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Molecules, Volume 17, Issue 12 (December 2012) – 96 articles , Pages 13704-15021

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287 KiB  
Article
Compounds from the Roots and Rhizomes of Valeriana amurensis Protect against Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells
by Qiuhong Wang, Changfu Wang, Yueming Zuo, Zhibin Wang, Bingyou Yang and Haixue Kuang
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 15013-15021; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171215013 - 18 Dec 2012
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5868
Abstract
Three new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids, heishuixiecaoline A–C (compounds 13), were isolated along with ten known compounds 413 from fraction of Valeriana amurensis roots and rhizomes effective against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The structures of 13 were elucidated on [...] Read more.
Three new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids, heishuixiecaoline A–C (compounds 13), were isolated along with ten known compounds 413 from fraction of Valeriana amurensis roots and rhizomes effective against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The structures of 13 were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data. We also investigated the protective effect of compounds 113 on the neurotoxicity of PC12 cells induced by amyloid-beta (Aβ25–25), respectively. As a result, germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids 14 and lignans 57 were seen to afford protection against Aβ-induced toxicity in PC 12 cells. This study will contribute to revealing the chemical basis for the therapeutic effect of V. amurensis against AD. Full article
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1424 KiB  
Article
Structural Changes of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) after Fungal and Phosphoric Acid Pretreatment
by Isroi, Mofoluwake M. Ishola, Ria Millati, Siti Syamsiah, Muhammad N. Cahyanto, Claes Niklasson and Mohammad J. Taherzadeh
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14995-15012; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214995 - 17 Dec 2012
Cited by 104 | Viewed by 8232
Abstract
Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) was pretreated using white-rot fungus Pleurotus floridanus, phosphoric acid or their combination, and the results were evaluated based on the biomass components, and its structural and morphological changes. The carbohydrate losses after fungal, phosphoric acid, and [...] Read more.
Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) was pretreated using white-rot fungus Pleurotus floridanus, phosphoric acid or their combination, and the results were evaluated based on the biomass components, and its structural and morphological changes. The carbohydrate losses after fungal, phosphoric acid, and fungal followed by phosphoric acid pretreatments were 7.89%, 35.65%, and 33.77%, respectively. The pretreatments changed the hydrogen bonds of cellulose and linkages between lignin and carbohydrate, which is associated with crystallinity of cellulose of OPEFB. Lateral Order Index (LOI) of OPEFB with no pretreatment, with fungal, phosphoric acid, and fungal followed by phosphoric acid pretreatments were 2.77, 1.42, 0.67, and 0.60, respectively. Phosphoric acid pretreatment showed morphological changes of OPEFB, indicated by the damage of fibre structure into smaller particle size. The fungal-, phosphoric acid-, and fungal followed by phosphoric acid pretreatments have improved the digestibility of OPEFB’s cellulose by 4, 6.3, and 7.4 folds, respectively. Full article
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1111 KiB  
Article
The Role of Slingshot-1L (SSH1L) in the Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells
by Jian-Wu Zhao, Mu-Rui Zhang, Qiu-Ye Ji, Feng-Juan Xing, Ling-Jie Meng and Yan Wang
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14975-14994; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214975 - 17 Dec 2012
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5916
Abstract
Adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) have very limited capacity to regenerate. Therefore, there is a great interest in developing strategies to treat infarcted CMs that are able to regenerate cardiac tissue and promote revascularization of infarcted zones in the heart. Recently, stem cell transplantation has [...] Read more.
Adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) have very limited capacity to regenerate. Therefore, there is a great interest in developing strategies to treat infarcted CMs that are able to regenerate cardiac tissue and promote revascularization of infarcted zones in the heart. Recently, stem cell transplantation has been proposed to replace infarcted CMs and to restore the function of the affected tissue. This area of research has become very active in recent years due to the huge clinical need to improve the efficacy of currently available therapies. Slingshot (SSH) is a family of protein phosphatases, which can specifically dephosphorylate and reactivate cofilin and inhibit the polymerization of actin filaments and actively involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement. In this study, we found that SSH1L promoted morphology changes of microfilaments during differentiation but was inhibited by the inhibitors of actin polymerization such as cytochalasin D. Overexpression of SSH1L could promote cardiac-specific protein and genes expression. 5-Aza can induce the differentiation of hMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro. We also observed that SSH1L efficiently promotes hMSCs differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like cells through regulation and rearrangement of cytoskeleton. Our work provides evidence that supports the positive role of SSH1L in the mechanism of stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Full article
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350 KiB  
Communication
Large-Scale Separation of Alkaloids from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. by pH-Zone-Refining Counter-Current Chromatography
by Xiao Wang, Hongjing Dong, Xikai Shu, Zhenjia Zheng, Bin Yang and Luqi Huang
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14968-14974; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214968 - 17 Dec 2012
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4760
Abstract
pH-Zone-refining counter-current chromatography (pH-zone-refining CCC) was successfully applied for the large-scale separation of alkaloids from Corydalis bungeana. The crude extract was separated by a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (5:5:2:8, v/v) where triethylamine (10 mM) was added [...] Read more.
