Two new butanolides from the roots of Litsea acuminata

- Two new butanolides (1 and 2) were isolated from the roots of Litsea acuminata (Lauraceae).
- This is the first report of 4-hydroxy-5-methylbutanolides with a C10-side chain from a natural source.
- The structures were determined by spectroscopic studies (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical evidence.
- Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for the cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines.