Dimeric ent-kauranoids isolated from Isodon japonica var. Glaucocalyx and their anti-inflammatory activities

The phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Isodon japonica var. glaucocalyx afforded four undescribed (glaucocalyxin O-R, 1–4) and six known ent-kauranoids (5–10). Their structures were established using NMR and MS measurements. Compounds 1 and 2 are dimeric ent-kaurane-type diterpenoids. Moreover, the plausible biogenetic pathways for compounds 1 and 2 were proposed as Michael addition between two monomers. Eight compounds were assayed for their anti-inflammatory activity by evaluating NO production in LPS-induced RAW 267.4 cells, and compounds 7, 8 and 9 exhibited relatively remarkable anti-inflammatory activities at 10 μM. [Display omitted] •Four undescribed diterpenoids were isolated from Isodon japonica var. glaucocalyx.•Compounds 1 and 2 are dimeric ent-kaurane-type diterpenoids.•Compounds 7, 8 and 9 exhibitedremarkable anti-inflammatory activities at 10 μM.