Xiaowei Sunab,
Yanling Genga,
Xiao Wanga,
Dawei Qin*b and
Jinqian Yu
*a
aQilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of TCM Quality Control Technology, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China. E-mail: yujinqian87528@126.com
bSchool of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, Chin. E-mail: aqdw109@163.com
First published on 3rd January 2020
Eight new cembrane-type diterpenoids, boscartins AH–AK (1–8), along with two known ones (9-10), were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. Compounds 1–3 were characteristic of high oxidation assignable to three epoxy groups, while compounds 4–8 were characteristic of two epoxy groups. Spectroscopic examination was used to elucidate their structures. All isolates were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against HCT-116 human colon cancer cells, anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production, and hepatoprotective activity in vitro. All of them showed weak antiproliferative activity (IC50 > 100 μM), 8 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on NO production (IC50 of 14.8 μM), with the others showing weak anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 > 30 μM), and 1 exhibited more potent hepatoprotective activity than the positive control, bicyclol, at 10 μM against the damage induced by paracetamol in HepG2 cells.
As part of an ongoing research for cembrane-type diterpenoids with diverse structures and significant activities from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii, a phytochemical investigation of the petroleum ether extract was conducted on the basis of the cytotoxic activity against HCT 116 cell, anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production, and hepatoprotective activity in vitro. During this study, eight new cembrane-type diterpenoids (1–8) and two known ones (9-10) (Fig. 1) were obtained from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. What's interesting, all the obtained cembrane-type diterpenoids were characteristic of high oxidation assignable to multiple epoxy groups. Herein, the isolation and structural elucidation of the new compounds are discussed, as well as the antiproliferative activity against HCT-116 human colon cancer cell, anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production, and protective effect on cytotoxicity induced by paracetamol in HepG2 cells of all the isolated compounds.
Compound 1 was presented as colorless oil, the molecular formula of which was determined as C22H34O5 based on its positive HRESIMS ion peak at m/z 379.2505 [M + H]+ (calcd for 379.2440) with six indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3476 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1736 cm−1) groups. Its 1H NMR data (Table 1) displayed signals of one isopropyl at δH 0.91 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, Me-16), 0.96 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, Me-17), 2.17 (1H, m, H-15), three methyl singlets at δH 1.18 (3H, s, Me-20), 1.34 (3H, s, Me-18) and 1.51 (3H, s, Me-19), one olefinic proton at δH 5.43 (1H, dd, J = 6.0, 10.8 Hz, H-9) and four oxymethine protons at δH 4.75 (1H, d, J = 10.8 Hz, H-11) and 2.94 (1H, dt, J = 4.0, 8.8 Hz, H-6). Its further analysis of the 13C NMR and HSQC spectra showed signals of five methyls, five methylenes, six methines including one olefinic methine at δC 125.3 (C-9), four oxymethines at δC 59.2 (C-3), 53.6 (C-6), 56.1 (C-7), 80.9 (C-11), and four quaternary carbons including three oxygenated tertiary carbons at δC 89.0 (C-1), 57.7 (C-4), and 83.8 (C-12), and one quaternary olefinic carbon at δC 137.9 (C-8). Thus, the aforementioned evidence hinted at the presence of the diagnostic cembrane-type diterpenoid with one isopropyl, three methyl singlets, and one double bond in compound 1. What's more, one acetyl group was also revealed in compound 1 deduced by δH 2.08 (3H, s) and δC 170.8, 21.1, in conjuction with IR absorption at 1709 cm−1, assigned to C-11 based on the HMBC correlation of
