Anti-inflammation furanoditerpenoids from Caesalpinia minax Hance

Twelve furanocassane derivatives, including six previously unreported were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance. Neocaesalminin A (1) was found with an unusual A-seco-rearranged cassane skeleton. The inhibitory effect on NO production for all compounds was evaluated in vitro. Furanoditerpenes were responsible for this herb's anti-inflammation activity.