Related Sesquiterpene Lactones Research Articles

Japonicone A and related dimeric sesquiterpene lactones: molecular targets and mechanisms of anticancer activity.

Japonicone A (Jap-A) is a sesquiterpene lactone (SL) dimer isolated from the plant Inula japonica Thunb. and the leading compound in the japonicone series of SL dimers which comprises 25 members (Jap-A to Jap-Y). We have analyzed the anticancer properties of Jap-A and the associated molecular targets. All literature data on japonicones and related SL dimers, including inulanolide A (Inu-A) and lineariifolianoid A (Lin-A) have been analyzed. Molecular models of the compound/target interactions were constructed to support our analysis. Inulae Flos (Xuan Fu Hua) is used in traditional medicine in China and Korea to treat inflammatory diseases. The plant contains diverse japonicones and structurally related SL dimers. The interactions of Jap-A with the two main proteins, the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the ubiquitin ligase MDM2, are at the origin of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Molecular docking analyses suggest that Inu-A is better adapted than Lin-A and Jap-A to form stable complexes with both TNF-α and MDM2. Jap-A exhibits marked capacities to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and dissemination and to trigger apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo in several tumor models in mice. Its analogue Inu-A is more potent, functioning as a dual inhibitor of the MDM2-NFAT1 pathway. This review shed some new light on the molecular targets and potential therapeutic benefits of these SL dimers and should help the design of novel anticancer agents derived from these compounds.

Inhibitory effects of cynaropicrin and related sesquiterpene lactones from leaves of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) on induction of iNOS in RAW264.7 cells and its high-affinity proteins.

The methanolic extract of the leaves of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) was found to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Among the constituents of the extract, six sesquiterpene lactones (cynaropicrin, grosheimin, 11β,13-dihydrocynaropicrin, 3β-hydroxy-8α-[(S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionyloxy]guaia-4(15),10(14),11(13)-trien-1α,5α,6βH-12,6-olide, 3β-hydroxy-8α-[2-methoxymethyl-2-propenoyloxy]guaia-4(15),10(14),11(13)-trien-1α,5α,6βH-12,6-olide, and deacylcynaropicrin) inhibited NO production and/or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction. The acyl group having an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group at the 8-position and the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone moiety were important for the strong inhibitory activity. Our results suggested that these sesquiterpene lactones inhibited the LPS-induced iNOS expression via the suppression of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in addition to the κNF-κB signaling pathway. With regard to the target molecules of the sesquiterpene lactones, high-affinity proteins of cynaropicrin were purified from the cell extract. ATP/ADP translocase 2 and tubulin were identified and suggested to be involved in the cytotoxic effects of cynaropicrin, although the target molecules for the inhibition of iNOS expression were not clarified.

Terpenoids in four Inula species from Bulgaria

Phytochemical study of the chloroform extract of the aerial parts of Inula germanica L., I. ensifolia L., I. conyza (Griess.) DC. and I. salicina L. led to the identification of 33 terpenoids. ?- and ?-amyrin, lupeol, taraxasterol, ?-taraxasterol and their 3-O-acetates and 3-O-palmitates were identified by GC/MS. In addition, the structures of 3-O-palmitates of mainaladiol, arnidiol, faradiol and 16-hydroxylupeol were confirmed by NMR. ent-Kaur-16-en-19- -oic acid and its 15?-(3-methylpentanoyloxy) and 15?-(3-methylbutanoyloxy) derivatives were isolated from I. conyza. Ten closely related sesquiterpene lactones (germacranolides and melampolides) were found in I. germanica and their structural identification was performed by spectral analyses. I. ensifolia and I. salicina were free of sesquiterpene lactones and diterpenoids. All triterpenoids and diterpenoids, grazielia acid, desacetylovatifolin and 8-(2-methylbutanoyloxy)- 1(10),4,11(13)-germacrutrien-6,12-olide-14-oic acid are described for the first time in the studied species. The principal component analysis was used to find a relationship between th? investigated up to now Inula species, growing in Bulgaria.