No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
δHa | δCa | δH | δC | δH | δC | δH | δC | |
a 1H and 13C NMR spectra were obtained in CDCl3. | ||||||||
1 | 89.0 | 88.2 | 88.9 | 88.9 | ||||
2a | 2.01 m | 36.4 | 1.84 d(15.2) | 35.1 | 1.95 d(15.2) | 36.4 | 1.83 dd(3.2, 15.2) | 35.3 |
2b | 1.64 overlapped | 1.60 dd(10.4, 15.2) | 1.60 overlapped | 1.58 dd(5.2, 15.2) | ||||
3 | 3.06 dd(2.4, 4.0) | 59.2 | 3.08 d(10.4) | 57.8 | 3.14 t(3.2) | 60.1 | 2.92 dd(3.2, 5.2) | 59.4 |
4 | 57.7 | 57.2 | 58.8 | 59.2 | ||||
5a | 2.79 dd(4.0, 13.2) | 42.9 | 2.61 dd(2.4, 13.8) | 41.4 | 1.65 overlapped | 36.0 | 2.11 m | 37.2 |
5b | 0.78 dd(13.2, 10.4) | 1.08 dd(10.4, 13.8) | 1.42 m | 1.45 overlapped | ||||
6a | 2.94 dt(8.8, 4.0) | 53.6 | 2.73 d(10.4) | 60.1 | 1.81 m | 25.2 | 2.25 m(2H) | 23.4 |
6b | 1.67 m | |||||||
7 | 3.56 s | 56.1 | 3.03 s | 57.8 | 3.03 dd(3.6, 6.4) | 58.8 | 5.59 t(6.8) | 128.8 |
8 | 137.9 | 143.2 | 59.9 | 134.5 | ||||
9a | 5.43 dd(6.0, 10.8) | 125.3 | 2.38 m | 32.3 | 1.61 overlapped | 30.6 | 4.10 d(10.8) | 87.2 |
9b | 2.20 m | 1.58 overlapped | ||||||
10a | 2.86 td(0.8, 10.8) | 27.6 | 2.15 m | 26.5 | 1.72 m | 23.8 | 2.07 d(12.8) | 31.9 |
10b | 2.14 td(10.8, 6.0) | 1.90 m | 1.49 m | 1.82 dt(12.8, 10.8) | ||||
11 | 4.75 d(10.8) | 80.9 | 4.82 dd(1.6, 11.6) | 76.3 | 4.84 d(11.2) | 79.4 | 4.78 d(10.8) | 76.1 |
12 | 83.8 | 84.1 | 84.1 | 83.0 | ||||
13a | 1.96 overlapped | 35.7 | 1.97 overlapped | 31.5 | 1.93 overlapped | 35.6 | 1.88 overlapped | 35.4 |
13b | 1.64 overlapped | 1.58 overlapped | 1.65 overlapped | 1.65 overlapped | ||||
14a | 1.95 overlapped | 30.0 | 1.97 overlapped | 35.4 | 1.94 overlapped | 29.9 | 1.89 overlapped | 29.8 |
14b | 1.64 overlapped | 1.66 m | 1.43 m | 1.46 overlapped | ||||
15 | 2.17 m | 32.7 | 1.99 overlapped | 34.5 | 1.80 overlapped | 32.9 | 2.09 overlapped | 33.0 |
16 | 0.91 d(6.8) | 18.7 | 0.91 d(6.8) | 17.9 | 0.93 d(6.8) | 18.8 | 0.90 overlapped | 17.1 |
17 | 0.96 d(6.8) | 16.8 | 0.94 d(6.8) | 17.6 | 0.95 d(6.8) | 16.9 | 0.90 overlapped | 17.1 |
18 | 1.34 s | 17.9 | 1.34 s | 18.3 | 1.27 s | 19.2 | 1.23 s | 17.1 |
19 | 1.51 s | 17.6 | 4.92 s, 4.74 s | 110.8 | 1.27 s | 17.0 | 1.73 s | 14.5 |
20 | 1.18 s | 21.5 | 1.20 s | 22.4 | 1.10 s | 21.5 | 1.16 s | 21.5 |
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2.08 s | 21.1 | 2.10 s | 21.1 | 2.09 s | 21.2 | 2.11 s | 21.3 |
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170.8 | 170.6 | 171.2 | 171.3 | ||||
OH | 7.93 s (OH-9) |
The cembrane-type planar structure of 1 was unambiguously elucidated by the integrated evidence provided by the 2D NMR experiments. Five different substructural fragments a (C-2–C-3), b (C-5–C-6–C-7), c (C-9–C-10–C-11), d (C-13–C-14), e (C-15–C-16 and C-15–C-17) were readily identified by the correlations from the COSY spectrum, the connectivities of which were achieved by the HMBC correlations (Fig. 2). Pivotal correlations of H2-2, H-3, H-15, Me-16 and Me-17 to C-1; H2-2, H-3, H2-5, H-6, and Me-18 to C-4; H-6, H-7, H-9, H2-10, and Me-19 to C-8; H2-10, H-11, H2-14, and Me-20 to C-12, H-15 to C-1, C-2, C-12 and C-14 from the HMBC data, confirmed the cyclization of a 14-membered macrocycle but also the linkage of the isopropyl to this macrocycle. Additionally, 3 of 6 degrees of unsaturation were accounted for a double bond, an acetyl carbonyl, and a macrocycle, which allowed the remain three degrees of unsaturation for three additional epoxy rings of 1:12-epoxide, 3:4-epoxide, and 6:7-epoxide, in conjuction with the molecular formula and 13C NMR data. The 8, 9 double bond was located according to the HMBC correlations of H-9/C-7/C-8/C-10/C-11, Me-19/C-7/C-8/C-9, and H-7/C-5/C-8/C-9/Me-19. Thus, the planar structure of 1 was assigned as 1:12,3:4,6:7-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-8-cembranene, which represented the first cembrane-type diterpenoid with three epoxy bridges at 1:12, 3:4, and 6:7.
