Jatrophane and ingenane diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activity from Euphorbia esula

Phytochemistry. 2024 Dec 18:232:114369. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114369. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

A phytochemical investigation into the plants of Euphorbia esula L. has yielded 19 diterpenoids, comprising 17 jatrophane-type (1-7 and 9-18) and two ingenane-type (8 and 19). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by a combination of spectrum elucidations, quantum chemical calculations, and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Biological evaluations demonstrated that compounds 6, 8, 18, and 19 show significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values within 10 μM, without displaying any morphological signs of cytotoxicity. Further biological analysis revealed that euphoresulin A (8) is involved in the suppression of inflammatory response by blocking the activation of NF-κB/MAPK and activating Nrf2/HO-1 singling pathways.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Diterpenoid; Euphorbia esula L.; Euphorbiaceae; NF-κB/MAPK; Nrf2/HO-1.