No abstract

Chemical investigation of Junceella juncea has resulted in the isolation of three new briaranes designated juncenolides M–O (1–3). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis including 2D-NMR (COSY, HMBC and NOESY) and HRMS. Compound 1 is a new chlorinated briarane while compound 3 contains a rare methyl ester at C-16. The anti-inflammatory activities tested on superoxide anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to FMLP/CB were evaluated.

Chemical investigation of the Taiwanese gorgonian coral Junceella juncea resulted in the isolation of four new briarane‐type diterpenoids, juncenolides H, I, J, and K (1–4). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, especially 1‐ and 2D‐NMR. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1–4 on superoxide‐anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils were evaluated.

Chemical investigation of Cespitularia taeniata has led to the isolation of three new verticillanes, cespitulins E-G (1-3, resp.). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, especially HR-MS and 2D-NMR techniques. Compound 1 possesses a rare norverticillane skeleton with two adjacent OH groups at C(5) and C(6), while the seco-compound 2 with an aldehyde group at C(9) results from an unusual bond cleavage between C(9) and C(10). Pharmacological studies revealed that compound 3 exhibited significant activities on superoxide-anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to FMLP/CB. A plausible biogenetic pathway for compound 2 is also discussed.