A new monoterpenoid indole alkaloid from Rauvolfia yunnanensis

One new monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, l l-methoxyburnamine-17-O-3′,4′,5′-trimethoxybenzoate （1）, was isolated from Rauvolfia yunnanensis Tsiang. Its structure was identified by speclroscopic evidences.

New Greener Alternative for Biocondensation of Aldehydes and Indoles Using Lemon Juice: Formation of Bis-, Tris-, and Tetraindoles

This work presents a new greener alternative for biocondensation of aldehydes and indoles for the synthesis of bis- and tris(indolyl)methanes catalyzed by lemon juice (Citrus limon) in good yields under ultrasound irradiation in aqueous ethanol. Various substituted aldehydes with indoles under this reaction condition are elucidated. Also, tetraindolyl compounds were prepared using terephthaldialdehyde by following the same protocol. This method is an environmentally benign, efficient reaction, which requires shorter reaction time and simple experimental and work-up procedures.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 3-(Trichloroacetyl) Indole

Trichloroacetyl) indole has been synthesized by the reaction of indole with trichloroacetyl chloride in 73% yield, and its crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction method. The crystal is of orthorhombic, space group Pnma with a = 20.781(7), b = 6.857(2), c = 7.431(3) ?, V = 1058.8(6) ?3, Z = 4, Mr = 262.51, Dc = 1.647 g/cm3, λ = 0.71073 ?, μ(MoKα) = 0.833 mm? and F(000) = 528. The structure was refined to R = 0.0286 and wR = 0.0749 for 1073 1 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). It exhibits a characteristic plane structure consisting of all atoms except Cl(2) and Cl(2)A. Two kinds of intermolecular hydrogen bonds are formed: N(1)– H(8A)…O(1) and N(1)–H(8A)…Cl(1). There also exist three kinds of π-π stacking in the crystal.

Construction of Spirooxindole Skeleton Through Intramolecular Dieckmann Cyclization

A highly efficient and direct approach was developed to construct the structurally diverse spirooxindole skeleton,which is an important basic motif in natural products.Both the 3,30-pyrrolidonyl spirooxindoles and spiroindolin-2-one dlactones were 2smoothly obtained by the intramolecular Dieckmann cyclization of oxindoles in excellent yield under mild conditions.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Methyl 3-(5-Bromo-1-ethyl-1H-indole-3-carbonyl)aminopropionate

Methyl 3-（5-bromo-l-ethyl-lH-indole-3-carbonyl）aminopropionate has been synthesized by the acylation of 5-bromo-3-trichloroacetylindole with β-alanine methyl ester, followed by alkylation with ethyl iodide, in 82.6% yield. Its crystal structure was gotten and determined by X-ray diffraction method. The crystal is of monoclinic, space group P2/c with a = 11.7927（8）, b = 14.9342（8）, c = 9.0060（5） A, β = 101.558（6）°, V = 1553.93（16） A3, Z = 4, Dc= 1.510 g/cm3, 2 = 0.71073 A,μ（MoKa） = 2.656 mm-1, Mr = 353.22 and F（000） = 720. The structure was refined to R = 0.0401 and wR = 0.0825 for 1704 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ（I）. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N（2）-H（2）...O（1） hydrogen bond and weak intermolecular bonds （C（1）-H（1）...O（1） and C（10）-H（10B）-O（2）） are formed, and π-π stacking also exists.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 3-(1-Ethyl-1H-indole-3-carbonyl)aminopropionic Acid

3-（1-Ethyl-1H-indole-3-carbonyl）aminopropionic acid has been synthesized by alkylation of 3-（1H-indole-3-carbonyl）aminopropionic acid methyl ester with bromoethane,follo-wed by saponifying and acidating,in 89.0% yield.Its crystal structure was gotten and determined by X-ray diffraction method.The crystal is of orthorhombic,space group P212121 with a = 8.9490（12）,b = 11.1010（15）,c = 13.0475（18） ,V = 1296.2（3） 3,Z = 4,Dc = 1.334 g/cm3,λ = 0.71073 ,μ（MoKα） = 0.095 mm-1,Mr = 260.29 and F（000） = 552.The structure was refined to R = 0.0306 and wR = 0.1445 for 2612 observed reflections with I 2σ（I）.In the crystal structure,molecules are linked to each other through hydrogen bonds of N（2）-H（2）···O（1） and O（3）-H（3）···O（1）,generating a three-dimensional network.

