Degradability of atrazine, cyanazine, and dicamba under methanogenic conditions was evaluated using serum bottle microcosms containing wetland soil inocula obtained from three different sites. Pesticides were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the production of methane was measured with a gas chromatograph (GC). Dicamba was the most susceptible to degradation in the microcosms, followed by cyanazine. Atrazine was not degraded in the wetland soils. A dicamba-degrading methanogenic consortium was enriched from one of the initial wetland soil microcosms (Lawnes). Dicamba degradation was further examined using this consortium. Net methane production suggested that the aromatic ring was not degraded. Rates of dicamba degradation were enhanced with addition of 0.2 % yeast extract. Dicamba degradation was accomplished within 4 days compared to 22 days without yeast extract addition. The inability of the consortium to degrade the benzenoid ring was confirmed when no ¹⁴CO₂ was produced upon addition of [U-¹⁴C]dicamba to the cultures. Analysis of culture filtrate by HPLC revealed the presence of a possible metabolite that was aromatic in character. / Ph. D.

Yes / Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder characterized by an abnormal rise in blood sugar (glucose) levels brought on by a complete or partial lack of insulin secretion along with corresponding changes in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. It has been reported that medicinal plants play a pivotal role in the treatment of various ailments such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The current study involved exploring the acute toxicity and in vivo antidiabetic activity of berberine (WA1), palmatine (WA2), and 8- trichloromethyl dihydroberberine (WA3) previously isolated from Berberis glaucocarpa Stapf using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Body weight and blood glucose level were assessed on a day interval for 4 weeks. Biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress markers were also determined. In an acute toxicity profile, the WA1, WA2, and WA3 were determined to be nontoxic up to 500 mg/kg (b.w). After the second and third weeks of treatment (14 and 21 days), the blood glucose levels in the WA1-, WA2-, and WA3-treated groups were significantly lower than those in the diabetic control group (476.81 ± 8.65 mg/dL, n = 8, P < 0.001). On the 21st day, there was a decrease in the blood glucose level and the results obtained were 176.33 ± 4.69, 197.21 ± 4.80, and 161.99 ± 4.75 mg/dL (n = 8, P < 0.001) for WA1, WA2, and WA3 at 12 mg/kg, respectively, as opposed to the diabetic control group (482.87 ± 7.11 mg/dL, n = 8, P < 0.001). Upon comparison with the diabetic group at the end of the study (28 days), a substantial drop in the glucose level of WA3 at 12 mg/kg (110.56 ± 4.11 mg/dL, n = 8, P < 0.001) was observed that was almost near the values of the normal control group. The treated groups (WA1, WA2, and WA3) treated with the samples displayed a significant decline in the levels of HbA1c. Treatment of the samples dramatically lowered the lipid level profile. In groups treated with samples, plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL were significantly lowered [F (5, 42) = 100.6, n = 8, P < 0.001]; these levels were also significantly decreased [F (5, 42) = 129.6 and 91.17, n = 8, P < 0.001]. In contrast to the diabetes group, all treated groups had significantly higher HDL levels [F (5, 42) = 15.46, n = 8, P < 0.001]. As a result, hypolipidemic activity was anticipated in the samples. In addition to that, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was considerably elevated in the groups treated with the sample compared to the diabetic control group (n = 8, P < 0.001).

