Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of some constituents from the floral buds of Syringa patula

Abstract

The phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the dried floral buds of Syringa patula palibiniana Nakai (Oleaceae) has led to the isolation of six compounds: β-amyrin acetate (1), β-sitosterol (2), nortropin (3), eugenol (4), syringaresinol (5), and oleoside 11-methyl ester (6). The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means. Investigation of the biological activities indicated that 5 and 6 possessed a strong cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 cells; 1 and 5 remarkably increased the macrophage proliferation index; 1 and 5 exhibited high anti-inflammatory activities as indicated by inhibited LPS-induced NO generation; and only 5 showed a strong scavenging activity against DPPH. Taken together, results indicate that 5 is a multipotent compound active as an anti-cancer, immunoproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd.