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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Transient Expression in Nicotiana Benthamiana Leaves for Triterpene Production at a Preparative Scale
Published on: August 16, 2018
A new triterpenoid from Brucea javanica.
Jian Hua Liu1, Jiang Jiang Qin, Hui Zi Jin
1School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
Researchers isolated a new triterpenoid, bruceajavanin C, and eight other compounds from Brucea javanica. Several compounds showed mild inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Brucea javanica is a plant used in traditional medicine.
- Investigating its chemical constituents may yield novel therapeutic compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify compounds from the aerial parts of Brucea javanica.
- To evaluate the isolated compounds for their potential to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical investigation of Brucea javanica aerial parts.
- Structure elucidation of isolated compounds using 2D-NMR spectroscopy.
- In vitro assay for nitric oxide inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.
Main Results:
- A new triterpenoid, bruceajavanin C (1), was isolated and characterized.
- Eight known compounds (bruceosides A and B, bruceines D and E, yadanziosides A and G, and two pregnane derivatives) were also identified.
- Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 demonstrated mild inhibitory effects on NO production.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully isolated and identified novel and known compounds from Brucea javanica.
- Several isolated compounds possess anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting nitric oxide production, warranting further investigation.
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