The configurations and structure of 1 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants. The NOE correlations of H-3/H-5b, H-7; H-6/H-7, Me-18, Me-19; H-7/H-3, H-5b; H-10a/Me-20, H-3, H-7, H-11; H-10b/H-9; and H-11/H-3, H-10a, Me-20, showed that H-3, H-6, H-7, H-10a, H-11, Me-18 and Me-20 were all in β, thus, rendering the 3,4-oxirane, 6,7-oxirane and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). Additionally, the large coupling constant of JH-9,H-10a = 10.8 Hz, and the small coupling constant of JH-9,H-10b = 6.0 Hz, as well as the large coupling constant of JH-11,H-10b = 10.8 Hz, and the small coupling constant of JH-11,H-10a = 0.8 Hz, indicated not only a less than 90° torsional angle between the intersecting H(9)C(9)C(8) and H(10b)C(10)C(9) flats, but also a approximately 180° torsional angle between the intersecting H(10b)C(10)C(11) and H(11)C(11)C(10) flats (Fig. 3), ascertaining the α orientation of the acetyl group at C-11. Similarly, the large coupling constant of JH-5b,H-6 = 10.4 Hz, and the small coupling constant of JH-5a,H-6 = 4.0 Hz, as well as the large coupling constant of JH-5a,H-5b = 13.2 Hz, and the singlet of H-7, indicated not only a approximately 180° torsional angle between the intersecting H(6)C(6)C(5) and H(5b)C(5)C(6) flats, but also the α orientation of the 6,7-oxirane group (Fig. 3). In addition, the olefinic geometry of C-8/C-9 was ascertained as Z form by the NOE correlations of H-9/Me-19. Hence, the structure of 1 was defined as (1S,3R,4S,6R,7R,11R,12R,8Z)-1:12,3:4,6:7-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-8-cembrene (boscartins AH) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0.
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Fig. 3 Key NOE (![]() |
Compound 2 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H34O5 as determined to be the same with 1 by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 379.2521 [M + H]+, calcd for 379.2440), with six indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3395 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1733 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 2 were detailedly compared with those of 1, evidencing that 2 was an isomer of 1, which was further confirmed by the integrated evidence provided by the 1D and 2D NMR experiments (Table 1). The 1H NMR data of 2 established not only the replacement of an olefinic methine in 1 by an exo methylene at δH 2.38 and 2.20 (H2-9), but also the replacement of an allylic methyl in 1 by a olefinic exomethylene at δH 4.92 and 4.74 (H2-19). The 13C NMR data of 2 established the replacement of trisubstituted double bond at C8–C9 in 1 by a gem-disubstituted double bond at C8–C19 [C-8 (δC 143.2) and C-19 (δC 110.8)]. Additionally, the HMBC correlations of H2-9 to C-7 (δC 57.8), C-8, C-10 (δC 26.5), C-11 (δC 76.3), C-19, and H2-19 to C-7, C-8, C-9, confirmed the location of the double bond at C8–C19. Thus, the planar structure of 2 was assigned as 1:12,3:4,6:7-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-8,19-cembranene.
The configurations and structure of 2 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants. The NOE correlations of H-3/H-2a, H-5b, H-6, H-11, Me-16; H-2a/Me-18; H-5b/H-3, H-7, Me-16, Me-17; H-6/H-9b, H-11, H-19, Me-18; H-7/H-5b, H-11; and H-11/H-3, H-6, Me-18, Me-20, showed that H-3, H-2a, H-5b, H-6, H-7, H-11, Me-18 and Me-20 were all in β, thus, rendering the 3,4-oxirane, 6,7-oxirane and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). Additionally, the large coupling constant of JH-3,H-2b = 10.4 Hz, JH-5a,H-5b = 13.8 Hz, J H-6,H-5b = 10.4 Hz, JH-11,H-10b = 11.6 Hz, and the small coupling constant of JH-5a,H-6 = 2.4 Hz, JH-6,H-7 = 0 Hz, JH-11,H-10a = 1.6 Hz, as well as the biogenetic consideration, also indicated the above assigned orientations for H-3, H-6, H-7, H-11. Hence, the structure of 2 was defined as (1S,3R,4S,6R,7R,11R,12R)-1:12,3:4,6:7-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-8,19-cembrene (boscartins AI) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0.
Compound 3 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H36O5 as determined by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 381.2653 [M + H]+, calcd for 381.2596), with five indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3455 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1734 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 3 were carefully compared with those of 1, clearly evidencing the consistent 1:12,3:4-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-containing cembrane type backbone between them, with the difference ascribed to signals at C-6 (δC 25.2), C-7 (δC 58.8), C-8 (δC 59.9), and C-9 (δC 30.6). The 1H NMR data of 3 established not only the replacement of an oxymethine in 1 by an exo methylene at δH 1.81 and 1.67 (H2-6), but also the replacement of an olefinic methine in 1 by an exo methylene at δH 1.61 and 1.58 (H2-9). The 13C NMR data of 3 established the epoxy ring of 6:7-epoxide in 1 was migrated to C-7 and C-8 in 3, and the trisubstituted double bond at C8–C9 in 1 was hydrogenised in 3. In-depth 2D NMR scrutiny established the above deduction. Obviously, the notable HMBC correlations of H-7 (δH 3.03) to C-5 (δC 36.0), C-6, C-8, C-9, Me-19 (δC 17.0) and Me-19 (δH 1.27) to C-7, C-8, C-9 indicated an oxygen bridge between C-7 and C-8, constructing a 1:12,3:4,7:8-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-cembrane motif for 3.
