Sesquiterpenoids and cytotoxic lignans from the bark of Libocedrus chevalieri

Investigation of an EtOAc extract of the bark of Libocedrus chevalieri led to the isolation of a new cytotoxic lignan, 5-methoxy-4-epipodophyllotoxin (1), and three known podophyllotoxin analogues, 5-methoxypodophyllotoxin, 5-methoxypodophyllotoxin-4-O-beta-D-glucoside, and podophyllotoxin-4-O-beta-D-glucoside. Six sesquiterpenoids and a diterpenoid were also obtained. Of these, compounds 2-4 are new sesquiterpenoids, named libocedrines A-C, and 3beta-hydroxyilicic alcohol was isolated for the first time from a higher plant. Structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds against KB and L1210 cells and their effects on tubulin assembly were evaluated.