Phytochemicals from the leaves of Staphylea arguta (Turpiniae Folium) and their anti-inflammatory activity

Phytochemical investigations of the leaves of Staphylea arguta (Turpiniae Folium) resulted in the isolation of one new dimeric isoechinulin-type indole alkaloid, (+)-uncarilin C (1), one new seco-ursane-type nor-triterpenoid, 3β-hydroxy-19-oxo-18,19-seco-12,17dien-28-norursane (7), together with twenty known compounds (2–6 and 8–22). Compounds 1–9, 11–17, and 20–22 were first isolated from the genus Staphylea. A comprehensive spectroscopic analysis using NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD calculation established the new structures. Possible biosynthetic pathways for new compounds were speculated. Assessment of anti-inflammatory activity using the LPS-stimulated inflammation model in RAW264.7 cells identified compounds 13 and 18 as potent inhibitors of NO generation.