New oxepin and dihydrobenzofuran derivatives from Bauhinia saccocalyx roots and their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities.

Abstract

Four new oxepin and dihydrobenzofuran derivatives, saccoxepins A-C (1-3) and saccobenzofurin A (4), along with one known compound, bauhinoxepin A (5), were isolated from the roots of Bauhinia saccocalyx. The structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data in combination with ECD analysis. The EtOAc extract exhibited significant NO inhibition (94.4 ± 0.35%, 50 μg/mL), and saccoxepin A and bauhinoxepin A demonstrated strong NO suppression, with IC₅₀ values of 49.35 µM and 30.28 µM, respectively, alongside notable antioxidant activity. Saccoxepin A and bauhinoxepin A selectively reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, while bauhinoxepin A slightly lowered tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) at a low dose. Furthermore, bauhinoxepin A exhibited cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells, with an IC₅₀ of 8.88 µM. These findings suggest that the roots of B. saccocalyx possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, supporting its traditional medicinal applications and highlighting its potential as a source of therapeutic agents.