Comparative analytical study of the selected wine varieties grown in Montenegro.

Samples of the selected red wine varieties grown in Montenegro (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Vranac; vintages 2010-2012) were compared according to total phenolic content, anti-DPPH radical activity, phenolic profile and elemental composition. All the samples showed profound anti-DPPH radical activity, due to high content of total phenolic compounds (R = 0.92).

Chemical defense in millipedes (Myriapoda, Diplopoda): do representatives of the family Blaniulidae belong to the 'quinone' clade?

The defensive secretions of two blaniulid millipedes, Nopoiulus kochii and Cibiniulus phlepsii, were characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses, which showed the presence of a complex mixture of benzoquinones, hydroquinones, and oleates. Altogether, 13 compounds were identified. The major compound in the secretions of both analyzed species was 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (toluquinone).

Two structurally distinct chalcone dimers from Helichrysum zivojinii and their activities in cancer cell lines.

Dimers tomoroside A (1) and tomoroside B (2) of the co-occuring known chalcone monomer (3), along with the seven known flavonoid glucosides (4-10), were isolated from the aerial parts of Helichrysum zivojinii Černjavski & Soška. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 inhibited topo IIα and hif-1α expression and stimulated doxorubicin anticancer effect, while 2 increased the expression of hif-1α, probably acting as antioxidant and redox status modulator.

Chemistry of the sternal gland secretion of the Mediterranean centipede Himantarium gabrielis (Linnaeus, 1767) (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Himantariidae).

The geophilomorph centipede, Himantarium gabrielis, when disturbed, discharges a viscous and proteinaceous secretion from the sternal glands. This exudate was found by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry and NMR analyses to be composed of hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde, benzoyl nitrile, benzyl nitrile, mandelonitrile, mandelonitrile benzoate, 3,7,6O-trimethylguanine (himantarine), farnesyl 2,3-dihydrofarnesoate and farnesyl farnesoate. This is the first report on the presence of benzyl nitrile and mandelonitrile benzoate in secreted substances from centipedes.

Jatrophane diterpenoids from the latex of Euphorbia dendroides and their anti-P-glycoprotein activity in human multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines.

Thirteen jatrophane diterpenoids (1-10, 13-15), three previously isolated (11, 12, 16) and a known tigliane (17) were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia dendroides. The structures and relative configurations of compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibiting activities of the representative set of jatrophanes (1-6 and 11-16) have been assessed.

New anti-cancer characteristics of jatrophane diterpenes from Euphorbia dendroides.

Jatrophane diterpenes were shown to be inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). There are also evidences on their microtubule-interacting activity in cancer cells. We evaluated new anti-cancer characteristics of two jatrophane type compounds from Euphorbia dendroides.

Isolation and biological evaluation of jatrophane diterpenoids from Euphorbia dendroides.

From the Montenegrin spurge Euphorbia dendroides, seven new diterpenoids [jatrophanes (1-6) and a tigliane (7)] were isolated and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. The biological activity of the new compounds was studied against four human cancer cell lines. The most effective jatrophane-type compound (2) and its structurally closely related derivative (1) were evaluated for their interactions with paclitaxel and doxorubicin using a multi-drug-resistant cancer cell line.