(6,7-Dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-methanone, a new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Beilschmiedia brevipes.

The leaves of Beilschmiedia brevipes provided a new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid: (6,7-dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1) and O,O-dimethylannocherin A (2), a new natural compound which has been synthesized before. Complete 1H- and 13C-NMR data of both compounds were reported. The structures were established through various spectroscopic methods notably 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR and HRESIMS.

1. Introduction

The production of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, endiandric acid derivatives, essential oils, fatty acids, epoxyfuranoid lignans and alkaloids by the Beilschmiedia species; B. miersii, B. anacardioides, B. alloiophylla, B. brenesii, B. costaricensis, B. tilaranensis, B. jacques felixii, B. erythrophloia, B. madang, B. oreophila schlechter, B. podagrica and B. elliptica has been the subject of a number of comprehensive articles [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. This genus is also known to produce a large number of biologically active compounds possessing interesting skeletons [2,3,4]. In fact, the endiandric acid derivatives and epoxyfuranoid lignans have shown strong antibacterial and antitubercular activities [3,4,6].

In a continuing search for bioactive compounds and interesting chemical entities from Malaysian flora, our group has performed a phytochemical study on the leaves of a Malaysian Lauraceae, Beilschmiedia brevipes, which has led to the isolation of one new benzylisoquinoline, (6,7-dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1) and one new natural product; O,O-dimethylannocherin A (2). In addition to these two compounds five other known alkaloids: O,O-dimethylcoclaurine [12], (6,7-dimethoxyisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (3) [13], O-methylvelucryptine [14], armepavine [15], and norarmepavine [16] were also isolated. These alkaloids were obtained from the CH2Cl2 extract of the leaves of Beilschmiedia brevipes. This communication reports the isolation and complete 1H and 13C assignments of 1 and 2.

Structure of alkaloids 1–3.

2. Results and Discussion

(6,7-Dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1) was obtained as a brownish amorphous solid. The HRESIMS revealed a pseudomolecular ion peak at m/z 338.1373 [M + H]+, thus suggesting a molecular formula of C20H20NO4 (calc. 338.1392). The IR spectrum revealed absorption bands at 1,597 and 1,660 cm−1 due to the C=N and the C=O stretching vibrations respectively [17]. The 1H-NMR spectrum exhibited three singlets representing methoxyl groups at δ 4.12, 3.99 and 3.93 that could be assigned to C-6, C-7 and C-4’, respectively. A methyl singlet was observed at δ 2.71 and it correlated to C-4 (δ 128.2) and C-4a (132.9) respectively in the HMBC spectrum (Fig. 2), thus implying that the methyl is attached to C-4. The adjacent H-3 appeared as a singlet at δ 8.24. Two singlets were apparent at δ 7.24 and 7.58 corresponding to H-5 and H-8 respectively. This signal is commonly found in a 6,7-disubstituted α-oxobenzylisoquinoline [17,18]. In addition, two doublets of an AA’BB’ spin system appeared at δ 7.90 and 6.90 (J = 10.9 Hz) assignable to H-2’/6’ and H-3’/5’ respectively.

1H- and 13C-NMR data (Table 1) indicated the presence of seven sp2 methines, eight sp2 quaternary carbons, one carbonyl and four methyl groups. The imine carbon (C-1) resonated at δ 152.7 and the adjacent carbonyl (C-α) appeared at δ 194.0. The quaternary carbon, C-4’, gave a signal at δ 163.8. The 13C-NMR analysis by Anita et al. [13] on papaveraldine and its related compounds showed that C-4’ bearing a methoxyl group would resonate at ~ δ 163.0, more deshielded than the other methoxylated sp2 carbons which usually resonate at ~ δ 149.0–153.0. Thorough analysis of the COSY, HMQC and HMBC spectra allowed the complete assignments of all protons and carbons of (6,7-dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1) (Table 1).

Table 1

1H-NMR (400 MHz) and 13C-NMR (100 MHz) spectral data of compounds 1,2 and 3 in CDCl3 (δ in ppm, J in Hz).

	Alkaloid
Positions	(1)	(2)	(3)	(1)	(2)	(3)*
1				152.7	156.6	153.5
α		6.23 s		194.0	72.1	187.0
3	8.24 s	8.40 d (6.0)	8.42 d (5.6)	140.0	137.5	139.9
4		7.52 d (6.0)	7.53 d (5.6)	128.2	120.0	121.1
4a				132.9	133.9	133.8
5	7.24 s	7.06 s	6.61 s	101.4	105.3	104.7
6				152.1	153.1	153.0
7				150.4	150.1	150.9
8	7.58 s	7.11 s	7.20 s	104.7	103.5	104.0
8a				122.7	120.8	122.6
1′				129.9	135.2	129.7
2′	7.90 d (10.9)	7.24 d (8.4)	7.92 d (8.0)	133.1	128.9	133.1
3′	6.90 d (10.9)	6.78 d (8.4)	6.93 d (8.0)	113.5	114.1	113.6
4′				163.8	159.2	163.0
5′	6.90 d (10.9)	6.78 d (8.4)	6.93 d (8.0)	113.5	114.1	113.6
6′	7.90 d (10.9)	7.24 d (8.4)	7.92 d (8.0)	133.1	128.9	133.1
CH3-4	2.71 s			16.4
OMe-6	4.12 s	3.97 s	4.03 s	55.9	56.1	56.0
OMe-7	3.99 s	3.78 s	3.93 s	55.4	55.9	56.0
OMe-4′	3.93 s	3.72 s	3.85 s	55.3	55.2	55.6

* 13C-NMR data are reproduced from Anita et al. [13].

Selected HMBC correlation of alkaloids (1) and (2).

The alkaloid O,O-dimethylannocherin A (2), = +91° (c = 0.22, MeOH), was obtained as a brownish amorphous solid. The HRESI mass spectrum showed a molecular ion peak at m/z 326.1396 [M+H]+, thus giving a molecular formula of C19H20NO4 (calc. 326.1392 Δ 0.4 mmu). One fragmentation peak was observed at m/z 308.1457, [M-H2O]+ which can be attributed to the loss of a water molecule thus suggesting the presence of an aliphatic hydroxyl group. The IR spectrum revealed absorption bands at 3387 and 1597 cm−1 for –OH and C=N stretching vibrations [17,18].

The 1H-NMR spectrum showed a singlet at δ 7.05 ascribable to H-3. A singlet representing C-8 proton appeared at δ 7.11 thus, suggesting that ring A was tetrasubstituted. A pair of doublets with a coupling constant of 5.6 Hz appeared at δ 8.38 and 7.52 which belong to H-3 and H-4 respectively [14]. In addition, an imine carbon signal (C-1) appeared at δ156.6. HMBC spectrum showed correlation between H-α at δ 6.23 and C-1 (δ 156.6) thus, indicating that ring B is fully unsaturated. Two doublets at δ 7.24 and 6.78 (J = 8.4 Hz, each two protons) are also observed for a disubstituted ring C.

The 13C-NMR spectrum of (2) showed the presence of 19 carbons, which was in agreement with the molecular formula. The C-α hydroxyl peak was observed at δ 72.1. The complete 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral assignment of (2) was accomplished by thorough analysis of DEPT, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC data. The absolute configuration at C-α is determined as S due to the positive sign of the specific rotation for alkaloid (2) = +91° (c = 0.22, MeOH) [18,19].

Biological Activity

The six alkaloids isolated in this study were tested for cytotoxic activity against P-388 murine leukemia cell lines. Only O,O-dimethylcoclaurine [12] exhibited any significant cytotoxicity, with an IC50 of 6.5 μg/mL (Table 2).

Table 2

In vitro cytotoxic activity against P388 cell lines.

Compounds	IC50 (μg/mL)
(6,7-Dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1)	>100
(6,7-Dimethoxyisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (3) [13]	18.7
O,O-Dimethylcoclaurine [12]	6.5
O-Methylvelucryptine [14]	17.3
Armepavine [15]	42.2
Norarmepavine [16].	44.5

3. Experimental

3.1. General

The optical rotations were recorded on a Jasco (Japan) P1010 instrument equipped with a tungsten lamp. HRMS were obtained on a Thermo Finnigan Automass Multi. The ultraviolet spectra were obtained in MeOH on a Shimadzu UV-310 ultraviolet-visible spectrometer. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra were obtained with CHCl3 (NaCl window technique) on a Perkin Elmer 2000 instrument. The 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra were recorded in deuterated chloroform on a JEOL 400 MHz (unless stated otherwise) instrument; chemical shifts are reported in ppm on δ scale, and the coupling constants are given in Hz.

