Bisabolane sesquiterpenes from the leaves of Lindera benzoin reduce prostaglandin E2 formation in A549 cells

Phytochemical investigation of leaves from the American shrub Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume (Lauraceae) resulted in the isolation of one pure compound 1 and a diastereomeric mixture of 2 and 3. The structures of these new bisabolane sesquiterpenes were elucidated via MS and extensive NMR measurements and identified as 6-(2-hydroxy-6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-4-oxocyclohex-2-en-1-yl acetate (1) and 3-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4-oxocyclohex-2-en-1-yl acetate (2 and 3). The compounds were evaluated in vitro for their anti-inflammatory activity. In cellular assays, 1-3 reduced pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 production in A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner.