Inhibition of DNA polymerase λ by glucosyl compounds from soybean (Glycine max L.) and their associated inflammatory activity

► Eukaryotic DNA polymerase (pol) inhibitors from soybean were screened. ► Two novel glucosyl compounds (a cerebroside and a steroidal glycoside) were isolated. ► They selectively inhibited in vitro pol λ activity for nine mammalian pols. ► They suppressed in vivo inflammation in a similar manner as pol λ inhibition. ► These compounds from soybean may be useful for their anti-inflammatory properties.