Sesquiterpene derivatives from the agarwood of Aquilaria malaccensis and their anti-inflammatory effects on NO production of macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

Nine undescribed sesquiterpenes, which include five guaiane and four humulene-type, were isolated from the agarwood of Aquilaria malaccensis. The structures of these undescribed sesquiterpenes were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, HRESI-MS, 1D and 2D-NMR, ECD, and X-ray diffraction (Cu Kα). The isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory effect against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. In particular, one sesquiterpene (1α,7α-dihydroxy-8oxo-4αH,5αH-guaia-9(10),11(13)-dien-12-oate) showed significant inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with an IC value of 18.8 μM.