Four unreported monoterpene indole alkaloids, tabernaecorymines B-E (1-4), together with twenty-one known indole alkaloids (5-25) were obtained from the stem bark of Tabernaemontana corymbosa. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopy, quantum chemical calculations, DP4+ probability analyses and Mo₂(OAc)₄-induced electronic circular dichroism experiment. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds were evaluated and some of them showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Candida albicans.
Tabernaemontana ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Antifungal Agents ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Indole Alkaloids

Objective: To study the antidepressant effects of extracts fromZanthoxylum bungeanumandZanthoxylum schinifoliumin mice exposed in chronic restraint stress. Methods: 45 mice of SPF male ICR were randomly divided into five groups: normal group, model group, sertraline hydrochloride group,Zanthoxylum bungeanumextract group andZanthoxylum schinifoliumextract group, with 9 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, mice in all groups were chronically restrained to establish the depressive model. The normal group and model group were given olive oil by intragastric administration, and other groups were given sertraline hydrochloride(10 mg/kg),Zanthoxylum bungeanumextract(200 mg/kg) andZanthoxylum schinifoliumextract(200 mg/kg), respectively. The behaviors of mice in each group were evaluated by open-field test and forced swimming test. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HT), glutathione(GSH) and nitric oxide(NO) in serum and brain were determined by ELISA. Results: Compared with model group,Zanthoxylum bungeanumextract could reduce the percentage of immobility time in forced swimming test, increase the level of cortical BDNF, and improve the levels of 5-HT and GSH in cortex and serum, with statistical significance(P<0.05).Zanthoxylum schinifoliumextract could improve the behavior of mice in open field test and forced swimming test, increase the levels of cortex 5-HT and serum GSH, and decrease the contents of NO in serum and cortex. Conclusion The extracts ofZanthoxylum bungeanumandZanthoxylum schinifoliumcan improve the depression-like behaviors of mice exposed to chronic restraint stress.