Taiwankadsurins A, B, and C, three new C19 homolignans from Kadsura philippinensis

Three novel C19 homolignans, designated taiwankadsurins A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Taiwanese medicinal plant Kadsura philippinensis. The structures of 1-3, which have a 3,4-{1'-[(Z)-2-methoxy-2-oxo-ethylidene]}-pentano(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furano)-3-(2'-methoxycarbonyl-2'-hydroxy-2',3'-epoxide) skeleton, were determined by spectroscopic analyses, especially 2D NMR techniques (HMBC and NCIESY). Compound 2 exhibited mild cytotoxicity against human KB and Hela tumor cells.