Bioactive components from Sinomenium acutum exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and sensitize cervical cancer cells to paclitaxel

Six previously undescribed compounds, together with twelve known compounds, were isolated from Sinomenium acutum . The structures of the unreported compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, 13 C NMR calculations followed by DP4 + analysis, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Nine compounds exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory activities than the positive control indomethacin. The structure–activity relationship of the isolates with anti-inflammatory effects was elucidated, providing some useful clues for designing and developing structurally novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, five compounds reversed the paclitaxel resistance in paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells HeLa/PTX. The combination of compound 4 and paclitaxel promoted cancer cell apoptosis.