Discovery of Terpenoidal Trimers Gercadietanes A–G from Commiphora Resins Showing Potential Antidepressant Properties In Vivo
Abstract
Novel sesqui-sesqui-diterpene trimers, gercadietanes A–G ( 1 – 7 ), were isolated from the resins of Commiphora and structurally characterized. These compounds feature a unique [4 + 2] Diels–Alder cycloaddition between the furan ring of a germacrene unit and the exocyclic double bond of cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids, followed by esterification with dehydroabietic acid or its derivatives on the cadinane skeleton. Inspired by chemical defense of plant resins, biological evaluation revealed that 1 demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects and significantly modulated cytokine profiles by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and elevating anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. In vivo, 1 mitigated LPS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammation-associated depression.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pharmacological Effects of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection
Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal of Organic Chemistry
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 91
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 3807–3816
- Publication date
- 2 March 2026
- Language
- EN