pH-Zone-refining counter-current chromatography (pH-zone-refining CCC) was successfully applied for the large-scale separation of alkaloids from Corydalis bungeana. The crude extract was separated by a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (5:5:2:8, v/v) where triethylamine (10 mM) was added to the upper organic stationary phase as a retainer and hydrochloric acid (5 mM) to the aqueous mobile phase as a displacer. As a result, 285 mg of protopine, 86 mg of corynoloxine, 430 mg of coryno1ine, and 115 mg of acetylcorynoline were obtained from 3.0 g of crude extract in a one-step separation. The purities of these compounds were 99.1%, 98.3%, 99.0% and 98.5%, respectively, as determined by HPLC. The chemical structures of these isolated compounds were confirmed by ESI-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Full article
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253 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Litchi (Litchi Chinensis Sonn.) Fruit Pericarp from Different Commercially Available Cultivars
by Wu Li, Hong Liang, Ming-Wei Zhang, Rui-Fen Zhang, Yuan-Yuan Deng, Zhen-Cheng Wei, Yan Zhang and Xiao-Jun Tang
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14954-14967; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214954 - 17 Dec 2012
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 6560
Abstract
Litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) contains significant amounts of phenolics which have been found to exhibit diverse biological activities. The purpose of this work was to determine the varietal differences in phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of LFP from nine commercially available cultivars. The [...] Read more.
Litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) contains significant amounts of phenolics which have been found to exhibit diverse biological activities. The purpose of this work was to determine the varietal differences in phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of LFP from nine commercially available cultivars. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 9.39 to 30.16 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight (FW) and from 7.12 to 23.46 mg catechin equivalents/g FW, respectively. The total anthocyanin contents ranged from 1.77 to 20.94 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g FW. Three anthocyanins, including cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, were detected, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside was the predominant constituent which contributes from 68.8% to 100% to total anthocyanins, The total procyanidin contents ranged from 4.35 to 11.82 mg epicatechin equivalents/g FW. Procyanidin B2, epicatechin, A-type procyanidin trimer, and procyanidin A2 were detected in all nine litchi varieties. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity activities and DPPH radical-scavenging activities ranged from 430.49 to 1752.30 μmol TE/100 g FW and from 4.70 to 11.82 mg/g (IC50), respectively. These results indicate that there are significant differences in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity among the tested varieties. Knowing the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of LFP of different varieties gives the insights into its potential application to promote health. Full article
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530 KiB  
Article
QSPR Models for Predicting Log Pliver Values for Volatile Organic Compounds Combining Statistical Methods and Domain Knowledge
by Damián Palomba, María J. Martínez, Ignacio Ponzoni, Mónica F. Díaz, Gustavo E. Vazquez and Axel J. Soto
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14937-14953; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214937 - 17 Dec 2012
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6389
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in a variety of chemicals that can be found in household products and may have undesirable effects on health. Thereby, it is important to model blood-to-liver partition coefficients (log Pliver) for VOCs in a fast [...] Read more.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in a variety of chemicals that can be found in household products and may have undesirable effects on health. Thereby, it is important to model blood-to-liver partition coefficients (log Pliver) for VOCs in a fast and inexpensive way. In this paper, we present two new quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models for the prediction of log Pliver, where we also propose a hybrid approach for the selection of the descriptors. This hybrid methodology combines a machine learning method with a manual selection based on expert knowledge. This allows obtaining a set of descriptors that is interpretable in physicochemical terms. Our regression models were trained using decision trees and neural networks and validated using an external test set. Results show high prediction accuracy compared to previous log Pliver models, and the descriptor selection approach provides a means to get a small set of descriptors that is in agreement with theoretical understanding of the target property. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue QSAR and Its Applications)
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663 KiB  
Article
Copper Nanoparticles Mediated by Chitosan: Synthesis and Characterization via Chemical Methods
by Muhammad Sani Usman, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Kamyar Shameli, Norhazlin Zainuddin and Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14928-14936; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214928 - 14 Dec 2012
Cited by 184 | Viewed by 18015
Abstract
Herein we report a synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in chitosan (Cts) media via a chemical reaction method. The nanoparticles were synthesized in an aqueous solution in the presence of Cts as stabilizer and CuSO4·5H2O precursor. The synthesis proceeded [...] Read more.
Herein we report a synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in chitosan (Cts) media via a chemical reaction method. The nanoparticles were synthesized in an aqueous solution in the presence of Cts as stabilizer and CuSO4·5H2O precursor. The synthesis proceeded with addition of NaOH as pH moderator, ascorbic acid as antioxidant and hydrazine as the reducing agent. The characterization of the prepared NPs was done using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed a 593 nm copper band. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images were also observed, and found to be in agreement with the UV-Vis result, confirming the formation of metallic Cu-NPs. The mean size of the Cu-NPs was estimated to be in the range of 35–75 nm using X-ray diffraction. XRD was also used in analysis of the crystal structure of the NPs. The interaction between the chitosan and the synthesized NPs was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which showed the capping of the NPs by Cts. Full article
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368 KiB  
Article
Hydroxysafflor Yellow A (HSYA) from Flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Its Vasodilatation Effects on Pulmonary Artery
by Yuhua Bai, Ping Lu, Chenghua Han, Chunyue Yu, Minggang Chen, Fa He, Dan Yi and Lijun Wu
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14918-14927; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214918 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5957
Abstract
Flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. are traditionally used in China to treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main constituent of Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers, is known for its multiple biological activities. In the present study, HSYA was isolated from [...] Read more.
Flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. are traditionally used in China to treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main constituent of Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers, is known for its multiple biological activities. In the present study, HSYA was isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers by a macroporous resin adsorption chromatography method coupled with a Waters high-throughput auto-purification system and it's vasodilatation effects on pulmonary artery (PA) were explored by an assay of tension study on rat pulmonary artery (PA) rings. Results suggest that HSYA possesses vascular relaxation effects on rat PA by activating the KV channel in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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263 KiB  
Article
Absorption and Interaction of the Main Constituents from the Traditional Chinese Drug Pair Shaoyao-Gancao via a Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Model
by Yan Chen, Jinyan Wang, Lu Wang, Lianghui Chen and Qingqing Wu
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14908-14917; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214908 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5087
Abstract
Shaoyao-Gancao (Paeoniae Radix Alba and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) is a traditional Chinese drug pair widely used in decoctions for relieving pains, especially abdominal pain. We aimed to determine the intestinal absorption and interaction of three active compounds (glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, [...] Read more.
Shaoyao-Gancao (Paeoniae Radix Alba and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) is a traditional Chinese drug pair widely used in decoctions for relieving pains, especially abdominal pain. We aimed to determine the intestinal absorption and interaction of three active compounds (glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, and paeoniflorin) in this drug pair. We investigated the transport of these compounds across intestinal epithelial cells by using the Caco-2 cell monolayer in both the apical-to-basolateral (A-B) and B-A directions. All compounds could only travel through the Caco-2 cell monolayer at a low level when the cells were treated with single component solutions. In the presence of verapamil, an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the absorptive permeability (PAB) of paeoniflorin and liquiritin increased significantly (p < 0.05) and efflux ratios decreased, while the absorption of glycyrrhizic acid did not change significantly, which indicated that paeoniflorin and liquiritin might be P-gp substrates. In addition, when liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid in Gancao extract and paeoniflorin in Shaoyao extract were examined, PAB of paeoniflorin and liquiritin were significantly higher, while glycyrrhizic acid retained the same absorption level compared to the corresponding single component solutions, which suggested that some certain ingredients in the extracts can promote the absorption of paeoniflorin and liquiritin, but not that of glycyrrhizic acid. Furthermore, compared to the results of treatment with individual extracts, treatment of cells with a mixture of the two extracts considerably increased (p < 0.05) the absorption of glycyrrhizic acid and paeoniflorin and showed no change in the absorption of liquiritin, which implied that the transport of glycyrrhizic acid and paeoniflorin is increased by some ingredients from the complementary drug in the drug pair, while that of liquiritin remains unaffected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Diversity)
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230 KiB  
Article
Two New Oleanane-Type Triterpenoids from Platycodi Radix and Anti-proliferative Activity in HSC-T6 Cells
by Qin Zhan, Feng Zhang, Lianna Sun, Zhijun Wu and Wansheng Chen
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14899-14907; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214899 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5907
Abstract
Two new oleanane-type triterpenoids, named platycodonoids A and B (1, 2), together with five known saponins, including platycodin D (3), deapioplatycodin D (4), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl polygalacic acid (5), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl platycodigenin ( [...] Read more.
Two new oleanane-type triterpenoids, named platycodonoids A and B (1, 2), together with five known saponins, including platycodin D (3), deapioplatycodin D (4), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl polygalacic acid (5), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl platycodigenin (6) and polygalacin D (7), were isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum. On the basis of spectral data and chemical evidence, the structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 2β,3β,23,24-tetrahydroxy-28-nor-olean-12-en-16-one (1) and 2β,3β,23,24- tetrahydroxy-28-nor-olean-12-en-16-one-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2). Compounds 17 were evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activity against the HSC-T6 cell line. Full article
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379 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and in Vitro Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of 3-Carboxycoumarin Derivatives and QSAR Study of Their DPPH• Radical Scavenging Activity
by Francisco J. Martínez-Martínez, Rodrigo Said Razo-Hernández, Ana Lilia Peraza-Campos, Manuel Villanueva-García, Maria Teresa Sumaya-Martínez, Daniel Jaramillo Cano and Zeferino Gómez-Sandoval
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14882-14898; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214882 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6154
Abstract
The in vitro antioxidant activities of eight 3-carboxycoumarin derivatives were assayed by the quantitative 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity method. 3-Acetyl-6-hydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (C1) and ethyl 6-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylate (C2) presented the best radical-scavenging activity. A quantitative structure-activity relationship [...] Read more.