The Arabidopsis P450 protein CYP82C2 modulates jasmonateinduced root growth inhibition, defense gene expression and indole glucosinolate biosynthesis

Jasmonic acid （JA） is a fatty acid-derived signaling molecule that regulates a broad range of plant defense responses against herbivores and some microbial pathogens. Molecular genetic studies have established that JA also performs a critical role in several aspects of plant development. Here, we describe the characterization of the Arabidopsis mutantjasmonic acid-hypersensitivel-1 （jah1-1）, which is defective in several aspects of JA responses. Although the mutant exhibits increased sensitivity to JA in root growth inhibition, it shows decreased expression of JA-inducible defense genes and reduced resistance to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Gene cloning studies indicate that these defects are caused by a mutation in the cytochrome P450 protein CYP82C2. We provide evidence showing that the compromised resistance of thejah1-1 mutant to B. cinerea is accompanied by decreased expression of JA-induced defense genes and reduced accumulation of JA-induced indole glucosinolates （IGs）. Conversely, the enhanced resistance to B. cinerea in CYP82C2-overexpressing plants is accompanied by increased expression of JA-induced defense genes and elevated levels of JA-induced IGs. We demonstrate that CYP82C2 affects JA-induced accumulation of the IG biosynthetic precursor tryptophan （Trp）, but not the JA-induced IAA or pathogen-induced camalexin. Together, our results support a hypothesis that CYP82C2 may act in the metabolism of Trp-derived secondary metabolites under conditions in which JA levels are elevated. Thejah1-1 mutant should thus be important in future studies toward understanding the mechanisms underlying the complexity of JA-mediated differential responses, which are important for plants to adapt their growth to the ever-changing environments.

Structural characterization of monoterpene indole alkaloids in ethanolic extracts of Rauwolfia species by liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Rauwolfia species(Apocynaceae) are medicinal plants well known worldwide due to its potent bioactive monoterpene indole alkaloids(MIAs) such as reserpine,ajmalicine,ajmaline,serpentine and yohimbine.Reserpine,ajmalicine and ajmaline are powerful antihypertensive,tranquilizing agents used in hypertension.Yohimbine is an aphrodisiac used in dietary supplements.As there is no report on the comparative and comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the roots of Rauwolfia species,we have developed an efficient and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC–MS/MS) method for ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia species to elucidate the fragmentation pathways for dereplication of bioactive MIAs using highperformance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS/MS) in positive ion mode.We identified and established diagnostic fragment ions and fragmentation pathways using reserpine,ajmalicine,ajmaline,serpentine and yohimbine.The MS/MS spectra of reserpine,ajmalicine,and ajmaline showed C-ring-cleavage whereas E-ring cleavage was observed in serpentine via Retro Diels Alder(RDA).A total of 47 bioactive MIAs were identified and characterized on the basis of their molecular formula,exact mass measurements and MS/MS analysis.Reserpine,ajmalicine,ajmaline,serpentine and yohimbine were unambiguously identified by comparison with their authentic standards and other 42 MIAs were tentatively identified and characterized from the roots of Rauwolfia hookeri,Rauwolfia micrantha,Rauwolfia serpentina,Rauwolfia verticillata,Rauwolfia tetraphylla and Rauwolfia vomitoria.Application of LC–MS followed by principal component analysis(PCA) has been successfully used to discriminate among six Rauwolfia species.

Engineering Terpenoid Indole Alkaloids Biosynthetic Pathway in Catharanthus roseus Hairy Root Cultures by Overexpressing the Geraniol 10-hydroxylase Gene

Catharanthus roseus contains important anti-tumor terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) such as vinblastine and vincristine. Cytochrome P450 enzyme geraniol 10-hydroxylase (G10H) is a putative rate-limiting enzyme involved in the TIAs biosynthetic pathway in C. roseus. In this study the g10h gene driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV 35S) promoter was introduced into C. roseus through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The integration and overexpression of the target gene (g10h) in hairy root lines were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and RT-QPCR analysis respectively. Overexpression of g10h in transgenic hairy root lines significantly enhanced the accumulations of monomeric alkaloid ajmalicine and dimeric alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine. Total TIAs production in hairy roots reached (9.51) mg/g DW, over 3-fold higher than that in the untransformed root lines. This is the first report that engineering of g10h into TIAs-producing plant species results in significant enhancement of TIAs accumulation in cultured hairy roots. This study demonstrates that the putative rate-limiting step catalyzed by G10H is indeed the real rate-limiting step involved in the TIAs biosynthetic pathway in C. roseus, which is one of the key targets for promoting TIAs production by genetic engineering.

