Abietane diterpenes from the twigs and leaves of Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast. with antitumor activity

Twenty one abietane diterpenes were isolated from Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast. The structures of 7 undescribed diterpenoids, named cephaloliverins A-G, were elucidated via spectroscopic data interpretation and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. The isolated diterpenoids were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against three kinds of human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2, and A549). Metaglyptin A was the most active with IC50 values of 16.34, 15.63 and 21.33 μM and was further investigated for colony formation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The manuscript covered twenty one abietane diterpenes including seven undescribed ones from Cephalotaxus oliveri, and metaglyptin A further investigated for colony formation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. [Display omitted] •Seven undescribed abietane diterpenes were isolated and characterized.•Some compounds exhibited potent antitumor activity.•Metaglyptin A can inhibit colony formation.•Metaglyptin A can induce cell apoptosis.