Lignanamides from\nthe Roots of Metternichia\nmacrocalyx and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Five new lignanamides\n(<b>1</b>–<b>5</b>) and\nten known amides (<b>6</b>–<b>15</b>) were isolated\nfrom the chloroform extract of Metternichia macrocalyx roots. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated via analysis\nof NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometry data and known structures\nby comparison with data from the literature. Compound <b>1</b> had its absolute configuration established through ECD experiments,\nNMR calculations and quantum mechanical calculations. The anti-inflammatory\nactivity of compounds (<b>1</b>–<b>5</b>) was assessed\non RAW 264.7 macrophages. All the tested compounds reduced nitric\noxide levels. In the cytokine quantification assays, only compound <b>2</b> did not significantly reduce IL-10 levels. Moreover, compounds <b>1</b>–<b>3</b> and <b>5</b> also reduced IL-1β\nlevels. These results suggest the anti-inflammatory potential of these\ncompounds.