The configurations and structure of 3 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants. The NOE correlations of H-3/H-15, Me-16, Me-17; H-7/H-11, Me-16, Me-17, Me-18, Me-19; H-11/H-7, H-10a, Me-18, Me-19, Me-20, showed that H-3, H-7, H-11, Me-18, Me-19 and Me-20 were all in β, thus, rendering the 3,4-oxirane, 7,8-oxirane and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). Additionally, the large coupling constant of JH-11,H-10b = 11.2 Hz also indicated the above assigned orientation for H-11. Hence, the structure of 3 was defined as (1S,3R,4S,7R,8S,11R,12R)-1:12,3:4,7:8-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-cembrane (boscartins AJ) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0, as well as the biogenetic consideration.
Compound 4 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H36O5 as determined by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 379.2357 [M − H]−, calcd for 381.2596), with five indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3454 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1737 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 4 were carefully compared with those of 9 (boscartins Q), clearly evidencing the resembled 1:12,3:4-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-7-cembranene type backbone between them. The only difference between them was ascribed to the migration of a hydroxy group from C-6 in 9 to C-9 in 4, which was further supported by the well-resolved HMBC correlations of H-6 (δH 2.25)/C-4 (δC 59.2), C-5 (δC 37.2), C-7 (δC 128.8), C-8 (δC 134.5); H-7 (δH 5.59)/C-5, C-6 (δC 23.4), C-9 (δC 87.2), Me-19 (δC 14.5); H-9 (δH 4.10)/C-7, C-8, C-10 (δC 31.9), C-11 (δC 76.1), Me-19; H-11 (δH 4.78)/C-9, C-10, C-12 (δC 83.0), C-13 (δC 35.4), Me-20 (δC 21.5), (δC 171.3); Me-19 (δH 1.73)/C-7, C-8, C-9, thus, constructing a 1:12,3:4-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-7-cembranene-9-ol motif for 4.
The configurations and structure of 4 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants, as well as comparison those with 9. The NOE correlations of H-3/H-7, H-11, H-15, Me-16, Me-17, Me-18; H-9/H-7, H-10a, H-11; H-11/H-3, H-9, H-10a, Me-20; Me-18/H-3 showed that H-3, H-9, H-11, Me-18 and Me-20 were all in β, thus, rendering the 3,4-oxirane, the hydroxy group at C-9 and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). The NOE correlations of H-11 and Me-18 were opposite to those observed in 9, further ascertaining the above orientations for H-3, H-9, H-11, and Me-18. Additionally, the large coupling constants of JH-9,H-10b = 10.8 Hz, JH-11,H-10b = 10.8 Hz, and JH-10a,H-10b = 12.8 Hz, as well as the little coupling of H-9/H-10a and H-11/H-10a, indicated an approximately 180° torsional angle not only between the intersecting H(9)C(9)C(10) and H(10b)C(10)C(9) flats, but also between the intersecting H(10b)C(10)C(11) and H(11)C(11)C(10) flats (Fig. 3), ascertaining the α orientations for the hydroxy group at C-9 and the acetyl group at C-11. Based on the NOE correlations of H-7/H-3 and Me-19/H-9, the olefinic geometry of C-7/C-8 was ascertained as E form. Hence, the structure of 4 was defined as (1S,3R,4S,9S,11R,12R,8E)-1:12,3:4-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-7-cembranene-9-ol (boscartins AK) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0, as well as the biogenetic consideration.
Compound 5 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H36O5 as determined to be the same with 4 by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 381.2635 [M + H]+, calcd for 381.2596), with five indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3425 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1731 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 5 were detailedly compared with those of 4, evidencing that 5 was an isomer of 4, which was further confirmed by the integrated evidence provided by the 1D and 2D NMR experiments (Table 1). The 1H NMR data of 5 established not only the replacement of an oxymethine in 4 by an olefinic methine at δH 5.12 (H-3), but also the replacement of an olefinic methine in 4 by an oxymethine at δH 3.66 (H-7). The 13C NMR data of 5 established the replacement of an epoxy ring of 3:4-epoxide in 4 by a trisubstituted double bond at C3–C4 in 5 [C-3 (δC 118.9) and C-4 (δC 135.4)], the replacement of a trisubstituted double bond at C7–C8 in 4 by an oxymethine at C-7 (δC 69.7) and a nonprotonated oxygenated tertiary carbon at C-8 (δC 64.8). Additionally, the HMBC correlations of H-3 to C-1 (δC 89.2), C-2 (δC 28.8), C-5 (δC 32.3), Me-18 (δC 18.7); H-7 to C-6 (δC 31.2), C-8, Me-19 (δC 16.4); OH-7 (δH 4.25) to C-7; H-9 (δH 2.71) to C-8, C-10 (δC 27.7), Me-19; H-11 to C-9 (δC 63.8), C-10, C-12 (δC 82.8), C-13 (δC 35.3), Me-20 (δC 22.3), (δC 170.9); Me-18 (δH 1.64) to C-3, C-4, C-5; Me-19 (δH 1.27) to C-7, C-8, C-9, confirmed the location of the double bond at C3–C4, the hydroxy group at C-7, and the epoxy ring at C8–C9, in association with the five degrees of unsaturation. Thus, the planar structure of 5 was assigned as 1:12,8:9-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-3-cembranene-6-ol.
