Aculebiphenyl A-B, new biphenyl derivatives from Ruscus aculeatus .

The investigation of chemical constituents from the rhizomes of Ruscus aculeatus resulted in the isolation of two new biphenyl derivatives, aculebiphenyls A and B ( 1-2 ), together with two known analogs ( 3-4 ). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic interpretation and HR-ESI-MS analysis. Compounds 3-4 were isolated from the Ruscus genus for the first time. The isolated compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activities and antibacterial activities. Compound 1 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production and COX-2 with IC ₅₀ values of 10.8  µ M and 0.4  µ M. Compound 1 also significantly down-regulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β , IL-6, and TNF- α . Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activities.