Phragmalin-type limonoids from the roots of Trichilia sinensis

Abstract

Twelve new phragmalin-type limonoids, including trichisintons A–D (1–4), which contain an unusual bicyclo[5.2.1^4,10]decane motif in the tetranortriterpenoid core, and trisinenmalins A–C and E–I (5–7 and 10–14), together with the known compounds 15-acetyltrichagmalin C (8) and trisinenmalin D (9), were isolated from the roots of Trichilia sinensis. Their structures were determined on the basis of the analysis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data, as well as by comparison with the literature. Compounds 5–7 and 10–14 displayed weak inhibitory activity against selected tumor cell lines. Compounds 2–4, 6–9 and 12–14 exhibited weak acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity in vitro.