Tall fescue is a widely grown, cool season grass prevalent in the eastern United States that is known for its resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. A main reason for tall fescue's resistance to these stresses is attributed to the presence of a fungal endophyte. Unfortunately, this endophyte also adversely affects cattle production. Cows consuming the ergot alkaloids produced by these endophytes can exhibit decreased feed intake, growth performance, organ vasoconstriction, and increased rectal temperature. This work is interested in examining how endophyte toxin exposure impacts pregnancy in cattle. Reduced blood flow to the fetus and inadequate maternal nutrition contributes to intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), and this work proposed that fescue endophyte toxicity affects the gestating cow and fetus. Three studies were completed. In experiment 1, gestating cows grazed high or low endophyte fescue pastures during late gestation to determine if exposure to ergot alkaloids in utero results in IUGR and if calves from these pregnancies have altered growth performance. Creep feeding was evaluated as a mitigation strategy for impaired calf growth due to fescue toxicity, and feedlot performance was evaluated to determine if consuming fescue during gestation and creep feeding would affect feedlot performance. Calf BW was different (P < 0.01) by treatment x time. Birth weights of calves were similar , prior to creep feeding calves exposed to high endophyte fescue were lower, and post-supplementation creep fed calves had increased BW. Days on feed and dressing percentage were decreased in the supplemented group, and marbling score was decreased for both the supplemented and unsupplemented groups following the completion of the feedlot phase (P < 0.05). The second study was setup similar to study one, however cows were exposed to fescue pastures from d 170 of gestation until calving. Calf birth weights did not differ, but weights were increased in the supplemented group post creep feeding (P < 0.05). Average daily gains (ADG) of supplemented calves were greater during the supplementation period (P < 0.01). In the third study, indwelling vaginal temperature probes were used to evaluate differences in body temperature of cows fed fescue seed with high or low levels of ergot alkaloids during early gestation, and in varying environmental conditions. In the winter trial, body temperature was measured hourly from days 0-14 of gestation. In the summer trial, body temperature was measured hourly from days 0-32 of gestation. Body temperatures were different (P < 0.01) between treatments during both trials. / Master of Science

Silvopastures integrate trees, forages, and livestock. Tall fescue, the dominant forage in much of the U.S., harbors an endophyte that produces toxic ergot alkaloids. Diluting the sward with other forages can reduce ergot alkaloid concentrations, but it is unknown how shade impacts alkaloid production and productivity of different forage mixtures. This study tested the effects of increasing shade and mixture complexity on sward yield, botanical composition, nutritive characteristics and ergot alkaloid concentrations. Slatted shade structures created 30, 50, and 70% shade compared to full sun. Three forage mixtures were evaluated (SIMPLE = tall fescue and white clover; INTERMEDIATE = SIMPLE + orchardgrass and red clover; and COMPLEX = INTERMEDIATE + Kentucky bluegrass, birdsfoot trefoil, and alfalfa). Fifty and 70% shade reduced yield while red clover and orchardgrass dominated shaded swards. Birdsfoot trefoil, Kentucky bluegrass, and white clover did not perform well in any treatment. Nutritive value declined beneath shade in spring and fall. Sward ergot alkaloid concentration increased beneath shade in simple mixtures because of greater proportions of tall fescue. In the intermediate and complex mixtures, ergot alkaloids were diluted by other forage species and was not affected by shade. This illustrates the importance of incorporating multiple species into the sward. Low light levels may not have been sufficient to meet the forages' high energetic demands in the spring. Even though total forage production or nutritive value may be sacrificed during part of the year, this may be compensated for by diverse swards diluting ergot alkaloid concentrations. / Master of Science / Silvopastures are an integrated land use practice that incorporate trees into pasture systems. Well-managed silvopastures have the potential to improve tree, forage, and/or livestock production, but local climate, individual system components, and management result in a wide range of conditions that can variably influence each element’s production. Therefore, we designed a study to evaluate a range of shade levels and forage mixtures in order to gain a better understanding of how each factor influences forage production in silvopastures. Shade levels ranged from 0 to 70% shade while forage mixtures contained 2 to 7 species. Responses of interest were yield and quality of shaded forage mixtures as compared to mixtures grown in full sun. Forage yields were reduced at moderate and heavy shade levels, and red clover and orchardgrass were dominant species in shaded mixtures, while white clover, Kentucky bluegrass and birdsfoot trefoil scarcely contributed to pasture yield. Forage quality somewhat declined in spring and fall, but negative factors such as toxicity were reduced when more diverse mixtures were planted. This research illustrates the importance of using site-adapted, shade tolerant forages in silvopasture systems, while also demonstrating that tree canopy management is necessary in order to maintain adequate yields.

No / The FT Raman spectrum of caffeine was analysed along with that of its demethylated analogues, theobromine and theophylline. The similar but not identical structures of these three compounds allowed a more detailed assignment of the Raman bands. Noticeable differences in the Raman spectra of these compounds were apparent and key marker bands have been identified for the spectroscopic identification of these three compounds.

