A series of C7-O- and C20-O-amidated 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHS) derivatives ((+/-)-1a-f and (+/-)-2), as well as a set of alkenylated DHS analogues ((+/-)-4a-f), were designed and de novo synthesized. A diesteric derivative of DHS ((+/-)-3) and two C23 esterified DHS analogues ((+/-)-5a and (+/-)-5b) were also prepared for comparison. The cell viability of PC12 cells, Fe(2+) chelation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), free radical scavenging, and xanthine oxidase inhibition models were utilized to evaluate their antioxidative and neuron protective properties. The study revealed that the diether at C7-OH and C20-OH as well as the monoether at C7-OH, which possess aliphatic substituted acetamides, demonstrated more potent LPO inhibition and Fe(2+) chelation compared to DHS and quercetin. Conversely, the diallyl ether at C7-OH and C20-OH was more potent in protection of PC12 cells against H(2)O(2)-induced injury than DHS and quercetin. Overall, the more lipophilic alkenylated DHS analogues were better performing neuroprotective agents than the acetamidated derivatives. The results in this study would be beneficial for optimizing the therapeutic potential of lignoflavonoids, especially in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

No abstract

Nidus vespae is a drug derived from insects that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). No systematic review has previously been made about this drug. This paper summarizes previous investigations about the 49 identified chemical constituents and clinical application of Nidus vespae, and explores its pharmacological mechanism of treating disease. Nidus vespae has been reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, intractable skin diseases, dental disease, rhinitis, respiratory disorders, cervical erosion etc. Nidus vespae can be used alone or in combination with other drugs and compounds for a wide range of clinical applications. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference for further development and utilization of Nidus vespae.

A series of isodeoxypodophyllotoxin (5) analogues, 26-38, with various isoprene-derived side chains at the E-ring were designed and synthesized. For comparison, compound 39, with a benzyloxy group on the E-ring, and six D-ring opened analogues, 40-45, were also prepared. All the synthetic compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities in vitro against seven cultured human tumor cell lines. Compounds 27, 43, and 44 were more cytotoxic than etoposide on BEL-7404, A549, and HL-60 cell lines, respectively. However, none of the synthetic isodeoxypodophyllotoxins were more cytotoxic than podophyllotoxin (1).

Objective: The present study probes into the microbial community structure in Periplaneta americana under different breeding conditions,