Sesquiterpenes from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L.

► Twenty-two sesquiterpenes were isolated from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L. ► Ten compounds were determined to be eudesmane lactones and methyl esters. ► Five compounds were isolated from bay leaf for the first time. ► Most of the compounds exhibited moderate to significant cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line. ► One compound was as cytotoxic as doxorubicin and seven compounds were moderately cytotoxic, two compounds were inactive.