Steroids with potential anti-inflammatory activity from the roots of Datura metel L.

One new C-21-steroid, pregnane A (1), and two new anolides daturafolisides X and Y (2 and 3), together with six known with anolides (4-9), were isolated from the roots of Datura metel L. The structures of these compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and mass spectroscopy by comparing our results with the literature values. Compounds 1-9 were evaluated for inhibition against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. It was found that the isolated compounds showed the different levels of anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values ranging from 24.2 to 43.4 mu mol/L.