The configurations and structure of 5 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants, as well as comparison those with 4. The NOE correlations of H-7/H-10b, Me-19; H-9/H-11, Me-19; H-11/H-9, H-10b; H-10a/Me-20, in association with the absence of H-11/Me-20, and H-7/Me-20, showed that H-10a and Me-20 were both in β, and H-7, H-9, H-11, and Me-19 were all in α, thus, rendering the hydroxy group at C-7, the 8,9-oxirane, and the acetyl group at C-11 to be β orientations (Fig. 3). The NOE correlations of H-11 were opposite to those observed in 4, further ascertaining the above orientations for H-7, H-9, H-11, and Me-19. Additionally, the large coupling constants of JH-7,H-6b = 10.0 Hz, JH-9,H-10a = 10.8 Hz, and JH-11,H-10a = 11.6 Hz, as well as small coupling constant of JH-9,H-10b = 3.2 Hz and the little coupling of H-7/H-6a and H-11/H-10b, indicated an approximately 180° torsional angle between the intersecting H(6b)C(6)C(7) and H(7)C(7)C(6) flats, between the intersecting H(9)C(9)C(10) and H(10a)C(10)C(9) flats, between the intersecting H(10a)C(10)C(11) and H(11)C(11)C(10) flats (Fig. 3), ascertaining the β orientations for the hydroxy group at C-9, the epoxy ring at C8–C9, and the acetyl group at C-11. Based on the NOE correlations of H-3/H-10b and Me-18/H-2a, the olefinic geometry of C-3/C-4 was ascertained as E form. Hence, the structure of 5 was defined as (1S,7S,8S,9R,11S,12R,3E)-1:12,8:9-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-3-cembranene-7-ol (boscartins AL) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0, as well as the biogenetic consideration.
Compound 6 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H36O5 as determined to be the same with 4 and 5 by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 403.2455 [M + Na]+, calcd for 403.2460), with five indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3427 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1733 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 6 were detailedly compared with those of 4 and 5, evidencing that 6 was an isomer of 4 and 5, which was further confirmed by the integrated evidence provided by the 1D and 2D NMR experiments (Table 2). The 1H NMR data of 6 established not only the replacement of an exo methylene in 5 by an olefinic methine at δH 5.69 (H-2), but also the replacement of an oxymethine in 5 by an exo methylene at δH 1.99, 0.89 (H2-9). The 13C NMR data of 6 established the migration of a double bond from C3–C4 in 5 to C2–C3 [C-2 (δC 135.9), C-3 (δC 131.2)], and the replacement of a trisubstituted olefinic carbon at C4 in 5 by a nonprotonated oxygenated tertiary carbon at C-4 (δC 81.3), as well as the migration of an epoxy ring from C8–C9 in 5 to C7–C8 [C-7 (δC 64.4), C-8 (δC 61.4) and C-9 (δC 34.3)]. Additionally, the HMBC correlations of H-2 to C-1 (δC 88.9), C-3, C-4, C-14 (δC 34.4); H-3 (δH 5.63) to C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5 (δC 35.0), Me-18 (δC 23.4); OH-4 (δH 10.83) to C-4; H-7 (δH 2.91) to C-5, C-6 (δC 21.9), C-8; H-11 (δH 4.91) to C-9 (δC 34.3), C-10 (δC 25.8), C-12 (δC 83.6), Me-20 (δC 21.2), (δC 171.2); Me-18 (δH 1.30) to C-3, C-4, C-5; Me-19 (δH 1.30) to C-7, C-8, C-9, confirmed the location of the double bond at C2–C3, the hydroxy group at C-4, and the epoxy ring at C7–C8, in association with the five degrees of unsaturation. Thus, the planar structure of 6 was assigned as 1:12,7:8-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-2-cembranene-4-ol.