Large Scale Conversion of Trilobolide into the Payload of Mipsagargin: 8-O-(12-Aminododecanoyl)-8-O-Debutanoylthapsigargin.

In spite of the impressing cytotoxicity of thapsigargin (Tg), this compound cannot be used as a chemotherapeutic drug because of general toxicity, causing unacceptable side effects. Instead, a prodrug targeted towards tumors, mipsagargin, was brought into clinical trials. What substantially reduces the clinical potential is the limited access to Tg and its derivatives and cost-inefficient syntheses with unacceptably low yields. Laser trilobum, which contains a structurally related sesquiterpene lactone, trilobolide (Tb), is successfully cultivated. Here, we report scalable isolation of Tb from L. trilobum and a transformation of Tb to 8-O-(12-aminododecanoyl)-8-O-debutanoylthapsigargin in seven steps. The use of cultivated L. trilobum offers an unlimited source of the active principle in mipsagargin.

Sesquiterpene Lactones from Calea pinnatifida: Absolute Configuration and Structural Requirements for Antitumor Activity.

This work describes the chromatographic fractionation of the aerial parts of Calea pinnatifida and the structural characterization and determination of the absolute configuration of the isolated compounds as well as their antitumor potential. The HPLC fractionation of the CH2Cl2 phase of the MeOH extract from the leaves of C. pinnatifida led to the isolation of two related sesquiterpene lactones (STLs): calein C (1) and calealactone B (2). Additionally, during the purification process, a derivative of calein C (3) was formed as a product of the Michael addition of MeOH. The structures of Compounds 1–3 were established based on spectroscopic and spectrometric data, while the absolute stereochemistry was established by vibrational circular dichroism. In order to evaluate the effect of the conjugated double bonds on the cytotoxic activity of STLs, Compounds 1–3 were tested against anaplastic (KTC-2) and papillary (TPC-1) thyroid carcinoma cells. Calein C was the most active of the STLs, and displayed activity against both KTC-2 and TPC-1. On the other hand, the calein C derivative (3) was the least cytotoxic of all the compounds tested. These results are promising and suggest the importance of studying sesquiterpene lactones isolated from C. pinnatifida in terms of antitumor activity, especially considering the effects of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl systems.

Phytochemical Profile and Anti-lipase Activity of Balkan Endemic Jurinea tzar-ferdinandii

Phytochemical study of the Balkan endemic J. tzar-ferdinandii Davidov allowed the identification of twenty-two components. β-Amyrin, lupeol, taraxasterol and Ψ-taraxasterol and their 3- O-acetates and 3- O-palmitates were identified by GC/MS. Six closely related sesquiterpene lactones and four flavones were isolated from the chloroform extract using column chromatography, and their structural identification was performed by spectral analyses. All isolated compounds are described for the first time in Jurinea species. The inhibitory potential of the total chloroform extract, fractions containing triterpenes, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones as well as individual compounds against a bacterial lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) and a lipase from porcine pancrease (PPL) was evaluated. The half maximal inhibitory constants (IC50) for the two enzymes were in the range of 28–150 μg/mL. The strongest inhibitory activity was found for the total chloroform extract (29±1 μg/mL and 39±1 μg/mL for CRL and PPL, respectively.). Among the individual compounds, onopordopicrin was found to be the most potent inhibitor for CRL and PPL with IC50 values of 32±1 μg/mL and 36±1 μg/mL, respectively.

Improving the Monooxygenase Activity and the Regio- and Stereoselectivity of Terpenoid Hydroxylation Using Ester Directing Groups

The monooxygenase enzyme CYP101B1, from Novosphingobium aromaticivorans DSM12444, binds norisoprenoids more tightly than monoterpenoids and oxidized these substrates with high regioselectivity. Ionols bound less tightly to CYP101B1 than ionones, but the levels of product formation remained high and the selectivity of oxidation was similar to that observed for the parent norisoprenoid. The structurally related sesquiterpene lactone (+)-sclareolide (9) was stereoselectively hydroxylated by CYP101B1 to (S)-(+)-3-hydroxysclareolide (9a). The turnover of monoterpenoid derivatives showed low levels of product formation and selectivity despite promising binding data. CYP101B1 catalyzed the selective oxidation of (1R)-(−)-nopol (14) and cis-jasmone (15), generating >90% (1R)-(−)-5-hydroxynopol (14a) and 4-hydroxy-cis-jasmone (15a), respectively. To develop strategies for the efficient and selective oxidation of monoterpenoid-based substrates using CYP101B1, we investigated the binding and catalytic properties of ...

