Labdane-related diterpenoids are a large group of over 5,000 natural products whose biosynthesis typically proceeds through a labdadienyl/copalyl diphosphate (CPP) intermediate to a further cyclized and/or rearranged hydrocarbon diterpene en route to more elaborated compounds. Here we report a modular approach for facile biosynthesis of labdane-related diterpenes wherein base pGGxC vectors capa...

The resin of Cistus creticus subsp. creticus, a plant native to Crete, is rich in labdane-type diterpenes with significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The full-length cDNA of a putative diterpene synthase was isolated from a C. creticus trichome cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence of this protein is highly similar (59%-70% identical) to type B diterpene synthases from othe...

Leojaponin (2), a labdane diterpene, was isolated from the EtOH extract of the herb of Leonurus japonicus together with a new halimane diterpene named isoleojaponin (1). Isoleojaponin has a new diterpene skeleton with a unique cross-conjugated α,β-unsaturated ketone system, Their structures were elucidated by physical and spectroscopic analysis, and the relative configuration of the chiral C-9 ...

Two flavones, ladanein and 6-hydroxy-5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone and one labdane-type diterpene, ent-13-epi-manoyloxide, were isolated from an ethyl acetate-methanol extract of the aerial parts of Salvia sharifii. The compounds were purified using several chromatographic methods. Structural elucidation of the compounds was performed using their (1)H and (13)C-NMR data, EI mass and UV spectral data...

Ten new labdane-type diterpenes were isolated from the fruit of Vitex rotundifolia L. (Verbenaceae), along with a known diterpene, vitexilactone. Their chemical structures were determined on the bases of spectroscopic data.

From the flowers of Baccharis medullosa DC (Asteraceae) two new ent-labdane-type diterpene glycosides were isolated. Structures were established by application of various spectroscopic techniques. The sugar residues were identified after acid hydrolysis of the isolated products.

Forskolin, a complex labdane diterpenoid found in the root of Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), has received attention for its broad range of pharmacological activities, yet the biosynthesis has not been elucidated. We detected forskolin in the root cork of C. forskohlii in a specialized cell type containing characteristic structures with histochemical properties consistent with oil bodies. Organe...

Seventeen diterpenes belonging to the labdane, abietane and isopimarane skeleton classes were isolated from the resin of the Chilean gymnosperm Austrocedrus chilensis and identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. The diterpene 12-oxo-labda-8(17),13E-dien-19 oic acid is reported for the first time as a natural product and 14 diterpenes are reported for the first time for the species.

The rhizomes of Alpinia pahangensis Ridley yielded a new bis-labdanic diterpene for which the name pahangensin A (1) was proposed along with a new labdane diterpene, pahangensin B (2). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including, 1D and 2D NMR techniques and LCMS-IT-TOF analysis. Pahangensin A (1) was found to be an antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aureus, Baci...