No. | 5a | 6b | 7a | 8a | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
δH | δC | δH | δC | δH | δC | δH | δC | |
a 1H and 13C NMR spectra were obtained in CDCl3.b 1H and 13C NMR spectra were obtained in DMSO-d6. | ||||||||
1 | 89.2 | 88.9 | 89.9 | 89.8 | ||||
2a | 2.32 dd(5.6, 16.0) | 28.8 | 5.69 d(15.6) | 135.9 | 1.89 m | 28.5 | 2.47 dd(6.0, 14.0) | 31.5 |
2b | 1.97 dd(5.6, 16.0) | 1.87 m | 2.38 dd(10.0, 14.0) | |||||
3a | 5.12 t(5.6) | 118.9 | 5.63 d(15.6) | 131.2 | 2.37 m | 30.8 | 6.54 dd(6.0, 9.2) | 141.1 |
3b | 1.99 m | |||||||
4 | 135.4 | 81.3 | 146.4 | 141.1 | ||||
5a | 2.23 m | 32.3 | 2.13 m | 35.0 | 3.18 s | 58.5 | 198.8 | |
5b | 2.17 m | 1.74 overlapped | ||||||
6a | 1.85 overlapped | 31.2 | 1.74 overlapped | 21.9 | 2.90 dt(9.6, 2.0) | 62.4 | 2.95 dd(8.8, 13.6) | 40.6 |
6b | 1.76 overlapped | 1.55 overlapped | 2.82 d(13.6) | |||||
7a | 3.66 d(10.0) | 69.7 | 2.91 t(5.6) | 64.4 | 2.75 d(16.8) | 40.9 | 3.25 d(8.4) | 59.8 |
7b | 1.86 overlapped | |||||||
8 | 64.8 | 61.4 | 133.7 | 61.7 | ||||
9a | 2.71 dd(3.2, 10.8) | 63.8 | 1.99 overlapped | 34.3 | 5.31 dd(5.6, 9.6) | 120.6 | 2.06 m | 34.1 |
9b | 0.89 m | 0.96 m | ||||||
10a | 2.11 dt(11.6, 2.8) | 27.7 | 1.90 overlapped | 25.8 | 2.21 dd(5.6, 14.4) | 29.3 | 1.93 m | 25.1 |
10b | 2.14 t(11.6) | 1.53 overlapped | 2.11 dt(9.6, 14.4) | 1.63 overlapped | ||||
11 | 4.90 d(11.6) | 74.4 | 4.91 d(9.6) | 77.1 | 4.93 dd(3.2, 9.6) | 76.4 | 4.70 d(10.8) | 74.2 |
12 | 82.8 | 83.6 | 83.5 | 83.2 | ||||
13a | 1.76 overlapped | 35.3 | 1.55 overlapped (2H) | 35.6 | 1.74 overlapped | 35.8 | 1.67 overlapped (2H) | 34.9 |
13b | 1.71 overlapped | 1.70 overlapped | ||||||
14a | 1.80 overlapped | 31.0 | 1.84 overlapped (2H) | 34.4 | 1.73 overlapped(2H) | 30.3 | 1.78 overlapped | 30.7 |
14b | 1.76 overlapped | 1.66 overlapped | ||||||
15 | 1.76 overlapped | 36.0 | 1.65 m | 38.2 | 1.80 m | 36.3 | 1.83 m | 36.8 |
16 | 0.87 d(6.8) | 19.0 | 0.81 t(6.8) (6H) | 18.8 | 0.88 d(6.8) | 19.0 | 0.93 d(6.8) | 19.0 |
17 | 0.95 d(6.8) | 16.7 | 0.81 t(6.8) (6H) | 17.7 | 0.97 d(6.8) | 16.7 | 1.01 d(6.8) | 16.8 |
18 | 1.64 s | 18.7 | 1.30 s(6H) | 23.4 | 4.92 s, 4.81 s | 109.4 | 1.79 s | 11.8 |
19 | 1.27 s | 16.4 | 1.30 s(6H) | 16.9 | 1.64 s | 17.9 | 1.44 s | 17.0 |
20 | 1.23 s | 22.3 | 1.05 s | 21.2 | 1.20 s | 22.9 | 1.18 s | 22.0 |
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2.10 s | 21.1 | 2.00 s | 21.3 | 2.10 s | 21.2 | 2.00 s | 21.0 |
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170.9 | 171.2 | 171.3 | 171.0 | ||||
OH | 4.79 d(4.8) (OH-7) | 10.78 s(OH-4) |
The configurations and structure of 6 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants, as well as comparison those with 4 and 5. The NOE correlations of OH-4/H-5a, Me-16, Me-19; H-7/H-9b, H-11, Me-19; H-11/H-7, H-9b, H-10a, Me-19, Me-20; H-10a/Me-20, showed that OH-4, H-7, H-11, Me-19 and Me-20 were both in β, and Me-18 was in α, thus, rendering the hydroxy group at C-4, the 7,8-oxirane, and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). Additionally, the large coupling constant of JH-11,H-10b = 9.6 Hz, as well as the little coupling of H-11/H-10b, ascertained the β orientation for the hydroxy group at C-4, as well as the α orientations for the epoxy ring at C7–C8 and the acetyl group at C-11. Based on the large coupling constant of JH-2,H-3 = 15.6 Hz, the olefinic geometry of C-2/C-3 was ascertained as E form. Hence, the structure of 6 was defined as (1S,4R,7S,8R,11R,12R,2E)-1:12,7:8-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-2-cembranene-4-ol (boscartins AM) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0, as well as the biogenetic consideration.
