A meroterpenoid NF-kappaB inhibitor and drimane sesquiterpenoids from Asafetida

Abstract

Investigation of an acetone extract from Asafetida afforded two drimane sesquiterpene dienones (fetidones A and B, 1a,b) and several known sesquiterpene coumarin ethers, one of which (8-acetoxy-5-hydroxyumbelliprenin, 2a) showed potent and specific NF-kappaB-inhibiting properties. This, coupled to a negligible cytotoxicity, qualifies 2a as a new anti-inflammatory chemotype, and its occurrence in asafetida might rationalize the use of this gum resin to alleviate and prevent colon inflammatory disturbances.