The Nonartemisinin Sesquiterpene Lactones Parthenin and Parthenolide Block Plasmodium falciparum Sexual Stage Transmission.

Parthenin and parthenolide are natural products that are closely related in structure to artemisinin, which is also a sesquiterpene lactone (SQL) and one of the most important antimalarial drugs available. Parthenin, like artemisinin, has an effect onPlasmodiumblood stage development. We extended the evaluation of parthenin as a potential therapeutic for the transmissible stages ofPlasmodium falciparumas it transitions between human and mosquito, with the aim of gaining potential mechanistic insight into the inhibitory activity of this compound. We posited that if parthenin targets different biological pathways in the parasite, this in turn could pave the way for the development of druggable compounds that could prevent the spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites. We examined parthenin's effect on male gamete activation and the ookinete-to-oocyst transition in the mosquito as well as on stage V gametocytes that are present in peripheral blood. Parthenin arrested parasite development for each of the stages tested. The broad inhibitory properties of parthenin on the evaluated parasite stages may suggest different mechanisms of action between parthenin and artemisinin. Parthenin's cytotoxicity notwithstanding, its demonstrated activity in this study suggests that structurally related SQLs with a better safety profile deserve further exploration. We used our battery of assays to test parthenolide, which has a more compelling safety profile. Parthenolide demonstrated activity nearly identical to that of parthenin againstP. falciparum, highlighting its potential as a possible transmission-blocking drug scaffold. We discuss the context of the evidence with respect to the next steps toward expanding the current antimalarial arsenal.

Anti-inflammatory drimane sesquiterpene lactones from an Aspergillus species

IFN-γ inducible protein 10 (IP-10, CXCL10) is a 10kDa chemokine, which is secreted from various cell types after exposure to pro-inflammatory stimuli. This chemokine is a ligand for the CXCR3 receptor and regulates immune responses by activating and recruiting leukocytes such as T cells, eosinophils, monocytes, and NK cells to sites of inflammation. Altered expression of CXCL10 has been associated with chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases and therefore CXCL10 represents a promising target for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. In a search for inhibitors of CXCL10 promoter activity, three structurally related drimane sesquiterpene lactones (compounds 1–3) were isolated from fermentations of an Aspergillus species. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the IFN-γ/TNF-α/IL-1β induced CXCL10 promoter activity in transiently transfected human DLD-1 colon carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 12.4μM for 1 and 55μM for 2, whereas 3 was devoid of any biological activity. Moreover, compounds 1 and 2 reduced CXCL10 mRNA levels and synthesis in IFN-γ/TNF-α/IL-1β stimulated DLD-1 cells.

Cytotoxic Furanogermacranolides from the Flowers ofHelianthus angustifolius

The dichloromethane extract of the flowers of Helianthus angustifolius L. (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) was investigated in vitro for its cytotoxic activity using human cancer cell lines: CCRF-CEM leukemia, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer, U251 glioblastoma, HCT 116 colon cancer cells, and the human lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5. Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of four related heliangolide-type sesquiterpene lactones. The structures were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Of the investigated compounds, 8-methacrylyl-4,15-iso-atriplicolide (1) showed the highest activity against all tested cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.26 ± 0.01 µM for CCRF-CEM cells to 4.22 ± 0.26 µM for MRC-5 cells.

