Lignans from the leaves of Pieris formosa and their chemotaxonomic significance

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Pieris formosa led to the isolation of sixteen lignans ( 1 – 16 ), including a new lignan named formolignanoside A ( 1 ). Their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis, quantum chemical calculations ( 13 C NMR-DP4+ analysis and calculated ECD), and comparison with literature data. All the isolated lignans were reported from the genus Pieris for the first time. Among them, lignans 1 − 3 and 8 − 14 were newly identified in the Ericaceae family. Formolignanoside A ( 1 ) is a potential as a chemotaxonomic marker for P. formosa . This study enriched the chemical diversity of P. formosa and provided valuable information for chemotaxonomic significance on the genus Pieris . • Sixteen lignans including a new lignan glycoside were isolated from the leaves of Pieris formosa. • Sixteen lignans 1 – 16 were reported from the genus Pieris for the first time. • Eleven lignans 1 – 3 and 8 – 14 are newly identified in the Ericaceae family. • The chemotaxonomic significance of all the isolates was discussed.