A novel symmetric sulfur-containing biscembranoid from the Formosan soft coral Sinularia flexibilis

A structurally unique symmetric sulfur-containing biscembranoid, namely, thioflexibilolide A (1), was isolated from the soft coral Sinularia flexibilis. The structure was determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.