Novel Sesquiterpenoid Glycosides and Sesquiterpenes from the Roots of Illicium henryi

Abstract

Seven new sesquiterpenoid glycosides, consisting of one thapsan-type (<b>1</b>), two capnellane-type (<b>2</b> and <b>3</b>), four floridanolide sesquiterpene glycosides (<b>4</b>–<b>7</b>), and one new azulene-type sesquiterpene (<b>8</b>), along with six known sesquiterpenes (<b>9</b>–<b>14</b>) were isolated from the roots of <i>Illicium henryi</i>. The structures of <b>1</b>–<b>8</b> were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. The absolute configurations of <b>1, 2</b>, and <b>8</b> were determined based on Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄-induced CD, Mo₂(OAc)₄-induced CD data, and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD), respectively. Compound <b>1</b> was found to exhibit weak neurotoxicant activity.