C19-Norditerpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum szechenyianum

Three new C(19)-norditerpenoid alkaloids (1–3), along with two known C(19)-norditerpenoid alkaloids (4,5), have been isolated from Aconitum szechenyianum. Based on extensive spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D-NMR, IR, and MS) and chemical methods, their structures were established as szechenyianine D (1), szechenyianine E (2), szechenyianine F (3), 8-O-methyl-14-benzoylaconine (4), and spicatine A (5). The immunosuppressive effects of compounds 1–5 were studied using a ConA-induced or LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation model. In vitro tests showed that Compounds 2, 4, and 5 suppressed ConA-induced or LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The CC(50)/IC(50) values of 2, 4, and 5 suggested that these compounds were potential immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases characterized by arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.