Compound 7 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H34O4 as determined by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 385.2346 [M + Na]+, calcd for 385.2355), with six indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3442 cm−1) and ester carbonyl (1731 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 7 were detailedly compared with those of 1, clearly evidencing the consistent 1:12-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-8-cembranene type backbone between them, with the difference ascribed to signals at C-3 (δC 30.8), C-4 (δC 146.4), C-5 (δC 58.5), C-7 (δC 40.9) and Me-18 (δC 109.4). The 1H NMR data of 7 established the replacement of an oxymethine in 1 by an exo methylene at δH 2.37 and 1.99 (H2-3), the replacement of an exo methylene in 1 by an oxymethine at δH 3.18 (H-5), the replacement of an oxymethine in 1 by an exo methylene at δH 2.75 and 1.86 (H2-7), and the replacement of a methyl in 1 by an olefinic exomethylene at δH 4.92 and 4.81 (H2-18). The 13C NMR data of 7 established the epoxy ring of 3:4-epoxide and the linked methyl at C-18 in 1 were transformed into an exo methylene at C-3 and a gem-disubstituted double bond at C4–C18, and the migration of an epoxy ring from C6–C7 in 1 to C5–C6 [C-5, C-6 (δC 62.4), C-7]. In-depth 2D NMR scrutiny established the above deduction. Obviously, the notable HMBC correlations of H-3 to C-2 (δC 28.5), C-4, C-5, Me-18; H-5 to C-4, C-6, C-7, Me-18; H-6 (δH 2.90) to C-7; H-7a (δH 2.75) to C-6, C-8 (δC 133.7), C-9 (δC 120.6); H-9 (δH 5.31) to C-7, Me-19 (δC 17.9); H-11 (δH 4.93) to C-12 (δC 83.5), C-13 (δC 35.8), Me-20 (δC 22.9), (δC 171.3); H2-18 to C-3, C-4, C-5; Me-19 (δH 1.64) to C-7, C-8, C-9, indicated a gem-disubstituted double bond at C4–C18, an oxygen bridge between C-5 and C-6, and a trisubstituted double bond at C8–C9, constructing a 1:12,5:6-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-4(18),7-cembrandien motif for 7.
The configurations and structure of 7 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants, as well as comparison those with 1. The NOE correlations of H-5/H-3a, H-7a, H-11, Me-16, Me-20; H-6/H-3a, H-7a, H-11, Me-17, Me-20; H-11/H-5, H-10a, Me-20, showed that H-5, H-6, H-11, Me-16, Me-17 and Me-20 were both in β, thus, rendering the 5,6-oxirane, and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). Additionally, the large coupling constant of JH-6,H-7b = 9.6 Hz, JH-7a,H-7b = 16.8 Hz, JH-9,H-10b = 9.6 Hz, JH-11,H-10b = 9.6 Hz, as well as the little coupling of H-5/H-6 and the small coupling constant of JH-6,H-7a = 2.0 Hz, JH-9,H-10a = 5.6 Hz, JH-11,H-10a = 3.2 Hz, ascertained the α orientations for the epoxy ring at C5–C6 and the acetyl group at C-11. Based on the NOE correlations of H-9/Me-19, the olefinic geometry of C-8/C-9 was ascertained as Z form. Hence, the structure of 7 was defined as (1R,5R,6R,11R,12R,8Z)-1:12,5:6-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-4(18),7-cembrandien (boscartins AN) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0, as well as the biogenetic consideration.