Indole phytoalexin derivatives induce mitochondrialmediated apoptosis in human colorectal carcinoma cells

To investigate the mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of synthetic indole phytoalexin derivatives on human colorectal cancer cell lines. METHODSChanges in cell proliferation and the cytotoxic effect of the tested compounds on human colorectal cancer cell lines and human fibroblasts were evaluated using MTS and BrdU assay, allowing us to choose the most potent substance. Cell cycle alterations were analyzed using flow cytometric analysis. The apoptosis-inducing effect of compound K-453 on the HCT116 cell line was examined with annexin V/PI double staining using flow cytometry, as well as acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining. The flow cytometry method also allowed us to measure changes in levels or activation states of other factors associated with apoptosis, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3 and -9, cytochrome c, Bcl-2 family proteins, and also the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane. To evaluate activity of the transcription factors and proteins involved in signaling pathways we used Western blot analysis together with flow cytometry. RESULTSAmong the ten tested compounds, compound K-453 {(±)-trans-1,2-dimethoxy-2’-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethylphenylamino)spiro{indoline-3,5’[4’,5’]dihydrothiazol} exhibited the most potent activity with IC50 = 32.22 ± 1.14 μmol/L in human colorectal HCT116 cells and was thus selected for further studies. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a K-453-induced increase in the population of cells with sub-G1 DNA content, which is considered as a marker of apoptotic cell death. The apoptosis-inducing effect of compound K453 was also confirmed by annexin V/PI double staining and AO/PI staining. The apoptosis was associated with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, PARP cleavage, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation, release of cytochrome c, as well as changes in the levels of Bcl-2 family members. Moreover, flow cytometry showed that compound K-453 stimulates phosphorylation of p38 MAPK but decreases phosphorylation of Akt and Erk 1/2. Activation of p38 MAPK was also confirmed using Western blot analysis. This analysis also revealed down-regulation of NF-κB1 (p50) and RelA (p65) proteins and the loss of their anti-apoptotic activity. CONCLUSIONIn our study compound K-453 exhibited an antiproliferative effect by induction of intrinsic apoptosis as well as modulation of several signaling pathways.

Gallium trichloride-catalyzed conjugate addition of indole and pyrrole to α,β-unsaturated ketones in aqueous media

Michael addition of indole and pyrrole to a variety of α, β-unsaturated ketones was efficiently promoted by a catalytic amount of GaCl3 in aqueous media to afford the corresponding products in good to excellent yields.

Synthesis of Fischer indole derivatives using carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquid as an efficient and recyclable catalyst

Fischer indole cyclization of phenylhydrazine and various ketones using carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquid, 1-carboxymethyl- 3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate （abbreviated as [crnmim] [BF4]） as catalyst was successfully performed. The yields of the target compounds were 80-92%, the purities were 96-98%. The catalyst could be recovered and reused for at least six times without significant loss in activity.

Four new indole alkaloids from Plantago asiatica

Four new indole alkaloids,plasiaticines A-D(1-4),together with two known ones,were isolated from the seeds of Plantago asiatica.The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data.All compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity,and all compounds except 4 were tested for their acetylcholinesterase(AChE)inhibitory activities.

Indole Alkaloids Inhibiting Neural Stem Cell from Uncaria rhynchophylla

Uncaria rhynchophylla is commonly recognized as a traditional treatment for dizziness,cerebrovascular diseases,and nervous disorders in China.Previously,the neuro-protective activities of the alkaloids from U.rhynchophylla were intensively reported.In current work,three new indole alkaloids(1–3),identified as geissoschizic acid(1),geissoschizic acid N4-oxide(2),and 3b-sitsirikine N4-oxide(3),as well as 26 known analogues were isolated from U.rhynchophylla.However,in the neural stem cells(NSCs)proliferation assay for all isolated compounds,geissoschizic acid(1),geissoschizic acid N4-oxide(2),isocorynoxeine(6),isorhynchophylline(7),(4S)-akuammigine N-oxide(8),and(4S)-rhynchophylline N-oxide(10)showed unexpected inhibitory activities at 10 μM.Unlike previous neuro-protective reports,as a warning or caution,our finding showcased a clue for possible NSCs toxicity and the neural lesions risk of U.rhynchophylla,while the structure–activity relationships of the isolated compounds were discussed also.

Indole Alkaloids from the Roots of Ervatamia hainanensis

Two new indole alkaloids, named ibogamine-18-carboxylic acid, 3, 4-didehydro-7, 8-dioxo-methyl ester 1, ibogamine-18-carboxylic acid, 16, 17-didehydro-9, 17-dihydro-9-hydroxy （2-oxopropyl）-methyl ester 2, were isolated from Ervatamia hainanensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods.

Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Inadequately Dried Leaves of Alstonia scholaris

Six new indole alkaloids,named alstoniascholarines L–Q(1–6),together with nineteen known analogues were isolated from the inadequately dried leaves of Alstonia scholaris.Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive analysis of spectroscopic data and by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with the literature values.In addition,the new alkaloids were tested for their cytotoxic and neurite outgrowth-promoting activities.

Effect of Indole 3-Butyric Acid and Media Type on Adventitious Root Formation in Sheanut Tree (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>C. F. Gaertn.) Stem Cuttings

Shea nuts play an important role in food security for rural folks within sub-Sahara Africa, serving as the main source of income for many people living in Northern Ghana. Unfortunately, the full economic potential of the Sheanut tree has not been fully realized due to the difficulty involved in its domestication. This difficulty in vegetatively propagating sheanut trees has greatly hindered its cultivation and the realization of its true economic potential. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of rooting media and varying indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations on adventitious root formation in cuttings taken from coppiced sheanut trees. Results indicated that 3000 ppm produced significantly (p 0.05) better rooting (57.5%) than 5000 ppm (30%), 7000 ppm (45.0%) and the control (7.5%). Although the levels of soluble sugars (SS) and total free phenols (TFP) in the cutting were significantly (p 0.05) higher at the end of the experiment (after IBA treatment) compared to the start (prior to IBA treatment), the SS and TFP trends observed did not clearly explain the rooting differences found between the IBA levels investigated. Callus formation was significantly (p 0.05) higher (35.0%) in the control (no IBA). Generally, callus formation decreased with increasing IBA concentration. In the rooting media experiment, rooting was significantly (p 0.05) higher in the rice husk medium (35.0%) compared to that in the palm fiber (18.3%), saw dust (14.1%) and top soil (16.7%) media.

Acute and Sub-chronic Toxicity of Indole Alkaloids Extract from Leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in Beagle Dogs

Alstonia scholaris(L.)R.Br.,an evergreen tropical plant rich in indole alkaloids with significant physiological activity,is traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases in China.This study was conducted to establish the toxicity profile of the alkaloid extract(TA)of A.scholaris leaves in non-rodents.After oral administration of a single dose(4 g/kg.bw),a num-ber of transient symptoms,such as unsteady gait,drooling,emesis,and reddening of peri-oral mucosa,were observed,but no treatment-related mortality.A sub-chronic toxicity study with a range of doses of TA(20,60 and 120 mg/kg.bw)was conducted for a 13-week treatment period,followed by 4-week recovery observation.Except for emesis and drooling in majority of animals in 120 mg/kg.bw treatment group,no clinical changes were observed in TA-treated animals.Data from electrocardiography,bone marrow,urine,fecal,hematology and clinical chemistry analyses were comparable between TA-treated and control animals.No significant differences in the relative organ weights and histopathological characteristics were evident between the TA-treated and control groups.Accordingly,the non-observed-adverse-effect-level(NOAEL)of TA was established as 120 mg/kg.bw.Our results add further knowledge to the safety database for indole alkaloid extracts from A.scholaris with potential utility as novel drug candidates.