Neritriterpenols A-G, euphane and tirucallane triterpenes from Euphorbia neriifolia L. and their bioactivity

Euphorbia neriifolia L. is widely distributed in India, Thailand, and China and has been used to treat diseases such as rotten sores and asthma as well as for its antidiabetic and anticancer effects. In this study, seven undescribed triterpenes, including six euphanes, neritriterpenols A-B and D-G, and a tirucallane, neritriterpenol C, together with four known triterpenes, were isolated from ethanolic extracts of E. neriifolia stems. Their structures with absolute configurations were determined through detailed spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR data analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD spectra, and DP4+ NMR data calculations as well as Mo2(OAc)4-induced ECD analysis. Furthermore, preliminarily evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of the isolated triterpenes leads to the structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies implying that the unsaturated functional group at the end of the C17 side chain on euphane-type triterpenes may be correlated with the increase of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities.

Automated summary

Euphorbia neriifolia L. is a widely distributed plant with various medicinal properties. This study isolated 11 triterpenes from the plant and determined their structures. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of these compounds were evaluated, revealing a potential structure-activity relationship.