Spicachlorantins A and B, new dimeric sesquiterpenes from the roots of Chloranthus spicatus

Two new lindenane sesquiterpene dimers, spicachlorantins A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the roots of Chloranthus spicatus along with a known related compound, chloramultilide A (3). Their structures and the absolute stereostructures were established by 1D and 2D NMR as well as by CD spectroscopic analyses.

Two new (1 and 2) and a known (3) lindenane-type dimeric sesquiterpenes, possessing an 18-membered trilactone-ring composed of a 4-hydroxy-2-methylbut-2-enoyl group and a succinyl group, were isolated from the roots of Chloranthus spicatus, which is used as traditional medicine by ethnic minority groups in China. The structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic examinations.