Newly Isolated Aromatic Compounds from Ailanthus altissima and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Five newly isolated aromatic natural products were isolated from the bark of Ailanthus altissima. These include two benzoic derivatives (1 and 2), a benzoquinone analogue (3), and a pair of lignan enantiomers [(±)-4]. The structures of these compounds were elucidated unambiguously through spectral evidence and chemical calculations. Notably, compound 3 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, as it reduced the secretion of proinflammatory factors at a concentration of 15 μM. Results from Western blotting, in conjunction with molecular dynamics analysis, indicate that the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways may partially explain the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 3.