Makoto Morita

Bio: Makoto Morita is an academic researcher from University of Tokyo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Alpinia & Alpinia officinarum. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 7 publications receiving 386 citations.

Studies on the Constituents of the Seeds of Alpinia katsumadai HAYATA

Abstract: Four new diarylheptanoids [(5R)-trans-1, 7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-6-hepten-3-one (VIIa), (3S, 5S)-trans-1, 7-diphenyl-3, 5-dihydroxy-1-heptene (VIIIa), trans-1, 7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-1-heptene (IX) and trans, trans-1, 7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-4, 6-heptadien-3-one (Xa)] have been isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai HAYATA, together with trans, trans-farnesol (I), trans-cinnamaldehyde, three flavonoids [alpinetin (II), cardamomin (III) and pinocembrin (IV)], and two known diarylheptanoids [(3S, 5R)-3, 5-dihydroxy-1, 7-diphenylheptane (V) and trans, trans-1, 7-diphenyl-4, 6-heptadien-3-one (VI)], and their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. This is the first time that trans-cinnamaldehyde, IV, V and VI have been isolated from these seeds.

Labdane and Bisnorlabdane Type Diterpenes from Alpinia speciosa K. SCHUM.

Abstract: Two new diterpenes were isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia speciosa K. SCHUM. (Zingiberaceae) and their structures were established by the spectral evidences as I and II. The latter has an unusual bisnorlabdane carbon skeleton. It is the first example that diterpenes were obtained from Alpinia genus.

Two new diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum Hance.

Abstract: Two new and two known diarylheptanoids were isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum HANCE (Zingiberaceae). The structure of the new compounds was determined to be 1, 7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one (1) and 7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one (3) on the basis of the spectral data and chemical correlation.

Novel Bioactivities of Curcuma longa Constituents

Abstract: Bioassay-directed fractionation of ethyl acetate extract from Curcuma longa Linn. rhizomes yielded three curcuminoids, which displayed topoisomerase I and II enzyme inhibition activity. Curcumin III (3) was the most active curcuminoid, inhibiting topoisomerase at 25 micrograms mL-1. Curcumin I (1) and curcumin II (2) inhibited the topoisomerases at 50 micrograms mL-1. Fractionation of the volatile oil from the rhizomes afforded ar-turmerone (4), which displayed mosquitocidal activity with an LD100 of 50 micrograms mL-1 on Aedes aegyptii larvae. Bioassay-directed fractionation of hexane extract from the turmeric leaves yielded labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16 dial (5) with antifungal activity against Candida albicans at 1 micrograms mL-1 and inhibited the growth of Candida kruseii and Candida parapsilosis at 25 micrograms mL-1. In addition, 5 displayed 100% mosquitocidal activity on A. aegyptii larvae at 10 micrograms mL-1.

Naturally occurring chalcones and their biological activities

Abstract: The aim of this review is to summarize the various naturally occurring chalcone compounds which have been isolated from different plants. Chalcones considered as obligate intermediated in flavonoid biosynthesis but they do not accumulate to appreciable degree in most plants. The largest number of natural chalcones has been isolated from species of the Leguminosae, Asteraceae and Moraceae families. Chalcone accumulating plants have often been used in traditional medicine and chalcones have therefore been studied and reported to possess many beneficial biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antitumor and chemopreventive activities. Previously published reviews on this topic survey the biological activities of natural and synthetic chalcones but there are no comprehensive contributions on occurrence and biological activities of natural chalcones. The present study provides an overview of hydroxy or/and methoxy-substituted chalcones, methylated, prenylated, geranylated and other monomeric derivatives, chromeno- and furanochalcones, dimeric chalcones and dihydrochalcone derivatives focusing on their biosynthesis, natural sources and biological activities. On the basis of 608 references, this review covers the phytochemistry and biological activity of natural chalcones, describing 646 compounds have been appeared in the literature since 1975. The summary is aimed to initiate further pharmacobotanical, biotechnological and medicinal studies on the field of chalcone research. This contribution reviews some of the general aspects of naturally occurring chalcones including their chemical categories, focusing on plant sources and biological activities. The review covers the major works appeared in the literature from 1975 up to 2014, relating to 608 references and 646 compounds.