The in vitro antioxidant activities of eight 3-carboxycoumarin derivatives were assayed by the quantitative 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity method. 3-Acetyl-6-hydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (C1) and ethyl 6-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylate (C2) presented the best radical-scavenging activity. A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study was performed and correlated with the experimental DPPH• scavenging data. We used structural, geometrical, topological and quantum-chemical descriptors selected with Genetic Algorithms in order to determine which of these parameters are responsible of the observed DPPH• radical scavenging activity. We constructed a back propagation neural network with the hydrophilic factor (Hy) descriptor to generate an adequate architecture of neurons for the system description. The mathematical model showed a multiple determination coefficient of 0.9196 and a root mean squared error of 0.0851. Our results shows that the presence of hydroxyl groups on the ring structure of 3-carboxy-coumarins are correlated with the observed DPPH• radical scavenging activity effects. Full article
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278 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activity of the Essential Oil of Illicium pachyphyllum Fruits against Two Grain Storage Insects
by Peng Liu, Xin-Chao Liu, Hui-Wen Dong, Zhi-Long Liu, Shu-Shan Du and Zhi-Wei Deng
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14870-14881; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214870 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 6068
Abstract
The aim of this research was to determine chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Illicium pachyphyllum fruits against two grain storage insects, Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum, and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The [...] Read more.
The aim of this research was to determine chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Illicium pachyphyllum fruits against two grain storage insects, Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum, and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 36 components of the essential oil were identified, with the principal compounds in the essential oil being trans-ρ-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (24.56%), D-limonene (9.79%), caryophyllene oxide (9.32%), and cis-carveol (5.26%) followed by β-caryophyllene (4.63%) and bornyl acetate. Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the three active constituents were isolated and identified as trans-ρ-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, D-limonene and caryophyllene oxide. The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits exhibited contact toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults, with LD50 values of 17.33 μg/adult and 28.94 μg/adult, respectively. trans-p-Mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (LD50 = 8.66 μg/adult and 13.66 μg/adult, respectively) exhibited stronger acute toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults than either caryophyllene oxide (LD50 = 34.09 μg/adult and 45.56 μg/adult) and D-limonene (LD50 = 29.86 μg/adult and 20.14 μg/adult). The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults with LC50 values of 11.49 mg/L and 15.08 mg/L, respectively. trans-p-Mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol exhibited stronger fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults, respectively, with LC50 values of 6.01 mg/L and 8.14 mg/L, than caryophyllene oxide (LC50 = 17.02 mg/L and 15.98 mg/L) and D-limonene (LC50 = 33.71 mg/L and 21.24 mg/L). The results indicate that the essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural insecticides or fumigants for the control of insects in stored grains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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295 KiB  
Article
Study of Rigid Cross-Linked PVC Foams with Heat Resistance
by Aihua Shi, Guangcheng Zhang and Chenhui Zhao
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14858-14869; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214858 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6060
Abstract
Three heat resistant cross-linked PVC foam plastics were prepared and their performances were compared with universal cross-linked PVC structural foam. The results show that these three heat resistant foams have higher glass transition temperatures (close to 100 °C) than universal structural foam (83.2 [...] Read more.
Three heat resistant cross-linked PVC foam plastics were prepared and their performances were compared with universal cross-linked PVC structural foam. The results show that these three heat resistant foams have higher glass transition temperatures (close to 100 °C) than universal structural foam (83.2 °C). Compared with the universal structural foam, the three heat resistant foams show much higher decomposition temperature and better chemical stability due to the crosslinking of PVC macromolecular chains. The heat distortion temperature (HDT) values of the three heat resistant foam plastics are just a little higher than that of universal structural foam. The three heat resistant foam plastics have good dimensional stability at 140 °C, and when used as core material can closely adhere to the face plates in medium temperature curing processes. Compared with universal structural foam, the three heat resistant foam plastics have slightly better mechanical properties. Full article
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337 KiB  
Article
1,3-Bisdiphenylethenyl-substituted Carbazolyl Derivatives as Charge Transporting Materials
by Giedre Bubniene, Maryte Daskeviciene, Audrius Pukalskas, Vygintas Jankauskas and Vytautas Getautis
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14846-14857; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214846 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4002
Abstract
Synthesis of 1,3-diphenylethenylcarbazolyl-based charge transporting materials involving electron donating hydrazone moieties and an electron withdrawing 1,3-indandione moiety is reported. The obtained materials were examined by various techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, xerographic time of flight technique and the electron photoemission in [...] Read more.
Synthesis of 1,3-diphenylethenylcarbazolyl-based charge transporting materials involving electron donating hydrazone moieties and an electron withdrawing 1,3-indandione moiety is reported. The obtained materials were examined by various techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, xerographic time of flight technique and the electron photoemission in air method. Photoemission spectra of the amorphous films of the investigated compounds showed ionization potentials of 5.54–5.90 eV. The hole drift mobility was measured by the xerographic time of flight technique. The highest hole drift mobility, exceeding 10−5 cm2/V·s at 6.4 × 105 V/cm electric field, was observed for the 1,3-diphenylethenylcarbazolyl derivative molecularly doped with a N,N-diphenylhydrazone moiety in the polymeric host bisphenol-Z polycarbonate (PC-Z). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organic Chemistry)
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177 KiB  
Article
A General Synthesis of Bis-indolylpiperazine-2,5-diones
by Stephen Crooke and Christine Whitlock
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14841-14845; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214841 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3850
Abstract
The one-pot synthesis of three dragmacidin derivatives is reported. Sarcosine anhydride (4) is brominated and immediately reacted with the corresponding indole to produce the products, namely 3,6-bis(5′-methoxy-3′-indolyl)-1,4-dimethylpiperazine-2,5-dione (1), 3,6-bis(7′-methyl-3′-indolyl)-1,4-dimethylpiperazine-2,5-dione (2) and 3,6-bis-(6′-chloro-3′-indolyl)-1,4-dimethylpiperazine-2,5-dione (3), which are characterized by 1H-NMR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organic Chemistry)
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634 KiB  
Article
Rapid and Comprehensive Evaluation of (Poly)phenolic Compounds in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Juice by UHPLC-MSn
by Pedro Mena, Luca Calani, Chiara Dall'Asta, Gianni Galaverna, Cristina García-Viguera, Renato Bruni, Alan Crozier and Daniele Del Rio
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14821-14840; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214821 - 13 Dec 2012
Cited by 248 | Viewed by 11996
Abstract
The comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in food and beverages is a crucial starting point for assessing their biological, nutritional, and technological properties. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been described as a rich source of (poly)phenolic components, with a broad array of [...] Read more.
The comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in food and beverages is a crucial starting point for assessing their biological, nutritional, and technological properties. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been described as a rich source of (poly)phenolic components, with a broad array of different structures (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and hydrolyzable tannins) and a quick, high throughput, and accurate screening of its complete profile is still lacking. In the present work, a method for UHPLC separation and linear ion trap mass spectrometric (MSn) characterization of pomegranate juice phenolic fraction was optimized by comparing several different analytical conditions. The best solutions for phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ellagitannins have been delineated and more than 70 compounds have been identified and fully characterized in less than one hour total analysis time. Twenty-one compounds were tentatively detected for the first time in pomegranate juice. The proposed fingerprinting approach could be easily translated to other plant derived food extracts and beverages containing a wide array of phytochemical compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methods in Polyphenol Analysis)
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203 KiB  
Article
Microbial Transformations of 7-Methoxyflavanone
by Edyta Kostrzewa-Susłow and Tomasz Janeczko
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14810-14820; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214810 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4570
Abstract
Microbial transformations of racemic 7-methoxyflavanone using strains of the genus Aspergillus (A. niger KB, A. ochraceus 456) and the strain Penicillium chermesinum 113 were described. The strain A. niger KB catalysed carbonyl group reduction, leading to (±)-2,4-cis-7-methoxyflavan-4-ol. Biotransformation with the [...] Read more.
Microbial transformations of racemic 7-methoxyflavanone using strains of the genus Aspergillus (A. niger KB, A. ochraceus 456) and the strain Penicillium chermesinum 113 were described. The strain A. niger KB catalysed carbonyl group reduction, leading to (±)-2,4-cis-7-methoxyflavan-4-ol. Biotransformation with the help of A. ochraceus 456 gave two products: (+)-2,4-trans-7-methoxyflavan-4-ol and 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone. Transformation by means of P. chermesinum 113 resulted in a dihydrochalcone product, 4,2'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone. DPPH scavenging activity test proved that all the biotransformations products have higher antioxidant activity that the substrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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822 KiB  
Article
Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) is a Therapeutic Target of Oleanane Triterpenoid CDDO-Me in Prostate Cancer
by Yongbo Liu, Xiaohua Gao, Dorrah Deeb, Ali S. Arbab and Subhash C. Gautam
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14795-14809; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214795 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5133
Abstract
Methyl-2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oate (CDDO-Me) is an synthetic oleanane triterpenoid with strong antiprolifertive and proapoptotic activities in cancer cells. However, the effect of CDDO-Me on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and its telomerase activity in prostate cancer cells has not been studied. We investigated the role [...] Read more.
Methyl-2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oate (CDDO-Me) is an synthetic oleanane triterpenoid with strong antiprolifertive and proapoptotic activities in cancer cells. However, the effect of CDDO-Me on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and its telomerase activity in prostate cancer cells has not been studied. We investigated the role of hTERT in mediating the anticancer activity of CDDO-Me in prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis by CDDO-Me in LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines was associated with the inhibition of hTERT gene expression, hTERT telomerase activity and a number of proteins that regulate hTERT transcriptionally and post-translationally. Furthermore, ablation of hTERT protein increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to CDDO-Me, whereas its overexpression rendered them resistant to CDDO-Me. In addition, inhibition of progression of preneoplastic lesions (i.e., low and high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasms, PINs) to adenocarcinoma of the prostate by CDDO-Me in TRAMP mice was associated with significant decrease in TERT and its regulatory proteins in the prostate gland. These data provide evidence that telomerase is a potential target of CDDO-Me for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Triterpenes and Triterpenoids 2013)
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Article
Purification and Characterization of a Novel ~18 kDa Antioxidant Protein from Ginkgo biloba Seeds
by Hao Zhou, Xijuan Chen, Chengzhang Wang, Jianzhong Ye and Hongxia Chen
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14778-14794; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214778 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5204
Abstract
Ginkgo biloba seeds are widely used as a food and traditional medicine in China. In the present study, a novel antioxidant protein named GBSP was purified from Ginkgo biloba seeds. The protein (GBSP) was purified by homogenization of Ginkgo biloba seed powder in [...] Read more.
