2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromone-sesquiterpene hybrids with anti-inflammatory, anti-Helicobacter pylori and cytotoxic activities from agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis.

Seven novel 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone-sesquiterpene hybrids (1-7) were successfully isolated from the ethanol extract of Hainan agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis under HPLC-MS guidance. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, IR, and experimental and computed ECD data. Their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities were evaluated. Compounds 1-4 demonstrated significant suppression of nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values ranged of 7.25-10.42 μM. Compounds 1-3, 5, 7 showed anti-H. pylori activity with MIC value of 20 μM, 4 and 6 exhibited MIC values of 40 μM. And every compound exhibited significant cytotoxicity in all five (K562, BEL-7402, SGC-7901, Hela and A549) human cancer cell lines examined, displaying overall IC50 value is between 16.77 ± 0.21 to 47.58 ± 0.27 μM, demonstrating broad-spectrum anticancer potential.