Characterization and biological evaluation of six new dimeric lignans with an unusual α,β-unsaturated ketone motif from Zanthoxylum simulans

Investigation of the bark of Zanthoxylum simulans afforded six new dimeric lignans zanthpodocarpins C–H (1–6) bearing an unusual α,β-unsaturated ketone group. The new structures of 1–6 were determined by using detailed spectroscopic analysis. All of the isolated compounds were examined for their inhibitory effects against rat joint synovial cell and splenocyte proliferation. Compounds 1–6 showed potent anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values ranging from 18.6 to 36.1 μM, and 13.8 to 74.3 μM.

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