No / Alangium lamarkii is traditionally used in India for the treatment of malaria. Partial activity guided-fractionation of the basic chloroform fraction of the methanolic extract of the bark led to the isolation of a novel tubulosine analogue, 10-demethyl-9ˊ-N-methyltubulosine (1), for which the trivial name tubulosatine is suggested. In addition, the known A. lamarkii constituents, tubulosine (2), cephaeline and emetine were isolated as potent antiplasmodial and cytotoxic constituents, but 1 was up to 1000-fold less potent than the former alkaloids against both malaria parasites and human cancer cell lines. The compounds were active against both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites, but no selective toxicity was observed towards malaria parasites compared with cancer cells with any of the alkaloids. Further work to explore the basis for the relatively weak biological activities of 1 would be worthwhile. Betulinic acid, stigmasterol and its 3-O-glucoside were isolated from the neutral chloroform fraction of the methanolic extract. / ACU, UK (Commonwealth Scholarship, Ref. No.: INCS-2004-144).

As espécies Aspidosperma polyneuron Muell. Arg. e Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon Muell. Arg. pertencentes à família Apocynaceae, de ocorrência natural no estado de São Paulo, foram objeto de investigação química e estabelecimento de culturas in vitro. Como não havia relatos da composição dos alcalóides presentes nas folhas de ambas as espécies, nossos estudos foram concentrados nessa parte do vegetal. Adicionalmente, foi analisado a composição dos óleos voláteis destas espécies. Como são descritas diversas atividades biológicas para os alcaloides indólicos, foram analisados as atividades antitumoral, antimicrobiana e antimalárica dos extratos de alcalóides totais. Os alcalóides das folhas de A. polyneuron foram obtidos através de partição ácido-base com solventes orgânicos e foram isolados por técnicas cromatográficas de adsorção, sendo analisadas por CG/MS. Na espécie A. polyneuron foram identificados 5 alcalóides indólicos do tipo aspidospermatano: aspidospermina, desmetil-aspidospermina, desmetóxi-aspidospermina, cilindrocarina e pirifolidina. O estudo químico das folhas de A. cylindrocarpon, através de técnicas cromatográficas e CG/MS permitiu a identificação de alcalóides indólico do tipo aspidospermatano (aspidospermina, N-benzoíl-cilindrocarina, N-benzoíl-20-hidróxi-cilindrocarina, N-cinamoíl-20-hidróxi-cilindrocarina) do tipo erbunano (16-epi-vincamina) e do tipo hetero-ioimbano (tetra-hidro-alstonina). Os óleos voláteis foram obtidos das folhas por destilação por arraste a vapor. O óleo de A. polyneuron apresentou um constituinte majoritário, o diterpeno caureno (73,7%), e aldeídos de cadeia longa. No óleo volátil das folhas de A cylindrocarpon foram identificados 25 constituintes que correspondem a 96,1 % do óleo bruto. Principalmente sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonados (germacreno-D, &#946;-cariofileno) e sesquiterpenos oxigenados (espatulenol, epi-globulol e globulol), além de monoterpenos hidrocarbonados (&#945;-pineno) e oxigenado (linalol) e aldeídos de cadeia longa. Na cultura de células in vitro de A. polyneuron, foi possível apenas a indução de calos friávies. A cultura de células da A. cylindrocarpon foi estabelecida desde as células não diferenciadas. Dos calos até as suspensões celulares. As culturas apresentram fase lag com aproximadamente 4 dias, seguida de uma fase de crescimento exponencial e de uma fase com crescimento linear, com duração de 15 dias. Após essa fase as células entram numa fase estacionária de crescimento. Nos ensaios de autobiografia para determinação da atividade antifúngica frente aos fungos Clasdosporium cladosporiodes e Clasdosporium sphaerospermum, ambos extratos de alcalóides totais apresentaram respostas positivas. A atividade antimalárica foi avaliada em cepas