Isolation and structural elucidation of novel natural compounds from twigs of Pinus banksiana

Abstract

Pinus banksiana (Pinaceae), also called Jack pine, is an evergreen and fast-growing conifer, with a sparse, variable crown and spreading branches at maturity. The species is widely distributed in subpolar and polar areas of northern hemisphere, including Taibai, Daxing'an and Xiaoxing'an Mountains of China, northwest territories of America and many forestry regions of Canada [1]. The conifer has long been used in traditional medicines to enhance cardiovascular functions, improve immunity, cure and prevent cancer and aging diseases [2]. Literatures reported that extracts of wood knot of P. banksiana exhibited significant anti-tumor and antioxidative activities to human cells [3]. In the current work, phytochemical investigation of P. banksiana twigs led to the isolation and purification of five known phenolics and a new lignan derivatives named phillygenin-4-rutinoside (Fig. 1). The structures of the new and known natural compounds were extensively elucidated and determined by their NMR and mass spectral evidence and a careful comparasion with authentic compounds. To the best of our knowledge, the six secondary metabolites were found in P. banksiana for the first time.