A new oleanane triterpenoid (2) was isolated from the roots of Rubia philippinensis. The structure of 2 was determined by analysis of HRMS and NMR data and identified as a rubiprasin analogue, 16β-hydroxyrubiprasin B. Four related known compounds were also encountered which include rubiprasin B (1), maslinic acid (3), 4-epi-hederagenin (4) and oleanolic acid (5). The compounds 3-5 displayed moderate inhibitory activity against the synthesis of the eicosanoid 20-HETE.
Keywords: 16β-hydroxyrubiprasin B; 20-HETE; Oleanane triterpenoids; Rubia philippinensis.