Cytotoxic polyhydroxy serratene triterpenoids from Lycopodium complanatum.

• The structure of polyhydroxy serratene triterpenoids is quite novel. • All compounds revealed selective cytotoxicities against MCF-7 cells. • Biosynthetic pathways of compounds were proposed. • UV spectrums provide some references for the structure of serratene triterpenoids. Phytochemical investigation of the 70% aqueous EtOH extract of Lycopodium complanatum led to six new polyhydroxy serratene triterpenoids (serrat A-F, 1 – 6), along with a known analogue (7). Their structures and configurations were elucidated by data analysis of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, in combination with comparisons of reported experimental spectroscopic data. All the isolates were evaluated cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cells, MCF-7 cells and series human lung cancer cell lines A549, Calu-6, NCI-H441, NCI-H226 and NCI-H1975. The results indicated that certain compounds inhibited proliferation of human cancer cells. Moreover, all compounds possessed selective cytotoxic activities on MCF-7 cells. Further, possible biosynthesis pathways of these compounds were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]