Ginkgo biloba seeds are widely used as a food and traditional medicine in China. In the present study, a novel antioxidant protein named GBSP was purified from Ginkgo biloba seeds. The protein (GBSP) was purified by homogenization of Ginkgo biloba seed powder in saline solution, 70% ammonium sulphate precipitation, filtration on a DEAE-Cellulose52 anion exchange column, gel filtration on a Sephadex G-50 column, and preparative chromatography on a C18 column using RP-HPLC. GBSP showed an apparent molecular weight of 18 kDa by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/MS analyses. The amino acid sequence obtained by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis showed GBSP was a novel protein, as no matching protein in was found the database. The protein exhibited significant antioxidant activities against free radicals such as DPPH, ABTS and superoxide anion and showed higher activity than α-tocopherol in a linoleic acid emulsion assay system. Furthermore, GBSP exhibited notable reducing power and a strong chelating effect on Cu2+and Fe2+. Therefore, the present study demonstrates, for the first time, that this novel protein from Ginkgo biloba seeds is an excellent antioxidant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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Communication
Anti-obesity Effect of HT048, a Herbal Combination, in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats
by Dong Wook Lim, MiKyung Song, Juyeon Park, Sang Woug Park, Nak Hoon Kim, Bhakta Prasad Gaire, Ho-Young Choi and Hocheol Kim
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14765-14777; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214765 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6997
Abstract
This study evaluated the anti-obesity effects of HT048, a combination of C. pinnatifida fruit and C. unshiu peel extracts, in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. 4-Week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into normal and high fat diet (HFD) groups. The HFD [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the anti-obesity effects of HT048, a combination of C. pinnatifida fruit and C. unshiu peel extracts, in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. 4-Week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into normal and high fat diet (HFD) groups. The HFD groups were further divided into five groups treated with distilled water, orlistat (40 mg/kg, twice daily, p.o) and HT048 (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg, twice daily, p.o.) for 12 weeks. Orlistat, an anti-obesity drug, was used as positive control in the HFD-induced obese rats. We measured the food intake, body weight, epididymal adipose tissue and liver weights, and serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The body weight and epididymal adipose tissue and liver weights of the HT048 100 and 300 mg/kg treated groups were significantly lower than that of the HFD control group. Also, serum TC, TG, ALT, and AST levels in the HT048 100 and 300 mg/kg treated groups were significantly decreased. Moreover, the orlistat treated group showed significantly reduced body weight and improved serum lipoprotein, compared with the HFD control group. These results show that HT048 supplements improved obesity-related body weight and serum lipoprotein parameters in a HFD-induced obese rat model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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Article
Nitrogen-Containing Apigenin Analogs: Preparation and Biological Activity
by Rui Liu, Bin Zhao, Dong-En Wang, Tianyu Yao, Long Pang, Qin Tu, Saeed Mahmoud Ahmed, Jian-Jun Liu and Jinyi Wang
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14748-14764; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214748 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5794
Abstract
A series of nitrogen-containing apigenin analogs 4aj was synthesized via Mannich reactions to develop anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents from plant-derived flavonoids. The chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS. The in vitro biological [...] Read more.
A series of nitrogen-containing apigenin analogs 4aj was synthesized via Mannich reactions to develop anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents from plant-derived flavonoids. The chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS. The in vitro biological activities of the analogs were evaluated via assays of their antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. The prepared apigenin analogs exhibited different antiproliferative activities against four human cancer cell lines, namely human cervical (HeLa), human hepatocellular liver (HepG2), human lung (A549), and human breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. Compound 4i showed the most favorable in vitro antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 40, 40, 223, and 166 μg/mL against HeLa, HepG2, A549, and MCF-7, respectively. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay also showed that 4i had the most potent antioxidant activity, with the smallest IC50 value (334.8 μg/mL). The antibacterial activities of the analogs were determined using a two-fold serial dilution technique against four pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All the prepared apigenin analogs exhibited more potent activities than the parent apigenin. Compounds 4h and 4j, in particular, exhibited the best inhibitory activities against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with MIC values of 3.91 and 1.95 μg/mL, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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Article
MicroRNA miR-491-5p Targeting both TP53 and Bcl-XL Induces Cell Apoptosis in SW1990 Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Mitochondria Mediated Pathway
by Rong Guo, Yi Wang, Wei-Ye Shi, Bin Liu, Sheng-Qi Hou and Li Liu
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14733-14747; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214733 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 6416
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) actively participates in a broad range of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell survival and apoptosis. Deregulated expression of miRNA may affect cell growth and eventually lead to cancer. In this study, we found that hsa-miR491-5p (miR491-5p) displays a significantly [...] Read more.
MicroRNA (miRNA) actively participates in a broad range of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell survival and apoptosis. Deregulated expression of miRNA may affect cell growth and eventually lead to cancer. In this study, we found that hsa-miR491-5p (miR491-5p) displays a significantly high level of expression in normal human pancreas tissue versus pancreatic cancer cells. Targeted site prediction indicated that both Bcl-XL and TP53 contain miR-491-5p recognizing sites in their 3' UTRs. Overexpression of miR-491-5p in the pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 effectively inhibited both endogenous Bcl-XL and TP53 gene expressions. Mutagenesis at the seed match region of both targeted genes further confirmed the specificity of miR491-5p recognition. Cell proliferation rate was inversely related to the increased doses of miR-491-5p. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the proportions of total apoptotic and early apoptotic cells were significantly induced as the dose of miR491-5p increased. Moreover, a mechanistic study indicated that miR-R491-5p-mediated cell apoptosis was associated with the activation of intrinsic mitochondria mediated pathways. miR491-5p also markedly inhibited mitogenic signaling pathways such as STAT3 and PI-3K/Akt, but not Ras/MAPK. Thus, our results demonstrated that miR491-5p could effectively target both Bcl-xL and TP53 and induce cell apoptosis independent of TP53. Full article
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Review
New Advances in Titanium-Mediated Free Radical Reactions
by Bianca Rossi, Simona Prosperini, Nadia Pastori, Angelo Clerici and Carlo Punta
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14700-14732; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214700 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 8876
Abstract
Titanium complexes have been widely used as catalysts for C‑C bond-forming processes via free-radical routes. Herein we provide an overview of some of the most significant contributions in the field, that covers the last decade, emphasizing the key role played by titanium salts [...] Read more.
Titanium complexes have been widely used as catalysts for C‑C bond-forming processes via free-radical routes. Herein we provide an overview of some of the most significant contributions in the field, that covers the last decade, emphasizing the key role played by titanium salts in the promotion of selective reactions aimed at the synthesis of multifunctional organic compounds, including nucleophilic radical additions to imines, pinacol and coupling reactions, ring opening of epoxides and living polymerization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition Metals Catalysis)
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Article
One-Pot Ugi/Aza-Michael Synthesis of Highly Substituted 2,5-Diketopiperazines with Anti-Proliferative Properties
by Andreas Hartung, Florian Seufert, Carsten Berges, Viktoria H. Gessner and Ulrike Holzgrabe
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14685-14699; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214685 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6207
Abstract
The well-known Ugi reaction of aldehydes with amines, carboxylic acids and isocyanides leads to the formation of acyclic α-acylaminocarboxamides. Replacement of the carboxylic acid derivatives with β-acyl substituted acrylic acids gives access to highly substituted 2,5-diketopiperazines in one single reaction-step without additives or [...] Read more.
The well-known Ugi reaction of aldehydes with amines, carboxylic acids and isocyanides leads to the formation of acyclic α-acylaminocarboxamides. Replacement of the carboxylic acid derivatives with β-acyl substituted acrylic acids gives access to highly substituted 2,5-diketopiperazines in one single reaction-step without additives or complex reaction procedures. The obtained diketopiperazines show anti-proliferative effects on activated T cells and represent therefore potential candidates for targeting unwanted T cell-mediated immune responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multicomponent Reaction)
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Article
Wu-Chia-Pi Solution Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Injury through the Antioxidative Abilities of Its Components Acteoside and Quercetin
by Steven Kuan-Hua Huan, Kun-Teng Wang, Chia-Jung Lee, Chun-hsien Sung, Ting-Yi Chien and Ching-Chiung Wang
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14673-14684; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214673 - 11 Dec 2012
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4751
Abstract
Wu-Chia-Pi medicated wine, composed nine Chinese medicines soaked in 35% alcohol, is widely used in Asia for its health-promoting functions. However, long-term consumption of alcohol could result in liver dysfunction. In this study, Wu-Chia-Pi solution (WCPS) and extract (WCPE) were prepared by modification [...] Read more.
Wu-Chia-Pi medicated wine, composed nine Chinese medicines soaked in 35% alcohol, is widely used in Asia for its health-promoting functions. However, long-term consumption of alcohol could result in liver dysfunction. In this study, Wu-Chia-Pi solution (WCPS) and extract (WCPE) were prepared by modification of the principals given by the Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of WCPS against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and to clarify its active component(s). Antioxidative effects of the test samples were evaluated via MDA inhibition, catalase activity and DPPH-scavenging assays. HPLC was used to analysis the active components. Results showed that WCPS (1 and 5 mL/kg) significantly prevented CCl4-induced liver injury without chronic liver toxicity. Referring to the antioxidative activities, WCPE displayed significant MDA inhibitory and DPPH-scavenging activities with IC50 values of 0.91 ± 0.03 and 0.60 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Catalase activity was also enhanced by treatment of WCPE, acteoside and quercetin. Therefore, we suggest that acteoside and quercetin are the major contributors to the antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities of WCPS, and a possible mechanism could be mediated through reduction of oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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Article
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Phenyl Sulfonamide Derivatives Designed as Modulators of Pulmonary Inflammatory Response
by Maria Letícia de Castro Barbosa, Thiago José Figueira Ramos, Ana Carolina Santos De Arantes, Marco Aurélio Martins, Patrícia Machado Rodrigues e Silva, Eliezer J. Barreiro and Lídia Moreira Lima
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14651-14672; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214651 - 10 Dec 2012
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6488
Abstract
In this paper we report the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a new series of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 2ah and 38 planned by structural modification on the anti-inflammatory prototype LASSBio-468 (1). Among the synthesized analogues, the [...] Read more.
In this paper we report the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a new series of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 2ah and 38 planned by structural modification on the anti-inflammatory prototype LASSBio-468 (1). Among the synthesized analogues, the tetrafluorophthalimide LASSBio-1439 (2e) stands out showing an in vitro anti-TNF-α effect similar to the standard thalidomide. The relevance of tetrafluorination of the phthalimide nucleus was also confirmed by the anti-inflammatory profile of 2e, through oral administration, in a murine model of pulmonary inflammation. The corresponding tetrafluorocarboxyamide metabolite LASSBio-1454 (15), generated from partial hydrolysis of the derivative 2e, presented a significant in vitro effect and a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
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Article
Synthesis and Antiradical/Antioxidant Activities of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Its Related Propionic, Acetic, and Benzoic Acid Analoguesc
by Luc M. LeBlanc, Aurélie F. Paré, Jacques Jean-François, Martin J. G. Hébert, Marc E. Surette and Mohamed Touaibia
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14637-14650; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214637 - 10 Dec 2012
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8768
Abstract
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive component isolated from propolis. A series of CAPE analogues was synthesized and their antiradical/antioxidant effects analyzed. The effect of the presence of the double bond and of the conjugated system on the antioxidant effect is [...] Read more.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive component isolated from propolis. A series of CAPE analogues was synthesized and their antiradical/antioxidant effects analyzed. The effect of the presence of the double bond and of the conjugated system on the antioxidant effect is evaluated with the analogues obtained from 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid. Those obtained from 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acetic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid allow the evaluation of the effect of the presence of two carbons between the carbonyl and aromatic system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants 2012)
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Article
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives
by Thoraya A. Farghaly, Magda A. Abdallah and Mohamed R. Abdel Aziz
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14625-14636; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214625 - 10 Dec 2012
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 5493
Abstract
New series of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles have been prepared via reaction of 1,3,4-thiadiazolenaminones 1 with N-phenyl 2-oxopropanehydrazonoyl chloride (2) in dioxane in the presence of triethylamine. Also, some new heterocycles incorporating 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring were obtained by reaction of 1,3,4-thiadiazolenaminones 1 with nitrogen-nucleophiles [...] Read more.
New series of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles have been prepared via reaction of 1,3,4-thiadiazolenaminones 1 with N-phenyl 2-oxopropanehydrazonoyl chloride (2) in dioxane in the presence of triethylamine. Also, some new heterocycles incorporating 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring were obtained by reaction of 1,3,4-thiadiazolenaminones 1 with nitrogen-nucleophiles like hydrazine hydrate, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and 2-aminobenzimidazole. The structure of the new products was established based on elemental and spectral analysis. The relation between the structure of the products and their activity towards some microorganisms was studied and promising results were obtained. Full article
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Article
Food Ingredient Extracts of Cyclopia subternata (Honeybush): Variation in Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Capacity
by Dalene De Beer, Alexandra E. Schulze, Elizabeth Joubert, André De Villiers, Christiaan J. Malherbe and Maria A. Stander
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14602-14624; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214602 - 07 Dec 2012
Cited by 99 | Viewed by 8057
Abstract
Cyclopia subternata plants are traditionally used for the production of the South African herbal tea, honeybush, and recently as aqueous extracts for the food industry. A C. subternata aqueous extract and mangiferin (a major constituent) are known to have anti-diabetic properties. Variation in [...] Read more.
Cyclopia subternata plants are traditionally used for the production of the South African herbal tea, honeybush, and recently as aqueous extracts for the food industry. A C. subternata aqueous extract and mangiferin (a major constituent) are known to have anti-diabetic properties. Variation in phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity is expected due to cultivation largely from seedlings, having implications for extract standardization and quality control. Aqueous extracts from 64 seedlings of the same age, cultivated under the same environmental conditions, were analyzed for individual compound content, total polyphenol (TP) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in a number of assays. An HPLC method was developed and validated to allow quantification of xanthones (mangiferin, isomangiferin), flavanones (hesperidin, eriocitrin), a flavone (scolymoside), a benzophenone (iriflophenone-3-C-β-glucoside) and dihydrochalcones (phloretin-3',5'-di-C-β-glucoside, 3-hydroxyphloretin-3',5'-di-C-hexoside). Additional compounds were tentatively identified using mass spectrometric detection, with the presence of the 3-hydroxyphloretin-glycoside, an iriflophenone-di-O,C-hexoside, an eriodictyol-di-C-hexoside and vicenin-2 being demonstrated for the first time. Variability of the individual phenolic compound contents was generally higher than that of the TP content and TAC values. Among the phenolic compounds, scolymoside, hesperidin and iriflophenone-3-C-β-glucoside contents were the most variable. A combination of the measured parameters could be useful in product standardization by providing a basis for specifying minimum levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants 2012)
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Article
Computational Termochemistry Study of the C80 Isomers and Their Endo Lanthanum Complexes by Applying Homodesmotic and Isodesmic Reactions
by Citlalli Rios and Roberto Salcedo
Molecules 2012, 17(12), 14588-14601; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules171214588 - 07 Dec 2012
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4711
Abstract
C80 is a fullerene species which appears in different isomeric configurations. A general homodesmotic reaction previously designed to study the energy of fullerenes was implemented, in order to analyze the energy of this family of isomers. These results concur with some of [...] Read more.
C80 is a fullerene species which appears in different isomeric configurations. A general homodesmotic reaction previously designed to study the energy of fullerenes was implemented, in order to analyze the energy of this family of isomers. These results concur with some of the experimental data, but energy differences referring to all the configurations yield novel propositions about their particular behavior. The corresponding lanthanum complexes are also analyzed here and a new isodesmic reaction was designed for this particular case. Full article
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