Crassins A-H, Diterpenoids from the Roots of Croton crassifolius

Phytochemical investigation of the 70% acetone extract of Croton crassifolius roots afforded eight new diterpenoids, crassins A-H (1-8), and 19 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, comparison with literature data, and biogenetic considerations. Crassins A (1) and B (2) are new ring B-rearranged diterpenoids, whereas crassin C (3) is a new ring A-rearranged diterpenoid. Crassin H (8) exhibited selective cytotoxicity against A549 cells (IC₅₀ 5.2 μM) compared with HL-60 cells (IC₅₀ 11.8 μM). The known compound chettaphanin-II exhibited moderate activity against the A549 and HL-60 cell lines (IC₅₀ 8.4 and 10.5 μM, respectively).