Neuroprotective bakkenolides from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi

Two new bakkenolides, valerilactones A (1), and B (2), and two known analogues, bakkenolide-H (3) and bakkenolide-B (4), were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibited potent neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced neuronal cell death in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Graphical abstractFour bakkenolide-type sesquiterpenes (1–4) were isolated from Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. All the compounds showed neuroprotective effects.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide