cytotoxic constituents from the methanolic extract of the stony coral Montipora sp. The structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. The compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a small panel of human tumor cell lines and showed moderate to significant activity.