Structural identification and biological activity of six new Shellolic esters from Lac

Six new sesquiterpenoid esters, named Shellolic ester A-F (1-6), along with four known Lac dyes (7-10) were isolated from methanol extract of the secretions of Laccifer lacca. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses (IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison with published data. Biological activities evaluation of the isolates showed that they were inactive against human cancer cell lines (HepG2, MCF-7, Hela and C6) and LPS-treated RAW264.7, which is well consistent with that Lac resin used as nontoxic material in agriculture applications, pharmaceutical formulations, and food additives. However, compound 2, 4, 7, 9, 10 were found to be considerable active against B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. aureus microorganisms. The results complements the current knowledge about Lac produced from China. Meanwhile, Our present study further reveals that Lac resin are edible with no toxicity and physiologically harmless at the level employed as an excipient.