An activator protein-1 (AP-1) based bioassay guided phytochemical investigation on Podocarpus latifolius led to the isolation of three new sempervirol type diterpenes, cycloinumakiol (1), inumakal (2), and inumakoic acid (3) along with three known norditerpenes (4-6). Compounds 4 and 6 were responsible for the observed bioactivity.Carcinogenesis, the process of transforming normal cells into cancer cells, is a multistage process of initiation, promotion, and progression. The activator protein-1 (AP-1), an oncogenic transcription factor, is a heterodimeric or homodimeric protein complex that is required for tumor promotion and progression. 1,2 The heterodimer AP-1 consists of Jun (cJun, Jun B and Jun D) paired with Fos (c-Fos, Fos B, Fra 1 and Fra 2) proteins; homodimers of Jun proteins also exist. 3 The N-terminally truncated c-Jun (TAM67) mutant protein has been shown to form homodimers or heterodimers with other Jun or Fos family members, which bind to AP-1 sequences, that subsequently demonstrate no or diminished AP-1 transactivation. 4 It has been shown that molecules that mimic TAM67 in inhibiting 12-Otetradecanoyl probol-13-ester (TPA)-stimulated AP-1 activity may be valuable for the prevention and treatment of cancers. 1,2 Hence, a search for novel and specific AP-1 inhibitors from natural products, including those of plant origin, might be beneficial for the prevention and therapy of cancer. We recently developed a high throughput assay to screen natural product extracts for such inhibitors. 2 An organic solvent extract of the root bark of Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb. collected in Tanzania demonstrated activity in this assay and was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation.Podocarpus is one of the most widely distributed genera of the family Podocarpaceae, with about 100 species having diverse morphology, ecology, and chemical constituents. A number of medicinal and non-medicinal ethnobotanical uses are reported for the genus Podocarpus. 5 Different biological activities such as cytotoxic, antibacterial, anti-∇ Dedicated to Dr. Koji Nakanishi of Columbia University for his pioneering work on bioactive natural products.* To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: 301-846-1942, Fax: 301-846-6177, beutlerj@mail.nih Podocarpus latifolius is a slow-growing evergreen tree which can reach a height of 30 m. The norditerpene dilactone macrophyllic acid and several biflavones have previously been reported from P. latifolius. 12 Our bioassay guided phytochemical investigation with respect to AP-1 led to the isolation of three new (1-3) and three known (4-6) diterpenes.
Results and DiscussionThe fractionation of root bark extract (CH 2 Cl 2 -MeOH) of P. latifolius by successive diol and LH-20 column chromatography yielded three new (1-3) and three known (4-6) diterpenoids. Compound 1 was obtained as a reddish gum. The IR spectrum of 1 exhibited absorptions at 1601, and 1547 cm −1 due to oxymethylene and aromatic bonds, respectively. 13 The HREIMS analysis of 1 showed a molecular comp...