Four lathyrane diterpenoids from the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris.

Four new diterpenoids, including three secolathyrane diterpenoids (1-3) and one lathyrane diterpenoid (4), together with seven known diterpenoids, were obtained in the shelled seeds of Euphorbia lathyris. In particular, 1-3 possess a rare split ring structure, and currently only one compound with the same skeleton has been identified in E. lathyris.

Suaeglaucin A, a new coumaronochromone from Suaeda glauca.

A new isoflavane, suaeglaucin A (1), which was isolated from the herb of Suaeda glauca (Bunge) Bunge, was elucidated as 5,6,8-trimethoxy-7- hydroxycoumaronochromone based on its MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The structure of compound 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Five known compounds (2-6) were also isolated.

New cytotoxic diarylheptanoids from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance.

Two new dimeric diarylheptanoids, named Alpinin C (1) and D (2), a new natural product of diarylheptanoid (3) along with three known diarylheptanoids (4-6) were isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, HRTOFMS, IR). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines HepG2, MCF-7, T98G and B16-F10.

A new quinoline alkaloid from the roots of Dictamnus angustifolius.

Aim: To investigate the quinoline alkaloids from the roots of Dictamnus angustifolius G.Don ex Sweet (Rutaceae).

Method: The quinoline alkaloids were isolated by various column chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis.

A new dimeric diarylheptanoid from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum.

Aim: To study the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance.

Method: Compounds were isolated by repeated column chromatography, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated with the T98G and B16F10 cell lines by the MTT assay.

Caesappin A and B, two novel protosappanins from Caesalpinia sappan L.

Two novel protosappanins, named Caesappin A (1) and B (2), along with three known protosappanins were isolated from Caesalpinia sappan L. Caesappin A is a new type protosappanin with a seven-membered ring fusing an acetal-type section. Compound 4 was isolated from the genus Caesalpinia for the first time.

Triticuside A, a dietary flavonoid, inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cells via inducing apoptosis.

In this study we demonstrated that Triticuside A, one of the flavonoid compounds isolated from wheat bran, induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Triticuside A inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) in a dose-dependent manner but barely showed cytotoxicity to the normal human fibroblasts. Triticuside A-induced apoptosis was accompanied by a significant decrease of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 proteins and by an increase of cleavage of caspases-3, -7, -9, and PARP.

Two new nortriterpenoid saponins from Salicornia bigelovii Torr. and their cytotoxic activity.

Investigation of characteristic constituents of Salicornia bigelovii Torr. led to isolation of two new 30-nortriterpenoid glycosides, Bigelovii A (1), Bigelovii B (2), together with two known 30-nortriterpenoid glycosides 3-4 and three known oleanane-type triterpenoid glycosides 5-7. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopic analysis, and chemical evidences.