Antitrypanosomal sesquiterpene lactones from Saussurea costus

In the course of a larger screen of 1800 plant and fungal extracts, the ethyl acetate extract of Saussurea costus roots potently inhibited the growth of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Subsequent HPLC based activity profiling led to the identification of the sesquiterpene lactones arbusculin B (1), α-cyclocostunolide (2), costunolide (3), and dehydrocostuslactone (4). They were tested for in vitro antitrypanosomal activities and cytotoxicity alongside the structurally related sesquiterpene lactones parthenolide (5), zaluzanin D (6), and eupatoriopicrin (7), and had IC50s between 0.8 and 22μM. Cytotoxic IC50s were from 1.6 to 19μM, and selectivity indices from 0.5 to 6.5.

Analysis of underivatized artemisinin and related sesquiterpene lactones by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Although high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-PAD) is widely available, it has not been used for artemisinin (1) analysis because of the lack of UV absorption reported for this lactone. Increased Artemisia annua cultivation for production of 1 requires an affordable and reliable method to analyse 1 and its precursors dihydroartemisinic acid (2) and artemisinic acid (3) simultaneously from underivatized plant extracts. To validate HPLC-PAD for the quantification of underivatized artemisinin from A. annua and artemisinin-based drugs. Dried A. annua leaves were extracted with petroleum ether, dried, reconstituted in acetonitrile, and analysed by HPLC-PAD at 192 nm using an isocratic mobile phase (60:40, acetonitrile:0.1% acetic acid). HPLC-PAD was evaluated through accuracy, precision, recovery and comparison with HPLC with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). HPLC-PAD proved accurate, precise and reproducible for the direct quantification of 1 and related compounds, and was more sensitive than ELSD for most of the compounds tested. The limit of quantification of 1-3 from plants was 0.048, 0.024 and 0.008 g/100 g dry weight, respectively. Recoveries were over 98%, with good intra- and inter-day repeatability. HPLC-PAD correlated significantly (r(2 )= 0.99, p < 0.001) with HPLC-ELSD for artemisinin analysis. HPLC-PAD was also reliable for the analysis of dihydroartemisinin, artesunate and artelinic acid. HPLC with ultraviolet detection was validated for the quantification of underivatized 1, 2, and 3 from crude plant samples, and is readily applicable for the quality control of herbals and artemisinin-related pharmaceutical compounds.

Detailed 1H and 13C NMR structural assignment and relative stereochemistry determination for three closely related sesquiterpene lactones

A complete analysis of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of the trypanocidal sesquiterpene lactone eremantholide C and two of its analogues is described. These structurally similar sesquiterpene lactones were submitted to (1)H NMR, (13)C {(1)H} NMR, gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC, J-resolved and DPFGSE-NOE NMR techniques. The detailed analysis of those results, correlated to some computational calculations (molecular mechanics), led to the total and unequivocal assignment of all (1)H and (13)C NMR data. The determination of all (1)H/(1)H coupling constants and all signal multiplicities, together with the elimination of previous ambiguities were also achieved.

Parthenolide prevents the expression of cocaine-induced withdrawal behavior in planarians

We recently reported that parthenolide and related sesquiterpene lactones are able to prevent and reverse behavioral responses in planarian worms induced by acute cocaine exposure. Previous reports indicate that when planarians are chronically exposed to µM concentrations of cocaine, they display stereotypical withdrawal-like behaviors when the cocaine is removed. Here we report that parthenolide prevents this cocaine-induced expression of planarian withdrawal-like behaviors.

Reversal of cocaine-induced planarian behavior by parthenolide and related sesquiterpene lactones

