Abstract
Micranthanosides I and II (1-2), two diterpenoid glucosides featuring a new 1,10-secograyanane skeleton, thirteen new diterpenoid glycosides (3-15), and 21 known analogues were obtained from the ethanol extract of the leaves and twigs of Rhododendron micranthum. Micranthanoside XII (12) represent the first example of 3,5-epoxy-4,5-seco-ent-kaurane diterpenoid. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis and quantum chemical calculations. To clarify the chemical basis and provide reference for rational use of this medicinal plant, the antinociceptive and the anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds were tested. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, compounds 17 and 19 showed significant antinociceptive activity at a dose of 3 mg kg-1 and compounds 2, 6 and 32 showed significant antinociceptive activity at a dose of 10 mg kg-1. Toxic reactions such as nausea and convulsion were observed when 17, 19, 29, and 31 at a dose of 10 mg kg-1 or 30 and 33 at a dose of 1 mg kg-1 were administered. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by measuring the inhibitory effects of LPS-induced NO production in BV2 cells. At 10 μM, micranthanoside IX (9) and rhodomicranoside F (26) showed moderate anti-inflammatory activities with inhibition rates of 56.31% and 72.43%, respectively.