Dauferulins A–L, daucane-type sesquiterpenes from the roots of Ferula communis: Their structures and biological activities.

Phytochemical study on the roots of a medicinal plant Ferula communis L. (Apiaceae) resulted in the isolation of 20 sesquiterpenes including 12 previously undescribed compounds, dauferulins A–L (1 − 12). The detailed spectroscopic analysis revealed 1 – 12 to be daucane-type sesquiterpenes with a p -methoxybenzoyloxy group at C-6. The absolute configurations of 1 – 12 were deduced by analysis of the ECD spectra. Dauferulins A–L (1 – 12), known sesquiterpenes (13 − 20), and analogues (14a – 14l) derived from 6- O - p -methoxybenzoyl-10α-angeloyloxy-jeaschkeanadiol (14) were evaluated for their effects on AMPK phosphorylation in human hepatoma HepG2 cells as well as inhibitory activities against erastin-induced ferroptosis on human hepatoma Hep3B cells and IL-1β production from LPS-treated murine microglial cells. [Display omitted] • The roots of Ferula communis L. were investigated to isolate 20 sesquiterpenes. • Among them, dauferulins A–L were assigned as new daucane-type sesquiterpenes. • Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. • Daucane-type sesquiterpenes and their analogues were evaluated for effects on AMPK phosphorylation. • Their anti-ferroptosis anti-neuroinflammatory activities were also assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]