mutantes de Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes em sistema de reparo do DNA (RS321, Rad 52Y). Neste ensaio, apenas os alcalóides das folhas de A. cylindrocarpon apresentaram atividade. A atividade antitumoral foi determinada in vitro com isolados de Plasmodium falciparum sensíveis a cloroquina (K1) e resistentes (Palo Alto). Como havia relato dessa atividade para A. polyneuron foram feitos testes apenas para A. cylindrocarpon (folhas e ramos). Os extratos alcaloídicos apresentaram uma forte inibição do desenvolvimento dos parasitas. A Cl50 para o isolado K1 foi de 9,0&#181;g/ml para os ramos e folhas 8,0&#181;g/ml e para o isolado Palo Alto, ramos foi de 13,3&#181;g/ml e folhas 10,5&#181;g/ml. / Aspidosperma polyneuron Muell. Arg. and Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon Muell. Arg. belong to Apocynaceae and naturally occur in São Paulo State (Brazil). Both species were chemically investigated and in vitro cultures established. As there were no previous studies concerning the alkaloid composition from the leaves, our studies were focused on this plant part. Moreover, the volatile oil composition was determined for both species. As several biological activities have been described for indole alkaloids, the antimicrobial, antitumor and antimalarial activities were assayed for the total alkaloids. The leaf alkaloids were extracted by acid/base partitioning with organic solvents and isolated by adsorption chromatography techniques. The isolated alkaloids were analysed by GC-MS. A. polyneuron leaves afforded 5 aspidospermatane alkaloids: aspidospermine, demethoxy-aspidospermine, demethylaspidospermine cylindrocarine and pyrifolidine. In A. cylindrocarpon leaves different indole alkaloid skeletons were identified, 4 aspidospermatanes (aspidospermine, N-benzoyl-cylindrocarine, N-benzoyl-20-hydroxy-cylindrocarine, N-cynamoyl-20-hydroxy-cylindrocarine), 1 eburnane (16-epi-vincamine) and 1 heteroyohimbane (tetrahydroalstonine). The volatile oils were extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. A. polyneuron oil consisted of one single major compound, the diterpene kaurene (73,7%), and several long chain aldehydes. On the other hand, from the A. cylindrocarpon oil 25 constituents could be identified corresponding to 96.1 % of the crude oil. The major components were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (germacreno-D, &#946;-caryophyllene), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (spathulenol, epi-globulol, globulol), a monoterpene hydrocarbon (&#945;-pinene), an oxygenated monoterpene (linalool) and also several long chain aldehydes. For A. polyneuron, callus cultures were induced, while for A. cylindrocarpon was also possible the establishment of cell suspension cultures. A. cylindrocarpon cell suspension cultures showed a lag phase of growth for approximately 4 days. The lag phase was followed by a growth phase for 15 days. After 20 days of culture the cells showed a stationary growth. Alkaloid extract from both species showed a antifungal activity in the bioautography assay with Clasdosporium cladosporiodes and C. sphaerospermum. The antitumor activity was evaluated with mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains deficient in the DNA repair system (RS321 and Rad 52Y). In this assay, only the leaf alkaloids of A. cylindrocarpon presented activity. In vitro antimalarial assay were performed with Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine sensitive (K1) and resistant (Palo Alto). As such an activity was previously reported for A. polyneuron, only A. cylindrocarpon alkaloid extracts from leaves and stems were tested. Both alkaloid extracts showed strong inhibition of the parasite development. The IC50 for the K1 isolate were 9.0 &#181;g/ml for the leaves and 8,0 &#181;g/ml for the stems. The Palo Alto isolated presented a higher IC50, 13,3 &#181;g/ml stems and 10,5 &#181;g/ml.