Silica gel 60, 70–230 mesh ASTM (Merck 7734) was used for column chromatography. Mayer’s reagent was used for alkaloid screening. TLC aluminium sheets (20 × 20 cm Silica gel 60 F254) were used in the TLC analysis. The TLC spots were visualized under UV light (254 and 366 nm) followed by spraying with Dragendorff’s reagent for an alkaloid detection.

3.2. Plant Materials

Beilschmiedia brevipes (Lauraceae), collected from Lenggor, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia was identified by Mr Teo Leong Eng. A voucher specimen (KL4978) is deposited at the Herbarium of the Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and at the Herbarium of the Forest Research Institute, Kepong, Malaysia.

3.3. Extraction and Isolation of the Alkaloids

The dried leaves (5.0 kg) of Beilschmiedia brevipes were ground and extracted exhaustively with hexane (25.0 l) for 19 hours. The residual plant material was dried and left for 2 h after moistening with 25% NH4OH. It was then macerated with CH2Cl2 (25.0 l) twice for 3-days. After filtration, the supernatant was concentrated to 500 mL at room temperature (30 °C) followed by acidic extraction with 5% HCl until a negative Mayer’s test result was obtained. The aqueous solution was made alkaline to pH 11 with NH4OH and re-extracted with CH2Cl2. This was followed by washing with distilled H2O, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, and evaporation to give an alkaloid fraction (55.19 g). The crude alkaloid (50.0 g) was submitted to exhaustive column chromatography over silica gel (column dimension = 5 cm, length = 1 m, silica gel 60, 70–230 mesh ASTM; Merck 7734) using CH2Cl2 gradually enriched with methanol (1% until 20% MeOH; volumes of eluent; 500.0 mL were used for each percentage) to yield 121 fractions. Fractions were then recombined on the basis of their TLC behavior to obtain eight fractions. Fractions 5–6 (7.6 g), afforded an alkaloid identified as (6,7-dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1) (1.8%, PTLC Merck KGaA silica gel 60 F254; CH2Cl2-MeOH; 98:2). Fraction 1 (2.7 g) produced O,O-dimethylcoclaurine (0.3%) using PTLC (Merck KGaA silica gel 60 F254; CH2Cl2-MeOH; 95:5) [12] and alkaloids 2-3 identified as O,O-dimethylannocherin A (2) (0.3%) and (6,7-dimethoxyisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (3) (0.4%), respectively [13]. O-Methylvelucryptine (0.3%) [14], armepavine (1.2 %) [15] and norarmepavine (0.2%) [16] were also separated by preparative TLC of fraction 2 (11.6 g) over silica gel using CH2Cl2-MeOH; 95:5: saturated with NH4OH as eluent.

(6,7-Dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1,). Brownish amorphous solid; UV max (MeOH): 302 (3.51) nm; IR bands (KBr): 2,929, 1,660, 1,597, 1,521, 1,206, 1,136, 1,031 cm−1; 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) and 13C-NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): See Table 1; HRESIMS m/z: 338.1373 [M + H]+ (calc. 338.1392 for C20H20NO4).

O,O-Dimethylannocherin A (2, ), = +91° (c = 0.22, MeOH), was obtained as a brownish amorphous solid; UV max (MeOH): 306 (3.46) nm; IR bands (KBr): 3,387, 2,939, 2,833, 1,597, 1,510, 1,430, 1,263, 1,137; 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) and 13C-NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): See Table 1; HRESIMS m/z: 326.1396 [M + H]+ (calc. 326.1392 for C19H20NO4).

3.3. Cytotoxic Assays

The cytotoxicity of all the alkaloids was tested against P-388 murine leukemia cells using the MTT-microculture tetrazolim assay [21].

4. Conclusions

To the knowledge of the authors, alkaloid 1 is the first benzylisoquinoline alkaloid bearing a methyl group at C-4 reported in the family of Lauraceae and this is the first communication on alkaloids from the Beilschmiedia brevipes. Alkaloid 2, which was identified in this study belongs to the rare C-α hydroxybenzylisoquinoline class. Only two examples of this type of alkaloid have been previously reported from Ocotea pulchella (Lauraceae) and Annona cherimola (Annonaceae), respectively [18,20]. According to Botega et al. [20], this type of alkaloids tends to oxidize easily to the corresponding ketones in air therefore alkaloid 3 is most probably formed through oxidation of alkaloid 2.