Here we report the prevention and reversal of cocaine-induced behaviors in planarian worms by parthenolide and two related cyclic sesquiterpene lactones (SL), costunolide and santonin. Using established protocols, we studied two cocaine-induced behavioral effects in planaria; the induction of motility decrease and the induction of C-like hyperkinesia. Cocaine, parthenolide, costunolide, santonin, and a lactone-less cyclic sesquiterpene, β-eudesmol, decreased planarian motility in a concentration-dependent manner. Only cocaine induced C-like hyperkinesia. At concentrations that did not show any motility decrease, partenolide, costunolide and santonin, but not β-eudesmol, significantly reduced the cocaine-induced motility decrease and C-like hyperkinesia, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, partenolide, costunolide and santonin were able to rescue planaria from C-like hyperkinesia, after the worms were exposed to cocaine. Conversely, cocaine at a concentration that did not show any measurable effects (10 µM), was able to alleviate the SL-, but not the β-eudesmol-induced motility decrease. Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry experiments demonstrated that cocaine does not interact directly with any of the cyclic sesquiterpenoids, which suggests specific biochemical targets for these compounds in planarians. Our data suggests a common binding site for cocaine and the sesquiterpene lactones in planarians.

Naupliolide, a Sesquiterpene Lactone with a Novel Tetracyclic Skeleton from Nauplius graveolens subsp. odorus.

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Naupliolide, a sesquiterpene lactone with a novel tetracyclic skeleton from Nauplius graveolens subsp. odorus

The aerial parts of Nauplius graveolens subsp. odorus ( Schousb) Wikl. afforded a novel sesquiterpene lactone ( 1) named naupliolide together with the known 6,7,9,10-tetradehydroasteriscanolide 2 and asteriscunolides A–D 3a– d. The structure of compound 1 corresponds to a novel skeleton of 14,15-dimethyl-7,13-dioxotricyclic[6.4.0.0 9,11]dodeca-12,13-olide, and was established on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR. The coexistence of naupliolide 1 together with the structurally related sesquiterpene lactones asterisculolides A–D ( 3a– d) and 6,7,9,10-tetradehydroasteriscanolide 2, seems to indicate their biosynthetic relationship.

Modulation of the G2Cell Cycle Checkpoint by Sesquiterpene Lactones Psilostachyins A and C Isolated from the Common RagweedAmbrosia artemisiifolia

A phenotypic cell-based assay for inhibitors of the G (2) DNA damage checkpoint was used to screen plant extracts from the US National Cancer Institute Natural Products Repository. It revealed activity in a methanol extract from the common ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Assay-guided fractionation led to the identification of the sesquiterpene lactones psilostachyins A and C as novel checkpoint inhibitors. Elimination of their alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group caused a loss of activity, suggesting that the compounds can bind covalently to target proteins through Michael addition. Psilostachyins A and C also blocked cells in mitosis and caused the formation of aberrant microtubule spindles. However, the compounds did not interfere with microtubule polymerization in vitro. The related sesquiterpene lactones psilostachyin B, paulitin and isopaulitin were also isolated from the same extract but showed no checkpoint inhibition. The identification of the target(s) of psilostachyins A and C may provide further insight into the signalling pathways involved in cell cycle arrest and mitotic progression.

Terpenoids from Microliabum polymnioides

The phytochemical study of M. polymnioides led to the isolation of two sesquiterpene lactones namely: 11αH-dihydrozaluzanin E and 1β-hydroxy-4-oxo-11βH-4-noreudesman-6,12-olide. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. The relative stereochemistry was established by a combination of coupling constant analysis, NOESY correlations and molecular modeling. Three related known sesquiterpene lactones were also identified, and these data were used for chemotaxonomical purposes.

Relaxation of uterine and aortic smooth muscle by glaucolides D and E from Vernonia liatroides.

Vernonia spp. (Asteraceae) are used in herbolaria in Latin America in menstrual and stomach disorders, suggesting smooth muscle relaxing properties of some of their chemical constituents. For pharmacological support for this belief, sesquiterpene lactones glaucolides D and E were assayed on isolated rat smooth muscle. Glaucolide E proved more potent than glaucolide D to relax high KCl- or noradrenaline-induced contractions in aorta and to relax the high KCl-contraction in uterus. Hirsutinolide-type sesquiterpene lactone also was tested but displayed no effect. Relaxation of smooth muscle by structurally related sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide has been attributed mainly to the alpha-methylene gamma-lactone moiety; because glaucolides D and E lack this functional group, their relaxant properties may rely on other alkylating sites such as C10 of the germacra-1(10),4-diene-4-epoxide skeleton.