Compound 8 was presented as colorless oil with the molecular formula of C22H34O5 as determined by its positive HRESIMS experiment (m/z 379.2487 [M + H]+, calcd for 379.2440), with six indices of hydrogen deficiency. The IR spectrum suggested the absorption bands for hydroxy (3448 cm−1), ester carbonyl (1737 cm−1), and conjugated carbonyl (1687 cm−1) groups. The 1H and 13C NMR data of 8 were detailedly compared with those of 10 (boscartins Z), clearly evidencing the consistent 1:12-triepoxy-11-acetoxy-5-oxo-3-cembranene type backbone between them, with the difference ascribed to signals at C-6 (δC 40.6), C-7 (δC 59.8), and C-8 (δC 61.7). The 1H NMR data of 8 established the replacement of an olefinic methine in 10 by an exo methylene at δH 2.95 and 2.82 (H2-6), and the replacement of an olefinic methine in 10 by an oxymethine at δH 3.25 (H-7). The 13C NMR data of 8 established the replacement of a double bond in 10 by an exo methylene and an oxymethine at C-6 and C-7. In-depth 2D NMR scrutiny established the above deduction. Obviously, the notable HMBC correlations of H-3 (δH 6.54) to C-2 (δC 31.5), C-5 (δC 198.8), Me-18 (δC 11.8); H-6 to C-4 (δC 141.1), C-5, C-7; H-7 to C-5, C-6; H-9a (δH 2.06) to C-8, C-10 (δC 25.1), C-11 (δC 74.2), Me-19 (δC 17.0); H-10a (δH 1.93) to C-8, C-9 (δC 34.1); H-11 (δH 4.70) to C-9, C-10, C-12 (δC 83.2), Me-20 (δC 22.0), (δC 171.0); Me-19 (δH 1.44) to C-7, C-8, C-9, indicated a trisubstituted double bond at C3–C4, a keto at C-5, an oxygen bridge between C-7 and C-8, in association with the six degrees of unsaturation. Thus, the planar structure of 8 was assigned as 1:12,7:8-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-5-oxo-3-cembranene.
The configurations and structure of 8 were further established by analysis of its NOESY correlations and coupling constants, as well as comparison those with 10. The NOE correlations of H-7/H-6b, H-11, Me-17, Me-19, Me-20; H-11/H-3, H-7, H-10a, Me-17, Me-19, Me-20; Me-19/H-9a, H-10a; Me-20/H-10a, showed that H-7, H-11, Me-17, Me-19 and Me-20 were both in β, thus, rendering the 7,8-oxirane, and the acetyl group at C-11 to be α orientations (Fig. 3). Additionally, the large coupling constant of JH-7,H-6a = 8.8 Hz, JH-6a,H-6b = 13.6 Hz, JH-11,H-10b = 10.8 Hz, as well as the little coupling of H-7/H-6b and H-11/H-10b, ascertained the α orientations for the epoxy ring at C7–C8 and the acetyl group at C-11. Based on the NOE correlations of H-3/H-6b, H-11, Me-19, and Me-18/H-2b, the olefinic geometry of C-3/C-4 was ascertained as E form. Hence, the structure of 8 was defined as (1S,7R,8S,11R,12R,8Z)-1:12,7:8-diepoxy-11-acetoxy-5-oxo-3-cembranene (boscartins AO) with the aid of a computer-modeled 3D structure (Fig. 3) generated by MM2 force field calculations for energy minimization using the molecular modeling program Chem 3D Ultra 14.0, as well as the biogenetic consideration.
The two known compounds, boscartins Q (9)3 and boscartins Z (10)3 were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data (1H and 13C NMR, MS) with the literature values.
A speculative biogenetic pathway for all the isolated compounds except 2 was shown in Fig. 4. Incensole obtained as the main cembrane-type diterpenoid from the gum resin of B. carterii,14,18–20 is proposed as the precursor for the other cembranes, which gradually acetylized, oxidized, and isomerized to their derivatives. Isolated compounds (1–10) were examined for the antiproliferative activity against HCT-116 human colon cancer cell, anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production, and hepatoprotective activity, with cisplatin (5.6 μM), dexamethasone (2.2 μM), and bicyclol being used as the positive controls, respectively. All of them showed weak antiproliferative activity (IC50 > 100 μM), and 8 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on NO production (IC50 of 14.8 μM), with the others showing weak anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 > 30 μM), and all compounds except for 7 and 8 exhibited hepatoprotective activity at 10 μM (Table 3), among which 1 exhibited more potent hepatoprotective activity than the positive control, bicyclol, against the damage induced by paracetamol in HepG2 cells (inhibition rate of 45.7%), with 2 exhibiting slightly lower hepatoprotective activity than bicyclol (inhibition rate of 21.0%).
No. | Cell viability (% of blank) | Inhibition rate (%) |
---|---|---|
a Results were expressed as the means ± SD (n = 3 for blank, control, bicyclol and all isolated compounds); bicyclol was used as the positive control (10 μM).b P < 0.01, compared with control group.c P < 0.001, compared with control group.d P < 0.05 compared with control group. | ||
Blank | 100 | |
Control | 50.8 | |
Bicyclol | 67.7b | 27.8 |
1 | 75.5c < 0.001 | 45.7 |
2 | 68.0b < 0.01 | 21.0 |
3 | 57.5 | 6.1 |
4 | 63.6c < 0.001 | 13.6 |
5 | 51.9 | 2.5 |
6 | 61.8c < 0.001 | 9.3 |
7 | 49.4 | −2.9 |
8 | 44.0 | −4.6 |
9 | 62.9d < 0.05 | 12.9 |
10 | 64.1c < 0.001 | 14.0 |
Inhibition rate (%) = [(OD(test) − OD(control))/(OD(blank) − OD(control))] × 100%. |
Footnote |
† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: NMR spectra for theses new compounds. See DOI: 10.1039/c9ra09776g |
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