Isolation and antihyperglycemic effects of garcibractinols A–H, intricate polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from the fruits of Garcinia bracteata

[Display omitted] •Eight new PPAPs were isolated from the fruits of Garcinia bracteata.•Garcibractinols G-H (7–8) possess an unprecedented PPAPs skeleton bearing a 9-oxabicyclo [6.2.1] undecane core.•Garcibractinol G (7) promoted glucose consumption more effectively than the positive control metformin. Eight previously undescribed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) were isolated from the fruits of Garcinia bracteata and named garcibractinols A–H. Garcibractinols A–F (compounds 1–6) were bicyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (BPAPs) sharing a rare bicyclo[4.3.1]decane core. On the other hand, garcibractinols G and H (compounds 7 and 8) shared an unprecedented BPAP skeleton bearing a 9-oxabicyclo[6.2.1]undecane core. The structures andabsolute configurations of compounds 1–8 were determined by spectroscopic analysis,single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and quantum chemical calculation. The breakage of the C-3/C-4 linkage through the retro-Claisen reaction was a key step in the biosynthesis of compounds 7 and 8. The antihyperglycemic effects of the eight compounds were evaluated in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. At a concentration of 10 μM, compounds 2 and 5–8 significantly increased the glucose consumption in the HepG2 cells. Furthermore, compound 7 was more effective than metformin (which was used as a positive control) in promoting glucose consumption in the cells. The findings of this study suggest that compounds 2 and 5–8 have anti-diabetic effects.