Two new polyhydroxylated steroids, 3β-acetoxy-gorgost-5α,6β,11α-triol (3) and (23 R) methylergosta-20-ene-3β,5α,6β,17α-tetrol (4), together with three known gorgosteroid compounds, gorgost-3β, 5α,6β,11α- tetrol (1), 11α-acetoxy-gorgost- 3β,5α, 6β- triol (2), and gorgost-5 (E) ene-3-β-ol (5), as well as batyl alcohol (6), were isolated from the Egyptian soft coral Heteroxenia fuscescens. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic analyses, HR-FAB-MS, and comparisons with published data. The cytotoxic activities of the fractions and compounds were evaluated against MCF-7 cancer cell lines using MTT colorimetric assay. Compounds 2 and 4 showed moderate cytotoxic activity, with IC₅₀ values equal to 33.2 and 25.1 µM, respectively, in comparison with the IC₅₀ of 5-fluorouracil 18.7 µM.

Gorgostane steroids are isolated from marine organisms and consist of 30 carbon atoms with a characteristic cyclopropane moiety. From the pioneering results to the end of 2021, isolation, biosynthesis, and structural elucidation using ¹³C-NMR will be used. Overall, 75 compounds are categorized into five major groups: gorgost-5-ene, 5,6-epoxygorgostane, 5,6-dihydroxygorgostane, 9,11-secogorgostane, and 23-demethylgorgostane, in addition to miscellaneous gorgostane. The structural diversity, selectivity for marine organisms, and biological effects of gorgostane steroids have generated considerable interest in the field of drug discovery research.

Chemical investigation of the total extract of the Egyptian soft coral Heteroxenia fuscescens, led to the isolation of eight compounds, including two new metabolites, sesquiterpene fusceterpene A (1) and a sterol fuscesterol A (4), along with six known compounds. The structures of 1–8 were elucidated via intensive studies of their 1D, 2D-NMR, and HR-MS analyses, as well as a comparison of their spectral data with those mentioned in the literature. Subsequent comprehensive in-silico-based investigations against almost all viral proteins, including those of the new variants, e.g., Omicron, revealed the most probable target for these isolated compounds, which was found to be M^pro. Additionally, the dynamic modes of interaction of the putatively active compounds were highlighted, depending on 50-ns-long MDS. In conclusion, the structural information provided in the current investigation highlights the antiviral potential of H. fuscescens metabolites with 3β,5α,6β-trihydroxy steroids with different nuclei against SARS-CoV-2, including newly widespread variants.

Chemical analyses of the sea urchin Clypeaster humilis yielded twelve compounds including; a new sulfonic acid derivative (7R) tridec-1-en-7-yl hydrogen sulphate (1), pyridine-3-yl methane sulfonate (2), boldine (12), and nine known compounds (3–11).

Objective: Wound healing is a sequential mechanism that occurs in four successive stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Delayed wound healing and the subsequent complications can be observed in poorly controlled chronic diseases and immunocompromised patients. This study focused on the wound‐healing activity of Ficus altissima extract‐based formulations, exploring their phytochemical and biological properties. Methods: Phytochemical characterization was conducted using HPLC, GC–MS, and spectroscopic methods for quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Disk diffusion was utilized to test the antimicrobial effects of the extract, and antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH assay. Anti‐inflammatory activity was assessed by the quantification of NF‐ κ B and TNF‐ α levels in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. An ointment and hydrogel were prepared from F. altissima aerial parts and tested for their wound‐healing effect using skin wound‐healing model in rats. Results: Phenolic acids, flavonoid compounds, fatty acids, and sugar derivatives were detected in F. altissima extract with total phenolic and total flavonoid contents equal to 144.81 mg·GAE g ⁻¹ and 29.36 mg·QE g ⁻¹ , respectively. F. altissima downregulated TNF‐ α and NF‐ κ B expression and inhibited the microbial growth of various microorganisms. Both formulations improved wound closure, with the ointment showing superior results within 10 days. Conclusions: F. altissima extract, particularly in an ointment form, effectively promoted wound healing and tissue regeneration, and this effect can be linked to the detected phenolic acids and flavonoids with anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.