As espécies Aspidosperma polyneuron Muell. Arg. e Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon Muell. Arg. pertencentes à família Apocynaceae, de ocorrência natural no estado de São Paulo, foram objeto de investigação química e estabelecimento de culturas in vitro. Como não havia relatos da composição dos alcalóides presentes nas folhas de ambas as espécies, nossos estudos foram concentrados nessa parte do vegetal. Adicionalmente, foi analisado a composição dos óleos voláteis destas espécies. Como são descritas diversas atividades biológicas para os alcaloides indólicos, foram analisados as atividades antitumoral, antimicrobiana e antimalárica dos extratos de alcalóides totais. Os alcalóides das folhas de A. polyneuron foram obtidos através de partição ácido-base com solventes orgânicos e foram isolados por técnicas cromatográficas de adsorção, sendo analisadas por CG/MS. Na espécie A. polyneuron foram identificados 5 alcalóides indólicos do tipo aspidospermatano: aspidospermina, desmetil-aspidospermina, desmetóxi-aspidospermina, cilindrocarina e pirifolidina. O estudo químico das folhas de A. cylindrocarpon, através de técnicas cromatográficas e CG/MS permitiu a identificação de alcalóides indólico do tipo aspidospermatano (aspidospermina, N-benzoíl-cilindrocarina, N-benzoíl-20-hidróxi-cilindrocarina, N-cinamoíl-20-hidróxi-cilindrocarina) do tipo erbunano (16-epi-vincamina) e do tipo hetero-ioimbano (tetra-hidro-alstonina). Os óleos voláteis foram obtidos das folhas por destilação por arraste a vapor. O óleo de A. polyneuron apresentou um constituinte majoritário, o diterpeno caureno (73,7%), e aldeídos de cadeia longa. No óleo volátil das folhas de A cylindrocarpon foram identificados 25 constituintes que correspondem a 96,1 % do óleo bruto. Principalmente sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonados (germacreno-D, &#946;-cariofileno) e sesquiterpenos oxigenados (espatulenol, epi-globulol e globulol), além de monoterpenos hidrocarbonados (&#945;-pineno) e oxigenado (linalol) e aldeídos de cadeia longa. Na cultura de células in vitro de A. polyneuron, foi possível apenas a indução de calos friávies. A cultura de células da A. cylindrocarpon foi estabelecida desde as células não diferenciadas. Dos calos até as suspensões celulares. As culturas apresentram fase lag com aproximadamente 4 dias, seguida de uma fase de crescimento exponencial e de uma fase com crescimento linear, com duração de 15 dias. Após essa fase as células entram numa fase estacionária de crescimento. Nos ensaios de autobiografia para determinação da atividade antifúngica frente aos fungos Clasdosporium cladosporiodes e Clasdosporium sphaerospermum, ambos extratos de alcalóides totais apresentaram respostas positivas. A atividade antimalárica foi avaliada em cepas mutantes de Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes em sistema de reparo do DNA (RS321, Rad 52Y). Neste ensaio, apenas os alcalóides das folhas de A. cylindrocarpon apresentaram atividade. A atividade antitumoral foi determinada in vitro com isolados de Plasmodium falciparum sensíveis a cloroquina (K1) e resistentes (Palo Alto). Como havia relato dessa atividade para A. polyneuron foram feitos testes apenas para A. cylindrocarpon (folhas e ramos). Os extratos alcaloídicos apresentaram uma forte inibição do desenvolvimento dos parasitas. A Cl50 para o isolado K1 foi de 9,0&#181;g/ml para os ramos e folhas 8,0&#181;g/ml e para o isolado Palo Alto, ramos foi de 13,3&#181;g/ml e folhas 10,5&#181;g/ml. / Aspidosperma polyneuron Muell. Arg. and Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon Muell. Arg. belong to Apocynaceae and naturally occur in São Paulo State (Brazil). Both species were chemically investigated and in vitro cultures established. As there were no previous studies concerning the alkaloid composition from the leaves, our studies were focused on this plant part. Moreover, the volatile oil composition was determined for both species. As several biological activities have been described for indole alkaloids, the antimicrobial, antitumor and antimalarial activities were assayed for the total alkaloids. The leaf alkaloids were extracted by acid/base partitioning with organic solvents and isolated by adsorption chromatography techniques. The isolated alkaloids were analysed by GC-MS. A. polyneuron leaves afforded 5 aspidospermatane alkaloids: aspidospermine, demethoxy-aspidospermine, demethylaspidospermine cylindrocarine and pyrifolidine. In A. cylindrocarpon leaves different indole alkaloid skeletons were identified, 4 aspidospermatanes (aspidospermine, N-benzoyl-cylindrocarine, N-benzoyl-20-hydroxy-cylindrocarine, N-cynamoyl-20-hydroxy-cylindrocarine), 1 eburnane (16-epi-vincamine) and 1 heteroyohimbane (tetrahydroalstonine). The volatile oils were extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. A. polyneuron oil consisted of one single major compound, the diterpene kaurene (73,7%), and several long chain aldehydes. On the other hand, from the A. cylindrocarpon oil 25 constituents could be identified corresponding to 96.1 % of the crude oil. The major components were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (germacreno-D, &#946;-caryophyllene), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (spathulenol, epi-globulol, globulol), a monoterpene hydrocarbon (&#945;-pinene), an oxygenated monoterpene (linalool) and also several long chain aldehydes. For A. polyneuron, callus cultures were induced, while for A. cylindrocarpon was also possible the establishment of cell suspension cultures. A. cylindrocarpon cell suspension cultures showed a lag phase of growth for approximately 4 days. The lag phase was followed by a growth phase for 15 days. After 20 days of culture the cells showed a stationary growth. Alkaloid extract from both species showed a antifungal activity in the bioautography assay with Clasdosporium cladosporiodes and C. sphaerospermum. The antitumor activity was evaluated with mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains deficient in the DNA repair system (RS321 and Rad 52Y). In this assay, only the leaf alkaloids of A. cylindrocarpon presented activity. In vitro antimalarial assay were performed with Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine sensitive (K1) and resistant (Palo Alto). As such an activity was previously reported for A. polyneuron, only A. cylindrocarpon alkaloid extracts from leaves and stems were tested. Both alkaloid extracts showed strong inhibition of the parasite development. The IC50 for the K1 isolate were 9.0 &#181;g/ml for the leaves and 8,0 &#181;g/ml for the stems. The Palo Alto isolated presented a higher IC50, 13,3 &#181;g/ml stems and 10,5 &#181;g/ml.

Seven naturally occurring pyranocarbazole alkaloids (pyrayafoline A–E, O-methylmurrayamine A and O-methylmahanine) have been obtained by total synthesis using a palladium(II)-catalysed oxidative cyclisation of a diarylamine to an orthogonally diprotected 2,7-dihydroxycarbazole as key step.

Department of Chemistry / PhD (Chemistry) / This thesis is concerned with the computational study of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids having antimalarial properties. The study was considered interesting because of the importance of gathering information on antimalarial molecules and because these molecules had not yet been studied computationally. The alkaloids considered in this study had been isolated from tropical lianas belonging to the Dioncophyllaceae and Ancistrodaceae families. They comprise alkaloids with both monomeric and dimeric structures. The monomeric structures consist of one unit and the dimeric ones of two units, with each unit containing a naphthalene moiety and an isoquinoline moiety. 33 monomeric molecules were studied, which represent a large portion of all the monomeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids isolated so far. Two dimeric molecules with antimalarial activity were investigated, namely, jozimine A2 and mbandakamine A. A third dimeric molecule, with a structure close to that of jozimine A2 but different activity (michellamine A, anti-HIV) was also calculated for comparison purposes. This work utilised electronic structures methods and involved the conformational study of all the molecules selected to identify the stabilising factors in vacuo and in solution. Two levels of theory (HF/ 6-31G (d,p) and DFT/B3LYP/ 6-31+G(d,p)) were utilised to compare their performance for compounds of this type, also in view of a future study extending to other compounds of the same class. The molecules were firstly studied in vacuo and secondly in three different solvents – chloroform, acetonitrile and water – characterized by different polarities and different H-bonding abilities. Quantum chemical calculations in solution were carried out using the Polarisable Continuum Model (PCM). The main stabilizing factors are the presence and types of intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IHBs), which are the dominant factors, and also the mutual orientation of the moieties. The possible IHBs comprise OH⋯O (or OH⋯N and NH⋯O for mbandakamine A) and other H-bond types interactions such as OH⋯ and CH⋯O (or CH⋯O and CH⋯N for mbandakamine A). The moieties prefer to be perpendicular one to another, which is a common tendency of aromatic vii systems. In monomeric structures, there may be only one OH⋯O and possibly also one of each of the other two types of IHBs interactions. In dimeric structures, there may be up to four (five in mbandakamine A) OH⋯O IHBs simultaneously and also other H-bond type interactions. The results provide a comprehensive picture of the molecular properties of these compounds, such as conformational preferences, dipole moments, HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, harmonic vibrational frequencies, solvent effect and influence of the solvent on molecular properties which respond to polarisation by the solvent. Altogether, these results may contribute to a better understanding of their biological activity and to the design of molecular structures with enhanced biological activity. This is the reason of focusing the efforts on the investigation of chemical and physical properties of these alkaloids molecules. / NRF