Neolignans with anti-inflammatory activity from (Choisy) Ohwi.

Two novel neolignans, piperkadsurenin A () and kadsurenin N (), along with six known neolignans () and two lignans () were isolated from the stems of (Choisy) Ohwi. Extensive spectroscopic data interpretation and ECD calculations were used to identify the structures of the new compounds and . Especially, compound represents the first example of neolignan with cyclopenta[]pyran framework.

Alkaloids from Exhibit Anti-inflammatory Activity and Synergistic Effects with Chemotherapeutic Agents against Cervical Cancer Cells.

L. is widely cultivated for food, medicine, and other purposes in tropical and subtropical regions. Sixteen compounds including nine new amide alkaloids were isolated from the roots of .

Dual regulation of Akt and glutathione caused by isoalantolactone effectively triggers human ovarian cancer cell apoptosis.

Ovarian cancer is one of leading causes of cancer death in gynecological tumor. Isoalantolactone (IL), present in several medicinal plants, exhibits various biological activities, and its mechanism underlying anti-ovarian cancer activity needs to be further investigated. Here, we find that IL inhibits the proliferation of SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells by causing G2/M phase arrest and inducing apoptosis.

The bioactive amide alkaloids from the stems of Piper nigrum.

Piper nigrum is an important aromatic plant, and its fruits (black and white pepper) are commonly used as food additives and spices. However, its stems were disposed as wastes. This research comprehensively investigated bioactive alkaloids of the stems, eight new dimeric amide alkaloids and eight known compounds were obtained.

Bioactive sesquiterpenes from Inula helenium.

Twenty-one eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes, including five new compounds, were isolated from the roots of Inula helenium. The structures of the new compounds (1-5) were determined by extensive spectroscopic data interpretation, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and ECD calculations. Six compounds can synergistically enhance cisplatin effect against ovarian cancer cells, the structure - activity relationship for the synergistic effect of these compounds with cisplatin was revealed for the first time, which provides useful clues to develop novel sensitizers to overcome drug resistance in cancer.

Bioactive pterocarpans from Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is used as a leafy vegetable and spice in China and North African countries. However, the biochemical components of its aerial parts were rarely explored.

Biological activities of the extracts and compounds from the bark of skan.

This study was undertaken in order to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of various fractions and compounds obtained from the bark of . The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Six compounds were isolated from this fraction, three of which showed antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity.

Anti-inflammatory and antitumour activity of various extracts and compounds from the fruits of Piper longum L.

Objectives: To explore effective extraction method and to find active constituents, we investigated the biological activity of three extracts and isolated active compounds from the fruits of Piper longum L.

Methods: Three extracts from the fruits were obtained by reflux, ultrasonic and supercritical fluid extraction, respectively. Active compounds were isolated by the bioassay-guided method.

Alkaloids from Piper nigrum Synergistically Enhanced the Effect of Paclitaxel against Paclitaxel-Resistant Cervical Cancer Cells through the Downregulation of Mcl-1.

In the current study, nine amide alkaloids, including two new dimeric amides and a new natural product, were identified from Piper nigrum. Among them, seven compounds sensitized paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells HeLa/PTX to paclitaxel. Piperine was a major component obtained from Piper nigrum, and its sensitization mechanism was investigated.

Scutellarin synergistically enhances cisplatin effect against ovarian cancer cells through enhancing the ability of cisplatin binding to DNA.

Platinum resistance is a major limitation in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Combination of natural compounds with platinum-based agents is a new strategy for cancer chemotherapy. Recently, we found that scutellarin sensitized the anticancer effect of cisplatin to ovarian cancer cells.

Protocatechuic acid inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.

Protocatechuic acid (PCA), present in many fruits and vegetables, exhibited various biological activities. Here, we provided evidence that it could be developed as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against human ovarian cancer. We found that PCA treatment significantly reduced the cell viability and colony formation of OVCAR-3, SKOV-3, and A2780 cells.

Sensitisation of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata.

Combination of natural components with anticancer drugs is a new strategy for cancer chemotherapy to increase antitumour responses. In this study, we investigated the sensitisation effects of nine flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata to cisplatin (CDDP) on human ovarian cancer cells. The combinations of three flavonoids with CDDP showed the synergistic effects.

Cytotoxic constituents of ethyl acetate fraction from Dianthus superbus.

The ethyl acetate fraction (EE-DS) from Dianthus superbus was found to possess the cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in previous study. To investigate cytotoxic constituents, the bioassay-guided isolation of compounds from EE-DS was performed. Two dianthramides (1 and 2), three flavonoids (3-5), two coumarins (6 and 7) and three other compounds (8-10) were obtained.

Alantolactone induces activation of apoptosis in human hepatoma cells.

Alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, possesses anti-inflammatory property. In this study, we provide evidence that it could be developed as a novel agent against human liver cancer. We observed that alantolactone treatment to HepG2, Bel-7402 and SMMC-7721 cells, human liver cancer cell lines resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth.

Emodin regulates apoptotic pathway in human liver cancer cells.

Emodin, a natural anthraquinone, has been reported to possess antiproliferative effects in many cancer cell lines. However, anticancer mechanism against human liver cancer remains unclear. In this study, we observed that emodin induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells and caused a significant accumulation of cells in the G1 phase.

Activation of apoptosis by ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Dianthus superbus in HepG2 cell line.

Dianthus superbus L. is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine. We recently showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EE-DS) from ethanol extract of D.

Anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel.

This study was designed to examine the anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel.

Antitumor activity of chloroform fraction of Scutellaria barbata and its active constituents.

Scutellaria barbata (SB) is widely used as an antitumor agent in China, but the antitumor components of SB are still unclear. The antitumor activity of various fractions of an ethanol extract of SB was studied in six human malignant cell lines. Bio-based assays showed that non-polar and low-polar solvent fractions of SB had dose-dependent cytotoxicities on six cancer cell lines.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Scutellaria barbata.

The essential oil of Scutellaria barbata was obtained by hydrodistillation with a 0.3% (v/w) yield and analysed by GC and GC-MS. The main compounds in the oil were hexahydrofarnesylacetone (11.