Seven New Noroleanane Triterpenoids from Mastic and their NO Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Activities.

Mastic is a natural resin produced by Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) with high medicinal value and have been traditionally used as Uighur imported medicine for centuries. In this study, 16 triterpenoids including seven new norleanane triterpenoids (1-7), along with nine known oleanane triterpenoids (8-16), were isolated from the mastic. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (including IR, UV, ESI-HR-MS and NMR spectroscopy) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 4-7, 11, 14 and 16 showed strong inhibitory NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values 7.44-9.76 µM, respectively (positive control dexamethasone, 9.93 ± 1.17 µM). Furthermore, compounds 3 and 12 significantly inhibited the growth of SW480 cells, compound 3 showed the most pronounced inhibitory effect with an  IC50 of 2.30 ± 0.38 µM.

Ursane and 24-Noroleanane-Type Triterpenoids with Anti-HIV Activity from the Twigs and Leaves of Antirhea chinensis.

Investigations on the twigs and leaves of Antirhea chinensis have led to the discovery of two undescribed pentacyclic triterpenoids (1 and 2) and nine known analogs. Compounds 1 and 2, each assigned as the ursane and 24-noroleanane-type triterpenoids, featuring similar oxidation pattern of 3ß,6ß,19α-trihydroxy-28-carboxyl. Their structures were elucidated via comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data. Compound 1 displayed potent anti-HIV activity (EC50 =1.24 µM) and high selectivity index (SI >32.3).