Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
09:36
Applications of Liquid-Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Natural Products Research: Tropane Alkaloids as a Case Study
Published on: March 8, 2024
Daphmacromines K-O, alkaloids from Daphniphyllum macropodum
Ming-Ming Cao1, Lei Wang, Yu Zhang
1State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, PR China.
Fitoterapia
|June 13, 2013
Summary
Researchers discovered five new yuzurimine-type Daphniphyllum alkaloids from Daphniphyllum macropodum. One compound, daphmacromine O, demonstrated moderate brine shrimp cytotoxic activity.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Phytochemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Daphniphyllum alkaloids are a complex class of natural products known for diverse biological activities.
- Daphniphyllum macropodum is a plant species that has been a source of various bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize new Daphniphyllum alkaloids from Daphniphyllum macropodum.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic potential of the isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of compounds using chromatographic techniques.
- Structure elucidation employing 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
- Cytotoxicity assay using brine shrimp lethality test.
Main Results:
- Five new yuzurimine-type Daphniphyllum alkaloids, named daphmacromines K-O (compounds 1-5), were successfully isolated.
- The structures of these novel alkaloids were confirmed through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis.
- Daphmacromine O (5) exhibited moderate cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp larvae.
Conclusions:
- The study expands the known diversity of Daphniphyllum alkaloids.
- Daphmacromine O represents a potentially cytotoxic agent warranting further investigation.
- Daphniphyllum macropodum continues to be a valuable source for novel natural products.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin or DPDPE for...
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:22Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Cholinergic agonists or cholinomimetics mimic the action of acetylcholine to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. They are categorized into direct-acting and indirect-acting agents. The direct-acting cholinergic drugs induce the parasympathetic response by directly binding to the muscarinic or nicotine receptors. In comparison, the indirect-acting cholinergic drugs prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis, indirectly contributing to the extended parasympathetic response.
The direct-acting...
The direct-acting...